2016 Subaru Impreza recalls & problems

1 recall 75 complaints

1recalls
75owner complaints
7crashes reported
0fires reported
2 / 0injuries / deaths

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 2016 Subaru Impreza and 75 owner complaints. The part owners complain about most is unknown or other (19 reports), followed by electrical system (14). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers – enter your VIN on nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your car still has an open recall.

2016 Subaru Impreza recalls

Exterior Lighting · NHTSA 19V149000 · Feb 28, 2019

Problem: 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…

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.

1,303,530 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

2016 Subaru Impreza problems by component

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuries
Unknown or Other 19
000
Electrical System 14
000
Power Train 13
100
Air Bags 10
301
Vehicle Speed Control 8
401
Service Brakes 6
200
Steering 5
100
Visibility/Wiper 4
000
Exterior Lighting 4
000
Structure 4
000
Seats 3
000
Suspension 3
000
Engine 3
000
Seat Belts 2
000
Fuel/Propulsion System 2
100
Forward Collision Avoidance 2
000
Electronic Stability Control (esc) 2
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic 1
100
Latches/Locks/Linkages 1
000
Visibility 1
000
Wheels 1
100

Latest owner complaints

Suspension · Apr 10, 2026 · OH

I contacted Subaru in Mentor Oh at adventure subaru under TSB 19V065000 and was told to take it in to get looked at, my issue when I purchased the car at 67k miles i found that the car had a loud clunky sound while steering and going over bumps. After seeing the dealer and the stated the issue was from the steer rack and was exactly what was described exactly in the TSB but…

Steering · Apr 10, 2026 · OH

I contacted Subaru in Mentor Oh at adventure subaru under TSB 19V065000 and was told to take it in to get looked at, my issue when I purchased the car at 67k miles i found that the car had a loud clunky sound while steering and going over bumps. After seeing the dealer and the stated the issue was from the steer rack and was exactly what was described exactly in the TSB but…

Steering · Dec 8, 2025 · TN

Hello, I just purchase this vehicle from a dealership, 615 auto sales. After purchasing the vehicle I decided to go and get the recall done that was never done to the vehicle at the repair shop they did the recall but then ask me where did I purchase this vehicle from then I told them. The repair shop told me the grim news that the car was very rusted and should have not been…

Suspension · Dec 8, 2025 · TN

Hello, I just purchase this vehicle from a dealership, 615 auto sales. After purchasing the vehicle I decided to go and get the recall done that was never done to the vehicle at the repair shop they did the recall but then ask me where did I purchase this vehicle from then I told them. The repair shop told me the grim news that the car was very rusted and should have not been…

Power Train · Dec 8, 2025 · TN

Hello, I just purchase this vehicle from a dealership, 615 auto sales. After purchasing the vehicle I decided to go and get the recall done that was never done to the vehicle at the repair shop they did the recall but then ask me where did I purchase this vehicle from then I told them. The repair shop told me the grim news that the car was very rusted and should have not been…

Forward Collision Avoidance · Jan 1, 2025 · TN

While driving a multi lane road with traffic going same direction in front of me, if one or more cars begin to slow for a left or right turn, the auto braking feature begins to slow and will try to stop my car. Problem is that the car in front of me turning isn't in my lane. I have a clear lane ahead and suddenly the system brakes. still locked onto the car in front, but…

Forward Collision Avoidance · Jan 1, 2025 · TN

While driving a multi lane road with traffic going same direction in front of me, if one or more cars begin to slow for a left or right turn, the auto braking feature begins to slow and will try to stop my car. Problem is that the car in front of me turning isn't in my lane. I have a clear lane ahead and suddenly the system brakes. still locked onto the car in front, but…

Latches/Locks/Linkages · Jun 1, 2024 · NY

The hood latch system failed and flew open while driving on the highway smashing the windshield. I was unable to see driving, glass shattered everywhere. The car was serviced three weeks prior and there was no notation of an issue with the hood latch. The hood would not latch after the incident either. Police were on scene and viewed the incident and insurance will be…

Structure · Jun 1, 2024 · NY

The hood latch system failed and flew open while driving on the highway smashing the windshield. I was unable to see driving, glass shattered everywhere. The car was serviced three weeks prior and there was no notation of an issue with the hood latch. The hood would not latch after the incident either. Police were on scene and viewed the incident and insurance will be…

Seats · Feb 26, 2024 · IL

The seat foam has degraded and exposed the metal frame through the seat cover on the driver side front seat. It is not safe to drive with a metal frame being exposed. A service bulletin (12-232-18 dated 2/6/2018) indicates there is an issue with the seat construction that can lead to this defect/degradation but refuse to acknowledge the issue to customers calling it an…

Unknown or Other · Jan 7, 2024 · MD

Key will not turn past ACC after driving and so will not allow key to be removed from the car. This is a sporadic issue but could be a safety concern if needing to leave the car for an emergency as it runs down the battery and will not allow me to secure the vehicle. Driving around for 5 to 10 minutes more usually solves the problem but I might not have that extra time in an…

Exterior Lighting · Nov 18, 2023 · NY

We keep on having to replace our headlights. We just got one replaced 5 months ago and it’s out again. This will be the fourth time in three years. No one can figure out why the headlights keep burning out.

Other Subaru Impreza years

1990 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2016 Subaru Impreza have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 safety recall covering the 2016 Subaru Impreza, the most recent one (19V149000) for exterior lighting. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Subaru Impreza?

Based on 75 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most reported areas are unknown or other (19), electrical system (14), power train (13).

Have there been crashes or injuries linked to the 2016 Subaru Impreza?

Owners reported 7 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries and 0 deaths in complaints to NHTSA. These are unverified owner reports, not findings of fault.