2016 Subaru Impreza Problems
Compared with other Subaru Impreza years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
5/100 0.4× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.4× that of a typical Subaru Impreza year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 18 of its 75 complaints were filed by the end of 2018.
- Most reported problem: Ignition key will not turn off or come out (24 complaints, median 25,515 mi).
- 1 recall campaign on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 75filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 26,258miles, 40 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 30 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl AWD · 27 city / 35 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2016 Subaru Impreza (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2016 Impreza most often report an ignition key that will not turn fully off or come out after the car is shifted into park, a problem usually described as intermittent at first and then more frequent. Complaints also describe CVT shudder, hesitation and occasional loss of acceleration at highway speed, along with intermittent passenger air bag status changes and a smaller number of unexpected acceleration events during low-speed parking maneuvers.
- Electrical system
Ignition key will not turn off or come out
- 24 complaints (32%)
- median 25,515 mi at 4.0 yrs old (13 state mileage)
- filed 2018–2024
After shifting into park and switching the engine off, owners say the key often turns only partway and cannot be pulled out. The workaround described in complaints is restarting the car and cycling the shifter in and out of park, sometimes several times, before the key releases; some owners say it happens on most or every trip. Several dealers reportedly diagnosed a park-position switch, shift interlock or shifter assembly and quoted a replacement, while others told owners the car was working normally. A service bulletin addressing the key-release symptom is mentioned by owners. Commonly reported between roughly 12,000 and 55,000 miles, and often described as starting intermittently before becoming routine.
What to check: Before buying, run the engine, shift into park, switch off and try the key several times to confirm it releases cleanly. Ask whether the park switch or shift interlock has already been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“When my car is parked I cannot remove my key from the ignition. I have to take it out of park put it back in park press park all the way forward jiggle my key move my steering wheel and then take my key out. Sometimes it still will not remove and it will take me a very long time to remove it. Other times I have to reverse my car and drive forward and park to try and take it out.”
NHTSA complaint #11352844, filed 2020-09, 53,000 miles“Key on the Subaru Impreza would not turn to the off position. Difficult to get key out of the ignition. Took car to napleton's Subaru in palatine and mechanic tech replaced park switch. I believe mechanic stated the key would have fallen out of the ignition if this was not fixed. My Impreza has 28,289 miles and is in great condition. Why did this happen? Car has key ignition and would not go to final position.”
NHTSA complaint #11340474, filed 2020-07, 28,288 miles - Vehicle speed control
Unexpected acceleration at parking speeds
- 7 complaints (9%)
- median 24,400 mi at 2.1 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
- 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2016–2022
Complaints describe the car surging forward or backward while manoeuvring in parking lots or driveways, in some cases with the brake pedal pressed and in some cases when shifting out of reverse. Owners report the car climbing a curb, crossing a wall or striking another vehicle, and several note the air bags did not deploy in those impacts. Dealers reportedly could not duplicate the event in a number of cases, and one owner was told the behaviour happened when the fuel level was low. Separate complaints describe the engine stalling or bogging when accelerating hard from a stop. Reported from about 2,000 to 35,000 miles, typically during reversing, parking or a firm pull-away from a stop.
What to check: On a test drive, practise slow reversing and parking manoeuvres and note any surge or hesitation. Ask whether the dealer has any recorded diagnosis for throttle or unintended-acceleration complaints on the car.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Experienced unexpected acceleration when taking my foot off the break when backing out of a parking spot; successfully stopped the car with the break however when I took my foot off the break again to go forward, the car accelerated driving over a small island and hit a parked car which was pushed into another park car. Airbags did not deploy. No injuries were sustained. Recently an outside agency was hired by Subaru and an engineer from this agency completed an inspection. Am waiting to get the results of this report.”
NHTSA complaint #11173830, filed 2019-02, 24,000 miles“In November of 2018 and again January 31, 2022. In November 2018, I was backing up in small parking lot tap the gas pedal. and my car speed up going backwards, even when I was pushing the brake. What stopped the momentum was another car, my car crashed into caused extensive damage to that car( it was totaled) . The second time; I turned the wheels to back-in as I had a several times into my driveway. The car was to far over, but because I was not centered enough in the driveway, I moved forward to realign myself. …”
NHTSA complaint #11450687, filed 2022-02 - Transmission and drivetrain
CVT shudder, hesitation or loss of power
- 8 complaints (11%)
- median 6,650 mi at 1.6 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- filed 2016–2023
Owners describe the CVT shuddering or jerking, hesitating before it engages, holding high engine speed without shifting, and in one case grinding noises with the transmission running very hot. Several complaints describe sudden loss of acceleration at highway speed with the engine still running, or the car stalling and not restarting until it is towed; dealers reportedly could not identify a cause in some of those cases and advised keeping the fuel level above a quarter tank. Another owner had the car diagnosed with a transmission solenoid fault. Spread from about 3,000 miles to the mid-30,000s, with some reports tied to cold weather and others to highway driving.
