1993 Subaru Impreza problems
The Subaru Impreza (Japanese: スバル・インプレッサ, Hepburn: Subaru Inpuressa) is a compact car that has been manufactured by the Japanese automaker Subaru since 1992. It was introduced as a replacement for the Leone, with the predecessor's EA series engines replaced by the new EJ series. It is now in its sixth generation.
Subaru has offered a 5-door hatchback body variant since 2008. The firm also offered a coupé from 1995 until 2001, a 4-door sedan up to the fifth generation, and a 5-door wagon from the Impreza's introduction which was replaced by a hatchback with the third generation in 2008. Mainstream versions have received "boxer" flat-four engines ranging from 1.5- to 2.5-liters, with the performance-oriented Impreza WRX and WRX STI models upgraded with the addition of turbochargers. Since the third generation series, some markets have adopted the abbreviated Subaru WRX name for these high-performance variants. The first three generations of Impreza were also available with an off-road appearance non-SUV package called the Outback Sport, exclusive to the North American market. For the fourth generation, this appearance package was raised up to be subcompact crossover SUV and renamed the XV (Crosstrek in North America), and is sold internationally. Colloquially, the car is sometimes referred to as Scooby.
Subaru has offered front- and all-wheel drive layouts for the Impreza. Since the late-1990s, some markets have restricted sales to the all-wheel drive model, putting the Impreza in a unique selling proposition in the global compact class, which is usually characterized by front-wheel drive. Japanese models remain available in both configurations.
A 2019 iSeeCars study named the Impreza as the lowest-depreciating sedan in the United States after five years.
Social links
Common 1993 Subaru Impreza problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the 1993 Subaru Impreza, several common problems have been reported. Here is a detailed list of these issues:
- Inadequate Fit: One complaint highlighted an inadequate fit in the 1995 Impreza.
- Transmission Failure: A complaint reported transmission failure in the 1995 Impreza.
- Blinkers Not Working: Owners of the 1998 Impreza reported issues with the blinkers not working.
- Torn CV Boot: A complaint mentioned a torn CV boot in the 1997 Impreza.
- Starting Problems: Owners of the 1998 Impreza reported difficulties with the car not starting.
- Engine Issues: Two complaints were related to engine problems.
- Airbags & Seat Belts: One complaint was regarding airbags and seat belts.
- Transmission Troubles: Another complaint highlighted transmission issues.
- Exterior Concerns: One complaint was related to exterior components.
- HVAC Problems: Lastly, there was a complaint regarding the HVAC system.
These reported problems shed light on various areas of concern with the 1993 Subaru Impreza. Owners have faced challenges ranging from mechanical failures like transmission issues and engine problems to more minor issues such as inadequate fit and problems with blinkers. Addressing these common problems is crucial to maintaining the performance and reliability of the Subaru Impreza from this era.
What is the main problem with Subaru Impreza?
Common problems with the Subaru Impreza include engine issues, sudden and abrupt acceleration, transmission failure, and air bag problems. The 2008 and 2012 models of the Subaru Impreza should be avoided, but the rest have generally good reliability.
Is The Subaru Impreza a reliable car?
Subaru Impreza
The Impreza's reliability score is ranked 33rd out of 36 compact cars by RepairPal, earning a 3.5 out of five-star rating. The average annual repair cost is $653, which isn't terribly high, but there is a 17% chance of severe repairs.
How long will a Subaru Impreza engine last?
Despite its smaller size, the Impreza is built to last, with many drivers reporting longevity and reliability well beyond 200,000 miles.
What engine does a 1993 Subaru Impreza have?
1.8 L 4-cylinder1993 Subaru Impreza / Engine
The Impreza has a 1.8-liter, 16-valve four-cylinder engine that develops 110 horsepower. This is not your ordinary four cylinder, though. It is a horizontally opposed engine, meaning that two cylinders are on the left and two are on the right. It is basically the same engine design used in the old Volkswagen Beetle.
What is the main problem with Subaru Impreza?
Common problems with the Subaru Impreza include engine issues, sudden and abrupt acceleration, transmission failure, and air bag problems. The 2008 and 2012 models of the Subaru Impreza should be avoided, but the rest have generally good reliability.
