1998 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026
1998 · All trims · All engines
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According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1998 Subaru Impreza has 6 documented known issues, with 3 rated critical. The most serious are Rear Wheel Arch, Rocker Panel, and Subframe Rust ($300-$2,500 repair), Interference-Engine Timing Belt Neglect (DOHC EJ25 / 1997+ SOHC) ($500-$1,000 repair) and Phase I EJ25D DOHC 2.5L Internal Head Gasket Failure ($1,200-$2,600 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $60 to $2,600. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
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According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1998 Subaru Impreza has 6 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Rear Wheel Arch, Rocker Panel, and Subframe Rust, Interference-Engine Timing Belt Neglect (DOHC EJ25 / 1997+ SOHC), Phase I EJ25D DOHC 2.5L Internal Head Gasket Failure. Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
The 1998 Subaru Impreza has 6 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 3 issues are rated critical: Rear Wheel Arch, Rocker Panel, and Subframe Rust and Interference-Engine Timing Belt Neglect (DOHC EJ25 / 1997+ SOHC) and Phase I EJ25D DOHC 2.5L Internal Head Gasket Failure. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Subaru Impreza issues range from $60 to $2,600, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Rear Wheel Arch, Rocker Panel, and Subframe Rust, typically costs $300-$2,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
1993-1999 Imprezas (GC8/GF8/GM sedan, coupe, and wagon) are highly prone to corrosion at the rear wheel arches, rocker panels, and the rear subframe/crossmember, particularly in salted-road climates. The outer quarter panel and wheel housing are joined with spot welds and foam ad… Repairs typically run $300-$2,500. Severity: high.
The 2.5L DOHC EJ25D and the 1997-and-later SOHC EJ engines are interference designs: if the rubber timing belt breaks or a belt idler/tensioner pulley seizes, the pistons strike open valves and bend them, destroying the top end. From 1997 all USDM Subaru EJ engines (including the… Repairs typically run $500-$1,000. Severity: high.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
AIR BAGS
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT CAN OCCUR AFTER UNDERCARRIAGE CONTACT OF THE TOW HOOKS WITH CURBS, DIPS, SPEEDBUMPS, POTHOLES, ETC.
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The first-generation 2.5L DOHC boxer (EJ25D) used in the 1998-1999 Impreza 2.5 RS (and shared with the 1996-1999 Legacy/Outback/Forester of the era) is notorious for internal head gasket failure. In 1996 Subaru used a composite gasket, then from 1997 switched to a multi-layer-ste… Repairs typically run $1,200-$2,600. Severity: high.
Automatic-transmission 1990s Imprezas use the 4EAT with an electronically managed transfer clutch (governed by the Duty C solenoid) to split torque to the rear wheels. When the Duty C solenoid or its control valve sticks/leaks, or the transfer clutch pack wears, the AWD stays par… Repairs typically run $150-$1,500. Severity: medium.
Pressed-in front wheel bearings on the 1993-2001 Impreza chassis are a recurring wear item; the bearings were sized for the small factory 15-16 inch wheels, and larger aftermarket wheels, high mileage, or hard cornering accelerate failure. A failed bearing hums or roars proportio… Repairs typically run $200-$600. Severity: medium.
The SOHC EJ18 and EJ22 engines in the base 1990s Impreza use a camshaft-driven distributor. With age, the cap and rotor corrode and crack, and the distributor O-ring can weep oil into the cap. This causes crossfire and weak spark that shows up as rough idle, hesitation, and hard… Repairs typically run $60-$250. Severity: low.
