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2016 Subaru Impreza Report

Known issues, recalls, running costs, and what to check before you buy.

Updated May 30, 2026·Ethan Miller·2 Critical Recalls
2016 Subaru Impreza Report

Overall Score

7.8/ 10
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution

Key Takeaways

  • The 2016 Subaru Impreza's 'Below Average' reliability verdict is primarily driven by safety concerns, including reports of unintended acceleration.
  • Prioritize a comprehensive pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the brake light switch, powertrain, and electrical system.
  • Confirm that the brake light switch recall (WUE-90) has been completed.
  • Be aware of a high volume of complaints, particularly in the 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER', 'POWER TRAIN', and 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM' categories.
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OverviewWho This Car Is ForReliability & ProblemsVehicle SpecsUnlock Full ReportFAQ
Overview

2016 Subaru Impreza

The 2016 Subaru Impreza provides Subaru's signature all-wheel-drive system in a practical car package. However, a 'Below Average' reliability rating, stemming from numerous owner complaints, warrants careful consideration. While it boasts a 5-star overall safety rating, critical issues have been reported. With 141 Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs), Subaru has addressed various concerns, but the volume suggests a complex ownership history. The Impreza achieves a combined EPA-estimated 27 MPG.

Critical Failure Risk

The brake light switch can malfunction due to contamination, leading to non-illuminating brake lights, inability to shift out of Park, and failure of keyless ignition systems. This is a safety concern and has been subject to recall (WUE-90).

Early detection can help you avoid a $1,500-$4,000 repair.

Open Maintenance Analysis →

Safety & Bulletins

Open Recalls2
Service Bulletins0
Full Recall History →

Owner Complaints

106
Power Train13
Detailed Issue Breakdown →

Performance & Efficiency

Fuel Efficiency
Combined
27
MPG
City
24
MPG
Highway
33
MPG
Full Vehicle Specifications ↓

Reliability

8.5/ 10

Practicality

5.0/ 10

The score is mainly limited by small boot.

Buyer Fit

Who This Car Is For

Best for

Drivers seeking a practical car with standard **all-wheel drive** for all-weather capability.

+2 more buyer-fit notes in the full report

Avoid if

Buyers prioritizing absolute reliability and minimal unexpected repair costs.

+2 more buyer-fit warnings in the full report

2016 Subaru Impreza Reliability Analysis

Explore comprehensive reliability data including official safety recalls, consumer complaints, and common mechanical failures for the 2016 Subaru Impreza.

  • Recall TimelineOfficial safety notices
  • Owner ComplaintsReal driver reports
  • Failure AnalysisKnown part defects
Specs

Vehicle Specs

Fuel Type
Regular
Seating Capacity
5
Transmission
Manual 5-spd
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Body Style
Hatchback
EPA Combined MPG
27

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Most Common Issues

1. Powertrain

Most reported

Usage: 13 reports

2. Electrical System

Usage: 13 reports

See all common issues in the maintenance guide

First Service Interval

- Oil Change and Filter Replacement (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation - Inspection (Parts: Brakes, Steering System, Suspension System, Exhaust System, Fluid Levels (Coolant, Brake, Power Steering, Clutch Fluid for MT), Belts, Hoses, Tire Pressure and Condition)

Est. shop cost: $100 - $175

6,000 mi

Unlock the full maintenance guide for every scheduled service interval and cost forecast.

Full pre-purchase inspection checklist
Complete maintenance schedule (5 service intervals)
Repair forecasts with mileage and cost context
Full buyer-fit guidance and who should avoid it
Full specs and trim-level context
2 recall campaign details & remedy notes
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FAQ

FAQ

Is the 2016 Subaru Impreza reliable?▾

The CarFocal Reliability Score for the 2016 Subaru Impreza is 8.5/10. Reliability score is 8.5/10. NHTSA recalls: 2. Owner complaints: 106.

How practical is the 2016 Subaru Impreza for daily use?▾

Practicality score is 5.0/10. The score is mainly limited by small boot. EPA combined economy is 27 MPG. Seating capacity is 5. 4 passenger doors are listed. Boot capacity is 340 litres.

What is the overall score for the 2016 Subaru Impreza?▾

The CarFocal Overall Score for the 2016 Subaru Impreza is 7.8/10. Overall score is 7.8/10 (Good). Confidence 85%. Maintenance 7.7/10. Tuning 3.0/10. Practicality 5.0/10.

What does it cost to own and maintain a 2016 Subaru Impreza?▾

Based on Carfocal's data, First listed service: - Oil Change and Filter Replacement (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation - Inspection (Parts: Brakes, Steering System, Suspension System, Exhaust System, Fluid Levels (Coolant, Brake, Power Steering, Clutch Fluid for MT), Belts, Hoses, Tire Pressure and Condition) at 6,000 miles. Estimated first-year maintenance: $1,000 - $1,500. Repair prediction highlight: Brake Light Switch (estimated cost Min: $100 • Max: $200).

What engine is in the 2016 Subaru Impreza?▾

Engine specs list 4 • 2.0.

What transmission does the 2016 Subaru Impreza use?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2016 Subaru Impreza, transmission is Manual 5-spd. The paired drivetrain is All-Wheel Drive.

What is the combined EPA MPG for the 2016 Subaru Impreza?▾

EPA combined estimate is 27 MPG.

What driver assistance and safety features are available on the 2016 Subaru Impreza?▾

1 standard driver assistance features. Key features include Tire Pressure Monitoring System.

How many people fit in a 2016 Subaru Impreza?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2016 Subaru Impreza, seating capacity is 5.

What body style is the 2016 Subaru Impreza?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2016 Subaru Impreza, body style is hatchback.

What drivetrain does the 2016 Subaru Impreza use?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2016 Subaru Impreza, drivetrain is All-Wheel Drive. Transmission is Manual 5-spd.

What are the NHTSA safety ratings for the 2016 Subaru Impreza?▾

NHTSA ratings: Overall 5/5 • Frontal 4/5 • Side 5/5 • Rollover 5/5.

Is the 2016 Subaru Impreza good for tuning?▾

Tuning potential is rated 3/10. The 2016 Subaru Impreza, while a practical and reliable car, is not designed for aggressive performance tuning. Its naturally aspirated 2.

What are the most common power train problems on the 2016 Subaru Impreza?▾

Top complaint category: power train (13 reports, 12.3% of complaints).

Are there open safety recalls on the 2016 Subaru Impreza?▾

This model year has 2 official safety campaigns listed.

Start Here

Maintenance guide

Costs + intervals

Recall report

Campaigns + remedy notes

Owner complaints

Issue volume + categories

Tuning guide

Potential + upgrade path

In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Who This Car Is For
  3. 03Reliability & Problems
  4. 04Vehicle Specs
  5. 05Unlock Full Report
  6. 06FAQ

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