Is The Subaru Impreza a reliable car?
Subaru Impreza
The Impreza's reliability score is ranked 33rd out of 36 compact cars by RepairPal, earning a 3.5 out of five-star rating. The average annual repair cost is $653, which isn't terribly high, but there is a 17% chance of severe repairs.
Is Subaru Impreza high maintenance?
A Subaru's typical annual maintenance cost is about $617, slightly lower than the industry average for all vehicles but higher than other Japanese brands like Toyota and Honda.
Is Impreza worth buying?
The Subaru Impreza is an under-rated, well-equipped and unsung hero of the brand's model range and can do more than most hatchbacks could ever dream of. They should sell more dirt-friendly Imprezas because symmetrical AWD is so damn useful in the wet, or on a gravel road.
1993 Subaru Impreza car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Subaru Impreza problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Visibility problems
- Air bags problems
- Fuel system problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1993 Subaru Impreza vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1993 Subaru Impreza
The NHTSA has received 45 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1993 Subaru Impreza. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1993 Subaru Impreza vehicles.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-11-01
- VIN: JFLGC2448PK
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 SUBARU IMPREZA WHICH WAS PURCHASED USED IN 2005. HE STATED THAT THE FILLER PIPE WAS LEAKING LARGE QUANTITIES OF FUEL.THERE WAS A RELATED RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 93V072000 INDICATING THE MANUFACTURER WOULD ASSUME LIABILITY. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNDER 226,826. THE SYSTEM INDICATED THAT THE VIN # PROVIDED IS AN INVALID NUMBER.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-11-18
- Crash: 1
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: 1993 SUBARU IMPREZA EXPERIENCED A TIRE BLOW OUT CAUSING THE CONSUMER TO RUN OFF THE ROAD AND HIT THE MEDIAN WALL TWICE. *KB OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT# 10-90-0831. *JB
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-11-27
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JF1GC2447PG
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: WE JUST PURCHASED A 1993 SUBARU IMPREZA 4 DOOR SEDAN. YESTERDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2004 WHILE WE WERE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, WE WERE HIT BY ANOTHER VEHICLE WHICH WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 30 MPH. WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, OUR SUBARU WAS PROPELLED 5-15 FEET. THE AIR BAG NEVER DEPLOYED. MY WIFE AN I REQUIRED EMERGENCY MEDICAL ATTENTION. I JUST NOTICED THAT NHTSA ISSUED A RECALL ON DEFECTIVE SUBARU AIRBAGS IN 1994, BUT THERE ISN'T EVEN AN OPTION TO SEARCH FOR A SUBARU PROBLEMS IN 1993. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-06-24
- VIN: JF1GF2543PK
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
- Summary: FUEL, THROTTLE, AIR CONTROL VALVE. WHILE CAR IS RUNNING, IT HAS SUDDEN REPEATED ACCELERATIONS, WHICH COULD CAUSE SERIOUS ACCIDENT. *LA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JF1GC2448PK
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FOUR FUEL PUMPS HAVE BEEN INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE SINCE PURCHASE OF 2000. THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL OUT WITH NO WARNING PUTTING THE OCCUPANTS AT RISK UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. THE OWNER HAS FOUND A NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 93V072000 FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY PIPE FILLER NECK ON THE INTERNET. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. MR
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-10-28
- VIN: JF1GC2448PK
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED 4 TIMES FROM THE YEAR 2000-2002.