What to check: Ask for the transmission service history, including any control valve body or software work, and on the test drive watch for shudder or slipping when pulling away and when merging onto a highway.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Cvt will not shift in cold weather. I took to the dealer 3 times and they said nothing wrong. I have a video of the tach reaching 2600 RPM's at 30 miles to 55 MPH and CVT was stuck in 3rd gear, would not shift. I say this is a safety problem, not normal for this or any car. Gas mileage is bad, engine wear is bad and not safe on highway. This happened )1/3/18, 1/6/18 and 1/8/18.”
NHTSA complaint #11062403, filed 2018-01, 3,300 miles“Engine light came on. Checked it, the failure was the transmission solenoid. It reported that a failure was about to occur. Brought it into the Subaru dealership because the will not sell any transmission parts to repair shops in the Phoenix area. I am not sure if I would have had a bigger problem, or not had I not taken it in right away.”
NHTSA complaint #11542565, filed 2023-09 - Air bags
Passenger air bag status switches on its own
Mentioned in 4 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners report the passenger air bag indicator turning off with someone seated, or turning on when the seat is empty, sometimes while driving with a passenger aboard. Complaints describe the behaviour as intermittent and in some cases worse in humid or rainy weather, and one owner notes the warning light coming on when the seat occupant is not recognised. Explanations given by dealers, as described in the complaints, ranged from a phone left on the seat to normal operation. Reported from near-new mileage up to about 43,000 miles, often described as random and sometimes linked to damp weather.
What to check: With a passenger seated normally, watch the passenger air bag indicator through a full test drive, and ask whether the seat occupancy sensor has ever been inspected or replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The passenger seat sensor has been going off when nothing is in the seat. Because the sensor thinks something is in the seat the airbag for the passenger side is turned on. After going to the dealership, quirk Subaru, in bangor maine, they told me my cell phone was setting off the sensor. Their resolution to this problem, don't bring your cell phone into the car. The car can be moving or stationary and will randomly turn on. It's gotten worse over the last year happening about 4 times since august of 2018. …”
NHTSA complaint #11161996, filed 2018-12, 29,800 miles“The airbags turn off when it is raining or humid outside. Problems have been experienced when the car was stationary and when the car was in motion. Passenger airbag has turned off when there was a passenger in the seat; driver's side airbag has also turned off during raining/humid conditions. This has happened multiple times over the last few months.”
NHTSA complaint #11133615, filed 2018-10, 27,000 miles - Brakes
Brake light switch and dash warning lights
- 11 complaints (15%)
- median 31,658 mi at 3.3 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
- 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2016–2025
Owners describe the brake lights failing to illuminate, or stability control, hill assist and ABS warnings appearing intermittently, which they link to the brake light or stop switch. Complaints also mention difficulty arranging the brake light switch recall work and continued driving in the meantime. One owner reports the brakes locking up on a snowy downgrade at low speed. Reported from about 23,000 to 66,000 miles, including winter driving.
What to check: Have someone watch the brake lights while you press the pedal, and confirm whether recall 19V149000 for the brake light switch has been completed on the car.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I received a recall notice for brake lights Subaru safety recall wue-90; nhsta recall id 19v-149; april 2019. I called our local dealer to arrange repair and was told that it wouldn't occur until 8 july. What are we supposed to do in the meantime? The car is used for business and the only one we own. We can't just not drive it and are apparently at increased risk despite driving approximately 30,000 miles per year. …”
NHTSA complaint #11208396, filed 2019-05, 65,000 miles“I was driving on a decline at 10 to 15 miles per hour on a snowy evening and when I tried to break, my breaks locked up and I had absolutely no control of my automobile except for steering and made the choice to go towards the guard rail to slow my automobile down since I had no brakes. I bought my automobile 16 months ago and have had difficulties with tire lights coming on and many other issues and I do not feel safe driving this automobile.”
NHTSA complaint #11151546, filed 2018-11, 23,745 miles
Buying note. Test the ignition key release repeatedly, confirm the brake light switch recall has been done, and drive the car long enough to feel for CVT shudder or hesitation. Service records showing transmission or shifter work are worth asking for.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 75 consumer complaints for the 2016 Subaru Impreza. 40 of the complaints include a mileage, and 90% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 26,258 miles. Of all complaints, 7 involved a crash, 2 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 359 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 12 Subaru Impreza model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 5 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
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.
- Other or unknown19 25%
- Electrical system14 19%
- Air bags8 11%
- Brakes6 8.0%
- Steering5 6.7%
- Exterior lighting4 5.3%
- Body and structure4 5.3%
Also reported: Engine (3), Seats (3), Suspension (3), Electronic stability control (2), Fuel system (2), Seat belts (2), Forward collision avoidance (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Other or unknown: “The key routinely gets stuck in the ignition, requiring me to sometimes restart the car multiple times in order rip remove it. I have seen posts on the internet suggesting a sensor does not tell the car that it is in park and gove directions to disconnect it.”
