1999 Subaru Impreza
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Subaru › Impreza › 1999
These records cover every 1999 Subaru Impreza. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 1999 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.
Certain ck motorsports combination headlights, clear corner, bumper, and side marker lights sold as replacement lamps for use on the passenger vehicles listed above. some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
Remedy
Ck motorsport will notify owners and replace the noncompliant lamps free of charge. the recall began on july 1, 2006. owners may contact ck motorsport at 1-909-610-7211.
Owner complaints
22 complaints2 involved a crash2 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Fuel system, other
1999 subaru impreza 2.5RS, I discovered the entrance to the fuel filler started to rust. It will cost me $500 to have it repaired. I also noticed that I am not the only one with this problem. *Tr
- Suspension › Rear
My 99 subaru impreza rs's rear wheel bearings are starting to fail. I've been doing some research and find that this IS a common problem with subaru's. There IS an obvious defect with the bearing because so many people are experiencing problems. I also found that there IS a new procedure for repairing the wheel bearing, which would indicate subaru's knowledge of the defective part. *Jb
- Child seat › Tether › Strap/webbing
Dt: the contact owns a 1999 subaru impreza. The contact stated while trying to install car seat in order to use the tether strap a mounting bracket has to be installed. Subaru insisted that contact pay for this bracket, he felt that this was a safety issue, and she should not have to pay for…
Dt: the contact owns a 1999 subaru impreza. The contact stated while trying to install car seat in order to use the tether strap a mounting bracket has to be installed. Subaru insisted that contact pay for this bracket, he felt that this was a safety issue, and she should not have to pay for this. He was going to purchase this mounting bracket because for the safety of his child, but he felt that this was something that the manufacturer should do. The vehicle was purchased on august 27, 2005.*ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system › Fuel rail
Fuel leak on passenger side fuel rails in weather below 30' f. Substantial amount of fuel IS leaking due to the rubber hoses underneath the intake manifold not being tightened enough. There IS a tsb on this matter however I'm past my warranty period. Considering this leak IS right next to the turbocharger this IS just an accident waiting to happen.*ak
- Power train › Clutch assembly
Nar 02/13/2003 answered by tis. the consumer had to have his clutch replaced twice due to premature wear while still under the 3 year warranty, however subaru refused to cover the repairs. *jb
- Suspension › Front › Wheel bearing
Repeated rear wheel bearing failures ever 30K miles.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system
The failure occurred when subaru decided to no longer service my vehicle under warranty. leading up to when I had to sell the vehicle on 8/23/2001 I had the right rear wheel bearing replaced at 43,460 miles. the left head gasket changed on 12/28/2001 at 48,817 miles. the airflow meter sensor was…
The failure occurred when subaru decided to no longer service my vehicle under warranty. leading up to when I had to sell the vehicle on 8/23/2001 I had the right rear wheel bearing replaced at 43,460 miles. the left head gasket changed on 12/28/2001 at 48,817 miles. the airflow meter sensor was recalled on 7/22/2002 with 55,797 miles. the clutch would stick to the floor so I had to have the clutch master cylinder gravity bled on 7/22/2002 as well. the right rear wheel bearing went out again on 8/9/2002 with 57,454. all the above thing were replace and performed under warranty. I personally had to pay to replace the right valve cover gasket, alternator belt, O2 sensor, knock sensor, fuel pump, and exhaust y pipe. I sold the car because the head gasket started to go out again, the clutch need replaced, and the transmission gear oil, and motor oil were both leaking. I expressed my concern to subaru (locally and nationally) and they were unwilling to help with the repair of the head gasket since I did not have the scheduled coolant service performed at subaru. well I had within a couple miles. subaru changed the first head gasket at 48,817 miles and it when out again at 82,796 miles a difference of around 33,000 and the service IS scheduled for every 30,000 miles. *ak
- Vehicle speed control › Cables
While driving at an undetermined speed, the vehicle stalled, causing the driver to drift off the road. The mechanic determined that the accelerator cable failed. *Ak *jb
- Vehicle speed control
Airflow meter/sensor failed at 75,000. *ak
- Suspension › Front › Wheel bearing
Consumer hears a "rumbling" noise coming from the rear end. consumer previously had rear wheel bearings replaced at 42000 due to premature wear. the bearings have worn out again, and need to be replaced at 44000 miles.*ak
- Suspension › Rear
The rear wheel bearings had to be replaced. *ak *jb
- Air bags › Frontal
The vehicle was rear ended and was pushed into another vehicle, and the airbags failed to deploy, the driver and passenger was injured. ts *jb
- Air bags › Frontal
Consumer was hit from the rear by a van, pushed forward, and collided with another vehicle in front. consumer's vehicle was stopped for traffic. both the driver and passenger air bags did not deploy. ts
- Visibility › Windshield
Rearview mirror was being adjusted and made contact with the windshield which action broke the windshield. it would appear that the windshield may have been improperly installed at the factory since there was very little pressure involved. this IS a safety issue. fortunately, no one was hurt.…
Rearview mirror was being adjusted and made contact with the windshield which action broke the windshield. it would appear that the windshield may have been improperly installed at the factory since there was very little pressure involved. this IS a safety issue. fortunately, no one was hurt. the factory rep said they wouldn't replace it. I contacted subaru customer service, kate clark, who also said they would not fix it. I was told by the dealer I couldn't speak directly to the factory rep, so neither he nor customer service even asked how the windshield broke. a properly installed windshield on a new vehicle should not break from mere contact with the rearview mirror, in my opinion, and I believe it should be covered by warranty and subaru should replace it.*ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission · Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Wheels