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,STRUCTURE
- Summary: REGARDING THE GAS GAUGE: GAUGE DOES NOT READ ACCURATELY. SHOWS AS BELOW EMPTY WHEN THERE IS STILL OVER 3 GALLONS OF FUEL LEFT. GOES UP AND DOWN FOR NO REASON. I PERSONALLY KNOW 3 OTHER 93 IMPREZA OWNERS WHO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. RE: THE POWER LOCKS/CHILDPROOF SWITCH. I CANNOT OPEN THE BACK RIGHT DOOR FROM THE INSIDE BECAUSE I CANNOT DISENGAGE THE CHILDPROOF SWITCH. NO MATTER WHAT POSITION THE SWITCH IS IN THE DOOR STILL DOES NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE. THIS ALSO HAPPENED TO MY 1987 SUBARU GL WHICH I NO LONGER HAVE.*AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-07-01
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED WHEN VEHICLE WENT UP ON CURVE, AND WHEN COMING DOWN BOTTOM OF CURVE. TOW HOOK CAME DOWN ON CURVE, AND AIRBAG DEPLOYED. CONSUMER STATED THAT AIRBAG SHOULD NOT HAVE DEPLOYED. THERES A RECALL ON 1997 VEHICLE FOR SAME PROBLEM, BUT NOT FOR 1996 VEHICLE. *AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-04-21
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JF1GF2443PH
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS ENTERING THE INTERSECTION WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE HIT IT ON PASSENGER'S SIDE IN REAR. VEHICLE SPUN AROUND & STOPPED. DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED BY INSURANCE COMPANY. DRIVER TREATED AT EMERGENCY ROOM FOR INJURIES. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JF1GC2443PK
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
- Summary: A MALFUNCTION OCCURRED WITHIN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, CAUSING THE WINDOWS TO BECOME INOPERABLE. FRONT AND REAR WINDOWS REMAINED IN THE UPRIGHT POSITIONS. *AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: JF1GC2442PK
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING 15MPH TIRE HIT A CURB AND THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, RESULTING IN MINOR INJURIES. A RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR INADVERTENT AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT ON LATER MODELS. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-06-16
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WENT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE OUT OF PARK AND THE GEAR SHIFT WAS LOCKED IN PARK. VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR A COUPLE OF HOURS BEFORE. *AK
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE WINDOWS HAVE DEVELOPED DEEP CUTS AND CRATCHES IN THE GLASS CAUSING POOR VISIBILITY.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE WINDOWS HAVE DEEP CUTS AND SCRATCHES IN THEM CAUSED BY THE GLIDE ROLLER RESULTING IN POOR VISIBILITY.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-08-23
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JFIGC2245PB
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: OWNER HIT A CAR FROM BEHIND AND THE AIR BAG DIDN'T DEPLOY. HE DID APPLY THE BRAKES BUT THE CAR STILL HIT THE REAR OF THE OTHER CAR.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-12-12
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: DEEP CUTS AND SCRATCHES ON WINDOWS CAUSED BY A DEFECT IN THE DESIGN OF THE GLIDE ROLLER, OBSCURE VISIBILITY.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE WINDOWS HAVE CUTS/SCRATCHES.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-09-15
- VIN: JF1GF2449PK
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, HEARD CLICKING NOISE, CV JOINT WENT OUT, LOSS ALL VEHICLE POWER, CV JOINT REPLACED BY OWNER. *AK
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-04-06
- VIN: JF1GC2441PH
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT WINDOWS HAVE DEVELOPED CUTS AND SCRATCHES IN THE GLASS, CAUSING POOR VISIBILITY.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: NO DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAG IN ACCIDENT, CAUSING INJURY.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE SEAT BELT FAILED IN ACCIDENT.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: GF1GF2446PB
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: BOTH DRIVER'S/PASSENGER'S SIDE WINDOWS HAVE DEVELOPED DEEP CUTS/SCRATCHES, CAUSING OBSTRUCTION OF VISION.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-02-10
- VIN: JF1GF2442PG
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: RIGHT REAR AXLE BEARING SCORCED, REPLACE BEARING/SEALS/AXLE
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-04-23
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: REAR DEFROSTER INOPERATIVE, REPLACE RELAY
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER INOPERATIVE, CAUSING POOR VISIBILITY.
1993 Subaru Impreza recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1993 Subaru Impreza.
- Manufacturer: DOPE, INC.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
- Summary: 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 THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
- Consequence: 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.
- Manufacturer: SABERSPORT
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: 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 THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
- Consequence: 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.
- Manufacturer: SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
- Summary: THE FUEL FILLER SYSTEM DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE LEAKAGE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY".
- Consequence: LEAKING FUEL CAN RESULT IN A FIRE IF EXPOSED TO A SOURCEOF IGNITION.
