How many problems does the 2002 SUBARU Impreza have?

The 2002 SUBARU Impreza currently has 300 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 2002 SUBARU Impreza?

The most common problems reported for the 2002 SUBARU Impreza are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 2002 SUBARU Impreza problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2002 SUBARU Impreza comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.

2002 SUBARU Impreza Problems

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

84 complaints

DURING COLD TEMPERATURES THERE IS A GAS LEAK. CAR IS AN IMPREZA OUTBACK SPORT. THERE IS A RECALL FOR WRX FOR THE SAME PROBLEM BUT NOT MY CAR. *TR

Jan 05, 2015

DURING COOL WEATHER CONDITIONS FROM COLD STARTUP THE ENGINE HAS HEAVY FUEL/GAS SMELL WHICH IS TRANSPORTED INTO THE VEHICLE CABIN CAUSING UNHEALTHY BREATHING CONDITIONS FOR ANY OCCUPANTS. CALLED SUBARU COOPERATE AND THE DEALER, THEY STATED THAT THERE IS A RECALL FOR A LEAKING FUEL RAIL BUT NOT ON OUR MODEL. AFTER MUCH INTERNET SEARCHING IT APPEARS THE RECALL SHOULD BE FOR ALL SUBARUS WITH THE SAME ENGINE AS THE PROBLEM IS ENGINE RELATED AND NOT MODEL RELATED. THE ORIGINAL RECALL SHOULD BE EXTENDED TO ALL SUBARUS WITH THE SAME ENGINE CONFIGURATION. THE COMPANY IS GETTING OFF EASY WITH A LIMITED RECALL OF LESS THAN 6000 VEHICLES NATION WIDE WHEN THERE ARE CLEARLY MANY MANY MORE OUT THERE. *TR

Nov 06, 2013

WHEN THE WEATHER IS MILDLY COLD, AND IT IS APPROXIMATELY 50 DEGREES OR LESS, AND THE VEHICLE SITS PARKED FOR AT LEAST 4-5 HOURS, TYPICALLY OVERNIGHT AND/OR IN A GARAGE, THERE IS A VERY STRONG SMELL OF FUEL WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED. THE SMELL DISSIPATES AFTER A FEW MINUTES AND WILL NOT RETURN UNLESS THE CAR SITS PARKED FOR AT LEAST 4-5 HOURS OVERNIGHT AND/OR IN A GARAGE. *KB

Dec 29, 2011

ODOR OF FUEL IN THE INTERIOR OF MY 2002 SUBARU WRX IMPREZA I CONTACT SUBARU AND ADVISED THEM OF THIS VIA THEIR 800 COMPLAINT NUMBER AND REFERRED TO CAMPAIGN 09V-468 AND NHTSA ACTION #EA09011. I WAS TOLD I COULD TAKE THE VEHICLE INTO MY LOCAL SUBARU DEALER AT MY OWN COSTS AND GET THE VEHICLE REPAIRED! I ADVISED THEM THAT THE CAMPAIGN STATES MY VEHICLE IS COVERED FOR ADDITIONAL 12 YEARS RE: THE PROBLEM AND IT FELL ON DEAF EARS. WHAT CAN I DO? *TR

Feb 04, 2011

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SUBARU IMPREZA RS. THE CONTACT NOTICED A VERY STRONG GASOLINE ODOR INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT EXAMINED BY A DEALER FOR THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT OVER TIME HE NOTICED THAT THE FAILURE ONLY RECURRED WHILE DRIVING IN VERY COLD WEATHER CONDITIONS. AN AUTHORIZED DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE CONTACTS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V468000. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 127,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Jul 06, 2010

+ 79 more complaints for this component

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

55 complaints

IT WAS RAINING. I WAS TURNING LEFT AT A LIGHT, SAW ANOTHER CAR COMING TOWARDS ME. I APPLIED BRAKES AND THERE WAS A HESITATION OF BRAKING POWER DUE TO THE ABS SYSTEM. THIS ALSO HAPPENS WHEN DRIVING IN LOW TRACTION CONDITIONS OR OVER BUMPS. I WENT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THAT THE SAME YEAR SIMILAR MODEL HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE ABS COMPUTER AND THAT THEY REPLACE THE ABS COMPUTERS FOR THAT ONE BUT THEY SAID THEY WOULDN'T FOR MY CAR. *TR

Dec 02, 2008

Crash: 1

2002 SUBARU IMPREZA SPORT - ABS "FIRES" DURING ROUTINE BRAKING LEADING TO INCREASE STOPPING DISTANCE. RETURNED CAR TO DEALER AND ADVISED THAT "REAR WHEEL BEARING WAS BAD" ... REFUSED REPAIR BECAUSE THERE WAS NO OTHER INDICATION OF BAD BEARING (NOISE, HEAT, SMELL, VIBRATION, RESISTANCE DURING FREE SPIN). TOOK CAR TO SECOND INDEPENDENT REPAIR CENTER. NO BAD BEARING FOUND. TURNED ROTORS BUT THIS DID NOT COMPLETELY SOLVE PROBLEM. ABS CONTINUES TO FIRE DURING ROUTINE BRAKING. *TR

Oct 27, 2008

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SUBARU IMPREZA. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP WHEN THE BRAKE WAS DEPRESSED, THIS CAUSED HIM TO CRASH INTO THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HIM. THE CONTACT WAS INJURED. THE POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. AS OF AUGUST 2, 2007, THE DEALER WAS INSPECTING THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 60,000.

Aug 02, 2007

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

ABS INTERMITTENTLY KICKS IN ON DRY, SMOOTH ROAD AT LOW SPEEDS, WITH LIGHT PEDAL PRESSURE. DEALER CHECKED AND SAID ALL IS NORMAL. PROBLEM IS NOT READILY REPRODUCIBLE, BUT VERY DISCONCERTING WHEN IT HAPPENS, CAUSING PROLONGED STOPPING DISTANCES. NONE OF MY OTHER VEHICLES WITH ABS EVER ACTS THIS WAY. *AK

Mar 10, 2004

WAS COMING TO A STOP SIGN AND THERE WAS A MAN HOLE COVER RECESSED INTO THE ROAD. HAD FOOT ON BRAKE, LIGHT PRESSURE TO COME TO THE STOP SIGN. WHEN THE WHEEL HIT THE MANHOLE COVER, I COULD FEEL ABS KICK IN (VIBRATION IN PEDAL) AND THE CAR LOST ALL BRAKING POWER MOMENTARILY. IF THERE HAD BEEN SOMEONE IN FRONT OF ME, I PROBABLY WOULD HAVE HIT THEM. *AK

Feb 13, 2004

+ 50 more complaints for this component

SUSPENSION

31 complaints

The contact owns a 2002 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while reversing, the vehicle felt as if there was a flat tire on the vehicle. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that the front driver's side tire was about to detach. Additionally, the driver’s side front lower control arm was fractured. Prior to the failure, the contact had driven over a railroad track and lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle had previously been serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V464000 (Suspension). The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

Dec 16, 2021

HELLO, I HOPE THIS MESSAGE FINDS YOU SAFE AND WELL. MY PROBLEM IS AS FOLLOWS: CONTROL ARM FAILURE EXACTLY AS DESCRIBED IN PREVIOUS RECALL FROM 2011 (LOWER CONTROL ARM BROKE AT HANGAR BRACKET; SAFETY RECALL: WVX34|NHTSA CAMPAIGN: 11V464000). I WAS NEVER PERSONALLY NOTIFIED OF THE RECALL, THE CATASTROPHIC FAILURE LEADING TO A NEAR ACCIDENT AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS IS WHAT ALERTED ME TO THE PROBLEM. I WAS DRIVING STRAIGHT, APPROXIMATELY 50MPH, WHEN THE HANGAR BROKE COMPROMISING THE STEERING AND CAUSING ME TO NEARLY CRASH. ACCORDING TO SUBARU OF AMERICA, THEY 'FIXED' THE PROBLEM WITH A RUST-PROOFING SPRAY, AND ARE DENYING ME ANY GOOD FAITH REPAIRS CITING THAT IT WAS ADDRESSED, DESPITE THE FACT THAT IT FAILED ANYWAYS AND SUBJECTED MYSELF AND OTHERS TO POTENTIAL SEVERE PERSONAL INJURY. AFTER MANY (NOT RETURNED) PHONE CALLS, THEY HAVE TOLD ME THEY WOULD LOOK AT IT (INCURRING 'ASSESSMENT FEES') AND THE WOMAN I SPOKE WITH TODAY FROM SUBARU OF AMERICA TOLD ME THEY WOULD OFFER MINIMAL IF ANY FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR THE ISSUE. ALL I WANT IS MY VEHICLE TO FUNCTION AS THE MANUFACTURER INTENDED, NOT FOR SOMEONE TO SLAP A BANDAID ON THE ISSUE, CALL IT 'FIXED' AND BASICALLY GIVE ME - A LOYAL CUSTOMER TO SUBARU - THE FINGER. THIS IS TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE FOR A COMPANY TO BEHAVE IN THIS MANNER, ESPECIALLY FOR A PROBLEM THAT WAS CLEARLY INCORRECTLY ADDRESSED TO BEGIN WITH. MY CAR HAS BEEN SITTING FOR ALMOST 2 WEEKS AND IS NOT DRIVEABLE. I AM INCURRING INTENSE PSYCHOLOGICAL AND FINANCIAL BURDEN FROM NOT BEING ABLE TO UTILIZE MY VEHICLE TO CARRY OUT TASKS THAT ARE REQUIRED OF ME AS A MEDICAL STUDENT. I HAVE INVESTED SIGNIFICANT TIME AND ENERGY INTO THIS, ONLY FOR SOA TO FEED ME THE SAME LINE OF BS THAT THEY'RE NOT AT FAULT AND THEY'VE 'FULFILLED THEIR OBLIGATION' FOR THIS RECALL. ATTACHED IS A PICTURE OF THE AFFECTED CONTROL ARM (FRONT PASSENGER).

