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EnginePart report

2016 Subaru Impreza Engine Problems

Complaints
3about this part
Share
4%of 75 total for the year
Median mileage
45,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the engine of the 2016 Subaru Impreza, 4% of the 75 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 45,000 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.

“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 bought my 2016 Subaru Impreza brand new and take great care of it. The car has 80,300 miles and when I did a sharp U turn the car stalled out and I was almost rear-ended. At a busy intersection a few weeks I was at a red light and my car was noticeably idling rough and when the light went green my car stalled out causing the road to be blocked. After taking my car to a certified mechanic I find out that the head gasket has already failed and has coolant leaking into it. It aslo showed a PO302 code. Subaru years before stated that this problem had been fixed when it clearly has not been. …”

NHTSA complaint #11521083, filed 2023-05

“The vehicle's engine displayed an check engine light, the cruise control indicator light flashed on and off continuously when not engaged at a standstill, and the VDC vehicle dynamics control off indicator remained lit. This occurred while the vehicle was parked and these indicators came on when the engine was switched on. When driving a noticeable decrease in engine performance and louder exhaust noise was evident. Took vehicle to dealer and subsequently was informed that there was a complete four valve engine failure that would require a complete overhaul of engine at an extremely high cost. …”

NHTSA complaint #11434109, filed 2021-09

Related service bulletins

Engine: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2025120%
202426%
202217%
202117%
202034%
201984%
2018117%
20171411%
201634%
20151013%
20142019%
20137530%
20125523%
201135%
2010715%
20091313%
2008137%
2007812%
200659%
200557%
200312%
200231%

Other parts of the 2016 Subaru Impreza

Other or unknown
19 complaints
Electrical system
14 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
13 complaints
Air bags
8 complaints
Vehicle speed control
8 complaints
Brakes
6 complaints
Steering
5 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaints
Exterior lighting
4 complaints
Body and structure
4 complaints
Seats
3 complaints
Suspension
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