Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2007 Subaru Impreza
The 2007 Subaru Impreza has significant airbag recalls and complaints about the engine, power train, and electrical system. While it offers solid handling, potential buyers should carefully inspect for these known issues, particularly in the suspension and brakes, to ensure reliability and safety. Addressing airbag recalls is crucial.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2007 Subaru Impreza has 9 NHTSA recall campaigns and 68 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #20V003000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V001000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V002000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V026000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V016000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V014000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V359000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V358000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #11V464000 FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM/TRANSVERSE LINK NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Air Bags 27 complaints
- Engine 8 complaints
- Power Train 8 complaints
- Electrical System 7 complaints
- Engine and Engine Cooling 5 complaints
- Service Brakes 5 complaints
Of the 68 complaints on file, 6 report a crash and 2 a fire; across all 68 complaints, owners report 7 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Defective airbag inflator
How to check: Ensure airbag recall has been addressed by checking VIN.
Engine oil leaks
How to check: Inspect under the car for oil spots or leaks.
Shifting issues
How to check: Test all gears during drive for smooth transitions.
Battery drain issues
How to check: Check battery health and test electrical components.
Lower control arm corrosion
How to check: Inspect control arms for rust or corrosion.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for rough idling or knocking sounds.
Red flag: Engine noises at start-up
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check for dashboard warning lights staying on.
Red flag: Persistent warning lights
- 03
City driving
What to check: Ensure smooth shifting in and out of gears.
Red flag: Stiff or jerky gear shifts
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Notice any stuttering or hesitations.
Red flag: Hesitation during acceleration
- 05
Braking test
What to check: Feel for vibration or noise when braking.
Red flag: Vibration during braking
- 06
Cornering
What to check: Observe for any unusual suspension noises.
Red flag: Clunking sound during turns
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the airbag recall been fixed?
- Any history of oil leaks?
- Problems with gear shifting?
- Battery ever drained quickly?
- Control arms replaced or repaired?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Maintenance records
- Airbag recall completion proof
- Vehicle history report
- Title and registration
- Recent service invoices
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2007 Subaru Impreza at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2007 Subaru Impreza? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.