The Lemon Index2016 Subaru Impreza.
The 2016 Subaru Impreza is about average by owner complaints: 52 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 88, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about airbags, it has 4 recalls, and it gets 27 to 31 mpg combined. The best Subaru Impreza year is 2010.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 109 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Subaru Impreza year. 2016 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 10K to 41K miles on the car (61 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 4
- lights 2022
The backup light switch may corrode and become inoperative, which can result in the backup lights not illuminating and the rearview camera image not displaying when the vehicle is in reverse.
- lights 2019
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 …
- engine 2016
The turbocharger air intake duct may crack and possibly result in an engine stall.
Show all 4 recalls
- automatic emergency braking 2015
If the switch that activates the brake lights fails, the automatic pre-collision braking component of the driver assist system will not function.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Subaru told dealers about
Subaru sent dealers 507 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- ONLY 2016-2017MY: Those Models equipped with STARLINK Telematics
- Only those models equipped with Starlink Telematics
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subaru Impreza SW AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Subaru Impreza 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2050–2400 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
When driving with a front seat passenger the passenger becomes unrecognized and air bag lights come on. This happens intermittently. This happens will driving
2016 Subaru Impreza owner · NHTSA complaint 11241421
Quick answers
Is the 2016 Subaru Impreza reliable?
About average by government complaints. It drew 1.1× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 88; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Subaru Impreza year by this measure is 2010.
What are the most common 2016 Subaru Impreza problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are airbags (17%), transmission & drivetrain (15%) and electrical (15%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2016 Subaru Impreza have?
4 safety recalls (latest: lights). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Subaru Impreza get?
27 to 31 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2016 Subaru Impreza safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2016 Subaru Impreza problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 10,200 and 41,500 miles. The middle report was at 25,500 miles, from 61 complaints.
Does the 2016 Subaru Impreza have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 15% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2016 Subaru Impreza cost in fuel a year?
About $2050 to $2400 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2016 Subaru Impreza have?
2.0L 4-cyl.
What Subaru Impreza year is better than the 2016?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2010, 2014 and 2011.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works