- 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
1997 Subaru Impreza Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 34 complaints about the 1997 Subaru Impreza with NHTSA, most often about the wheels & tires (7) and the airbags (6). Those complaints describe 6 crashes, 2 fires and 6 injuries. It is covered by 3 recalls, the latest in May 2009 for the headlights. For comparison, the 1996 has 26 and the 1998 has 30.
NHTSA data checked
BFewer problems than a typical Impreza year, for its age
#112 most complained-about 1997 vehicle
- Complaints
- 34
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes
- 6
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 6
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1997 Subaru Impreza problems
Share of all 34 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1997 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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34 complaints about the 1997 Subaru Impreza
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 2.
Tl* the contact owned a 1997 subaru impreza. While driving 15 mph down an incline, the vehicle skidded on a patch of ice and crashed into a creek. Upon impact, both the driver and passenger air bags deployed and exploded with debris. A police report was filed. The contact and passenger sustained injuries that required medical attention. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified. The vin was unknown. The failure mileage was 150,000......Updated 02/10/16 *bf
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 subaru wagon. The vehicle was purchased two weeks ago. The contact noticed smoke rising from the radiator while driving. The radiator was replaced and he accused the dealer of selling him a lemon. The dealer stated that he purchased the vehicle "as is" and nothing could been done. The contact stated that the failure blew the head gasket and cracked the engine. The vin was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 71,400.
FAILURE OF REAR WHEEL BEARINGS. *NM
The gas gauge doesn't work. I fill the car up and the gauge goes up then falls back to empty. While driving it floats up and down between half and then sits on empty. I am trying to determine if this is a manufactures defect.*Ak
Rear wheel bearings have failed 4 times under warranty and additional 4 times out of warranty. Bearing were replaced during each repair, sometimes axels and housings as well. Subaru refused to continue repairs outside of warranty period. 8 Failues total at regular intervals . *Ak
Both driver's side and passenger's side airbags were deployed when ignition of car was started. The automobile was not running prior to deployment. The automobile was stationary. There was no impact.*Ak
Consumer noticed low leak from all four vehicle tires. Vehicle was serviced, technician noticed problem was due to wheel rims.*Ak
The front seat belts did not lock correctly. The reclining lever for the back of the seat failed, which caused consumer to lose control of the vehicle. Dealer was notified and stated their was nothing they could've done. *Jb
Wheel hub keeps coming off after replacement of tire. Almost lost control of car due to a wheel hub coming off and hitting windshield. Windshield did not break.
While driving the vehicle caught on fire due to a "faulty axle" consumer will send more information why this vehicle caught on fire diagnosis provided technician of the insurance company. Ts
Consumer states that when in a vehicle accident and without warning the driver seat will fully recline back causing a distraction to the consumer. Dealer notified. Ph
All four tires are losing air pressure on sidwall. Dealership is aware of problem.*Ak *yh
Wiring between the body and the hutch passes through rubber boot. Repeated opening and closing of the hutch breaks the wiring. Rear top brake light, rear wiper power locks are affected. Also in another boot the tube for a rear washer is similarly severed, washer fluid enters the car.*Ak
Vehicles idle will not go down, it revs from 1500 to 2000 rpms. When it should be at 800. Consumer has contacted dealer and they are not aware of problem. *Ak consumer stated when going down hills, the speed continues to increase, in a normal situation speeding down hill 50 mph using engine as brake, speeds exceed 70 mph in 5th and 4th gear, consumer stated vehicle had to be put into neutral to slow down, consumer stated he contacted dealer but stated that there is no problem, consumer stated he has ran across other complaints like his with onboard computer computers.*Jb
6 Left rear wheel bearing replacements in 3 years, along with spindle and hub.1St wheel bearing failure at 41,000 miles. Last wheel bearing lasted less than 5 months.
REAR AXLE FAILED. *AK
Left rear wheel went bad at 43000 miles, and has been replaced 5 times, last replacment was needed after only 3000 miles. Before replacement a loud noise came from rear of vehicle.*Ak
I've had the left rear wheel bearings replaced 3 times it has been a total of 6 of both sides. *Ak
Consumer heard a noise coming from wheels. Dealer had to replace wheel bearings. Wheel bearings replaced in october 1999/ october 2000, and at this time. *Ak
Wheel wells are building up excessive amounts of snow and ice causing vehicle tires to have difficulty rotating and turning due to ice blocking tires in wheel wells, causing car to unexpectedly slide or skid on icey roads. Also causing excessive tire wear and misalignment of front suspension. *Ak
Engine shuts down at highway and city speeds unexpectedly. Often difficult to restart. Car has been towed on three occassions to subaru dealers. Neither of two local authorized subaru dealers ( casey of newport news va or roughton of norfolk va ) have been able to analyze or repair vehicle. Waited 9 weeks for parts which never...
Read the full complaint
arrived from japan which one dealer thought, but would not guarantee, might solve problem. Electrical failures occurred in vehicle o/a may of 1998. I have all maintenance and repair records. Vehicle is so unsafe icannot drive it. I only wish to have vehicle repaired so that safe operation is again possible. Can analyxe or repair vehicle. Engine shutdown witnessed by wife.*Ak
Wheel hubs do not stay on while driving. They will just pop right off, nearly causing an accident. Dealer has been contacted. *Ak rear wheel cover came off while driving and the dealer states that the wheel cover was not out on correctly. *Yh
Consumer took his vehicle to a repair shop. Attendant went to steam the motor and to start motor so he could wax and buff vehicle. But, both airbags went off. Consumer wants to know why the airbags went off. *Ak
Seat belt failed to tighten, seat fell back into the backseat and air bag did not deploy during the accident. Yh
Hubs keep coming off vehicle when driving. Dealer contacted, and is in process of replacing hubs. Problem still exists. Provide further information. *Ak
Subaru Impreza: every year compared
All Impreza years1997 Subaru Impreza vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 Subaru Impreza | 34 | 3 | B | |
| 1997 Honda Civic | 383 | 16 | D | Compare |
| 1997 Volkswagen Jetta | 141 | 2 | C | Compare |
| 1997 Toyota Corolla | 138 | 6 | C | Compare |
| 1997 Hyundai Elantra | 118 | 3 | B | Compare |
| 1997 Nissan Sentra | 116 | 7 | F | Compare |
| 1997 Volkswagen Golf | 29 | 0 | C | Compare |
| 1997 Subaru Legacy | 143 | 6 | D | Compare |
| 1997 Subaru Outback | 79 | 4 | 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 1997 Subaru Impreza
Does the 1997 Subaru Impreza have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 1997 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 1997 Subaru Impreza?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the wheels & tires (7), airbags (6), transmission & drivetrain (5).
How many complaints has the 1997 Subaru Impreza had?
34 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on June 19, 1997 and the latest on November 12, 2015. Of these, 6 describe a crash and 2 a fire, and together they report 6 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1997 Subaru Impreza a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 64 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 1997 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