NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls and 22 owner complaints for the 1999 Subaru Impreza. Most complaints involve suspension (6) and power train (4). The EPA rates it 22 mpg combined.
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Impreza model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 26 |
| 1997 | 34 |
| 1998 | 30 |
| 1999 | 22 |
| 2000 | 41 |
| 2001 | 11 |
| 2002 | 296 |
| 2003 | 64 |
| 2004 | 96 |
| 2005 | 75 |
| 2006 | 56 |
| 2007 | 68 |
| 2008 | 209 |
| 2009 | 113 |
| 2010 | 46 |
| 2011 | 58 |
| 2012 | 243 |
| 2013 | 251 |
| 2014 | 109 |
| 2015 | 79 |
| 2016 | 75 |
| 2019 | 194 |
| 2024 | 32 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2026 | 1 |
“MY 99 SUBARU IMPREZA RS'S REAR WHEEL BEARINGS ARE STARTING TO FAIL. I'VE BEEN DOING SOME RESEARCH AND FIND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH SUBARU'S. THERE IS AN OBVIOUS DEFECT WITH THE BEARING BECAUSE SO MANY PEOPLE ARE EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS. I ALSO FOUND THAT THERE IS A NEW PROCEDURE FOR REPAIRING THE WHEEL BEARING, WHICH WOULD INDICATE SUBARU'S KNOWLEDGE OF THE DEFECTIVE PART. *JB”
“NAR 02/13/2003 ANSWERED BY TIS. THE CONSUMER HAD TO HAVE HIS CLUTCH REPLACED TWICE DUE TO PREMATURE WEAR WHILE STILL UNDER THE 3 YEAR WARRANTY, HOWEVER SUBARU REFUSED TO COVER THE REPAIRS. *JB”
“WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDETERMINED SPEED, THE VEHICLE STALLED, CAUSING THE DRIVER TO DRIFT OFF THE ROAD. THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE ACCELERATOR CABLE FAILED. *AK *JB”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Impreza AWD Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.2 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 22 | $2,750 | 404 |
| Impreza AWD Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 20 | 26 | 22 | $2,750 | 404 |
| Impreza AWD Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.2 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 22 | $2,750 | 404 |
| Impreza AWD Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 22 | $2,750 | 404 |
| Impreza Wagon AWD Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.2 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 22 | $2,750 | 404 |
| Impreza Wagon AWD Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.2 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 22 | $2,750 | 404 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
4 safety recalls as of Nov 12, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 22 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are suspension (6), power train (4), vehicle speed control (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 1999 Subaru Impreza at 22 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (6 versions rated).