1997 Subaru Impreza Recalls

No recalls on record Updated July 2026

No NHTSA recalls on record for the 1997 Subaru Impreza. That means NHTSA has no open safety campaign for this vehicle — it does not guarantee the absence of problems. Owners have filed 38 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the wheels. Last updated July 5, 2026.

Complaints by component

WHEELS:HUB
4
AIR BAGS
3
2crashes4injuries
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
3
1crashes2injuries
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
3
2crashes1injuries
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
2
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
2
1fires
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT
2
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING: REAR COMPARTMENT/TRUNK
1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
1
Total complaints38

What owners report

Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal information removed.

“Tl* the contact owned a 1997 subaru impreza. While driving 15 mph down an incline, the vehicle skidded on a patch of ice and crashed into a creek. Upon impact, both the driver and passenger air bags deployed and exploded with debris. A police report was filed. The contact and passenger sustained…”

AIR BAGS · reported 2013-02-12

“Failure of rear wheel bearings. *nm”

SUSPENSION:REAR · reported 2006-05-20

“Failure of rear wheel bearings. *nm”

EQUIPMENT · reported 2006-05-20

“Both driver's side and passenger's side airbags were deployed when ignition of car was started. The automobile was not running prior to deployment. The automobile was stationary. There was no impact.*ak”

AIR BAGS · reported 2003-05-25

“The front seat belts did not lock correctly. The reclining lever for the back of the seat failed, which caused consumer to lose control of the vehicle. Dealer was notified and stated their was nothing they could've done. *jb”

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER · reported 2003-02-11

“The front seat belts did not lock correctly. The reclining lever for the back of the seat failed, which caused consumer to lose control of the vehicle. Dealer was notified and stated their was nothing they could've done. *jb”

SEAT BELTS:FRONT · reported 2003-02-11

“Wheel hub keeps coming off after replacement of tire. Almost lost control of car due to a wheel hub coming off and hitting windshield. Windshield did not break.”

WHEELS:HUB · reported 2002-12-29

“Consumer states that when in a vehicle accident and without warning the driver seat will fully recline back causing a distraction to the consumer. Dealer notified. Ph”

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER · reported 2002-11-28
Sources & methodology

Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL, FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 1997 Subaru Impreza as of July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.