What are the most common Subaru Impreza problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 4,200+ owner reports, the 1999 Subaru Impreza has 7 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: EJ253 Head Gasket Failure (External Leak), Rear Wheel Arch, Rocker Panel, and Subframe Rust, Interference-Engine Timing Belt Neglect (DOHC EJ25 / 1997+ SOHC). Of these, 4 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Subaru Impreza reliable?
The 1999 Subaru Impreza has 7 known issues documented across 4,200+ owner reports. 4 issues are rated critical: EJ253 Head Gasket Failure (External Leak) and Rear Wheel Arch, Rocker Panel, and Subframe Rust and Interference-Engine Timing Belt Neglect (DOHC EJ25 / 1997+ SOHC) and Phase I EJ25D DOHC 2.5L Internal Head Gasket Failure. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Subaru Impreza problems?
Repair costs for known Subaru Impreza issues range from $60 to $2,800, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, EJ253 Head Gasket Failure (External Leak), typically costs $1,500-$2,800 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 1999-2011 Subaru Impreza EJ253 Head Gasket Failure (External Leak)?
The 2.5L EJ253 naturally-aspirated engine in 1999-2011 Imprezas is notorious for external head gasket failure. The composite head gaskets degrade over time, allowing coolant and oil to seep externally at the gasket mating surfaces. Unlike a typical blown head gasket that causes c… Repairs typically run $1,500-$2,800. Severity: high.
What is the 1993-1999 Subaru Impreza Rear Wheel Arch, Rocker Panel, and Subframe Rust?
1993-1999 Imprezas (GC8/GF8/GM sedan, coupe, and wagon) are highly prone to corrosion at the rear wheel arches, rocker panels, and the rear subframe/crossmember, particularly in salted-road climates. The outer quarter panel and wheel housing are joined with spot welds and foam ad… Repairs typically run $300-$2,500. Severity: high.
What is the 1997-1999 Subaru Impreza Interference-Engine Timing Belt Neglect (DOHC EJ25 / 1997+ SOHC)?
The 2.5L DOHC EJ25D and the 1997-and-later SOHC EJ engines are interference designs: if the rubber timing belt breaks or a belt idler/tensioner pulley seizes, the pistons strike open valves and bend them, destroying the top end. From 1997 all USDM Subaru EJ engines (including the… Repairs typically run $500-$1,000. Severity: high.
What is the 1998-1999 Subaru Impreza Phase I EJ25D DOHC 2.5L Internal Head Gasket Failure?
The first-generation 2.5L DOHC boxer (EJ25D) used in the 1998-1999 Impreza 2.5 RS (and shared with the 1996-1999 Legacy/Outback/Forester of the era) is notorious for internal head gasket failure. In 1996 Subaru used a composite gasket, then from 1997 switched to a multi-layer-ste… Repairs typically run $1,200-$2,600. Severity: high.
What is the 1993-1999 Subaru Impreza Automatic (4EAT) AWD Torque Bind / Duty C Solenoid Failure?
Automatic-transmission 1990s Imprezas use the 4EAT with an electronically managed transfer clutch (governed by the Duty C solenoid) to split torque to the rear wheels. When the Duty C solenoid or its control valve sticks/leaks, or the transfer clutch pack wears, the AWD stays par… Repairs typically run $150-$1,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 1993-1999 Subaru Impreza Front (and Rear) Wheel Bearing / Hub Failure?
Pressed-in front wheel bearings on the 1993-2001 Impreza chassis are a recurring wear item; the bearings were sized for the small factory 15-16 inch wheels, and larger aftermarket wheels, high mileage, or hard cornering accelerate failure. A failed bearing hums or roars proportio… Repairs typically run $200-$600. Severity: medium.
What is the 1993-1999 Subaru Impreza Distributor Cap, Rotor, and Ignition Moisture Misfire (SOHC EJ18/EJ22)?
The SOHC EJ18 and EJ22 engines in the base 1990s Impreza use a camshaft-driven distributor. With age, the cap and rotor corrode and crack, and the distributor O-ring can weep oil into the cap. This causes crossfire and weak spark that shows up as rough idle, hesitation, and hard… Repairs typically run $60-$250. Severity: low.
