1998 Subaru Impreza Problems

Below Average Complaints

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 1998 Subaru Impreza.

19971999
Complaints
55
Crashes
2
Fires
0
Injuries
2
Fatalities
—
Recalls
0

Worst 1998 Subaru Impreza Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#18 complaints

Suspension:Multiple Axle

#27 complaints

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine

Avg mileage:66,333 mi
#34 complaints

Power Train:Axle Assembly:Axle Shaft

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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 1998 Subaru Impreza.

Suspension:Multiple Axle
8
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
7
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
66,333
Power Train:Axle Assembly:Axle Shaft
4
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Power Train:Clutch Assembly
3
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Airbags
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Power Train:Axle Assembly
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Suspension:Front:Wheel Bearing
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Air Bags:Frontal
1
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Electrical System:Ignition
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Electrical System:Starter Assembly
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Electrical System:Wiring:Interior/Under Dash
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Headlight/Taillight Failures
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Interior Lighting
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Transmission / Drivetrain
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Lever And Linkage:Column Shift
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Power Train:Driveline:Differential Unit
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Power Train:Transfer Case (4-Wheel Drive)
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Seat Belts:Front:Anchorage
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Seat-Related Issues
1
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Pads
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Rotor
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Body Structure
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Suspension:Front
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Suspension:Front:Macpherson Strut
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Suspension:Rear:Shock Absorber
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Visibility:Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Wheel Issues
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 1998 Subaru Impreza. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Other Subaru Impreza Years

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1998 Subaru Impreza — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 1998 Subaru Impreza reliable?
Verdict: Below Average Complaints. The 1998 Subaru Impreza has 55 NHTSA complaints, 2 crash-related, and 0 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Suspension:Multiple Axle with 8 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 1998 Subaru Impreza?
Top reported problems: Suspension:Multiple Axle (8 complaints); Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine (7 complaints, avg 66,333 mi); Power Train:Axle Assembly:Axle Shaft (4 complaints). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 1998 Subaru Impreza?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 66,333 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 1998 Subaru Impreza?
NHTSA complaints for the 1998 Subaru Impreza include 2 crash-related reports, 0 fire reports, 2 injuries, and 0 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 1998 Subaru Impreza have any recalls?
No NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the 1998 Subaru Impreza as of the latest data sync. Verify by VIN for the most current status — new recalls can be issued years after a model year ships.
Should I buy a 1998 Subaru Impreza?
Fewer complaints than typical for this model. That's a good sign, but every individual car is different — the VIN still tells you what happened to this specific one.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full Subaru Impreza reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

Check Your Specific 1998 Subaru Impreza

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