Aug 05, 2020

SAFETY RECALL: WVX34 I HAD THIS WORK DONE AT A DEALERSHIP. THEY DID A PUNCH TEST.THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS PASSED ON JULY 9, 2019 AND WERE UNDERCOATED AT 192630 MILES. TODAY AUGUST 10, 2019 THE PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM BROKE WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH. I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY GET THE VEHICLE HOME AND TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY WERE UNABLE TO TELL ME IF THIS WOULD BE COVERED OR I WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR. I AM CONCERNED SUBARU'S ACTIONS REGARDING THIS ISSUE ARE INADEQUATE.

Aug 10, 2019

SUBARU IMPREZA OUTBACK SPORT 2002, PASSENGER LOWER CONTROL ARM HAD CORROSION BAD ENOUGH TO CAUSE COMPLETE SEPARATION AND FAILURE CAUSING LOSS OF VEHICLE STEERING CONTROL WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH. CONTACTED SUBARU OF AMERICA AND SUBARU DEALERSHIP, SUBARU WAS NOT WITHIN THE VIN NUMBERS SPECIFIED UNDER THE CURRENT RECALL TO REPAIR THIS IDENTICAL ISSUE OF CORROSION OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM. ALSO THE U FRAME BRACE WAS SO EXTREMELY CORRODED THAT IT CRUMBLED AND FELL APART SIMILAR TO THE CONTROL ARM CORROSION. OTHER DAMAGE DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE CONTROL ARM FAILURE INCLUDE, DAMAGE TO BODY AND FENDER WHEN TIRE WAS STUFFED BACKWARD INTO THE FENDER DURING THE FAILURE AT SPEED. DAMAGE TO TIRE, DAMAGE TO ANTI ROLL BAR END LINK, DAMAGE TO DRIVE AXLE AND DRIVE AXLE BOOTS AND DAMAGE TO SEAL AND HOUSING AT TRANSMISSION DIFFERENTIAL, DAMAGE TO LOWER BALL JOINT.

Mar 25, 2019

THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM BROKE INTO TWO PIECES CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THIS CAUSED THE RIGHT FROM TOF THE VEHICLE TO DROP DOWN, IT CAUSED THE TIRE TO CONTACT THE FENDER AT REAR OF WHEEL OPENING AND CAUSED THE FRONT WHEELS TO POINT IN TWO DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS. THE OCCURRED ON A CITY STREET (LUCKILY) WHILE BACKING AND TURNING AFTER EXITING A DRIVEWAY. THERE IS A RECALL, BUT IT ALLOWED SUBARU TO "INSPECT" THE CONTROL ARM BACK IN 2011 AND NOT REPLACE IT, WHICH ALLOWED IT'S FAILURE ANYWAY AND SO WAS INEFFECTIVE.

Mar 01, 2019

+ 26 more complaints for this component

POWER TRAIN

23 complaints

PUT MY CAR IN PARK AND IT STARTED ROLLING BACKWORDS.... SAME EXACT DAY IN WAS AT A STOP LIGHT ON A INCLINE AND MY CAR ROLLED BACKWORDS FASTER THEN IT SHOULD WHILE IN DRIVE. CAR HAS 101000 MILES

Dec 10, 2019

THE TRANSMISSION GEAR WON'T MOVE FROM PARK TO DRIVE. I CALLED TOWING. HE OPEN THE LITTLE COVER AND PUSH IT WITH A KNIFE. THEN, I WAS ABLE TO SHIFT. WAS THE PART DEFECTIVE? I HAD MY MECHANIC CHECK IT BUT I CAN'T RECALL IF HE FIX IT. I HAVE TO CHECK WITH HIM. NOW IT IS WORKING. I AM WONDERING IF OTHER SUBARU OWNERS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR

Dec 24, 2008

WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT TO SECOND GEAR. THE DRIVER TRIED NUMEROUS TIMES AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE DRIVER TRIED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO DO SO. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB

Jan 18, 2005

2002 SUBARU WRX - I TOOK THE CAR IN FOR 30,000 MILE SERVICE, CAR WAS RUNNING FINE, NO COMPLAINTS. WHEN I GOT THE CAR BACK, I NOTICED THAT IT WAS DIFFICULT TO DOWNSHIFT INTO FIRST GEAR, AND I WAS SOMETIMES MISSING THE SHIFT - GRINDING GEARS. I HAVE NEVER HAD A PROBLEM LIKE THIS IN ANY CAR BEFORE. THE PROBLEM IS MORE SEVERE AT HIGHER SPEEDS, AND IS GETTING PROGRESSIVELY WORSE OVER THE LAST 5000 MILES. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER TWICE, THE FIRST TIME THEY "COULDN'T SEE ANYTHING WRONG", THE SECOND TIME THEY NOTED THAT THE "SENCROS" WERE GOING BAD. I HAVE JUST RETURNED FROM THE DEALERSHIP AND TALKING TO THE SERVICE TECH, WHO CLAIMS THIS IS A PROBLEM HE SEES A LOT ON WRXS, AND THAT "THERE ISN'T ANYTHING I CAN DO ABOUT IT"!! THE DEALERSHIP HAS PROMISED TO "LOOK INTO WHAT WE CAN DO", BUT MEANWHILE THE CAR IS GETTING LESS AND LESS FUNCTIONAL. I AM DEEPLY CONCERNED THAT THE INTENTION OF THE DEALERSHIP IS TO STALL TILL THE WARRANTY RUNS OUT (I'M GETTING CLOSE) THEN TELL ME IT'S MY PROBLEM TO DEAL WITH. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE NOT BEING ABLE TO SHIFT INTO FIRST GEAR HAS THE POTENTIAL TO CAUSE A CHAIN REACTION PILE-UP, AS THERE ARE STOPLIGHTS HIGHWAYS ON HILLS NEAR WHERE I LIVE. AN INCIDENT OF STALLING DUE TO SHIFTING PROBLEMS COULD CAUSE FOLLOWING TRAFFIC TO BADLY MISJUDGE THE SPEED OF THE STALLING CAR IN SITUATIONS WHERE THE LIGHT HAS CHANGED AND THERE IS SLOW MOVING TRAFFIC FOLLOWED BY FASTER TRAFFIC (PREVIOUS LIGHT TURNS SOONER, LIGHTS NOT COORDINATED).*AK

Aug 31, 2004

I HAVE A 2002 SUBARU IMPREZA RS, THIS VEHICLE SEEMS TO BE LIKE LOTS OF OTHERS, THE VEHICLES SHUDDERS AND JERKS ALOT WHEN I'M PULLING OFF IN THE MORNING, EVENING, WHETHER ITS COLD OR HOT. I TOOK IT TO SHELORS WHICH WANTED TO TEAR IT APART AND CHARGE ME, WHEN THE CAR IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. THIS VEHICLE DOES THIS ATLEAST 3 TIMES A WEEK. THE CAR ONLY HAS 35588 MILES SO ACTUALLY ITS STILL UNDER THE NEW CAR WARRANTY. I HAVE A HARD TIME SOMETIMES GETTING THE CAR INTO REVERSE (MANUEL TRANS.) I HAVEN'T HAD ANY ACCIDEN'T AS OF THIS DATE SO, I'M PUTTING THE DATE THAT I'M FILLING THIS OUT INTO THE INCIDENT DATE BOX.*AK

May 16, 2004

+ 18 more complaints for this component

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

17 complaints

STRONG FUEL SMELL IN COLD WEATHER. *TR

Dec 16, 2009

HEAD GASKETS ON BOTH SIDES OF ENGINE LEAKING OIL AND COOLANT AT 20000 MILES AND 2.5 YRS OLD. OIL AND COOLANT LEAK TRANSFERS ON TIRES AND EXHAUST. THIS CAN CAUSE FIRE AND LOSS OF CONTROL. SUBARU ONLY ACKNOWLEDGES PROBLEM ON OTHER VIN ON IMPREZA (MY VEHICLE 2002 IMPREZA OUTBACK WAGON) AND FORESTER. EVEN THOUGH FORESTER USES THE IDENTICAL ENGINE AS IMPREZA. *TR

