The 1993 Subaru Impreza is a hatchback from Japan. Below are the specifications, open safety recalls and NHTSA data available for this specific model year. Decode a 1993 Impreza VIN to see the exact trim, engine and equipment for one particular vehicle.
Value calculator
Move the slider: the estimate applies the observed one-year depreciation rate for this model line (15.4%/year) to the value you enter. It updates instantly, right here.
Estimated value
$0
Source: Craigslist U.S. used listings (2020-2021 snapshot) + Car Features & MSRP dataset. Asking prices run above negotiated sale prices, and the snapshot was taken in 2020–2021 — pair the estimate with live listings for your area before pricing a car.
Overview
The Subaru Impreza is a hatchback sold in the U.S. market. Enter its 17-character VIN below to pull the exact build from NHTSA vPIC: model year, trim, engine, drivetrain and assembly plant, plus any open safety recalls filed for that model year.
Specifications at a glance
Basic build info
Model year
1993
Make
Subaru
Model
Impreza
Body
Hatchback
Country of origin
Japan
Model-year-exact trim, engine and equipment vary by VIN. Decode the specific VIN above to confirm.
Fuel Economy (1993 Subaru Impreza)
21
City MPG
27
Highway MPG
23
Combined MPG
Source: FuelEconomy.gov (U.S. DOE/EPA).
Real-world pricing & specs — 1993 Subaru Impreza
Used-market medians (U.S. listings)
U.S. used-market listings for the 1993 Impreza (Craigslist, 2020–2021 snapshot) cluster around a median asking price of $1,785 at roughly 147,561 miles, based on 2 listings. Asking prices run above negotiated sale prices, and values have moved since the snapshot — pair with live listings for your area.
Used median price
$1,785
Median mileage
147,561
Sample: 2 listings
Median of real U.S. Craigslist asking prices for this model year; asking prices skew above negotiated sale prices. Snapshot taken 2020-2021.
NHTSA safety recalls — 1993 Subaru Impreza
3
open recall campaigns on file with NHTSA for this year/make/model. Repairs are free at any authorized Subaru dealer (within 10 years of first sale). See all recalls →
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Campaign: 09E025000 · Filed: 11/05/2009
Defect description: 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.
Corrective action: 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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Campaign: 09E012000 · Filed: 07/04/2009
Defect description: 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.
Corrective action: 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.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
Campaign: 93V072000 · Filed: 27/04/1993
Defect description: 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.
Corrective action: A MODIFIED REPLACEMENT FUEL VENT PIPE WILL BE INSTALLED ON THE FUEL FILLER SYSTEM TO REDUCE LEAKING.
Source: NHTSA Recalls API. Snapshot last checked: October 19, 2026. Recall status changes — verify by VIN for any vehicle you own or plan to buy.
Common problems to check on this generation
Wear items (brakes, suspension bushings, tires) at a rate set by mileage and prior care
Electronics and infotainment faults reported on some model years
Any open recall: verify by VIN, since repairs are free at the dealer
Applies to the model line as a whole; the 1993 model year may have specific TSBs, always verify by VIN.
Owner-reported problems — 1993 Impreza
45
owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this year/make/model. Complaints are self-reported by owners and are separate from formal recalls.
Most-reported problem areas:
VISIBILITY — 16 reports
AIR BAGS — 11 reports
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC — 5 reports
AIR BAGS — 12/11/1995
NO DEPLOYMENT OF AIRBAG DURING COLLISION, CAUSING INJURY.
⚠ Crash reported. 1 injuries.
AIR BAGS — 11/28/2004
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 NHTSA ISSUED A RECALL ON DEFECTIVE SUBARU AIRBAGS IN 1994, BUT THERE ISN'T EVEN AN OPTION TO SEARCH FOR A SUBARU PROBLEMS IN 1993. *AK
⚠ Crash reported. 2 injuries.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE — 11/04/2002
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
Ask a specific question about this year and model. Our editors review every submission and publish answers with sources on this page — typical response time is 2-5 business days.
Related guides for 1993 Subaru Impreza owners & buyers
The 1993 Impreza is a Hatchback. Decode a specific VIN above for the exact trim, engine, transmission and factory options for one particular vehicle.
Are there recalls on the 1993 Impreza?
Yes — 3 recalls on record. Repairs are free at any authorized dealer.
Is the 1993 Subaru Impreza reliable?
How long a used Subaru Impreza lasts depends mostly on its maintenance history, not the badge. Pull the recall list for the model year, read the service records and pay for an independent inspection before you commit.
Values vary by trim, mileage, condition and region. Check Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds and NADA/J.D. Power for a range, see our guide comparing them — and pair with 5–10 local listings for your exact year and mileage.
What common problems should I watch for on a 1993 Impreza?
Segment-wide issues like brake and suspension wear are the norm at this age; model-specific issues vary by generation. Review the "common problems" section above, check NHTSA complaints and TSBs for the specific year, and get an independent inspection focused on those areas.
Sources on this page:NHTSA vPIC (specifications),
NHTSA Recalls,
NHTSA NCAP (safety),
EPA FuelEconomy.gov (MPG),
NHTSA Complaints, SAE J2012 (OBD-II standard). VinSpecs is an independent service, not affiliated with Subaru or any government agency.
