1998 Subaru Impreza
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Subaru › Impreza › 1998
These records cover every 1998 Subaru Impreza. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 1998 Subaru Impreza. Newest first.
Dope, inc. IS recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. these headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dope, inc. Will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. the safety recall began on july 28, 2009. owners may contact dope, inc. At 1-626-272-1798.
Sabersport IS recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. these headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. the safety recall began on may 11, 2009. owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.
K2 motor IS recalling 1,921 aftermarket headlamps of various models sold for use on the above listed vehicles. these headlamps are missing the amber side reflex reflector which fails to conform with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Risk and remedy
Risk
Without the amber side reflex reflectors, the lighting visibility may be affected, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
K2 motor will notify owners and offer a full refund. the recall began on decemeber 17, 2008. owners may contact K2 motor at 1-909-839-2992.
Owner complaints
30 complaints1 involved a crash1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags
Air bag recall and impending suit against air bag company
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
98 subaru impreza 2.5RS. I had the head gaskets replaced under warranty the first time . Around a year after that,the car over heated again. I had it towed to a auto repair shop that I worked at and had them test the car to see the problem. It was a blown head gasket again. They determined this by…
98 subaru impreza 2.5RS. I had the head gaskets replaced under warranty the first time . Around a year after that,the car over heated again. I had it towed to a auto repair shop that I worked at and had them test the car to see the problem. It was a blown head gasket again. They determined this by testing for any emissions in the coolant. There was also a large amount of sludge build up in the coolant reservoir(oil)as well. Subaru would not warranty there original work so the car sat for a bit before I could afford to have it fixed. When I saved up some money for the repair, I brought it to the subaru dealer to have them do the work on it. I was extremely upset with the work they did but got the car back with a functional engine. Not more than a year and a half later, the same thing happen(overheat). Again, I pulled over right away to limit any further damage to the engine. At that point, I had the car towed to my home and it sat for about a year before the bad choice to repair it again. This time I sent it to boffo auto repair. They recommended a new motor because the last time the "heads" had been done, they milled the heads smooth and new "heads" were not to far of the price of a used engine. Boffo finally found a used engine for my car that apparently IS very difficult to find. The engine had 32K on it and was reported to have been checked over as a safe,reliable motor. After spending over $4000 this time around, I had a working car again. The car came back to me not even 3 months ago. The engine over heated "again" the other day and again I have a head gasket leak(oil into the coolant). I have been looking on the internet about this problem and it seems to be a big one on the 98 vehicle. I found out that they only made that motor for the model year 98 only. Why IS this? I have been informed by a subaru employee because of the head gasket problem. I need your help. I have contacted an attorney this morning and will have him get in touch with subaru. *nm
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Head gasket failure engine overheated on 16 hour trip.. Took to subaru dealership, they put in a new "starter bolt" stated it was a bad ground?? On return home car over heated again.. Was repaired by subaru, tech said it was common. 2ND head gasket failure, two months later, oil in antifreeze...…
Head gasket failure engine overheated on 16 hour trip.. Took to subaru dealership, they put in a new "starter bolt" stated it was a bad ground?? On return home car over heated again.. Was repaired by subaru, tech said it was common. 2ND head gasket failure, two months later, oil in antifreeze... Driving 55-65 mph for 10 min in 75-80f weather, not under hard acceleration. Fear that it will happen again. Current recall on 99-01 models for "coolant additive". Poor head gasket design IS leading to failure... Seems to be common problem on 98'S (2.5RS DOHC EJ25 phase 1) *jb
- Electrical system › Ignition
Intermittent failure/short of power to the main computer (ecu) at appox. 120K miles. car would not start, no check-engine light. After waiting for tow truck, it starts and runs fine. Took to mechanic, and he says nothing wrong. Two weeks later, same thing. Hook up obd II monitor and it says ecu…
Intermittent failure/short of power to the main computer (ecu) at appox. 120K miles. car would not start, no check-engine light. After waiting for tow truck, it starts and runs fine. Took to mechanic, and he says nothing wrong. Two weeks later, same thing. Hook up obd II monitor and it says ecu recieving "no pwr." towed to shop. Mechanic diagnosed as failed ecu and replaced. Two weeks later, same symptoms (no check engine light, "no pwr" on obd II monitor), but an hour later car started fine and obd II showed no problems. Took to mechanic who found nothing wrong. happened again a week later, mechanic finds nothing. Two weeks after that, failed again, would not start after many days and still says "no pwr." towed to mechanic, and once it got to shop, started fine -- movement during towing caused power to be restored to ecu. Thus, it's a short in the power path that runs the ecu. Mechanic cannot find problem. Mechanic dismantled fuseboxes and finds no apparent signs of short anywhere. Says it's a "subaru bug." cost to date: appox. $2000, and not yet fixed.