Oct 14, 2008

MY 2002 SUBARU IMPREZA OUTBACK SPORT WAS ALSO DIAGNOSED IN 4/08 WITH A LEAKING HEAD GASKET @ 81K BY THE DEALER WHEN I TOOK IT FOR A BRAKE SERVICE. I BOUGHT THE CAR NEW AND GAS MILEAGE HAS BEEN ONLY OK. IT HAS NEVER OVERHEATED, EVER, WHICH IS WHY I TOOK IT TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC RATHER THAN SPEND THE $3K THE DEALER WANTED. AN EXTERNAL LEAK WAS NOTED AND I'M KEEPING AN EYE ON IT. I'VE HEARD RUMORS OF PROBLEMS WITH LEAKING HEAD GASKETS ON THIS VEHICLE. WHY NOT COVERED OR MONITORED? *TR

Oct 13, 2008

JUST LEARNED THAT MY 2002 IMPREZA SPORT HAS A LEAKING HEAD GASKET WHEN THE CAR ONLY HAS 72,000 ON IT. THE CAR HAS NEVER GOTTEN OVER 23 MILES PER GALLON, EVEN WHEN IT IS HIGHWAY DRIVEN. THE CAR HAS HAD VERY VERY LITTLE MILEAGE ON IT SINCE IT WAS PURCHASED THREE YEARS AGO WITH 55,000 ON IT. NO MENTION OF ANY PROBLEMS DURING ITS 60,000 MILE MAINTENANCE. THIS CAME OUT OF THE BLUE. *TR

Oct 09, 2008

2002 SUBARU IMPREZA WITH A LEAKING HEAD GASKET. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE DEALER SAID THEY WOULD PAY FOR HALF OF THE COST OF THE REPAIRS. CONSUMER WAS THEN INFORMED THAT BOTH HEAD GASKETS WERE LEAKING. *KB THE CYLINDERS WERE LEAKING COOLANT. *JB

Mar 03, 2008

+ 12 more complaints for this component

VISIBILITY

14 complaints

I WAS DRIVING UP THE SNOW SIERRA NEVADAS AND MY WINDSHIELD WASHER DOESN'T WORK. NO VISIBILITY. I HAD IT FIX BEFORE BUT SOMETIMES IT DOESN'T WORK. I CRASH INTO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND HIT THE SNOW AN CHAIN LINK FENCE. I HAVE A BUMPER DAMAGE BUT IT IS NOT BIG. *TR

Dec 24, 2008

Crash: 1

SIDE VIEW MIRROR ATTACHMENT TO VEHICLE FAILED, MIRROR UNUSABLE. RESEARCHED TO FIND THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR. DEALER REFUSED TO REPLACE IT. ORDERED THE PART AND REPLACED IT MYSELF. *JB

Jan 13, 2006

I HAVE A CRACK THAT RUNS FROM THE TOP OF THE WINDSHIELD ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE IN A "C" OR "L" SHAPED PATTERN AROUND THE REAR VIEW MIRROR TOWARD THE DRIVER SIDE. CONSTANT WITH MANY WRX OWNERS. IT HAS GROWN FROM 4 INCHES TO AROUND 12. THE WINDSHIELD WAS NOT HIT BY ANY DEBRIS TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE. IF IT WAS THE DEBRIS WAS SMALL ENOUGH NOT TO NOTICE WHILE DRIVING, INDICATING THAT THE WINDSHIELD SHOULD HAVE WITH STOOD THIS IMPACT WITHOUT CRACKING. *PH *JB **DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT OVER TO ARTEMIS**770828

Jan 08, 2003

NO SUMMARY. DT

Nov 20, 2002

WINDSHIELD WAS CRACKED ON THE HIGHWAY WHILE DRIVING AT NORMAL SPEED. HEARD A TINY PEEBLE HIT THE WINDSHIELD AND LATER FOUND OUT THAT THE WINDSHIELD WAS CRACKED. DT

Oct 27, 2002

+ 9 more complaints for this component

STRUCTURE

10 complaints

AT OIL CHANGE, I WAS CALLED TO LOOK AT HOLE RUSTED INTO FRONT SUBFRAME--SHOCKING AND FRIGHTENING!!!

Jun 23, 2017

MY CAR HAS A SUB FRAME UNDER THE FRONT END. I HAVE READ THEORIES ABOUT WHY IT IS THERE BUT IT STILL SEEMS TO BE A QUESTION. I BELIEVE THE INFO ABOUT IT BEING AN ADDITIONAL SAFETY FEATURE FOR THE US MARKET. IT CAN BE REMOVED WITHOUT CHANGING ANYTHING ELSE. THEY RUST AND MINE IS A GROUP OF RUSTED FRAME LIKE MATERIAL READY TO FALL AND DAMAGE THE UNDERSIDE OF MY CAR AND ANY ONE BEHIND ME. IF THIS IS A SAFETY FEATURE IT SHOULD BE RECALLED AND REPLACED, IF IS NOT THEN THERE SHOULD BE AN ANSWER ABOUT WHY IT IS THERE AND IS IT NEEDED.

Feb 29, 2016

I TOOK MY 2002 SUBARU IMPREZA FOR ITS YEARLY NEW YORK STATE INSPECTION. AT THIS TIME WE WERE TOLD THE SUBFRAME IS RUSTED BEYOND REPAIR. AND IT IS UN SAFE TO EVEN DRIVE THE CAR. THE CAR IS OTHERWISE IN GREAT SHAPE. IT DOES HAVE 170,000 MILES BUT OTHER THAN THAT THE CAR HAS GIVEN US NO PROBLEMS. *TR

Jan 02, 2015

2002 IMPREZA WAS TAKEN TO TWO SUBARU DEALERSHIPS, BOTH OF WHICH FOUND THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS SERIOUSLY ROTTED, AS WAS THE LOWER SUPPORT FOR THE RADIATOR. BOTH CONDITIONS WERE DEEMED BY THE DEALERSHIPS TO MAKE THE CAR'S SAFETY TO DRIVE QUESTIONABLE. SUBARU OF AMERICA WAS CONTACTED BY THIS WRITER ABOUT THIS, AND ABOUT A FAILING HEAD GASKET WHICH WAS ALSO DISCOVERED BY THE TWO DEALERSHIPS AT ABOUT THE SAME TIME, AND A SUBARU CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE REPLIED THAT THEY COULD DO NOTHING ABOUT THE SITUATION DUE TO THE CAR'S AGE. *TR

Jan 01, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR AN UNRELATED REPAIR WHEN THEY WERE ADVISED THAT THE SUB FRAME EXHIBITED SEVERE CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000.

Aug 23, 2013

+ 5 more complaints for this component

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

6 complaints

STRONG SMELL OF FUEL UPON START-UP WHEN IN SUB-FREEZING CONDITIONS. IT HAS OCCURRED TWICE IN 2019, WHICH ARE THE ONLY RECENT TIMES IT HAS BEEN EXPOSED TO THOSE CONDITIONS. THE FIRST OCCURRENCE WAS IN FEBRUARY, 2019. THE SECOND WAS IN NOVEMBER, 2019. RECALL 09V468000 APPLIES TO MY MODEL VEHICLE, BUT ONLY IN CERTAIN STATES. THE RECALL, THEREFORE, DOES NOT APPLY TO MY VIN, ALTHOUGH THE DESCRIPTION OF THE RECALL NOTICE APPEARS TO MATCH THE SYMPTOMS OF MY CAR. AFTER SPEAKING WITH SUBARU, THEY INDICATED THEY ARE NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT BECAUSE MY VIN IS NOT COVERED IN THE RECALL.

Dec 10, 2019

IN COLD TEMPERATURES THE FUEL LEAKS FROM RUBBER FUEL LINES ONTO THE FUEL RAIL AND MANIFOLD RESULTING IN A VERY STRONG FUEL ODOR COMING INTO THE VEHICLES CABIN. WHEN AT A STOP WITH THE VEHICLE IDILING THE SMELL IS OVERWHELMING. NOT NEARLY AS BAD WHILE DRIVING.

