Parts for your 2016 Subaru Impreza-Power steering pump

2016 Subaru Impreza power‑steering pump: is there one?

Short answer: no, a traditional hydraulic power‑steering pump isn’t fitted to the 2016 Subaru Impreza. Subaru switched the Impreza (GP/GJ series, including 2016 build) to Electric Power Steering (EPS), which uses an electric motor and control module rather than a belt‑driven hydraulic pump and fluid. This is confirmed in Subaru’s 2016 Impreza Owner’s Manual (Steering section), the Subaru Service Manual for the GP/GJ platform (Steering > Electric Power Steering), and Subaru’s new‑model technical briefs for the 2012‑on Impreza that highlight the move to EPS for efficiency. Note: the 2016 WRX STI (a different model) retained a hydraulic system, but the regular Impreza did not.

Why no power‑steering pump on a 2016 Impreza? Because EPS does the assist job without hydraulic fluid, hoses or a pump. An electric motor provides steering assist based on road speed and steering input, all managed by the EPS control unit. That means there’s no power‑steering fluid to check, no belt driving a pump, and far fewer leak points.

• Better fuel economy and lower emissions by removing a belt‑driven pump load.
• Reduced weight and fewer service items (no fluid, lines, or pump).
• Smart, variable assist for lighter parking and firmer highway feel.
• Cleaner packaging and less chance of leaks or pump whine.

What should 2016 Impreza owners look after instead? While there’s no power‑steering pump service, the EPS does rely on a healthy electrical system. Regular servicing should include:

• Battery and charging‑system checks (low voltage can trigger the EPS light or heavy steering).
• Inspection of front suspension and steering wear items (tie‑rod ends, rack boots, column joints).
• Wheel alignment and steering angle sensor calibration after suspension/tyre work.
• Scanning for EPS fault codes if the steering warning lamp appears.
• Software updates where applicable, as noted in Subaru service bulletins.

1. If the steering feels heavier than usual, start with a battery test and charging‑system check.
2. Look for alignment issues or tyre irregularities that can mimic steering faults.
3. Have a workshop scan the EPS for codes and check the rack motor connections and fuses.

Shopping for a “power‑steering pump” for a 2016 Impreza will lead nowhere, because there isn’t one. If steering assistance has failed, the likely culprits are the EPS motor/rack assembly, wiring, sensors, or a voltage supply problem, rather than a missing hydraulic pump or fluid.

FAQs

Does the 2016 Subaru Impreza have a power‑steering fluid reservoir?
It doesn’t. The car uses electric power steering, so there’s no hydraulic fluid, reservoir, pump, or belt to service.

What maintenance does the 2016 Impreza’s electric power steering need?
No scheduled fluid changes. Keep the battery and alternator in top nick, inspect steering and suspension joints and rack boots, maintain proper wheel alignment, and scan for EPS fault codes if a warning light appears or the steering feels odd.

Why did Subaru move the Impreza to electric power steering?
Technical documentation from Subaru cites improved fuel economy, reduced weight, and tunable steering feel. EPS also removes common hydraulic failure points like pump seals and hoses.