2016 Subaru Impreza recalls and problems

The 2016 Subaru Impreza has 1 safety recall and 75 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Subaru dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

7 / 0

Injuries / deaths

2 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2016 Subaru Impreza vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2016 Subaru Impreza recalls

Recall 19V-149: Exterior Lighting

Reported Feb 28, 2019 · 1,303,530 vehicles affected · Subaru of America, Inc.

Problem: 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.

2016 Subaru Impreza problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Unknown or Other	19
Electrical System	14
Power Train	13
Air Bags	10
Vehicle Speed Control	8
Service Brakes	6
Steering	5
Visibility/Wiper	4
Structure	4
Exterior Lighting	4
Seats	3
Suspension	3

Most reported parts

Structure › Body — 3
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification — 2
Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 1
Visibility › Windshield — 1
Electrical System › Ignition — 1
Structure › Critical Fasteners — 1
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch — 1
Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 27,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2016 Subaru Impreza complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Suspension · reported Apr 10, 2026

I contacted Subaru in Mentor Oh at adventure subaru under TSB 19V065000 and was told to take it in to get looked at, my issue when I purchased the car at 67k miles i found that the car had a loud clunky sound while steering and going over bumps. After seeing the dealer and the stated the issue was from the steer rack and was exactly what was described exactly in the TSB but the only thing was they did not see a visible crack, the repair was denied. I then took the car to another dealer near Beavercreek oh after calling Subaru of America Case # [XXX]. Subaru of America was very certain that the…

Suspension · reported Dec 8, 2025

Hello, I just purchase this vehicle from a dealership, 615 auto sales. After purchasing the vehicle I decided to go and get the recall done that was never done to the vehicle at the repair shop they did the recall but then ask me where did I purchase this vehicle from then I told them. The repair shop told me the grim news that the car was very rusted and should have not been sold like it was. There was nothing on the CARFAX about anything else and the shop told me that the car was a safety hazard. When I purchase the vehicle AS IS all I have seen was a TPM light on and a recall and getting…

Forward Collision Avoidance · reported Jan 1, 2025

While driving a multi lane road with traffic going same direction in front of me, if one or more cars begin to slow for a left or right turn, the auto braking feature begins to slow and will try to stop my car. Problem is that the car in front of me turning isn't in my lane. I have a clear lane ahead and suddenly the system brakes. still locked onto the car in front, but doesn't recognize the clear road ahead and I can easily pass it on by. I've nearly been re ended because the guy behind me wasn't thinking I would suddenly brake for nothing. It happened with adaptive cruise control, and with…

Structure · reported Jun 1, 2024

The hood latch system failed and flew open while driving on the highway smashing the windshield. I was unable to see driving, glass shattered everywhere. The car was serviced three weeks prior and there was no notation of an issue with the hood latch. The hood would not latch after the incident either. Police were on scene and viewed the incident and insurance will be investigating. There have been numerous other reports of this happening with other subaru models including recalls. There are no open recalls on this vehicle and a multi-point inspection was done on the car 3 weeks prior.

Seats · reported Feb 26, 2024

The seat foam has degraded and exposed the metal frame through the seat cover on the driver side front seat. It is not safe to drive with a metal frame being exposed. A service bulletin (12-232-18 dated 2/6/2018) indicates there is an issue with the seat construction that can lead to this defect/degradation but refuse to acknowledge the issue to customers calling it an "outside forces" problem.

Other Subaru Impreza years

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Compare all Subaru Impreza years · All Subaru models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2016 Subaru Impreza have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2016 Subaru Impreza: 19V-149 (exterior lighting). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2016 Subaru Impreza?

Owners report unknown or other problems most often (19 reports), followed by electrical system (14). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 27,000 miles.

Are Subaru recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Subaru dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.