1998 Subaru Impreza Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 10%of 30 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 120,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the electrical system of the 1998 Subaru Impreza, 10% of the 30 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 120,000 miles.
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.
“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. Two weeks later, same symptoms (no check engine light, no pwr on obd ii monitor), but an hour later car started fine and obd ii showed no problems. Took to mechanic who found nothing wrong. …”
NHTSA complaint #10086572, filed 2004-08, 120,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10219491Aug 23, 2022This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.
- 10209915Mar 18, 2022This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic essential information during diagnosis and repair of the Infotainment concerns. (Applicable to all…
- 10198758Jun 17, 2021This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 3 | 9% |
| 2022 | 1 | 7% |
| 2020 | 4 | 5% |
| 2019 | 19 | 10% |
| 2018 | 12 | 8% |
| 2017 | 21 | 17% |
| 2016 | 14 | 19% |
| 2015 | 20 | 26% |
| 2014 | 17 | 16% |
| 2013 | 34 | 14% |
| 2012 | 30 | 12% |
| 2011 | 9 | 16% |
| 2010 | 5 | 11% |
| 2009 | 8 | 8% |
| 2008 | 8 | 5% |
| 2007 | 7 | 10% |
| 2005 | 2 | 3% |
| 2004 | 1 | 1% |
| 2002 | 6 | 2% |
| 2001 | 1 | 9% |
| 1998 | 3 | 10% |
| 1997 | 2 | 7% |
| 1995 | 4 | 9% |
| 1993 | 2 | 6% |
Other parts of the 1998 Subaru Impreza
11 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
9 complaintsEngine cooling
7 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsWheels
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsInterior lighting
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Subaru Impreza
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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