1997 Subaru Impreza Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 20%of 30 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 115,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the air bags of the 1997 Subaru Impreza, 20% of the 30 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 115,000 miles. 3 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.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10037559, filed 2003-09, 80,000 miles“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”
NHTSA complaint #10789985, filed 2015-11, 150,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #870779, filed 2000-09“While the vehicle was being detailed the airbags deployed. The person detailing the vehicle sustained minor injuries. When the bags deployed the windshield and dashboard were destroyed. The manufacturer has been notified.”
NHTSA complaint #826843, filed 1998-08Air 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 1997 Subaru Impreza
5 complaintsWheels
5 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 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