Does the 2016 Subaru Impreza have recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2016 Subaru Impreza, including Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch. Recalls are matched by model year, so check your exact VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

What are the most common 2016 Subaru Impreza problems?

Owners filed 75 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical system (14), power train (13), air bags (8), vehicle speed control (8).

How much does a 2016 Subaru Impreza cost to own for 5 years?

About $34,371 over 5 years ($573/month) at an estimated $6,250 purchase price and 12,000 miles a year, including depreciation, insurance, fuel, maintenance, repairs, loan interest and taxes. Run a VIN report to personalize it.

2016 Subaru Impreza

The 2016 Subaru Impreza earns a strong Throttlebook Ownership Score of 76/100. Expect about $34,371 to own it for five years, or $573 a month. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign that may apply, so check the exact VIN at nhtsa.gov before you buy. Owners have filed 75 complaints.

Recalls: 1
Complaints: 75
5-yr cost: $34k
MPG (EPA): 31

Strong

Ownership Score

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1 recall may apply

For the 2016 Subaru Impreza. NHTSA matches recalls by model and year — confirm by VIN.

What's wrong: 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.

Check recalls for this exact VIN at NHTSA

Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.

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5-year cost to own

Estimated $6,250 price, 20% down, 11.19% APR for 60 months (Experian avg.), 12,000 mi/yr.

$34,371

$573/month · $0.57/mile

Depreciation	$1,415
Insurance (national avg.)	$12,000
Fuel / charging	$6,485
Maintenance	$7,320
Repairs	$4,000
Loan interest	$1,776
Taxes & fees	$1,375

Estimate, not financial advice. How we calculate.

Owner complaints & safety

What real owners reported to NHTSA for this model year.

75 complaints7 involved a crash

Unknown Or Other19
Electrical System14
Power Train13
Air Bags8
Vehicle Speed Control8
Service Brakes7

Complaint counts scale with how many were sold; compare against similar models.

NHTSA crash-test stars

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

Rated as: 2016 Subaru Impreza SW AWD

What to check on a used 2016 Subaru Impreza

Ordered by what owners of this model year reported most. Reports are not proof of a defect.

Engine and transmission
- Cold start: listen for knocking, ticking or rough running.
- Shifts should be smooth with no slipping or jerking.
Electrical and lights
- Test every window, lock, light and wiper.
- Watch for warning lights that stay on after start-up.
Airbags
- The airbag light should come on at start-up and then go out.
- Ask for proof that any airbag recalls were completed.

If anything in a safety area feels wrong (brakes, steering, airbags, tires), stop driving and get it inspected before you buy or drive it further. Paste a VIN above for the full printable checklist.

Common 2016 Subaru Impreza problems

Cheaper alternatives

FAQ

Is the 2016 Subaru Impreza a good car to buy?: The 2016 Subaru Impreza earns a strong Throttlebook Ownership Score of 76/100. Expect about $34,371 to own it for five years, or $573 a month. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign that may apply, so check the exact VIN at nhtsa.gov before you buy. Owners have filed 75 complaints.
Does the 2016 Subaru Impreza have recalls?: NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2016 Subaru Impreza, including Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch. Recalls are matched by model year, so check your exact VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
What are the most common 2016 Subaru Impreza problems?: Owners filed 75 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical system (14), power train (13), air bags (8), vehicle speed control (8).
How much does a 2016 Subaru Impreza cost to own for 5 years?: About $34,371 over 5 years ($573/month) at an estimated $6,250 purchase price and 12,000 miles a year, including depreciation, insurance, fuel, maintenance, repairs, loan interest and taxes. Run a VIN report to personalize it.

Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and NCAP ratings; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data refreshed weekly. Complaint counts scale with sales volume.