Feb 11, 2019

VERY STRONG SMELL OF RAW GASOLINE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND CABIN THAT WOULD BE CONSISTENT WITH SPILLED FUEL BUT THERE WASN'T ANY SPILLED IN EITHER LOCATION. THE SMELL IS STRONGEST WHILE DRIVING WITH HEAT OR A/C ON TO THE POINT THAT WINDOWS HAD TO BE OPENED BECAUSE THE FUMES WERE IRRITATING THE EYES. AFTER SPEAKING WITH A MECHANIC, WAS TOLD THAT A COMMON PROBLEM IS THE RUBBER FUEL LINES THAT RUN ALONG THE TOP OF THE ENGINE DRY ROT AND BREAK CAUSING RAW GASOLINE TO SPILL ONTO THE HOT ENGINE AND TURBOCHARGER POTENTIALLY CAUSING A FIRE. THIS HAS BEEN AN ISSUE THE ENTIRE TIME I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE.

Jul 13, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EMITTED AN ABNORMAL FUEL ODOR WITHOUT WARNING. SUBARU OF WINCHESTER (3019 VALLEY AVE, WINCHESTER, VA) DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL LINE WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT A MANAGER WOULD CALL THE CONTACT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 151,000.

May 24, 2018

FOR THE LAST 5 YEARS NOW, WHEN THE CAR IS COLD, SITTING IN THE GARAGE, THEN YOU START IT UP AND YOUR VENTS ARE OPEN TO THE OUTSIDE AIR, THE INTERIOR SMELLS OF GASOLINE. I LIVE IN HAWAII AND THE RECALL DOES NOT COVER OUR STATE. THE ONLY WAY TO NOT LET THE SMELL IN THE INSIDE COMPARTMENT IS TO CLOSE THE VENTS.

May 14, 2017

+ 1 more complaint for this component

SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE

6 complaints

THE 2002 SUBARU IMPREZA IS SUBJECT TO A RECALL ON ITS CONTROL ARMS (NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V464000). OUR CAR'S PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM CORRODED TO THE POINT OF FAILURE ABOUT 1.5 YEARS AGO. NOW WE HAVE DISCOVERED THE SAME LEVEL OF CORROSION ON A NEARBY PART, ALSO ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. WE DISCOVERED THAT THE ENGINE CRADLE (AKA K-FRAME, AKA FRONT CROSSMEMBER) IS SHOWING SEVERE CORROSION, SIMILAR TO THAT SHOWN BY THE CONTROL ARM THAT PREVIOUSLY CORRODED THROUGH AND BROKE ON OUR CAR. OUR UNDERSTANDING IS THAT IT IS HARD TO PREDICT WHAT WOULD HAPPEN SHOULD THIS PART FAIL, BUT WOULD POSE A SIGNIFICANT DANGER PARTICULARLY IF IT HAPPENED AT HIGH SPEED. THE SIMILARITY BETWEEN THE CORROSION OF OUR CONTROL ARMS AND NOW OUR ENGINE CRADLE EXCEEDS THAT OF NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. THIS WAS THE REASON THAT THE CONTROL ARMS WERE PREVIOUSLY RECALLED. *TR

Dec 27, 2013

WHEN I TOOK OUT THE UNDERNEATH PLASTIC COVER BELOW THE ENGINE FOR CLEANING PURPOSES, I SAW SEVERE RUST ON THE" SUB-FRAME" WHERE BOTH LOWER ARMS ARE ATTACH TO IT.I WENT TO THE SUBARU DEALER FOR INSPECTION ON NOV. 9, 2013. THEY TOLD ME THAT, IT IS NOT IN THE RECALL LIST, SO I WILL NEED TO PAY FOR THE COSTLY REPAIRS .WHEN I ASK ONE OF THE ASSOCIATES IF IT SAFE TO DRIVE,HE SAID NO, IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE AND ALSO IF COLLISION OCCURS. THEY SCHEDULED MY CAR FOR FREE ESTIMATES ON NOV.11,2013. NO ACCIDENT THIS TIME.I JUST WANT TO DRIVE MY CAR SAFE.PLEASE HELP ME,THANKS *TR

Nov 09, 2013

WHILE PULLING INTO MY DRIVEWAY AT ABOUT 3-5 MPH IN AUGUST 2011, THE RIGHT FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM BROKE DUE TO CORROSION. WHEN THIS HAPPENED IT BROKE THE SWAY BAR LINKS THAT CONNECT TO THE CONTROL ARM. THE MECHANIC THAT SPECIALIZES IN SUBARUS IN MY AREA FOUND THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS ALSO ROTTED OUT DUE TO CORROSION (THE CONTROL ARMS BOLT TO THE SUB FRAME). HE REPLACED THE SUB FRAME, BOTH LEFT & RIGHT LOWER CONTROL ARMS, AND BOTH LEFT & RIGHT SWAY BAR LINKS IN ORDER TO GET BACK TO A ROAD SAFE VEHICLE. IN NOVEMBER 2011 I WAS NOTIFIED BY SUBARU THAT THERE WAS A RECALL CAMPAIGN WVX-34 , NHTSA RECALL NO.11V-464 FOR THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS. I SUBMITTED ALL NECESSARY INFORMATION UNDER PARAGRAGH TITLED "IF YOU HAVE PREVIOUSLY PAID FOR A REPAIR" AND NEVER HEARD FROM SUBARU (THEY SAID "IT MAY TAKE UP TO 60 DAYS"). AFTER 90+ DAYS I EMAILED THEM ONLY TO FIND OUT ON FEB 21, 2012, "I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO REVIEW YOUR CLAIM AND UNFORTUNATELY, IT APPEARS THAT YOUR REQUEST FOR REIMBURSEMENT WAS DENIED BASED ON THE FACT THAT THE PART THAT WAS REPLACED IS NOT AN AFFECTED COMPONENT OF THIS RECALL ." I RESPONDED, " PLEASE REVIEW THE REPAIR ORDER AGAIN. BOTH LOWER CONTROL ARMS WERE REPLACED ( THE RIGHT ACTUALLY BROKE AND THE LEFT WAS RUSTED THROUGH) THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT THE RECALL IS ABOUT. IT WAS FURTHER FOUND THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS ALSO ROTTED THROUGH. THE CONTROL ARMS BOLT TO THE SUB FRAME, SO JUST REPLACING THE CONTROL ARMS WOULD NOT HAVE MADE THE VEHICLE ROAD WORTHY." I RECEIVED A CHECK FOR $723 WITH NO EXPLANATION WHAT WAS BEING COVERED (IT COST ME $1449.36 FOR REPAIRS). I CALLED SUBARU AND WAS TOLD THAT COVERED BOTH LOWER CONTROL ARMS AND $100 TOWING. I AGAIN ASKED FOR THE CLAIM TO BE REVIEWED AND THEY SAID THEY WOULD NOW PAY FOR THE LINKS BUT NOT THE SUB FRAME. YOU CAN'T SAFELY BOLT NEW CONTROL ARMS TO A ROTTEN SUBFRAME. SUBARU NEEDS TO INSPECT AND REPAIR THIS ALSO AND PAY!!! *TR

Mar 07, 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SUBARU IMPREZA TS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR UNRELATED MAINTENANCE WHEN THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE ENTIRE SUB FRAME WAS CORRODED AND REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE OF $712.18. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 196,863. UPDATED 02/13/12 *BF UPDATED 04/26/12

Jan 30, 2012

EXTREME CORROSION OF FRONT SUB-FRAME. FAST ONSET. NO SIGN OF ISSUE AND THEN APPROX. LESS THAN 1 YEAR LATER TOTAL PENETRATING CORROSION WAS VISIBLE IN AN AREA OF IT. WAS NOTICED DURING COMPLETION OF AN EXISTING SAFETY RECALL DUE TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION AND FAILURE OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS. CAN PROVIDE DIGITAL PHOTOS OF THE ISSUE UPON REQUEST. *TR

Dec 28, 2011

+ 1 more complaint for this component

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

6 complaints

THE ACCELERATOR ON 2002 SUBARU IMPREZA BECAME STUCK IN THE OPEN POSITION. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THAT THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM WAS A PART OF THE AIR CLEANER FILTER HAD FALLEN INTO THE CARBURETOR. *MR *NM

Mar 29, 2005

VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHILE IN REVERSE. *MR THE CONSUMER WAS BACKING OUT SLOWLY OUT OF A LEVEL PARKING LOT WITH HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE AS THE VEHICLE COASTED. THE IGNITION HAD TO BE TURNED OFF TO STOP THE VEHICLE. *SCC *JB

Nov 04, 2003

AFTER THE FIRST OIL CHANGE NOTICED A HESITATION PROBLEM WHEN ACELLERATING FORM A STOP AND A ROUGH IDLE. THIS HAPPENS AFTER THE ENGINE IS WARMED UP. REPORTED THE PROBLEM TO THE DEALER THEY SAID THEY DID NOT KNOW HOW TO FIX IT. CONTACTED SUBARU DIRECTLY AND THEY DENIED ANY KNOWLEDGE OF THIS PROBLEM. FOUND OUT FORM OTHER PEOPLE THAT THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM. IT IS NOT GETTING ANY BETTER AND AM WORRIED WHEN I TAKE OFF SOME TIME THAT IF THE ENGINES STALLS OUT LIKE THIS I COULD GET REAR ENDED.*AK

