1998 Subaru Impreza problems
The 1998 Subaru Impreza has 55 complaints on file with NHTSA. The largest share (36%) concerns drivetrain & axles. After that come suspension (24%) and engine (15%).
At a glance
- Complaints
- 55 filed with NHTSA
- Most reported
- Drivetrain & axles 36% of complaints
- Crashes and fires
- 2 and 0
- Injuries and deaths
- 2 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
Where the complaints are
Share of this model year's complaints by the part of the car involved. One complaint can name more than one part, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What the data shows
Safety-related details: 2 complaints mention a crash; 2 injuries reported.
Looking only at complaints filed within five years of the model year (so older and newer years are comparable), the 1998 ranks 17th most-complained-about out of 27 model years of the Subaru Impreza with enough data (40 complaints in that window).
What owners wrote
A few complaints as filed, shortened and with personal details removed. The first ones are among the most serious reports for this model year; the rest are typical.
Vehicle was rear ended and pushed into the rear of vehicle in front. The drivers seat was twisted back toward the back seat as a result of the impact and the air bags did no deploy.
I believe there is a sub-standard part being used in subaru impreza rear wheel bearings. Besides my 2 failures, I know of dozens of other people in my car club with similar rear wheel bearing failures. Currently the failures are being handled under warranty, but as the cars age, the wheel bearing failures seem likely to continue and will start to get expensive.
Intermittent failure/short of power to the main computer (ECU) at appox. 120k miles. Car would not start, no check-engine light. After waiting for tow truck, it starts and runs fine. Took to mechanic, and he says nothing wrong. Two weeks later, same thing. Hook up OBD II monitor and it says ECU recieving "no pwr." towed to shop. Mechanic diagnosed as failed ECU and replaced.
Head gasket failure engine overheated on 16 hour trip.. Took to subaru dealership, they put in a new "starter bolt" stated it was a bad ground?? On return home car over heated again.. Was repaired by subaru, tech said it was common. 2nd head gasket failure, two months later, oil in antifreeze... Driving 55-65 MPH for 10 min in 75-80f weather, not under hard acceleration. Fear that it will happen again. Current recall on 99-01 models for "coolant additive". Poor head gasket design is leading to failure...