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
The engine kept overheating and air would appear in the radiator. antifreeze would be pushed out of radiator and the heater would blow cold air. the car had to be shut off repeatedly and allowed to cool down and the antifreeze replaced. a check of the cooling system detected no leaks. we were…
The engine kept overheating and air would appear in the radiator. antifreeze would be pushed out of radiator and the heater would blow cold air. the car had to be shut off repeatedly and allowed to cool down and the antifreeze replaced. a check of the cooling system detected no leaks. we were took the car to a number of garages until finally one garage told us that the engine block was most likely cracked and the engine needed to be replaced at a cost of $3600. according to the garage, they have replaced a number of engines for this particular model, specifically one with the dohc.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
1998 subaru impreza 53,000 miles and the auto tech at subaru says I have a piston slap, $2500.00 to pull engine and check this out. I have changed oil every 3,000 miles brought it in for the 30,000 mileage over all check up - what IS up with this motor? *jb
- Unknown or other · Wheels
This car needed replacement of both rear wheel bearings at slightly over 67,000 miles. no other subaru I have owned or heard of needed such repairs. my previous subaru had over 100,000 miles on it with no defects. the shop personel at the dealer said this was a problem with some other imprezas…
This car needed replacement of both rear wheel bearings at slightly over 67,000 miles. no other subaru I have owned or heard of needed such repairs. my previous subaru had over 100,000 miles on it with no defects. the shop personel at the dealer said this was a problem with some other imprezas, as well as foresters. I wrote a letter to subaru america, after six days I haven't recieved any response. I included a copy of my repair bill as well as my rental car fees.
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
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
- Suspension › Front › Wheel bearing
The wheel bearings failed prematurely.*jb
- Power train › Transfer case (4-wheel drive)
Transfer clutch on the powertrain of my 1998 subaru impreza bucks and binds in turns, apparently due to the transfer clutch hanging up and staying applied. this has occurred at least since the 50,000 mile mark and continues to date. despite this problem falling under subaru's powertrain warranty…
Transfer clutch on the powertrain of my 1998 subaru impreza bucks and binds in turns, apparently due to the transfer clutch hanging up and staying applied. this has occurred at least since the 50,000 mile mark and continues to date. despite this problem falling under subaru's powertrain warranty, two separate subaru dealers have refused to fix it under warranty, and instead have "added limited slip differential additive" to the differential-a fix I have been told by another subaru dealer IS not an authorized fix for this problem. I am now faced with $900 in repair bills. This problem has been previously reported for 1997 subaru imprezas (nhtsa item number sb053575).
- Suspension › Multiple axle
Both the left and right rear bearings on this car failed before it reached 60,000 miles. no injuries -- I'm careful and heard them failing -- but repairs were very expensive. mr
- Suspension › Front › Wheel bearing
The wheel bearing has failed three times. nlm
- Electrical system › Starter assembly · Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Power train · Power train › Clutch assembly · Suspension › Multiple axle
The flywheel IS inoperative.*jb
- Suspension › Multiple axle
While driving there was a noise coming from rear of vehicle. Mechanic stated that wheel bearings needed to be replaced. has had this problem constantly, and had dealer service vehicle on same malfunction 9 times.*ak
- Suspension › Multiple axle
Rear wheel bearing failed twice. I believe that this a potentially a serious safety problem. Subaru IS aware of the problem. They quietly superseeded the old ball bearing used in imprezas and foresters with a new roller bearing from the legacy. Please see this url for more info: http://www.i-club.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=110396&perpage=25&pagenumber=1. *Ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline · Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Column shift
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
- Power train › Clutch assembly
The first clutch went bad at about 6500 miles, dealer said it was driver error, replaced for 1300.00, 2ND clutch went bad about 14,000 miles dealer said was driver failure but honored warranty and replaced, driver modifies driving habits that may be causing failure, 3RD clutch went bad about 22,000…
The first clutch went bad at about 6500 miles, dealer said it was driver error, replaced for 1300.00, 2ND clutch went bad about 14,000 miles dealer said was driver failure but honored warranty and replaced, driver modifies driving habits that may be causing failure, 3RD clutch went bad about 22,000 miles went to a private subaru garage and they rplaced it with a older model clutch , stated that many late 90'S subaurus are coming in for clutch failure, 4TH clutch failed at about 35,000 miles,wheel bearings in rear replaced after a minor accident involving a collision with tire and pole, 2ND rear wheel bearing replaced after mechaninc noticed rear wheel noise about a year 10,000 later, hubcaps fell off repeatedly, finallly gave up replaceing, starter went bad, it made a noise took into garage immediately, it already had damaged the fly wheel, both replaced under warranty, speedomter failed replaced under warranty. *Ak
- Power train › Axle assembly › Axle shaft · Power train › Driveline › Differential unit
Right wheel bearings have been replaced five times. Contacted dealer, and dealer can't fix problem.*ak consumer states entire differential IS inoperative.*jb
