Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 1995 Subaru Impreza
The 1995 Subaru Impreza has issues primarily with its airbag system, lighting components, and fuel system. Recalls target headlamp compliance issues, and airbag concerns emphasize the importance of suspension check in one used for city or rough terrains. While generally reliable mechanically, the Impreza requires scrutiny around certain safety features before purchasing.
NHTSA data on file today
The 1995 Subaru Impreza has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns and 46 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #09E025000 FMVSS 108/REPLACEMENT HEADLAMPS/AMBER REFLECTOR NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #09E012000 FMVSS 108/AFTERMARKET COMBINATION LAMPS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #08E050000 FMVSS 108/HEADLAMPS/MISSING AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #98V315000 SUBARU/TOW HOOKS NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Air Bags 19 complaints
- Fuel System, Gasoline 4 complaints
- Engine and Engine Cooling 3 complaints
- Visibility 3 complaints
- Electrical System 2 complaints
- Exterior Lighting 2 complaints
Of the 46 complaints on file, 11 report a crash and 2 a fire; across all 46 complaints, owners report 17 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Airbag deploys on ground impact
How to check: Inspect for airbag warning lights; press suspension parts for unusual response.
Non-compliant aftermarket headlights
How to check: Verify presence of amber side reflectors on headlights.
Recurring airbag complaints
How to check: Check if airbag recall work was completed.
Fuel system complaints
How to check: Look for fuel leaks around injectors and lines.
Suspension sensitive to impacts
How to check: Inspect undercarriage and suspension for signs of damage.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for engine knocking or rattles.
Red flag: Persistent knocking sound
- 02
Parking lot maneuvers
What to check: Check steering response and noise.
Red flag: Noisy steering wheel turns
- 03
Highway acceleration
What to check: Ensure smooth shifting under acceleration.
Red flag: Transmission slips or jerks
- 04
Braking test
What to check: Check for vibration or noise when braking.
Red flag: Brake pedal vibration
- 05
Straight road drive
What to check: Observe alignment; car should not drift.
Red flag: Car pulls to one side
- 06
First minute idling
What to check: Watch for unusual engine vibration.
Red flag: Excessive vibrations felt
- 07
Speed bumps
What to check: Assess suspension; listen for clunks.
Red flag: Loud clunking noise over bumps
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the airbag recall been addressed?
- Are the headlights original or aftermarket?
- Any fuel system issues previously repaired?
- What service history can you provide?
- Has the suspension been inspected?
- Any known issues with steering?.
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Service history records
- Airbag recall documentation
- Headlight installation papers
- Accident history report
- Previous owner records
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 1995 Subaru Impreza at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
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