1993 Subaru Impreza recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
3 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Lights
What's wrong, in plain English: Headlights, tail lights or turn signals may not work, making the car hard to see. 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.
What could happen: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1993 IMPREZA.
- Book a repair at any authorized Subaru dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 09E025000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-626-272-1798.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: 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.
Notes: THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON VEHICLES PRODUCED BY THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURER. IN ORDER TO DETERMINE IF YOUR AFTERMARKET LAMP ASSEMBLY IS AFFECTED BY THIS NONCOMPLIANCE, PLEASE REVIEW THE LIST OF MODEL NUMBERS PROVIDED TO US BY DOPE, INC. THE LIST CAN BE FOUND UNDER "DOCUMENT SEARCH" LOCATED AT THE BOTTOM OF YOUR SCREEN.
OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
2. Lights
What's wrong, in plain English: Headlights, tail lights or turn signals may not work, making the car hard to see. 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.
What could happen: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1993 IMPREZA.
- Book a repair at any authorized Subaru dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 09E012000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-909-598-7589.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: 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.
Notes: THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON VEHICLES PRODUCED BY THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURER. IN ORDER TO DETERMINE IF YOUR AFTERMARKET LAMP ASSEMBLY IS AFFECTED BY THIS NONCOMPLIANCE, PLEASE REVIEW THE LIST OF MODEL NUMBERS PROVIDED TO US BY SABERSPORT. THE LIST CAN BE FOUND UNDER "DOCUMENT SEARCH" LOCATED AT THE BOTTOM OF YOUR SCREEN. OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
3. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. THE FUEL FILLER SYSTEM DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE LEAKAGE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY".
What could happen: LEAKING FUEL CAN RESULT IN A FIRE IF EXPOSED TO A SOURCEOF IGNITION.
The fix: A MODIFIED REPLACEMENT FUEL VENT PIPE WILL BE INSTALLED ON THE FUEL FILLER SYSTEM TO REDUCE LEAKING.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1993 IMPREZA.
- Book a repair at any authorized Subaru dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 93V072000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: 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.
Notes: SYSTEM: FUEL SYSTEM; FMVSS 301.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: ALL WHEEL DRIVE PASSENGER CARS.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1993 Subaru Impreza owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Visibility (wipers / glass) (17), Airbags (11), Fuel system (6), Brakes (5), Hydraulic (5).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
01/06/2010 · Fuel system
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 INV…
01/03/2008 · Wheels / tires · crash
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
11/28/2004 · Airbags · crash
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…
10/18/2003 · Fuel system
FUEL, THROTTLE, AIR CONTROL VALVE. WHILE CAR IS RUNNING, IT HAS SUDDEN REPEATED ACCELERATIONS, WHICH COULD CAUSE SERIOUS ACCIDENT. *LA
11/04/2002 · Fuel system
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
11/03/2002 · Fuel system
FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED 4 TIMES FROM THE YEAR 2000-2002.
08/09/2002 · Fuel system
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 CH…
01/16/2001 · Airbags
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