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GC · Wagon

1999 Subaru Impreza

Common problems & what to know before you buy

Before you message the seller, know the documented failure patterns, repair cost exposure, and risk level for the 1999 Subaru Impreza.

Safety record

Recalls on the 1999 Subaru Impreza

Recall·08E050000

Exterior lighting: headlights

THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY…

Recall·09E012000

Exterior lighting

THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO.

Recall·09E025000

Exterior lighting: headlights

DOPE, INC.

1 more in the guide, with whether each one was done on the car you're looking at.

Source: NHTSA

Owner complaints

What 22 owners reported

Suspension6
Fuel system2
Vehicle speed control2
Power train2

Source: NHTSA

Specifications

1999 Subaru Impreza at a glance

Trims
2.5 RSLOutback Sport
Engine
2.5L Flat-4, 2.2L Flat-4
Transmission
Manual 5-spd, Automatic 4-spd
Drivetrain
AWD
Fuel
Gasoline
Body style
Wagon
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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What are the common problems with the 1999 Subaru Impreza?

Owners have filed 22 complaints about the 1999 Subaru Impreza with NHTSA, most often about the suspension. There are 4 recall campaigns covering this model year. Squeezed's free research-backed buyer guide cross-references these against documented failure patterns and mileage-stage risks, sorted by severity, in about a minute.

Is the 1999 Subaru Impreza reliable?

Reliability depends heavily on the specific configuration and how the car was maintained. Start with the 4 open recall campaigns on this model year and confirm the work was completed. Generate a Squeezed buyer guide for this exact vehicle to see a reliability snapshot, repair-cost exposure, and the questions to ask the seller before you buy.

Should I still get a pre-purchase inspection on a 1999 Subaru Impreza?

Always. A Squeezed buyer guide is the triage step before the inspection: it shows you the documented failure patterns and what to check so you can decide which 1999 Subaru Impreza listings are even worth a mechanic's time, then walk into the PPI knowing exactly what to look for.

Squeezed is a buyer guide based on public data and industry patterns, not a mechanical inspection. Always get a professional pre-purchase inspection before you buy.