1999 Subaru Impreza Problems
- Complaints
- 22filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 67,750miles, 10 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 22 mpgcombined, 2.2L 4-cyl 4WD/AWD · 20 city / 27 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1999 Subaru Impreza (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 22 consumer complaints for the 1999 Subaru Impreza. The part named most often is suspension, with 6 complaints (27% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain (4) and air bags (2). 10 of the complaints include a mileage, and 20% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 67,750 miles. Of all complaints, 2 involved a crash, 2 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 21 technical service bulletins for this model year. Transmission and drivetrain complaints overlap with 3 technical service bulletins filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Suspension6 27%
- Air bags2 9.1%
- Brakes2 9.1%
- Fuel system2 9.1%
- Vehicle speed control2 9.1%
- Engine cooling1 4.5%
- Other or unknown1 4.5%
- Seat belts1 4.5%
- Steering1 4.5%
Also reported: Tires (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Suspension: “Consumer hears a rumbling noise coming from the rear end. Consumer previously had rear wheel bearings replaced at 42000 due to premature wear. The bearings have worn out again, and need to be replaced at 44000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #10030120, filed 2003-07, 44,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “Rear wheels required new bearings...harsh grinding noise as car sped up...warrantied item. My main concern is that I've dropped the car off twice in 3 months for similar noises...brakes, transmission and wheels.”
NHTSA complaint #745152, filed 2001-05Air bags: “Consumer was hit from the rear by a van, pushed forward, and collided with another vehicle in front. Consumer's vehicle was stopped for traffic. Both the driver and passenger air bags did not deploy. Ts”
NHTSA complaint #8022867, filed 2002-11Brakes: “Brakes are experiencing problem with excessive wear of front rotors and pads, and brake sensor also failed to operate. Vehicle been in dealer shop for repairs, and while driving off dealer's lot, brake pedal went to the floor, causing extended stoping distance, almost causing a vehicle accident. Please feel free to provide any further details.”
NHTSA complaint #871559, filed 2000-09Mileage when problems were reported
20% of the 10 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 59,950 and 80,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1999 Subaru Impreza version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Impreza AWD | 2.2L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 20 | 27 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Impreza AWD | 2.2L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 20 | 27 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Impreza AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 20 | 26 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Impreza AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 19 | 26 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Impreza Wagon AWD | 2.2L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 20 | 27 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Impreza Wagon AWD | 2.2L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 20 | 27 | 22 | $3,050 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1999 Subaru Impreza in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 21 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10240110Jul 11, 2023Equipment. This bulletin announces the recommended cleaning procedures to followed when encountering vehicles with long time exposure to pollen on painted surfaces on vehicles imported from Japan. This…
- 10219492Aug 23, 2022Equipment. This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
- 10219491Aug 23, 2022Electrical system, Equipment. This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.
- 10209915Mar 18, 2022Electrical system. This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic essential information during diagnosis and repair of the Infotainment concerns. (Applicable to all models with Harman or…
- 10198758Jun 17, 2021Equipment, Electrical system. This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models
- 10198749Jun 7, 2021Equipment, Engine cooling. This bulletin is to advise of SOAâs revised catalytic converter recycling program shipping procedure.
- 10187315Feb 1, 2021Equipment. To help reduce confusion and increase technician efficiency, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has developed the following cross reference list to help locate the appropriate Special Service Tool.
- 10179378Aug 4, 2020Equipment. Special Service Tools Cross Reference List.
- 10174543Apr 30, 2020Equipment. All Models (Vehicle Cleaning- COVID-19Best Practices)
- 10163525Jul 11, 2019Brakes. This Service Information bulletin announces instruction for application of additional lubrication between the brake caliper support and pad clips. This will prevent the pad from dragging due to…
Other model years of the Subaru Impreza
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 5 | 2,700 | 0 | 5 | 30 | — | Too new |
| 2024 | 32 | 36,292 | 2 | 5 | 30 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2022 | 14 | — | 1 | 5 | 30 | — | Not enough data |
| 2021 | 14 | 1,700 | 2 | 5 | 30 | — | Not enough data |
| 2020 | 85 | 7,000 | 1 | 5 | 30 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2019 | 194 | 11,700 | 5 | 5 | 30 | 86 · More | Stable |
| 2018 | 152 | 18,500 | 5 | 5 | 30 | 62 · Typical | Rising |
| 2017 | 125 | 14,953 | 7 | 5 | 30 | 71 · More | Rising |
| 2016 | 75 | 26,258 | 1 | 5 | 30 | 5 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2015 | 77 | 36,000 | 2 | 5 | 30 | 2 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2014 | 108 | 49,500 | 3 | 5 | 27 | 25 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2013 | 251 | 61,590 | 4 | 5 | 27 | 51 · Typical | Falling |
| 2012 | 243 | 45,825 | 6 | 4 | 27 | 82 · More | Falling |
| 2011 | 58 | 38,000 | 14 | — | 22 | 24 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2010 | 46 | 47,800 | 15 | — | 21 | 2 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 104 | 64,000 | 14 | — | 21 | 48 · Typical | Falling |
| 2008 | 176 | 48,150 | 14 | — | 22 | 70 · More | Falling |
| 2007 | 68 | 49,890 | 9 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 56 | 61,728 | 10 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2005 | 75 | 72,072 | 6 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 96 | 65,000 | 8 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 62 | 64,500 | 6 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 292 | 62,500 | 6 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 11 | 42,000 | 0 | — | 22 | — | Not enough data |
| 2000 | 41 | 64,000 | 0 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 22 | 67,750 | 0 | — | 22 | — | Stable |
| 1998 | 30 | 69,500 | 0 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 30 | 99,550 | 0 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 20 | — | 0 | — | 24 | — | Stable |
| 1995 | 46 | 132,062 | 1 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 8 | — | 1 | — | 24 | — | Not enough data |
| 1993 | 33 | 158,850 | 1 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Subaru Impreza model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1999 Subaru Impreza have?
NHTSA recorded 22 consumer complaints for the 1999 Subaru Impreza as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1999 Subaru Impreza is reported most often?
Suspension is named most often, in 6 complaints (27% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 4.
Has the 1999 Subaru Impreza been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1999 Subaru Impreza get?
The EPA rates the 1999 Subaru Impreza (Impreza AWD, 2.2L 4-cyl) at 22 mpg combined, 20 city and 27 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,050 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1999 Subaru Impreza reported?
Among the 10 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 67,750 miles and the middle half falls between 59,950 and 80,000 miles; 20% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.