1998 Subaru Impreza Reliability ReportKeepScore 72/100 · top failure points · buy or avoid
Quick Facts · 1998 Subaru Impreza
- Scores 11 points below the strongest nearby year — the 1997 Subaru Impreza earns a 83.
- The system most likely to surface first: engine head gaskets (major severity).
- Has 3 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the exterior lighting:headlights.
1998 Subaru Impreza: Buy or Avoid?
The 1998 Subaru Impreza, especially models equipped with the EJ22 engine, offers a compelling all-wheel-drive package with a solid chassis that's hard to beat in its class for winter driving and spirited handling. While it's a capable and fun compact, its age brings significant reliability concerns like head gaskets (especially on the EJ25) and pervasive rust, making a pre-purchase inspection absolutely critical to avoid costly surprises.
The 1998 Subaru Impreza is a charming and capable compact, particularly for those needing robust AWD. However, its significant age brings major reliability caveats, chiefly engine head gaskets and pervasive rust. It's not a buy-and-forget vehicle; an enthusiast or capable DIYer who understands its specific needs and…
Best Model Years
1997-1998 (specifically with the EJ22 engine for better head gasket reliability)
Years to Avoid
Any 2.5RS model that hasn't had its head gaskets proactively replaced, or any example with significant structural rust.
Biggest Strengths
- Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system
- Engaging driving dynamics and handling
- Robust overall chassis and build quality
1998 Subaru Impreza — Known Trouble Spots
The systems that tend to fail first on the 1998 Subaru Impreza, with the typical mileage window when each becomes a concern. Detailed repair-cost ranges and exact what-to-check inspection notes are in the full report.
The EJ25 DOHC engine in the 2.5RS models is notorious for internal and external head gasket failures, leading to coolant leaks, oil consumption, and potential overheating. The EJ22 is less severe but often develops external oil leaks. Ca…
Common in salt-belt regions, rust can aggressively attack rear wheel wells, rocker panels, subframes, fuel lines, brake lines, and suspension mounting points. This is a severe issue that can compromise safety and lead to costly repairs o…
Due to age and typical driving conditions, rubber bushings in control arms, strut mounts, and sway bar links commonly degrade, leading to clunking noises, reduced handling, and accelerated tire wear. Power steering pumps are also known f…
1998 Subaru Impreza Mileage Danger Zones
The mileage windows when the 1998 Subaru Impreza most commonly needs attention. Plan ahead, budget accordingly, and inspect before you cross each threshold.
Low Risk Zone
At this mileage, you're primarily looking at routine maintenance like oil changes, tire rotations, and cabin air filters. Any significant issues here would indicate a manufacturing defect or severe neglect.
Maintenance Zone
This mileage typically involves more extensive fluid changes (transmission, differential), spark plug replacement, and inspection of wear items like brakes and suspension components. It's also an important checkpoint for potential early…
Elevated Risk Zone
This is a critical interval for the 1998 Impreza. The timing belt service (due at 105k, but often planned here) is expensive and crucial. Head gasket issues, especially with the EJ25, often manifest around this time, and suspension bushi…
High Risk Zone
Beyond 120,000 miles, the probability of multiple age-related and mileage-driven failures increases dramatically. Rust can become structural, major engine or transmission issues (if not previously addressed) become more likely, and nearl…
1998 Subaru Impreza Ownership Cost Outlook
What it typically costs to keep the 1998 Subaru Impreza on the road. Full 5-year cost-of-ownership projection and major-failure-risk forecast are in the report.
Annual Maintenance
$500-800
Moderate Repairs
$500-1,500 occasionally
How Long Does the 1998 Subaru Impreza Last?
While finding a lower mileage example (under 120,000 miles) is ideal, the overall condition and service history are more critical than the odometer reading for a vehicle of this age. A well-maintained 150,000-mile car is often better than a neglected 80,000-mile one.
What 1998 Subaru Impreza Owners Actually Say
What Owners Love
- Exceptional all-weather capability thanks to symmetrical AWD
- Engaging and fun driving dynamics, especially the RS model
- Practicality of hatchback/wagon body styles
- Robust chassis that feels solid on the road
Common Frustrations
- Widespread rust issues are a constant concern for many owners
- Anxiety over potential head gasket failures, especially with the EJ25
- Interior materials feel dated and basic compared to modern cars
- Fuel economy is not competitive with FWD rivals
Who Should Buy the 1998 Subaru Impreza?
Best For
- Drivers in snowy or wet climates needing reliable AWD
- Automotive enthusiasts on a budget seeking a fun-to-drive platform
- DIY mechanics willing to tackle common Subaru issues
Not Ideal For
- Buyers seeking absolute lowest cost of ownership with minimal maintenance
- Non-mechanically inclined individuals relying solely on professional shops
How the 1998 Subaru Impreza Compares to Rivals
The Impreza stands out with its standard symmetrical AWD, offering superior traction and handling compared to most FWD compacts of its time. However, it trails rivals like the Civic and Corolla in overall long-term reliability and rust resistance, while offering more character…
More Reliable Than
- Nissan Sentra (same era)
- Ford Escort (same era)
- Chevrolet Cavalier (same era)
Comparable To
- Mitsubishi Lancer (same era)
- Volkswagen Golf/Jetta (same era)
Safety Recalls on the 1998 Subaru Impreza
3 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
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."
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.
What breaks on the 1998 Subaru Impreza?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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Subaru Impreza — Year-by-Year Comparison
Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Subaru Impreza. Click any year for its full report.
Competing 1998s Worth a Look
Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.
Relevant Products for Your 1998 Subaru Impreza
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Frequently Asked Questions
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