1998 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport
JF1GF4850WH811169
Vehicle history report for the 1998 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport (VIN JF1GF4850WH811169). Green. 133,555 mi reported. Registered in Nc. Unlock full title, salvage, lien & accident history.
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
MPG & running costs
Official U.S. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 1998 Subaru Impreza.
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. EPA estimates for this year/make/model; actual mileage varies by trim and driving conditions.
Full vehicle history report
What a full report checks for VIN JF1GF4850WH811169
A full report searches national title databases (NMVTIS) and licensed history providers for this VIN and shows whatever records are on file — not every vehicle has every record type. The decode, safety recalls and owner complaints above are always free.
Safety recalls 3
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."
Remedy: K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.
NHTSA Campaign #08E050000 · 11/08/2008EXTERIOR 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.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA Campaign #09E012000 · 07/04/2009EXTERIOR 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.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA Campaign #09E025000 · 11/05/2009We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on 46 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1998 Subaru Impreza, here are the most-reported problem areas — and exactly what to check before you buy.
🔍 Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
🔍 Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
🔍 Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
🔍 Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
🔍 Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
🔍 Inspect wheels for bends, cracks and curb rash, and feel for vibration at highway speed.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 46
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 1998 Subaru Impreza.
AIR BAGS
AIR BAG RECALL AND IMPENDING SUIT AGAINST AIR BAG COMPANY
NHTSA ODI #11021833ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
98 SUBARU IMPREZA 2.5RS. I HAD THE HEAD GASKETS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY THE FIRST TIME . AROUND A YEAR AFTER THAT,THE CAR OVER HEATED AGAIN. I HAD IT TOWED TO A AUTO REPAIR SHOP THAT I WORKED AT AND HAD THEM TEST THE CAR TO SEE THE PROBLEM. IT WAS A BLOWN HEAD GASKET AGAIN. THEY DETERMINED THIS BY TESTING FOR ANY EMISSIONS IN THE COOLANT. THERE WAS ALSO A L…
NHTSA ODI #10168246ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
HEAD GASKET FAILURE ENGINE OVERHEATED ON 16 HOUR TRIP.. TOOK TO SUBARU DEALERSHIP, THEY PUT IN A NEW "STARTER BOLT" STATED IT WAS A BAD GROUND?? ON RETURN HOME CAR OVER HEATED AGAIN.. WAS REPAIRED BY SUBARU, TECH SAID IT WAS COMMON. 2ND HEAD GASKET FAILURE, TWO MONTHS LATER, OIL IN ANTIFREEZE... DRIVING 55-65 MPH FOR 10 MIN IN 75-80F WEATHER, NOT UNDER HARD …
NHTSA ODI #10110468ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
INTERMITTENT FAILURE/SHORT OF POWER TO THE MAIN COMPUTER (ECU) AT APPOX. 120K MILES. CAR WOULD NOT START, NO CHECK-ENGINE LIGHT. AFTER WAITING FOR TOW TRUCK, IT STARTS AND RUNS FINE. TOOK TO MECHANIC, AND HE SAYS NOTHING WRONG. TWO WEEKS LATER, SAME THING. HOOK UP OBD II MONITOR AND IT SAYS ECU RECIEVING "NO PWR." TOWED TO SHOP. MECHANIC DIAGNOSED AS FAIL…
NHTSA ODI #10086572ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
THE ENGINE KEPT OVERHEATING AND AIR WOULD APPEAR IN THE RADIATOR. ANTIFREEZE WOULD BE PUSHED OUT OF RADIATOR AND THE HEATER WOULD BLOW COLD AIR. THE CAR HAD TO BE SHUT OFF REPEATEDLY AND ALLOWED TO COOL DOWN AND THE ANTIFREEZE REPLACED. A CHECK OF THE COOLING SYSTEM DETECTED NO LEAKS. WE WERE TOOK THE CAR TO A NUMBER OF GARAGES UNTIL FINALLY ONE GARAGE T…
NHTSA ODI #10081183ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1998 SUBARU IMPREZA 53,000 MILES AND THE AUTO TECH AT SUBARU SAYS I HAVE A PISTON SLAP, $2500.00 TO PULL ENGINE AND CHECK THIS OUT. I HAVE CHANGED OIL EVERY 3,000 MILES BROUGHT IT IN FOR THE 30,000 MILEAGE OVER ALL CHECK UP - WHAT IS UP WITH THIS MOTOR? *JB
NHTSA ODI #10078362WHEELS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THIS CAR NEEDED REPLACEMENT OF BOTH REAR WHEEL BEARINGS AT SLIGHTLY OVER 67,000 MILES. NO OTHER SUBARU I HAVE OWNED OR HEARD OF NEEDED SUCH REPAIRS. MY PREVIOUS SUBARU HAD OVER 100,000 MILES ON IT WITH NO DEFECTS. THE SHOP PERSONEL AT THE DEALER SAID THIS WAS A PROBLEM WITH SOME OTHER IMPREZAS, AS WELL AS FORESTERS. I WROTE A LETTER TO SUBARU AMERICA, AF…
NHTSA ODI #10070799ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
ENGINE STALLS WHEN TRYING TO TAKE OFF AFTER STOPPING AT TRAFFIC LIGHT. THERE IS ALSO A RAPPING NOISE IN ENGINE UNTIL ITS BEEN RUNNING AWHILE. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10018895+ 38 more complaints on record.
