2016 Subaru Impreza Report
Known issues, recalls, running costs, and what to check before you buy.

Overall Score
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.
2016 Subaru Impreza
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.
Safety & Bulletins
Owner Complaints
Performance & Efficiency
Reliability
Practicality
The score is mainly limited by small boot.
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.
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 reportedUsage: 13 reports
2. Electrical System
Usage: 13 reports
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
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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.