Rear wheels required new bearings...harsh grinding noise as car sped up...warrantied item. my main concern IS that I've dropped the car off twice in 3 months for similar noises...brakes, transmission and wheels.*ak
- Seat belts · Seat belts › Front › Webbing
Manufacturer should make seat belt extenders available for consumers when needed. dealer / manufacturer notified, and IS unwilling to assist in this matter. *ak consumer states that because the fastener IS so far behind her, it pulls the shoulder strap up under her right arm which causes painful chafing. *slc
- Suspension › Front › Macpherson strut
While driving rear strut would make noise. *Ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc
Brakes are experiencing problem with excessive wear of front rotors and pads, and brake sensor also failed to operate. Vehicle been in dealer shop for repairs, and while driving off dealer's lot, brake pedal went to the floor, causing extended stoping distance, almost causing a vehicle accident. Please feel free to provide any further details. *ak
- Power train › Manual transmission
The transmission plug fell out, leakage of all the fluid which caused the vehicle to lock up. No warning lights to indicate transmission problems. had the vehicle towed to the dealer. mjs
- Tires
While traveling 45mph right front tire blew. Took to tire store & had tire replaced. The back tire blew in 21 jul 99. It was a gas station attendant who informed owner that tire had bubbles on inside wall. All the tires with vehicle were defective. bridestone, the tire manufacturer, claims that the defects were due to poor road conditions. *ak *ML
- Power train › Driveline › Differential unit · Suspension › Multiple axle
My vin # IS correct. your computer IS off. anyway, the rear wheel bearing (right side) on my subaru 2.5RS has gone bad with only 500 miles on the car. I have contacted many subaru 2.5RS owners over the internet this last week and found that many owners are having the same problem with rear…
My vin # IS correct. your computer IS off. anyway, the rear wheel bearing (right side) on my subaru 2.5RS has gone bad with only 500 miles on the car. I have contacted many subaru 2.5RS owners over the internet this last week and found that many owners are having the same problem with rear wheel bearings siezing up with very low miles on their cars. one man reported he IS taking his 2.5RS in for the third time to have the bearings replaced, with only 26,000 miles on the car. as you might expect, everyone that IS experiencing this problem IS getting the same "no one else IS complaining about this problem" attitude from their respective dealers across the country. but we are complaining, and no one IS listening. this IS a serious deffect in the rear wheel bearings or in the installation proccess at the factory. a seized rear wheel bearing could cause an operator to loose control of the vehicle. you should be getting more complaints on this deffect in the following weeks. owners are coming together via the internet and voicing their concerns about this, and are being encouraged to file with the nhtsa if they have had this problem. I more than welcome any feedback you may have to my e-mail or telphone. I will also assist you in any way I can if needed. thankyou for hearing my concerns on this matter.
- Steering › Linkages › Knuckle › Spindle › Arm
Failed/worn rear wheel hubs only after 8500 miles. whirring/grinding noise that increases with speed. under warranty, but other drivers of the subaru impreza 2.5RS have reported the same problem at similar mileages.
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.
- 10234829Repair Procedure for High-Pitched Sound from Extension Housing Area Using Latest Generation Production Parts
- 10234261Remanufactured Automatic Transaxle Program
- 10234260Repair Procedure for High-Pitched Sound from Extension Housing Area Using Latest Generation Production Parts
- 102342585MT Transfer Driven Gear Bearings
- 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.
- 10093977Repair procedure for high-pitched sound from extension housing area using latest generation production parts
- 10089957Repair procedure for high-pitched sound from extension housing area using latest generation production parts - this bulletin provides production change, repair procedure and parts information to address a customer concern of a high-pitched sound coming from the transmission extension housing area.
- 10037968Subaru: there IS a steering wheel vibration at highway speeds due to an imporper wheel balance.
- 10019343Rubbing mark on timing belt. Subaru.
- 100168692.5L remanufactured SOHC short block release.
- 10006149Engine cooling system conditioner.*mr
- 10002989Replacement of the electronic control unit (ecu) for anti-lock brake system (ABS) repair. Update.
- 10001726Clutch pedal sticking.
- 10001352Transmission control unit (tcu) code 45 and all-wheel drive harsh engagement.
- 10001351Floor mat hook repair.
- 10000642New procedure for replacing rear wheel bearings.
- 633865Subject regarding air flow meter sensor.
- 632240Subject regading air flow meter sensing unit availability.
- 626926Information regarding seat belt latch slides to the lower seat belt anchor. Updated
- 613408Customer complaint that the a/t temperature light flashing and code 38 found in the tcm.
- 610541Some customers may comment about the a/t temperature light flashing and code 38 found in the tcm.
- 610540Subject regarding air intake chamber box breakage.
- 610539Some customers may complain of slight hesitation on acceleration.
- 610111This bulletin mentions if you have a 1999my or later vehicles with the new (second generation) 4EAT and are diagnosing a code for a duty solenoid, check the transmission oil pan for any dents.
- 605778Information on installing rear differential protector .
Every Subaru Impreza model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.