Aug 24, 2002

WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PLACED IN EITHER DRIVE OR REVERSE IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATES. THE BRAKES HAVE TO BE PRESSED TO REGAIN SOME CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. *MJ

Aug 08, 2002

THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME SLOWED DOWN SO I TRIED TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL LEVER. MY GOAL WAS TO SLOW THE CAR DOWN HOWEVER IT WAS NOT WORKING FAST ENOUGH SO I PUSHED ON THE BRAKES. I WAS UNABLE TO PUSH ON THE BRAKE BECAUSE IT FELT LIKE A CEMENT BLOCK. MY CRUISE CONTROL DID NOT DISENGAGE FORCING ME TO PULL OVER ONTO THE SHOULDER WHERE I WAS STILL UNABLE TO COME TO AN IMMEDIATE STOP. FINALLY I PUSHED IN THE CLUTCH WHICH HELPED TO SLOW THE CAR DOWN BUT THE BRAKES STILL FELT VERY STIFF. I BELIEVE THIS WAS A PROBLEM THAT WAS CREATED DUE TO MY USING THE CRUISE CONROL. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO OUR MECHANIC WHO COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT. I BELIEVE, HOWEVER, THAT A TEMPORARY MALFUNCTION OCCURED THAT CAUSED THE CRUISE CONTROL TO FAIL TO DISENGAGE.*AK

Jul 31, 2002

+ 1 more complaint for this component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

5 complaints

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HORN WOULD SOUND INADVERTENTLY WITHOUT BEING ACTIVATED BY THE DRIVER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AT FIRST THE HORN WOULD SOUND ONCE HOWEVER, RECENTLY THE FAILURE WAS MORE FREQUENT AND FOR A LONGER PERIOD OF TIME. THE CONTACT HAD NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 154,973. *BF

Nov 19, 2020

I HAD A REPLACE MY BATTERY. MY BATTERY IS NEW AND MY CAR WON'T START WITHOUT JUMP STARTING IT. IT IS A NEW BATTERY. I BROUGHT TO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY SAID THERE WAS A LOOSE CONNECTION. THEY CONNECTED THE WIRES. I WAS CHARGED FOR DIAGNOSTIC. *TR

Dec 24, 2008

CAR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON GOING DOWNHILL IN 3RD GEAR, CAR THEN SHUTS DOWN AND I LOSES CONTROL OF CAR. OCCURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS OVER THE LAST 10 MONTHS AND 20,000 MILES OR SO. TAKEN TO 2 DIFFERENT DEALERS , FOR A TOTAL OF 5 VISITS AND PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BY REGISTERED MAIL AND HAS DONE NOTHING TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. I AM GETTING THE RUN AROUND FROM THE MANUFACTURER AND BOTH DEALERS, THEY ARE IGNORING A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION.*AK

Apr 29, 2005

CONSUMER TURNS THE IGNITION ON AND VEHICLE ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF FOR ABOUT 10 TO 15 MINUTES AND TURNED BACK ON THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. *AK

Apr 06, 2005

WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH CONSUMER SMELLED GAS FUMES, THEN SMOKE STARTED TO COME OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. CONSUMER CONTINUED TO DRIVE. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT SEE A PROBLEM. *AK

Feb 02, 2005

Fire: 1

STEERING,SUSPENSION

4 complaints

The passenger side lower control arm was rusting out without my knowledge and while driving, a part of it broke in half which caused my front passenger side while to turn the wrong way and ripped apart the CV Axle causing me to swerve to the left and promptly stopping the vehicle causing cars behind me to swerve out of the way. Thankfully, I was in the far left lane which avoided me smashing into another car. After research, I found a recall that included my car's make, model, year, and VIN range but was not applied to my car due to it not being registered in a "salt state". Had this car been treated in the first place like other same model cars were, it would not have had this issue. The car was purchased and has been in the Northern Virginia area for its whole life. Virginia is not a salt state, however, this car has been in and out of WV, MD, PA & DC which are all salt states. This car was originally purchased in Alexandria, VA which borders Washington DC. The NHTSA Campaign Number is: 11V464000 (SUBARU’S SAFETY RECALL NUMBER WVX-34). I reached out to Subaru Dealerships in my area which helped me open a case with Subaru of America. My case representative said that Subaru of America is not authorized to add vehicles to a recall and that only the NHTSA can do that. I emailed the NHTSA who then recommended that I submit a formal complaint with the NHTSA.

Jun 08, 2021

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID 11V464000 (SUBARU SAFETY RECALL WVX-34) COVERS 2002-2007 IMPREZAS, AS WELL AS OTHER MODELS. THE SAFETY RECALL COVERS CARS REGISTERED IN 20 RUST BELT STATES. MY VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN REGISTERED IN THOSE STATES, SO IT IS TECHNICALLY NOT COVERED, BUT IT IS DRIVEN THERE REGULARLY SINCE WE LIVE ONLY A FEW MILES AWAY. SUBARU OF AMERICA DID NOT TREAT OR REPLACE MY LOWER CONTROL ARM SINCE IT TECHNICALLY DIDN'T MEET THE RECALL CRITERIA. THE CONTROL ARM BROKE DUE TO RUST WHILE DRIVING - CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WAS LUCKILY MAINTAINED AT TIME OF FAILURE. THE SAFETY RECALL STATES "THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM MAY BREAK AT THE HANGER BRACKETS DUE TO CORROSION", WHICH IT DID. THE SAFETY COMPLAINT HERE IS THAT SURROUNDING STATES FOR SAFETY RECALLS THAT COVER SPECIFIC STATES. VEHICLES, WEATHER AND ROAD TREATMENTS DO NOT STOP AT STATES BORDERS. THE VEHICLE WAS EXPOSED TO THE SAME ROAD TREATMENTS AS VEHICLES IN THE NEIGHBORING STATES AND FAILED, AS PREDICTED BY SUBARU.

Feb 18, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SUBARU IMPREZA. WHILE REVERSING FROM A PARKING SPACE, A POPPING SOUND EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARMS FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V464000 (SUSPENSION). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,466.

Feb 07, 2017

SEE PREVIOUS COMPLAINT W/SAME VEHICLE----FAILURE OF RIGHT SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM ON 1-14-2011 AT ODO 49093. THIS CURRENT COMPLAINT IS FAILURE OF LEFT SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM ON 8-28-11. 2002 SUBARU IMPREZA 2.5TS WAGON WITH 51764 MILES. ALWAYS BEST OF PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE. DRIVING SLOWLY ON CITY STREET. CLUNKING SOUND FROM LEFT FRONT, DIFFICULTY STEERING. RECOGNIZED PROBLEM FROM PREVIOUS FAILURE OF RIGHT SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM. RETURNED TO MY DRIVEWAY (LESS THAN A MILE) AND CALLED WRECKER. REPAIR COST: $458.95. CONTACTED SUBARU CUSTOMER/DEALER SERVICES----NO ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS OR PREVIOUS FAILURE. "OUT OF WARRANTY, YOU LIVE IN A SNOW/SALT AREA, ETC". *TR

Oct 02, 2011

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER

3 complaints

RECALL NOTICE 09V468000 FOR 2002 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX. *NJ THE CONSUMER STATED HE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM WITH HIS VEHICLE AS STATED IN THE RECALL HE RECEIVED. AS A RESULT, HE PAID FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE FUEL LINE AND HOSE. THE CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT. *JB

Jan 06, 2010

MY 2002 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX HAS A RAW FUEL/GASOLINE SMELL IN THE CABIN WHEN THE VENTS ARE ON OUTSIDE AIR. IT IS MOST NOTICABLE AT STARTUP, OR WHEN THE CAR IS STATIONARY, BUT RUNNING. I'VE HAD THE PROBLEM SINCE MY FIRST WINTER IN THE AUTOMOBILE (WINTER '01-'02) AND I HAVE BEEN CONSISTANTLY REASSURED (BY 2 DEALERS) THAT IT'S "COMPLETELY NORMAL" TO HAVE THE FUEL SMELL, AND TO KEEP MY VENTS ON RECIRCULATE UNTIL THE CAR IS WARM. I BELIEVE THERE IS A TSB ISSUED BY SOA, HOWEVER I AM OUT OF WARRANTY, AND MANY DEALERS WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THE TSB. THE FUEL SMELL IS STRONG ENOUGH TO CAUSE A HEADACHE, AND CERTAINLY SMELLS STRONG ENOUGH TO BE HAZARDOUS IN THE BAY OF AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE. THE SMELL ALSO SEEMS DANGEROUSLY CLOSE TO THE TURBO/EXHAUST MANIFOLD SIDE OF THE ENGINE BAY, WHICH IS OBVIOUSLY VERY HOT.

