1996 Subaru Impreza Outback
JF1GF4852TG811174
Vehicle history report for the 1996 Subaru Impreza Outback (VIN JF1GF4852TG811174). Blue. 218,633 mi reported. Registered in In. 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 1996 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 JF1GF4852TG811174
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 27 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1996 Subaru Impreza, here are the most-reported problem areas — and exactly what to check before you buy.
💥 2 involved a crash 🔥 1 involved a fire 🚑 3 reported injuries
🔍 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.
🔍 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.
🔍 Inspect wheels for bends, cracks and curb rash, and feel for vibration at highway speed.
🔍 Check tread depth, the DOT age date, and that all four tires match with even wear. Look for bulges or cracks.
🔍 Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.
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 27
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 1996 Subaru Impreza.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING HEAD GASKET BLEW CAUSING FLUID TO LEAK. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10024335ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
WHEN DRIVING VEHICLE BEGINS TO VIBRATE AND THEN DRASTICALLY LOSES POWER NOT BEING ABLE TO MAINTAIN SPEED ABOVE 40MPH. DEALER HAS DIAGNOSED PROBLEM AS A MISFIRE ON CYLINDER 2, BUT HAS BEEN UNABLE TO CORRECT.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10022640SUSPENSION
AT 61629 AND 63512 MILES WHEEL BEARINGS HAD TO BE REPLACED. THEY HAVE BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES AT DEALERSHIP. BEARINGS WERE BEING GREASED WITH WRONG KIND OF GREASE AND THE AMOUNT OF GREASE WAS NOT SUFFICIENT FOR PROPER USE. *AK THE DEALER REPLACED BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT REAR WHEEL BEARINGS. *YH
NHTSA ODI #8001837AIR BAGS
PLEASE NOTE; BOTH AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AT THE SAME TIME WHILE THE SUBARU IMPREZA WAS IN PARK. *AK
1 injured · NHTSA ODI #733562TIRES
ALL FOUR TIRES SPLIT AROUND THE SIDEWALLS AND REQUIRED REPLACEMENT( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 185-70 R14 )
NHTSA ODI #729510VISIBILITY
THE NUT THAT ATTACHES THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS TO THE MOTOR CAME OFF. WINDSHIELD WIPERS BECAME INOPERABLE, OBSTRUCTING THE VIEW OF THE DRIVER. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #855733AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION AT 35MPH, AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. ALSO SEAT BELT DID NOT RETRACT. DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK
Crash · 1 injured · NHTSA ODI #844059SUSPENSION
REAR WHEEL BEARINGS REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. *YC
NHTSA ODI #547560+ 19 more complaints on record.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I find out who owns this vehicle from the VIN?
No — and no legitimate service can. Linking a VIN or plate to a named owner is restricted by the U.S. Driver's Privacy Protection Act, the EU GDPR and equivalent laws. CarLogs shows the vehicle only — specs, recalls, problems and value — never the person.
Is the VIN JF1GF4852TG811174 valid?
JF1GF4852TG811174 is a structurally valid 17-character VIN with a correct ISO 3779 check digit, assigned to a manufacturer in Japan. It decodes to the 1996 Subaru Impreza.
Does the 1996 Subaru Impreza have any open safety recalls?
Yes — 3 open NHTSA safety recalls are on record for the 1996 Subaru Impreza. Recall repairs are carried out free by any franchised dealer; see the recall details above.
What fuel economy does the 1996 Subaru Impreza get?
The U.S. EPA rates the 1996 Subaru Impreza at about 24 mpg combined (22 city / 29 highway).
Data last checked 20 Sep 2026 · Sources: NHTSA (recalls & complaints), U.S. EPA (fuel economy), NHTSA vPIC (specifications). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.