2016 Subaru Impreza Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 19%of 75 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 24,800miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the electrical system of the 2016 Subaru Impreza, 19% of the 75 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 24,800 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.
“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 miles“I turned my car on one afternoon and found the power steering warning light stayed lit on the dashboard while car was stationary. When I tried to drive, I discovered the power steering was completely gone (I.e., very hard to turn steering wheel). Had car towed to dealer, since only 1 year old. Dealer initially diagnosed the problem as a bad power steering control module. Three days later, after the part arrived, they installed it and found more error codes indicating a power supply error. More new parts were ordered that took another three days to arrive. …”
NHTSA complaint #10949640, filed 2017-02, 2,500 miles“When the car is stopped and turned off, the key gets stuck in the ignition and can't be removed. Subaru has issued a TSB (TSB 16-112-18r) but not a recall.”
NHTSA complaint #11245184, filed 2019-08, 12,500 miles“The variable fan speed control for the cabin air melted. The dial could no longer be moved and the assembly, once removed, had parts that were melted. Subaru was not interested. Cost me $1200 to get it fixed. Unfortunately, I cannot locate any pictures.”
NHTSA complaint #11542568, filed 2023-09“Brake lights turn on autonimously without having to pull the emergancy brake or depress the brake pedal. The brake light within my vechile will turn on while driving randomly or even while in a stationary position, there is not set time interval to the random on and off brake light switch. Some times it'll turn on and off within five minutes of driving or thrity minutes.there has recemtly been a recall by Subaru for this exact issue but I have not received a dealer notification yet.”
NHTSA complaint #11183740, filed 2019-03Related service bulletins
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- 11030560Mar 26, 2026This bulletin announces the new procedure and Warranty Fail Code for FirstTime air conditioning (A/C) performance concerns possibly resulting from an undetected A/C refrigerant…
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 2016 Subaru Impreza
19 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
13 complaintsAir bags
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsEngine
3 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 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