- Remedy: A MODIFIED REPLACEMENT FUEL VENT PIPE WILL BE INSTALLED ON THE FUEL FILLER SYSTEM TO REDUCE LEAKING.
Negative 1993 Subaru Impreza car reviews
Positive 1993 Subaru Impreza car reviews
-
I bought a car with 161,000 miles, and now it has 234,000 miles. The motor and auto tranny are excellent, with good pick up and snappy shifts. It gets up to 31 mpg, with an average of 25-29. It's very good for its mileage and year, and it's easy to work on. The engineers definitely had regular people in mind when designing it. This is my first Subaru, and I've driven it really hard. I highly recommend this vehicle for its build quality, reliability, low maintenance cost, and the amount of options you get.
-
After ten years of serious use, this car is still on the road, running almost like new and requiring very little maintenance. It's great to see a car that can last so long!
-
Hey there! I'm having a surprisingly difficult time deciding whether to sell my little car that has 188,000 miles on it. I drive 20 miles to work each way and live at 9,000 feet elevation on a steep gravel road. This car has been amazing, it's like the Energizer Bunny, it just keeps going and going... Even though a 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited is trying to lure me away, it's a grueling decision! My little car has been awesome and the Jeep just doesn't have the same track record. What do you think I should do?
-
I hope you're doing well! I just wanted to share that I've been lucky enough to have my Subaru for over 7 years now, and it's been such a great car. With over 220,000 miles on it, I'm happy to say that I haven't had to make any major repairs. It's been such a reliable vehicle and I'm so grateful for it!
-
This car has been the most reliable car I have ever owned. Approaching 250,000 miles, and the only problem I've had was wheel bearings (twice same wheel). I'm not one to change the oil every 2,000 miles, and I am very rough with it. I would definitely recommend a Subaru to anyone who asks.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1993 Subaru Impreza problems:
Reliability Issues of the 93-01 Impreza's... - NASIOC
Sep 20, 2005 ... No major issues except for a wheel bearing and clutch shudder. Just get used to the imprezas as unrefined compared to other cars(squeaks, ...
what are common problems with 2002/2003 WRX model? : r ...
Jul 18, 2022 ... I'm looking to buy a 2002/2003 Subaru Impreza WRX and I was wondering what kind of things I have to look out for/ask when viewing a car, any ...
What to look at buying used Subaru Impreza 1.8 Boxer '93 ...
Mar 1, 2006 ... Off the top of my head I can't really think of a common problem to look for, just make sure you have someone that is car knowledgable check it ...
1993 Subaru Impreza Repair: Service and Maintenance Cost
Get 1993 Subaru Impreza repair and maintenance costs, common problems, recalls, and more. Find certified Subaru mechanics near you.
hard to start | Subaru Impreza GC8 & RS Forum & Community
Feb 1, 2009 ... It seems to be a fairly common problem with Subaru. Make sure the battery you're using has a sufficient amount of CCA (cold cranking amps) ...
Other years of Subaru Impreza
Are you having problems with your 1993 Subaru Impreza?
Kristoffer Hermiston 2024-11-09
The car may be a bit underpowered, but it still gets the job done. While the fuel economy could be better, it's not too bad for a smaller car. I purchased it used and had to put in some money for repairs, but now the engine sounds great. With 144K miles on it, I'm optimistic that it will make it to 200K. Overall, it's looking good!
Ernest Schroeder 2024-09-21
This car has been a reliable mode of transportation for me. I purchased it new in 1993 and have only needed to perform regular maintenance such as replacing the battery, tires, brakes, and CV joints. While I would like to improve its mileage, I am satisfied with the 27-30 mpg it consistently achieves. Although it may not be the most eye-catching vehicle, it has proven to be durable with 185K miles and counting. It has never failed to start and has never left me stranded. Therefore, I plan to continue driving it until it can no longer run.
Jimmie Considine 2024-08-16
I hope you're doing well! I noticed that you mentioned you've had your Impreza for over 5 years now. That's great to hear that it's been a reliable car for you! I understand that it may not be the most powerful car out there and the gas mileage may not be as good as you expected for a small car, but it's still great to hear that you like it overall!