1998 Subaru Impreza Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 23%of 30 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 72,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1998 Subaru Impreza, 23% of the 30 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 72,000 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.
“98 Subaru Impreza 2.5rs. I had the head gaskets replaced under warranty the first time . Around a year after that,the car over heated again. I had it towed to a auto repair shop that I worked at and had them test the car to see the problem. It was a blown head gasket again. They determined this by testing for any emissions in the coolant. There was also a large amount of sludge build up in the coolant reservoir(oil)as well. Subaru would not warranty there original work so the car sat for a bit before I could afford to have it fixed. …”
NHTSA complaint #10168246, filed 2006-09, 72,000 miles“Head gasket failure engine overheated on 16 hour trip.. Took to Subaru dealership, they put in a new starter bolt stated it was a bad ground?? On return home car over heated again.. Was repaired by Subaru, tech said it was common. 2nd head gasket failure, two months later, oil in antifreeze... Driving 55-65 MPH for 10 min in 75-80f weather, not under hard acceleration. Fear that it will happen again. Current recall on 99-01 models for coolant additive . Poor head gasket design is leading to failure... Seems to be common problem on 98's (2.5rs dohc ej25 phase 1)”
NHTSA complaint #10110468, filed 2005-02, 29,000 miles“The engine kept overheating and air would appear in the radiator. Antifreeze would be pushed out of radiator and the heater would blow cold air. The car had to be shut off repeatedly and allowed to cool down and the antifreeze replaced. A check of the cooling system detected no leaks. We were took the car to a number of garages until finally one garage told us that the engine block was most likely cracked and the engine needed to be replaced at a cost of $3600. According to the garage, they have replaced a number of engines for this particular model, specifically one with the dohc.”
NHTSA complaint #10081183, filed 2004-07, 98,000 miles“1998 Subaru Impreza 53,000 miles and the auto tech at Subaru says I have a piston slap, $2500.00 to pull engine and check this out. I have changed oil every 3,000 miles brought it in for the 30,000 mileage over all check up - what is up with this motor?”
NHTSA complaint #10078362, filed 2004-06“Consumer had taken vehicle to dealer due to a strong fuel smell and burning oil coming from engine. Dealer replaced transmission transfer case/ repaired an oil leak, and replaced piston gaskets.sometimes consumer had tried to start engine, but it would not happen at all. Please provide more information.”
NHTSA complaint #897813, filed 2001-10Related service bulletins
- 10198749Jun 7, 2021This bulletin is to advise of SOAâs revised catalytic converter recycling program shipping procedure.
- 10019343Feb 1, 2006Rubbing mark on timing belt. Subaru.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 2 | 1% |
| 2015 | 1 | 1% |
| 2013 | 2 | 1% |
| 2012 | 1 | 0% |
| 2011 | 3 | 5% |
| 2010 | 3 | 7% |
| 2009 | 7 | 7% |
| 2008 | 14 | 8% |
| 2007 | 5 | 7% |
| 2006 | 7 | 13% |
| 2005 | 3 | 4% |
| 2004 | 5 | 5% |
| 2003 | 4 | 6% |
| 2002 | 19 | 7% |
| 2000 | 3 | 7% |
| 1999 | 1 | 5% |
| 1998 | 7 | 23% |
| 1997 | 1 | 3% |
| 1996 | 2 | 10% |
| 1995 | 4 | 9% |
Other parts of the 1998 Subaru Impreza
11 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
9 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsElectrical system
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 27, 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