- Suspension › Multiple axle
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
- Power train › Axle assembly › Axle shaft
The left rear wheel bearing went bad at approx 51K miles. The reason the report IS being filed IS the large number of late model subaru wheel bearing failures I found on the internet. I read many reports of failed rear wheel bearings on 1998 and later subaru vehicles which included the outback…
The left rear wheel bearing went bad at approx 51K miles. The reason the report IS being filed IS the large number of late model subaru wheel bearing failures I found on the internet. I read many reports of failed rear wheel bearings on 1998 and later subaru vehicles which included the outback, forester and impreza. Several individuals reported having the same bearing replaced two and three times. The alarming part IS many were replaced at mileages below twenty thousand miles. I'm afraid I'm going to have other bearings go or the same bearing go again.*ak
- Air bags
Air bag module failed causing the air bag light to illuminate. nlm
- Suspension › Rear › Shock absorber
Noise from rear struts. Dealer said that they needed to be replaced. *Ak
- Suspension › Multiple axle · Unknown or other
The vehicle experienced repeated wear/failure of the rear wheel bearing assembly (29033, 44724, 54813, 58637) which caused noise in the rear wheel arer and vibration while driving. nlm
- Power train › Axle assembly · Power train › Axle assembly › Axle shaft
Repeated failures of left rear wheel bearing assembly beginning at 29, 033 miles. most recent repair at 58, 637 miles required replacement of left rear wheel bearing assembly, axle shaft assembly , right rear wheel bearing assembly, and seals. recent failure occurred without warning at highway…
Repeated failures of left rear wheel bearing assembly beginning at 29, 033 miles. most recent repair at 58, 637 miles required replacement of left rear wheel bearing assembly, axle shaft assembly , right rear wheel bearing assembly, and seals. recent failure occurred without warning at highway speed of 65 mph; some handling problems during failure at this speed. manufacturer's representative states that subaru corporate policy does not reimburse consumer/operator for incidental expenses -- rental transportation, lodging, taxis, and so forth -- as a consequence of breakdown. my confidence in the safety and reliability of the vehicle IS low; I believe that the safety and reliability of the vehicle has been compromised through either manufacturing defect and/or workmanship. will forward full documentation of incidents and repair history to nhtsa via u.s. Mail. thank you for your assistance. *ak
- Power train › Axle assembly › Axle shaft
I believe there IS a sub-standard part being used in subaru impreza rear wheel bearings. besides my 2 failures, I know of dozens of other people in my car club with similar rear wheel bearing failures. currently the failures are being handled under warranty, but as the cars age, the wheel bearing failures seem likely to continue and will start to get expensive.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10240110This bulletin announces the recommended cleaning procedures to followed when encountering vehicles with long time exposure to pollen on painted surfaces on vehicles imported from Japan. This bulletin does not apply to SIA built vehicles.
- 10234261Remanufactured Automatic Transaxle Program
- 10219492This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
- 10219491This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.
- 10209915This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic essential information during diagnosis and repair of the Infotainment concerns. (Applicable to all models with Harman or Denso CP1 Infotainment).
- 10198758This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models
- 10198749This bulletin is to advise of SOAs revised catalytic converter recycling program shipping procedure.
- 10187315To help reduce confusion and increase technician efficiency, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has developed the following cross reference list to help locate the appropriate Special Service Tool.
- 10179378Special Service Tools Cross Reference List.
- 10174543All Models (Vehicle Cleaning- COVID-19Best Practices)
- 10163525This Service Information bulletin announces instruction for application of additional lubrication between the brake caliper support and pad clips. This will prevent the pad from dragging due to corrosion buildup which may result in uneven or premature wear of the replacement brake pads. This additional instruction applies to all models with brake pads using the upper and lower pad clips and has been added to the brake pad installation procedures found in the related Service Manuals.
- 10161824Subaru Service and Technical Support Line Newletter.
- 10161813To help reduce confusion and increase technician efficiency, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has developed the following cross reference list to help locate the appropriate Special Service Tool.
- 10037968Subaru: there IS a steering wheel vibration at highway speeds due to an imporper wheel balance.
- 10019343Rubbing mark on timing belt. Subaru.
- 10002989Replacement of the electronic control unit (ecu) for anti-lock brake system (ABS) repair. Update.
- 10001726Clutch pedal sticking.
- 10000642New procedure for replacing rear wheel bearings.
- 626926Information regarding seat belt latch slides to the lower seat belt anchor. Updated
- 608198Vehicles equipped with manual transmissions may exhibit first gear popping out while driving.
- 605825Information on exhaust smell during cold start.
- 605778Information on installing rear differential protector .
- 604484Customer may complain of a slight engine hesitation on vehicles with manual transmissions 2.5L and 2.2L engines. Tt
- 602133Subject regarding foglight kit #4510fa200/220 correction.
Every Subaru Impreza model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.