2016 Subaru Impreza: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own

Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data

Affordable AWD compact whose main risks are FB20 oil consumption, early CVT concerns, and Takata airbag recalls. 3 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2016 Subaru Impreza ranged from $18,295 to $22,595 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).

6/10

Mixed track record

Affordable AWD compact whose main risks are FB20 oil consumption, early CVT concerns, and Takata airbag recalls.

Sources (3)

api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=subaru&model=imprez…
repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/subaru/impreza
cargurus.comhttps://www.cargurus.com/research/articles/subaru-impreza-buying-guide

Known issues

These years are covered by the Takata airbag inflator recall, which can rupture and is one of the largest sources of owner complaints for the generation.

widespread · 91 NHTSA complaints · other
The 2.0L boxer engine is prone to excessive oil consumption from premature piston-ring wear, the subject of a class action and extended warranty; owners must top off oil between changes.

widespread · 55 NHTSA complaints · typically 30k–100k miles · engine
The Lineartronic CVT can shudder, hesitate, or fail; Subaru extended the CVT warranty to 10 years or 100,000 miles on these years due to early reliability problems.

commonly reported · 25 NHTSA complaints · transmission

Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.

Sources (4)

api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=subaru&model=imprez…
api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=subaru&model=imprez…
api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=subaru&model=imprez…
repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/subaru/impreza

Recalls & safety

Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.

Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.

Pros & cons

Pros

Improved fuel economy from the then-new FB20 engine and CVT.
Roomy interior and practical hatchback or sedan body styles.
Standard all-wheel drive and good all-weather capability at an affordable price.

Cons

Slow acceleration and budget-grade cabin materials.
FB20 engine oil consumption was widespread enough to prompt a class action and extended warranty.
Early Lineartronic CVT reliability concerns led Subaru to extend the transmission warranty.
Takata airbag recalls affect these years.

Trims & original pricing

Trim	Original base MSRP	New today	Engine	MPG
Base	$18,295	discontinued	—	—
Premium	$21,095	discontinued	—	—
Sport Premium	$21,095	discontinued	—	—
Limited	$22,595	discontinued	—	—

Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Sources (1)

iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2016-subaru-impreza-price

Depreciation

2016 entry trim from new typical floor (assumed, past curve data)

Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.

Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($18,295). Higher trims started higher (up to $22,595), and options added more.

The curve's data ends 10 years in, so the line levels off after that. Treat the tail as a floor, not a forecast: asking prices for older cars depend mostly on condition, mileage, and the current market, and often sit well above it.

Sources (1)

iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/subaru-impreza/resale-value

Cost to own

Repairs (rises with mileage)	≈ $650–700/yr
Insurance (medium tier)	≈ $1,300–1,400/yr
Expected lifespan	~200k miles

National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.

Sources (2)

repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/subaru/impreza
moneygeek.comhttps://moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/subaru-impreza-insurance/

Frequently asked questions

What problems does the 2016 Subaru Impreza have?

Documented issue patterns include: These years are covered by the Takata airbag inflator recall, which can rupture and is one of the largest sources of owner complaints for the generation; The 2.0L boxer engine is prone to excessive oil consumption from premature piston-ring wear, the subject of a class action and extended warranty; owners must top off oil between changes; The Lineartronic CVT can shudder, hesitate, or fail; Subaru extended the CVT warranty to 10 years or 100,000 miles on these years due to early reliability problems. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.

Is the 2016 Subaru Impreza reliable?

Affordable AWD compact whose main risks are FB20 oil consumption, early CVT concerns, and Takata airbag recalls.

How much did the 2016 Subaru Impreza cost new?

Between $18,295 and $22,595 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Is the Subaru Impreza expensive to maintain?

Estimated repairs run roughly $650–700/year as mileage climbs.

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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.