Jan 30, 2004

FUEL SMELL INSIDE CAR DURING COLD WHETHER. *AK

Jan 11, 2004

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR

3 complaints

IN JANUARY,2005 I PURCHASED A USED 2002 SUBURA WRX IMPREZA FROM A PRIVATE OWNER. THE PREVIOUS OWNER GAVE ME ALL RECEIPTS OF ALL REPAIRS DONE TO THE CAR.ON THE RECEIPT IT SHOWS THAT HE COMPLAINED TO THE CAR DEALER CALLED RAFFERTY SUBURA IN P.A. OF SCREECHING NOISE FRO THE FRONT BRAKES. THE DEALER REPLACE THE PADS AND LUBRICATED THE BRAKES. THAT WAS AT 36K MILES. THE CAR NOW HAS 38K MILES AND I HAVE THE SAME SCREECHING NOISE IN THE FRONT BRAKES. I BROUGHT IT TO MY MECHANIC AND HE HAD TO REPLACE THE BRAKES PADS. THE SCREECHING NOISE STILL EXISTS. I LOOK UP ON THE WEB FOR ANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ABOUT SUBURA AND THEIR BRAKES. I FOUND TONS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM. WWW.CARSMART.COM/CONTENT/RESEARCH/FORUMS/INDEX.CFM/ACTION/POSTS/FID/1959 SOME OF THE COMPLAINTS WRERE REGISTER WITH NHTSA. I NEED TO KNOW WHAT IS BEING DONE ABOUT THIS. SEVERAL OF THE COMPLAINTS PEOPLE HAVE GOTTEN INTO ACCIDENTS.

Jun 15, 2005

MY ANTILOCK BRAKES GO OFF WHEN I AM BRAKING (AT ANY SPEED) OVER A BUMPY ROAD. WORSE, AT TIMES WHEN I HAVE ENOUGH FORWARD MOMENTUM GOING, WHEN THE ABS GOES OFF, THE PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR AND I LOSE ALL BRAKING ABILITY. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED I WAS GOING MAYBE 20 MPH ON A BUSY (STRIP MALL) ROAD, AND ALMOST REAR ENDED THE WOMAN WHO'D BRAKED IN FRONT OF ME TO LET SOMEONE TURN. I HAD TO LET GO OF THE PEDAL COMPLETELY AND RE-HIT THE BRAKES AND PUMP THEM TO GET IT TO STOP, AND I NARROWLY MISSED HER. NOW, I HAVE TO PUMP THE BRAKES WHEN I MUST STOP SHORT (SINCE THE ROADS THESE DAYS ARE WAVY FROM WHATEVER ASPHALT THEY'RE USING, IT'S RARE TO FIND A FLAT ONE). I DON'T BOTHER STOPPING AT YELLOW LIGHTS ANYMORE UNLESS I'M DECELERATING, AND I HAVE TO DRIVE VERY CAREFULLY ON BUMPY ROADS SINCE I KNOW I WON'T BE ABLE TO STOP. IT'S NOT A GOOD THING. I WAS NOT AWARE THAT I COULD MAKE A COMPLAINT UNTIL I READ SIMILAR STORIES IN A FORUM, SO NOW I AM DOING IT. I CAN REPLICATE THE ABS GOING OFF OVER BUMPS AT VERY LOW SPEEDS, FAITHFULLY, BY MY HOUSE. THE PEDAL THING DOESN'T HAPPEN THERE, BECAUSE I'M NOT GOING FAST ENOUGH, BUT THE ABS GOES OFF EVEN WHEN I'M GOING 5 MPH. I DRIVE A 2001 SUBARU WRX. THANKS, KATIE (THE DATE IS APPROXIMATE)

Sep 15, 2003

2002 WRX SUDAN HAD BRAKING POWER REDUCED DUE TO ABS.*AK

Jul 16, 2003

SEATS

2 complaints

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SUBARU IMPREZA. AFTER ADJUSTING THE REAR OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT, THE BACK OF THE SEAT SUDDENLY RELEASED AND CAUSED THE OCCUPANT TO FALL BACKWARDS WHILE IN THE SEAT. DURING THE INCIDENT, THE OCCUPANT SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS RECEIVED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.

Nov 23, 2015

Injuries: 1

THE SEAT TRACK FAILED DUE TO METAL FATIGUE. THIS RESULTED IN THE DRIVERS SEAT COMING LOSE. ALL BOLTS REMAINED TIGHT, WAS NOT A FASTENER FAILURE, RATHER A METAL FATIGUE ISSUE WITH THE SEAT TRACK. WAS NOT CAUSED BY CORROSION. I AM RETAINING THE FAILED SEAT TRACK. *TR

Jan 11, 2013

STEERING,SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE

2 complaints

TOOK MY CAR IN FOR TIRES AND ALONG WITH BAD WHEEL BEARING, I WAS TOLD BY THE MECHANIC THAT THE FRONT SUBFRAME WAS ALMOST ROTTED OUT. AS I LIVE IN A COLD SNOWY AREA AND I OFTEN DRIVE MY GRANDCHILDREN AROUND IN THIS VEHICLE, I'D LIKE TO KNOW WHAT IS BEING DONE ABOUT THIS? I SEE THAT THERE ARE OTHER OWNERS OF THE SAME MODEL, YEAR, MAKE THAT HAVE SIMILAR COMPLAINT. I AM ALSO VERY UPSET THAT I WAS SOLD THIS CAR IN 01/12 AND WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FRONT CONTROL ARM RECALL. 5 MONTHS AFTER I BOUGHT THIS CAR, I HAD TO HAVE THIS REPLACED. IT WAS IN THE SHOP FOR 2 DAYS, THE PARTS HAD TO BE ORDERED FROM A SUBARU DEALER, WHY WAS I NOT INFORMED OF THIS PROBLEM AT THAT TIME EITHER? *TR

Jan 09, 2015

2.5 TS WITH 49,093 MILES. WAGON WAS ALWAYS GIVEN BEST OF PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE. DRIVING SLOWLY ON CITY STREET. CLUNKING SOUND FROM RIGHT FRONT WHEEL AREA. SOME DIFFICULTY WITH BRAKING AND STEERING. ASSUMED IT WAS ICE BUILDUP ON BRAKES/SUSPENSION. AFTER ABOUT 10 MINUTES INCREASED SPEED ON COUNTRY ROAD AND BECAME MUCH WORSE, ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF STEERING BUT GOT OFF THE ROAD SAFELY. LOWER CONTROL ARM HAD BROKEN AND CAUSED RUST-RIDDLED FRONT SUBFRAME TO COLLAPSE. REPLACED LOWER CONTROL ARM, FRONT STABILIZER LINK AND FRONT SUBFRAME. $1218.02. *TR

Feb 02, 2011

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

2 complaints

2002 SUBARU IMPREZA RECALL NOTICE. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE HATCH STRUT BROKE AND RIPPED OUT WHEN SHE WAS JUST LIFTING THE TAILGATE. CAUSING THE TAILGATE TO LAND ON HER HEAD WHICH RESULTED IN A MILD CONCUSSION. *NJ THE CONSUMER STATED A RECALL HAD BEEN ISSUED FOR THE DEFECT. RECALL # 08V135000. *JB

Jun 24, 2008

Injuries: 1

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V135000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE. AFTERWARDS, WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO USE THE REAR LIFTGATE, ONE OF THE LIFTGATE STRUTS SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE LIFTGATE STRUCK THE CONTACT'S HEAD AND CAUSED A KNOT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED, BUT THE CONTACT HAS YET TO RECEIVE A RESPONSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000.

Jun 23, 2008

Injuries: 1

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

A CHILD OWNS THIS VEHICLE

Aug 26, 2022

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

I WAS DENIED THE FUEL LINE RECALL DUE TO I LIVE IN OHIO AND OHIO IS NOT ON THE LIST OF "COLD STATES." I AM FORCED TO BREATH GASOLINE FUMES AND MY ENGINE SMOKES BURNING OFF THOSE GASOLINE FUMES. JUST WAITING FOR THE CAR TO BLOW UP. THANK YOU, SUBARU *TR

May 22, 2017

ENGINE

1 complaint

FUEL LINES ABOVE THE ENGINE ON BOTH SIDES LEAK FUEL WHILE THE ENGINE IS RUNNING. THE LEAK OCCURS WHEN THE GAS PEDAL IS DEPRESSED IF THE TEMP IS LOWER THAN 32 DEGREES. AT THE POINT WHERE THE RUBBER FUEL LINE MEETS THE METAL FUEL LINES YOU CAN SEE GAS SPRAY ACROSS THE ENGINE BLOCK AND WILL POOL UP. TIGHTENING THE CLAMPS DOES NOT HELP. THIS HAS HAPPENED EVERY WINTER SINCE 2007.

Feb 11, 2017

POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE,ENGINE

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SUBARU IMPREZA. WHEN THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS A BURNING OIL ODOR. WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO EMIT A LOUD VIBRATING NOISE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE EXHAUST FROM THE CONVECTOR REAR MUFFLER, GASKET BOLT, AND DRY BELT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, THE FRONT SUBFRAME WAS ROTTED AND THE HEAD GASKETS WERE FRACTURED, WHICH CAUSED AN OIL LEAK. ALL THE PARTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.

Jan 30, 2017

SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

2002 SUBARU WITH ROTTED SUB FRAME WITH ONLY 129,000 MILES. UNSAFE TO DRIVE.

Dec 30, 2016

SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

I BROUGHT MY SUBARU IMPREZA 2001 WAGON IN FOR OIL CHANGE INTO MY SUBARU SERVICE ON 11/4/2016. I WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT SUBFRAME WAS RUSTY AND THEY COULD STICK A SCREW DRIVER THROUGH A HOLE. I WAS ABLE TO LEAVE WITH THE CAR BUT THEY WERE CONCERNED FOR THE FUTURE AND RECOMMENDED REPAIRING IF WE ARE KEEPING THE CAR. I HAVE ALREADY HAD THE CONTROL ARM REPLACED BEFORE THE CONTROL ARM RECALL ON THIS MODEL DUE TO EXCESSIVE RUST; LUCKILY IT BROKE IN A PARKING LOT AND NOT AT HIGH SPEED. THIS IS LOGICALLY THE SAME ISSUE WHERE THE FRONT SUBFRAME PART DID NOT GET TREATED WELL ENOUGH JUST LIKE THE CONTROL ARM THAT CAUSED THE RECALL. PLEASE MAKE SUBARU COVER THIS AS A RECALL. I WOULD LIKE TO KEEP THIS CAR FOR MORE YEARS TO COME, BUT THE COST OF THE SUBFRAME PART, THAT SHOULD NOT BE THIS RUSTED OUT, IS AS MUCH AS THE BLUE BOOK VALUE OF THE CAR. PLUS I SEARCHED UP "SUBFRAME" HERE ON THE SITE FOR SUBARUS FROM 2000 THROUGH 2005 AND FOUND 31 COMPLAINTS; AND THAT IS OBVIOUSLY PEOPLE THAT TOOK THE TIME TO COME TO THIS SITE. HOW MANY COMPLAINTS DOES IT TAKE TO HOLD A CAR COMPANY ACCOUNTABLE FOR A DEFECT THAT IS CLEARLY THE SAME ISSUE AS ANOTHER PART THAT HAS ALREADY BEEN RECALLED?

Nov 07, 2016

SUSPENSION,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 15 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM SUDDENLY FAILED CAUSING THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE TO LOWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM HAD FRACTURED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V464000 (SUSPENSION) BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE CONTACT ALSO INDICATED THAT THERE WAS A FUEL ODOR PRESENT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OF REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000.

Feb 18, 2016

STEERING,SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

VEHICLE HAD RECALL CAMPAIGN FOR RUST ON FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS PERFORMED (AMONG THE FIRST CARS FIXED IN THE CAMPAIGN), AND THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS AND LOWER SUBFRAME ARE BADLY RUSTED, RENDERING THE CAR UNSAFE. SUBARU DEALER RECOMMENDED CONTACTING SUBARU OF AMERICA (SOA) AND SOA DECLINED TO HELP AT ALL. THIS IS A FAILED RECALL REPAIR, SINCE THE PROBLEM IS EXACTLY WHAT IT WAS RECALLED FOR.

Dec 23, 2015

SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

THIN ICE AND SNOW ON ROAD, APPROACHING RED LIGHT AT 28MPH DOWNSHIFTED TO 2ND, SLOWED TO 17MPH, DOWNSHIFTED TO 1ST, SLOW TO 9, LIGHTLY APPLIED BRAKES WITH 4 CAR LENGTHS TO GO, LEFT FRONT MOMENTARILY LOCKED TRIGGERING ANTI-LOCK SYSTEM WHICH PUSHED THE PEDAL UP BUT FAILED TO DO ANYTHING ELSE, WITH ABSOLUTELY NO REDUCTION IN SPEED I STEERED INTO THE SNOWBANK AND STOPPED BESIDE THE VEHICLE AT THE LIGHT AFTER BRUSHING THE BUMPER. FUSE 8 HAS BEEN PULLED TO PREVENT A REPEAT OF THIS INCIDENT.

Jul 02, 2015

Crash: 1

SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,STRUCTURE

1 complaint

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WATER PENETRATED THE RADIATOR CAUSING IT TO FAIL. THE FRONT SUBFRAME, FRONT DRIVER LOWER CONTROL ARM, BUSHINGS, AND BALL JOINT WERE ALL CORRODED DUE TO THE WATER DAMAGE. THE CONTROL ARM BROKE IN MULTIPLE PIECES AND RESULTED IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE MECHANIC RECOMMENDED THAT ALL OF THE PARTS BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 139,000. UPDATED 12/01/10. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE WATER/PUDDLE SHORTED OUT THE ENGINE FANS WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO OVERHEAT AND WAS NOT THE CAUSE OF THE ROTTED SUBFRAME. UPDATED 12/08/10

May 05, 2010

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER

1 complaint

I HAVE A 2002 SUBARU IMPREZA WAGON, ALSO KNOWN AS THE "OUTBACK SPORT". THE CAR REEKS OF GASOLINE RECENTLY. SUBARU RECENTLY RECALLED SOME 2002 IMPREZAS BECAUSE THE FUEL LINE LEAKED FUEL IN COLD WEATHER. THE RECALL # IS 09V468000. IT HAS BEEN QUITE COLD HERE IN NC RECENTLY WITH TEMPS IN THE TEENS AND 20S. THE PROBLEM WITH MY CAR SEEMS IDENTICAL TO THE PROBLEM THAT WAS THE SUBJECT OF THE RECALL, BUT MY CAR MODEL WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE GAS SMELL IS VERY STRONG AND I AM AFRAID THAT THIS COULD BE DANGEROUS AND SET MY CAR AND POSSIBLY MY HOUSE ON FIRE. *TR

Jan 04, 2010

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

1 complaint

I RECENTLY BOUGHT AN 02 SUBARU AND IT SEEMS THAT EVERY TIME I COLD START THE CAR WHEN IT GETS BELOW FREEZING OUTSIDE THERE IS A HORRID GAS SMELL IN THE CABIN OF THE CAR. ON FURTHER INVESTIGATION IT IS VISIBLE THAT THERE IS A POOL OF GAS ACCUMULATING ON THE MOTOR FROM UNDERNEATH THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. I HAVE JUST NOTICED THIS AND CALLED THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THEY HAD NEVER HEARD OF THIS. LOOKING ONLINE IT SEEMS TO BE A REGULAR ISSUE AND THERE IS NO RECALL OR INFORMATION ON HOW DANGEROUS IT IS TO HAVE RAW FUEL ON A HOT ENGINE. I AM AT A LOSS AND A LITTLE CONCERNED FOR MY SAFETY. *TR

Dec 11, 2009

WHEELS

1 complaint

WITH MY ALLOY WHEELS ON TWO OF MY SUBARU CARS, THE SNOW GETS LODGED IN THE BREAK PADS\ROTORS AND IT TAKES PUMPING THE BREAKS TO FORCE THE SNOW OUT BEFORE THE BREAKS WILL ENGAGE. SUBARU DENIES IT IS A PROBLEM. THIS HAPPENS EVERY WINTER ON BOTH CARS, BUT I HAVE LEARNED TO BE EXTRA CAUTIOUS COMING TO A STOP IN ALREADY WINTRY CONDITIONS. THIS YEAR MY BREAKS DID NOT ENGAGE, WENT THROUGH A STOP INTO A BUSY INTERSECTION, LUCKILY NO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. *TR

Mar 16, 2009

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 complaint

KEYLESS ENTRY SECURITY WHEN YOU TURN IT ON THE HEADLIGHTS DOESN'T BLINK. ON THE DASHBOARD "SECURITY" WORD IS FLASHING. IT WASN'T THERE BEFORE. *TR

Dec 28, 2008

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VISIBILITY

1 complaint

TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SUBARU IMPREZA WR,X AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING FUEL, AND THERE WAS A RAW FUEL SMELL COMING FROM THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT OF THE VEHICLE. THE FUEL SMELL WAS STRONGER WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING AND THE TEMPERATURE WAS BELOW 32 DEGREES. THE CONTACT CURRENTLY HAS THE VEHICLE AT THE DEALERSHIP. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WERE 119330.*AK THE VEHICLE ALSO HAD A COOLANT LEAD. THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR REGULATOR WAS INOPERTIVE, THE CLUTCH HAD A JUDDER, THERE WAS PROBLEM WITH THE ABS. UPDATED

Feb 12, 2007

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

RAW FUEL SMELL IN COLD WEATHER. HAD TO REPLACE CD PLAYER. SEALS ON WINDOWS FELL OFF. BRAKES PUMP WHEN HITTING THE BRAKE WHEN DEBRIS ON ROAD. (ROCKS,ETC.). *NM

Feb 09, 2007

STEERING

1 complaint

STEERING ROLL CONNECTOR FAILED. CAUSES HORN, CRUISE, AND DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG TO STOP FUNCTIONING. PART IS POORLY DESIGNED, WIRES ARE HELD IN PLACE BY PAPER. THIS SUBSYSTEM IS UNSAFE. *NM

Jul 27, 2006

SEATS,EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

(1) DEFECTIVE SEAT MOUNT DESIGN, AND BAD MANUFACTURER REPAIR. (2) DRIVER FRONT SEAT MOUNT( LEFT FRONT MOUNT WERE MOUNT ATTACHES TO SEAT RAIL FAILED UNDER HARD BRAKING AND ACCELARATION. (3) NOTHING AT THIS TIME. MANUFACTURER UPGRADE WAS PERFORMED.

