1998 Subaru IMPREZA problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
27 owner complaints analyzed
0 distinct recall campaigns
69,500 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 1998 model year. Data snapshot: . 6 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine is the most frequently named component, appearing in 7 of 27 complaints (25.9%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission and shifting | 1 | 3.7% |
| Engine operation | 1 | 3.7% |
| Braking behavior | 1 | 3.7% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine | 7 |
| Suspension:Multiple Axle | 7 |
| Power Train:Axle Assembly:Axle Shaft | 4 |
| Air Bags | 2 |
| Power Train:Clutch Assembly | 2 |
| Suspension:Front:Wheel Bearing | 2 |
| Unknown Or Other | 2 |
| Electrical System:Ignition | 1 |
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine: 7; Suspension:Multiple Axle: 7; Power Train:Axle Assembly:Axle Shaft: 4; Air Bags: 2; Power Train:Clutch Assembly: 2; Suspension:Front:Wheel Bearing: 2; Unknown Or Other: 2; Electrical System:Ignition: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 0 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 1 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 3 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 1 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 1 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 1; 50,000 to 74,999: 3; 75,000 to 99,999: 1; 100,000 to 149,999: 1; 150,000 and above: 0
50,000 to 74,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (3). 21 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 2 |
| 2001 | 12 |
| 2002 | 3 |
| 2003 | 3 |
| 2004 | 4 |
| 2005 | 1 |
| 2006 | 1 |
| 2017 | 1 |
2000: 2; 2001: 12; 2002: 3; 2003: 3; 2004: 4; 2005: 1; 2006: 1; 2017: 1
Pattern summary
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine leads the component reports. Transmission and shifting appears in 1 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 1 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 897813 · 2001-10-16 (October 16, 2001)
CONSUMER HAD TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALER DUE TO A STRONG FUEL SMELL AND BURNING OIL COMING FROM ENGINE. DEALER REPLACED TRANSMISSION TRANSFER CASE/ REPAIRED AN OIL LEAK, AND REPLACED PISTON GASKETS.SOMETIMES CONSUMER HAD TRIED TO START ENGINE, BUT IT WOULD NOT HAPPEN AT ALL. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION. *AK
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 897813 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10018895 · 2003-05-18 (May 18, 2003)
ENGINE STALLS WHEN TRYING TO TAKE OFF AFTER STOPPING AT TRAFFIC LIGHT. THERE IS ALSO A RAPPING NOISE IN ENGINE UNTIL ITS BEEN RUNNING AWHILE. *JB
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10018895 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 560626 · 2001-04-01 (April 1, 2001)
CONSUMER HAS EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS FAILURES OF LEFT REAR WHEEL BEARING, CONSUMER STATES VERY NOISY AND JUST FAILED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH SPEED THE CAR BEGAN TO VIBRATE QUITE VIOLENTLY, CAUSING SOME DIFFICULTY IN MAINTAINING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO BRAKE AND MOVE TO EMERGENCY LANE. *JB
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 560626 at NHTSA ↗