RoadVitals

1993 Subaru Impreza

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
33
Latest Jan 6, 2010
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
3
Latest May 11, 2009
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
9
9 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 33 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1993 Subaru Impreza, most frequently naming the visibility, airbags and fuel system categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 17 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Visibility1331.7%
  • Airbags1126.8%
  • Fuel system512.2%
  • Electrical24.9%
  • Powertrain (other)24.9%
  • Brakes24.9%
  • Body & structure24.9%
  • Suspension12.4%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

3 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
09E025000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

May 11, 2009
42,540 units potentially affected
The defect: 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 remedy: 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.
DOPE, INC.View on NHTSA.gov
09E012000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Apr 7, 2009
16,270 units potentially affected
The defect: 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 remedy: 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.
SABERSPORTView on NHTSA.gov
93V072000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP

Apr 27, 1993
3,351 units potentially affected
The defect: THE FUEL FILLER SYSTEM DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE LEAKAGE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY".
The risk: LEAKING FUEL CAN RESULT IN A FIRE IF EXPOSED TO A SOURCEOF IGNITION.
The remedy: A MODIFIED REPLACEMENT FUEL VENT PIPE WILL BE INSTALLED ON THE FUEL FILLER SYSTEM TO REDUCE LEAKING.
SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 33
Fuel system
Filed Jan 6, 2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 SUBARU IMPREZA WHICH WAS PURCHASED USED IN 2005. HE STATED THAT THE FILLER PIPE WAS LEAKING LARGE QUANTITIES OF FUEL.THERE WAS A RELATED RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 93V072000 INDICATING THE MANUFACTURER WOULD ASSUME LIABILITY. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNDER 226,826. THE SYSTEM INDICATED THAT THE VIN # PROVIDED IS AN INVALID NUMBER.

NHTSA ID
10298447
Incident
Nov 1, 2009
Mileage
226,826 mi
Tires & wheels
Filed Jan 3, 2008
Crash reported

1993 SUBARU IMPREZA EXPERIENCED A TIRE BLOW OUT CAUSING THE CONSUMER TO RUN OFF THE ROAD AND HIT THE MEDIAN WALL TWICE. *KB OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT# 10-90-0831. *JB

NHTSA ID
10213956
Incident
Nov 18, 2007
Airbags
Filed Nov 28, 2004
Crash reported2 injuries reported

WE JUST PURCHASED A 1993 SUBARU IMPREZA 4 DOOR SEDAN. YESTERDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2004 WHILE WE WERE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, WE WERE HIT BY ANOTHER VEHICLE WHICH WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 30 MPH. WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, OUR SUBARU WAS PROPELLED 5-15 FEET. THE AIR BAG NEVER DEPLOYED. MY WIFE AN I REQUIRED EMERGENCY MEDICAL ATTENTION. I JUST NOTICED THAT NHTSA ISSUED A RECALL ON DEFECTIVE SUBARU AIRBAGS IN 1994, BUT THERE ISN'T EVEN AN OPTION TO SEARCH FOR A SUBARU PROBLEMS IN 1993. *AK

NHTSA ID
10100633
Incident
Nov 27, 2004
Mileage
124,555 mi
Fuel system
Filed Oct 18, 2003

FUEL, THROTTLE, AIR CONTROL VALVE. WHILE CAR IS RUNNING, IT HAS SUDDEN REPEATED ACCELERATIONS, WHICH COULD CAUSE SERIOUS ACCIDENT. *LA

NHTSA ID
10043151
Incident
Jun 24, 2003
Mileage
158,850 mi
Fuel system
Filed Nov 4, 2002

FOUR FUEL PUMPS HAVE BEEN INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE SINCE PURCHASE OF 2000. THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL OUT WITH NO WARNING PUTTING THE OCCUPANTS AT RISK UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. THE OWNER HAS FOUND A NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 93V072000 FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY PIPE FILLER NECK ON THE INTERNET. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. MR

NHTSA ID
8022113
Fuel system
Filed Nov 3, 2002

FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED 4 TIMES FROM THE YEAR 2000-2002.

NHTSA ID
769236
Incident
Oct 28, 2002
Body & structureFuel system
Filed Aug 9, 2002

REGARDING THE GAS GAUGE: GAUGE DOES NOT READ ACCURATELY. SHOWS AS BELOW EMPTY WHEN THERE IS STILL OVER 3 GALLONS OF FUEL LEFT. GOES UP AND DOWN FOR NO REASON. I PERSONALLY KNOW 3 OTHER 93 IMPREZA OWNERS WHO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. RE: THE POWER LOCKS/CHILDPROOF SWITCH. I CANNOT OPEN THE BACK RIGHT DOOR FROM THE INSIDE BECAUSE I CANNOT DISENGAGE THE CHILDPROOF SWITCH. NO MATTER WHAT POSITION THE SWITCH IS IN THE DOOR STILL DOES NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE. THIS ALSO HAPPENED TO MY 1987 SUBARU GL WHICH I NO LONGER HAVE.*AK

NHTSA ID
765418
Airbags
Filed Jan 16, 2001

DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED WHEN VEHICLE WENT UP ON CURVE, AND WHEN COMING DOWN BOTTOM OF CURVE. TOW HOOK CAME DOWN ON CURVE, AND AIRBAG DEPLOYED. CONSUMER STATED THAT AIRBAG SHOULD NOT HAVE DEPLOYED. THERES A RECALL ON 1997 VEHICLE FOR SAME PROBLEM, BUT NOT FOR 1996 VEHICLE. *AK

NHTSA ID
878216
Incident
Jul 1, 2000

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

12-249-23R

EQUIPMENT

This bulletin announces the recommended cleaning procedures to followed when encountering vehicles with long time exposure to pollen on painted surfaces on vehicles imported from Japan. This bulletin does not apply to SIA built vehicles.

01-167-08R

EQUIPMENT

This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.

15-302-22

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT

This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.

15-192-22R

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic essential information during diagnosis and repair of the Infotainment concerns. (Applicable to all models with Harman or Denso CP1 Infotainment).

01-167-08R

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT

This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models

09-51-08R

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; EQUIPMENT

This bulletin is to advise of SOA’s revised catalytic converter recycling program shipping procedure.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Subaru Impreza by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026100—
2025400—
2024302053.2
2023420—
2022121049.5
2021142043.4
2020851044.8
20191935050.2
20181495050.0
20171257056.3
2016751043.2
2015772046.5
20141083055.2
20132494052.7
20122426154.1
20115714060.7
20104515050.7
200910315050.5
200817615051.6
2007689159.9
20065610152.4
2005756361.5
2004968460.2
2003626564.6
20022926458.8
2001113059.0
2000414052.4
1999224048.4
1998303044.1
1997303057.1
1996203056.7
1995464268.4
1994832—
1993Viewing333059.2
1990100—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.