1996 Subaru Impreza Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 25%of 20 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the air bags of the 1996 Subaru Impreza, 25% of the 20 complaints for this model year. 4 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #811999, filed 1997-05“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.”
NHTSA complaint #811883, filed 1997-05“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.”
NHTSA complaint #844059, filed 1999-08“While making a left hand turn driver's and passanger's airbags deployed, causing vehicle to crash. Driver sustained injuries, and vehicle was totaled.”
NHTSA complaint #526988, filed 1997-12Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 | 3% |
| 2021 | 1 | 7% |
| 2020 | 3 | 4% |
| 2019 | 4 | 2% |
| 2018 | 2 | 1% |
| 2017 | 11 | 9% |
| 2016 | 8 | 11% |
| 2015 | 7 | 9% |
| 2014 | 38 | 35% |
| 2013 | 79 | 31% |
| 2012 | 105 | 43% |
| 2011 | 17 | 29% |
| 2010 | 6 | 13% |
| 2009 | 12 | 12% |
| 2008 | 37 | 21% |
| 2007 | 27 | 40% |
| 2006 | 20 | 36% |
| 2005 | 12 | 16% |
| 2004 | 14 | 15% |
| 2003 | 4 | 6% |
| 2002 | 1 | 0% |
| 2001 | 2 | 18% |
| 2000 | 2 | 5% |
| 1999 | 2 | 9% |
| 1998 | 3 | 10% |
| 1997 | 6 | 20% |
| 1996 | 5 | 25% |
| 1995 | 20 | 43% |
| 1993 | 11 | 33% |
Other parts of the 1996 Subaru Impreza
5 complaintsWheels
3 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsTires
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Subaru Impreza
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology