- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Dope, inc. Will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on july 28, 2009. Owners may contact dope, inc. At 1-626-272-1798.
Vehicle safety record
1996 Subaru Impreza Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 26 complaints about the 1996 Subaru Impreza with NHTSA, most often about the airbags (7) and the brakes (6). Those complaints describe 5 crashes, 1 fire and 6 injuries. It is covered by 3 recalls, the latest in May 2009 for the headlights. For comparison, the 1995 has 46 and the 1997 has 34.
NHTSA data checked
BFewer problems than a typical Impreza year, for its age
#117 most complained-about 1996 vehicle
- Complaints
- 26
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes
- 5
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 6
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1996 Subaru Impreza problems
Share of all 26 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1996 Subaru Impreza recalls 3
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on may 11, 2009. Owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.
- The problem
- 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."
- The risk
- Without the amber side reflex reflectors, the lighting visibility may be affected, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- K2 motor will notify owners and offer a full refund. The recall began on decemeber 17, 2008. Owners may contact k2 motor at 1-909-839-2992.
What owners say
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26 complaints about the 1996 Subaru Impreza
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 2.
While driving and without warning head gasket blew causing fluid to leak. Dealer notified.*Ak
When driving vehicle begins to vibrate and then drastically loses power not being able to maintain speed above 40mph. Dealer has diagnosed problem as a misfire on cylinder 2, but has been unable to correct.*Ak
At 61629 and 63512 miles wheel bearings had to be replaced. They have been replaced three times at dealership. Bearings were being greased with wrong kind of grease and the amount of grease was not sufficient for proper use. *Ak the dealer replaced both left and right rear wheel bearings. *Yh
Please note; both airbags deployed at the same time while the subaru impreza was in park. *Ak
All four tires split around the sidewalls and required replacement( dot number: tire size: 185-70 r14 )
The nut that attaches the windshield wipers to the motor came off. Windshield wipers became inoperable, obstructing the view of the driver. Dealer and manufacturer have been notified. *Ak
Vehicle was involved in a frontal collision at 35mph, and the airbags did not deploy. Also seat belt did not retract. Driver sustained minor injuries. The dealer has been notified. *Ak
REAR WHEEL BEARINGS REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. *YC
Ongoing problem with wheel cover: caps not staying on. Dealer/manufacturer were not notified. *Ak
A stuck valve caused the car to misfire and the check engine light to go on. It took subaru 3 months to figure it out. *Ak
Brakes failed and started to smoke on a hill. I have driven for 20 years, with many different cars. If traffic had been slightly different my wife and I could be dead. *Ak
Hub caps are difficult to remove and reinstall. The service dealer's tech. Broke one trying to remove the cover. The covers (4) have not stayed on after reinstallation. If the dealer can not install them properly, how is the consumer going to install them properly?
AIR CONDITIONE O RING FAILED. QCAW
Both air bags deployed in a less than five mph front end collision. The vehicle sustained no front end damage. The passenger side air bag shattered the front windshield, broke the rear view mirror free of its mounting bracket, and sent glass throughout the vehicle.
While making a left hand turn driver's and passanger's airbags deployed, causing vehicle to crash. Driver sustained injuries, and vehicle was totaled.
Anti lock brakes grinding with noise, intermittent brake loss.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKES FAILED, CAUSING ACCIDENT.
BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER NEEDED SERVICE.
Consumer was driving at 65 mph when she pressed on the brakes to avoid hitting car ahead, abs brakes locked up and the vehicle began fishtailing. This is the third time vehicle fishtailed due to abs failure. When vehicle hit bridge, the passenger's side. *Ak
Vehicle has no head restraints; also, seatback is short. One could get a broken neck if in the rear during an accident. *Ak
VEHICLE HAS NO HEADRESTS. *AK
Consumer was driving at 65 mph when she pressed on the brakes to avoid hitting car ahead. Abs brakes locked up and the vehicle began fishtailing. This is the third time vehicle fishtailed due to abs failure. The vehicle hit a bridge, the passenger's side air bag deployed with such force that it shattered the shattered proof windshield. *Ak
Consumer was involved in a rearend collision traveling about 10 mph and both driver's and passesnger's side air bags deployed, consumer also stated that there was little to no damage to the front bumper of the vehicle, pe96-075. *Ak
Vehicle has experienced sudden acceleration several times.
Hubcaps on vehicle designed to deter vandalism, and can only be removed by pounding them with a rubber mallet. *Dh
Subaru Impreza: every year compared
All Impreza years1996 Subaru Impreza vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 Subaru Impreza | 26 | 3 | B | |
| 1996 Honda Civic | 314 | 17 | D | Compare |
| 1996 Volkswagen Jetta | 183 | 2 | C | Compare |
| 1996 Nissan Sentra | 147 | 7 | F | Compare |
| 1996 Toyota Corolla | 133 | 6 | C | Compare |
| 1996 Hyundai Elantra | 101 | 3 | A | Compare |
| 1996 Volkswagen Golf | 45 | 1 | D | Compare |
| 1996 Subaru Legacy | 129 | 4 | D | Compare |
| 1996 Subaru Outback | 46 | 2 | A | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1996 Subaru Impreza
Does the 1996 Subaru Impreza have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 1996 Subaru Impreza: headlights (May 2009); exterior lighting (April 2009); headlights (August 2008). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 1996 Subaru Impreza?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the airbags (7), brakes (6), wheels & tires (4).
How many complaints has the 1996 Subaru Impreza had?
26 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on March 19, 1996 and the latest on June 18, 2003. Of these, 5 describe a crash and 1 a fire, and together they report 6 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1996 Subaru Impreza a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 70 out of 100 (grade B: fewer problems than a typical Subaru Impreza year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Subaru Impreza years have the most complaints?
2002 (296), 2013 (251), 2012 (243). See every Subaru Impreza year compared.
What should I do if my 1996 Subaru Impreza has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data