NHTSA complaint #11269117, filed 2019-10, 48,000 milesElectrical system: “Key locks into ignition and vehicle needs to be restarted and the shift moved from park position back to park position a few times before the key will release. I have seen many complaints online regarding this issue ie. Failing lock cylinder/park sensor problems. Will there be an investigation into this and a possible recall? My car has less than 50,000m on it.”
NHTSA complaint #11353983, filed 2020-09, 45,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “When vehicle is stationary and placed into park position, the gear shifter is able to be moved from park into drive, reverse, and neutral with the engine off. The key also becomes stuck in the ignition when the gear shifter is malfunctioning. Dealership stated that the shift interlock would need to be replaced to remedy the issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11187175, filed 2019-03, 23,437 milesAir bags: “While car was slowing in a parking lot area, turning and braking (have witness to attest to this), it had sua (sudden unintended acceleration) as I was about to park and the vehicle went over a curb and through a building wall in less than 10 seconds. The air bags did not deploy. This car also had a recent recall involving the electrical brake system lights/sensors. There was no alcohol, pills or anything of that sort involved and nor was a cell phone in play and no distractions. …”
NHTSA complaint #11231541, filed 2019-07, 28,817 milesMileage when problems were reported
90% of the 40 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 10,000 and 40,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2016 Subaru Impreza. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Impreza · wagon AWD | ★★★★★ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 4 | 5 · 9.9% risk |
| Impreza · sedan AWD | ★★★★★ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 4 | 5 · 9.9% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2016 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2015: same overall rating; 2017: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2016 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 | 2.0L 4-cyl | CVT | 28 | 36 | 31 | $2,150 |
| Impreza AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 25 | 33 | 28 | $2,400 |
| Impreza Sport AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | CVT | 27 | 35 | 30 | $2,250 |
| Impreza Sport AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 24 | 33 | 27 | $2,500 |
| Impreza Wagon AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | CVT | 28 | 36 | 31 | $2,150 |
| Impreza Wagon AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 25 | 33 | 28 | $2,400 |
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
- 19V149000Feb 28, 2019Exterior lighting › Brake lights › SwitchCovers: Subaru Impreza 2008–2016, WRX 2008–2014, Crosstrek 2013–2017 +1 more
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake…
Recall details for the 2016 Subaru Impreza → · Check a 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. 359 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037943Oct 5, 2026Other or unknown, Electrical system. This announcement provides information on a new software update for the Midtronics Dss and DCA machines.
- 11037940Sep 18, 2026Other or unknown. This bulletin provides paint code information for 2027 model year vehicles.
- 11037930Sep 15, 2026Other or unknown. This announcement provides an update to all 2027 model year Subaru warranty coverages for wear items and adjustments.
- 11037929Sep 14, 2026Other or unknown, Electrical system. This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. This is an revised version of the original bulletin.
- 11037927Sep 14, 2026Electrical system. This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. This is an revised version of the original bulletin.
- 11036810Aug 20, 2026Transmission and drivetrain. This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body. The updated valve body incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability. This is an revised version of the…
- 11036807Aug 20, 2026Electrical system. This Service Information Bulletin outlines a systematic procedure for diagnosing parasitic draw (dark/standby current) in vehicles experiencing battery drain when the ignition is off, leading to…
- 11036796Aug 13, 2026Electrical system. This Bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. (This is an revised version of the original bulletin.)
- 11036794Aug 5, 2026Electrical system. Techtips newsletter locator index.
- 11036789Aug 1, 2026Electrical system. This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. This is an revised version of the original bulletin
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
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Subaru Impreza?
Owners of the 2016 Impreza most often report an ignition key that will not turn fully off or come out after the car is shifted into park, a problem usually described as intermittent at first and then more frequent. The issues reported most often: Ignition key will not turn off or come out; Unexpected acceleration at parking speeds; CVT shudder, hesitation or loss of power.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2016 Subaru Impreza have?
NHTSA recorded 75 consumer complaints for the 2016 Subaru Impreza as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2016 Subaru Impreza is reported most often?
Other or unknown is named most often, in 19 complaints (25% of the total), followed by electrical system with 14.
Has the 2016 Subaru Impreza been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2016 Subaru Impreza do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2016 Subaru Impreza 5 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Subaru Impreza get?
The EPA rates the 2016 Subaru Impreza (Impreza Sport AWD, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 30 mpg combined, 27 city and 35 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,250 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2016 Subaru Impreza reported?
Among the 40 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 26,258 miles and the middle half falls between 10,000 and 40,000 miles; 90% 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. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. 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.