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2016 Subaru Impreza
Solid pick. The complaint record is strong for its age. It does carry safety recalls, so confirm every one shows "remedy completed" on the VIN before money changes hands.
75 owner complaints · 1 recalls · data verified July 12, 2026 · source: NHTSA
Why buy?
Very few owner complaints for its age and sales volume.
Complaint reports have faded. Early issues appear resolved or aged out.
The math, shown
Full methodology →Complaints filed per year
Fading = early teething worked out. Climbing = problems aging in.
The road ahead
What breaks on a 2016 Subaru Impreza, plotted where owners report it happening.
Also reported (mileage varies): Electrical system (14) · Transmission & drivetrain (13) · Airbags (8) · Speed control (8)
Mileage medians come from owners who mentioned an odometer reading in their NHTSA complaint, a rough guide, not a schedule.
Electrical system
19%14 complaints
“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 i…”
Transmission & drivetrain
17%13 complaints · 1 in the last 2 years
“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 becau…”
Airbags
11%8 complaints
“WHEN DRIVING WITH A FRONT SEAT PASSENGER THE PASSENGER BECOMES UNRECOGNIZED AND AIR BAG LIGHTS COME ON. THIS HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY. THIS HAPPENS WILL DRIVING”
Speed control
11%8 complaints
“The contact owns a 2016 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated while driving at a low rate of speed and making a right turn, the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended ac…”
Recalls (1)
Safety recall repairs are free at the brand’s franchised dealers. Before buying, run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and make the seller show the work was done.
Exterior Lighting · 19V149000
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 light switch to malfunction, preventing the brake lights from illuminating and also preventing keyless ignition vehicles from starting and CVT/automatic transmissions from being able to be shifted out of Park.
Risk: Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90.
Before you hand over money
Verify the recall work was done
NHTSA’s free lookup shows whether this exact car had its recall remedies completed.
Free NHTSA VIN check ↗Get a pre-purchase inspection
A $150 to $250 independent inspection of this exact 2016 Subaru IMPREZA beats every score on the internet, including ours.
What to ask forNot set on the 2016? See how every Impreza model year scores →
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What owners say
Real owners of this exact model-year, shown separately from the NHTSA score. If they disagree, that’s worth knowing.