Jun 01, 2005

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

THE BRAKES WORKED INTERMITTENTLY. IT WAS HARD TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER AND THE OTHER MECHANICS CAN FIND NO DEFECTS. *JB INSTEAD OF STOPPING THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE PICKED UP SPEED. *TC

Mar 14, 2005

SEAT BELTS

1 complaint

FOIA REQUEST INFOR.,RELATING TO SEATBELT AND SEATBELT PRETENSIONERS IN 2002 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX SEDAN & OTHER VEHICLES. *BF *NM

Oct 28, 2004

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 complaint

HEADLIGHT LENSES ARE FOGGING UP ON THE OUTSIDE LMITING THE AMOUNT OF LIGHT RADIATED AT NIGHT. I HAVE CHECKED NUMEROUS OTHER SIMILAR MODEL CARS AND THEY ALL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM IN SOME DEGREE. SUBARU REFUSES TO TAKE ACTION UNDER THE WARRANTY AND MAINTAINS THAT THE PROBLEM IS "NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR IN THE ENVIRONMENT". I MAINTAIN THEY SELECTED AN INFERIOR PLASTIC FOR THE HEADLIGHT LENSES.I KNOW THAT SUBARU IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE "LENSES" ARE SPECIFICALLY EXCLUDED UNDER ALL THE EXTENDED SUBARU FACTORY WARRANTIES THEY OFFER. *AK

Aug 24, 2004

TIRES

1 complaint

VEHICLE IS A SUBARU IMPREZA 2002 EQUIPT WITH BRIDGESTONE POTENZA RE92 16"TIRES. HIS WEEK AT APPROXIMATELY 10,500 MILES 2 OF THESE TIRES DEVELOPED A PINHOLE LEAK IN THE CENTER OF THE SIDEWALL APPROXIMATELY A WEEK APART. THE LEAK WAS SO TINY THAT IT WAS HARD TO FIND. A CALL TO A MAJOR BRIDGESTONE DISTRIBUTOR ABOUT THIS PROBLEM WAS NOT PRODUCTIVE. THEY SAID THEY HAVE NO RECORD OF SUCH A PROBLEM. I HAVE NEVER SEEN THIS IN ANY PREVIOUS TIRES THAT I HAVE USED. CAN YOU SHED ANY LIGHT ON THIS SUBJECT?? THOUGHT IT STRANGE THAT 2 DIFFERENT TIRES OF THE SAME BRAND WOULD HAVE THE SAME DEFECT ABOUT A WEEK APART. THANK YOU.*AK

Mar 01, 2004

POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

DIFFERENTIAL FLUID OUT; SUBARU BLAMES A NON-DEALER OIL CHANGE ERROR FOR PROBLEM HENCE NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. OWNER HAD TO SPEND OVER $350 FOR REPLACEMENT AUTO RENTAL. OWNER DROVE CAR FOR 1,700 MILES AFTER DISPUTED NON-DEALER OIL CHANGE TO DATE WHEN DIFFERENTIAL FLUID OUTAGE DISCOVERED.

Jan 15, 2004

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY

1 complaint

MY CAR IS A TOTAL LEMON. I PRE-ORDERED THE 2002 WRX IN 2001 AND WAS VERY ANXIOUS TO RECEIVE IT. AS SOON AS I GOT THE CAR THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A CAM POSITION SENSOR WICH THEY REPLACED 3 TIMES. THEY TOLD ME I REVVED THE CAR TOO HIGH TO THROW THE CODE. THE CODE WAS THROWN AT 6200 RPM AND THE ENGINE REDLINES AT 7000. THE DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO WORK ON THIS PROBLEM AFTER THE 3RD TIME. AT 45000 MILES MY CAR BEGAN TO MISS AND NOT RUN CORRECTLY. THE DEALERSHIP COULD NOT FIND ANY PROBLEM WITH IT. I TOOK IT TO ANOTHER SHOP TO GET A 2ND OPINION. THEY FOUND THAT THE CAM POSITION SENSOR HAD MALFUNCTIONED AND CAUSED MY CAR TO MISSFIRE WHEN I WOULD HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD. THEY REPLACED THE SENSOR AND CHARGED ME A FEE OF $800 DUE TO THE MASSIVE TROUBLESHOOTING WORK THAT LED UP TO SOLVING THE PROBLEM. FINALLY THE PROBLEM THAT I HAD SINCE THE CAR WAS BRAND NEW WAS FIXED AT THE FULL COST TO ME. AT 48000 MY TRANSMISSION WAS THE NEXT TO GO. I LOST THE ABILITY TO SHIFT MY CAR IN ANY GEAR. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AS THE POWERTRAIN WARRANTY IS 60000 MILES. THEY DISMANTLED MY TRANSMISSION TO FIND 2ND GEAR STRIPPED. THEY THEN DENIED TO COVER THIS UNDER WARRANTY AS IT WAS LABELED ABUSE. THEY CHARGED ME $800 DOLLARS FOR THEIR TIME. THEN THEN GAVE ME A QUOTE FOR $4500 EXTRA DOLLARS TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. I HAD MY CAR TOWED TO THE SAME SHOP THAT FIXED MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. THEY INSTALLED A NEW TRANSMISSION FOR ME AT THE COST OF $2200. MY TRANSMISSON HAS ALSO BROKE AGAIN AT 65000 MILES. NOW I HAVE A CAR THAT DOESN'T RUN THAT I AM PAYING ON. I CAN NOT SELL A CAR THAT DOESN'T RUN. SUBARU DOES NOT CARE THAT THEIR CARS ARE JUNK. I REALLY DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO NOW.

Jan 15, 2004

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 35MPH AND NO WARNING THE VEHICLE WILL STALL AND IT WILL BE HARD FOR THE CONSUMER TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. DEALER NOTIFIED. NLM THE CONSUMER IS EXPERIENCING THE FOLLOWING; HESITATED(SEVERE) ON ACCELERATION (ESPECIALLY WHEN THE ENGINE IS COLD/EVEN AFTER WARMED UP), THERE'S A WIND NOISE COMING FROM THE ROOF/ROOF RACK-AND HAPPENS AT SPEEDS OVER 20 MPH/VERY NOISY, A CREAKING NOISE COMING FROM THE LEFT FRONT OF THE VEHICLE-MOSTLY WHEN MAKING TURNS, BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY(MAYBE THE STRUT), STALLING, AND WOULD SIT FOR1-2 HOURS, THEN WOULD START WITH DIFFICULTY, RUNS ROUGH FOR A FEW SECONDS, THEN IS FINE. THE DEALER SUGGESTS THAT THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING WITHIN THE SPECIFICATIONS. (THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS OCCURRENCES) SCC

Sep 30, 2002

SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

1 complaint

VEHICLE'S ABS CONTROLLER WENT BAD, ABS WAS GETTING ACTIVATED EVER IN A DRY NON SLIP CONDITION, CONTACTED DEALER, AND THEY REPLACED THE ABS CONTROLLER. REPORTED PROBLEM ABOUT ENGINE VIBRATION AT IDLE SPEED, DEALER REFUSES TO ACCEPT IT, COMPARED WITH A NEW VEHICLE AT DEALER'S STOCK AND THE VIBRATION IN MY VEHICLE WAS DISTINGUISHABLE. STILL DEALER REFUSES TO ACCEPT IT. CONTACTED 1-800-SUBARU3 AND THEY SAID THAT THEY WOUL DGET IN TOUCH WITH THE DEALERSHIP AND SEE WHATS GOING ON.*AK

Jun 11, 2002

AIR BAGS

1 complaint

WHILE CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING AT 30 MPH CONSUMER RAN OFF THE ROAD INTO A GAURDRAIL INTO A TREE, AND THEN FLIPPED OVER A FEW TIMES. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK

Nov 13, 2001

Crash: 1

2002 SUBARU Impreza Problems & Complaints

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