“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.”
Owner complaint, filed Nov 6, 2013 at 91,337 miles
“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.”
Owner complaint, filed Jan 4, 2010 at 50,000 miles
Complaints and recalls over time
By year of filing
All complaintsAbout the fuel systemRecall (red: the fuel system)NHTSA investigation opened
Complaints about the 2002 Impreza peaked in 2002, with 50 filed that year. Owners had filed 80 complaints about the fuel system before the first recall that covers it, 09V468000 in December 2009; 11 more have come in since. In 2022 owners filed 1 so far.
6 safety recalls
Part 573 reports
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Arm11V464000
Filed Sep 6, 2011318,215 vehiclesSubaru of America, Inc.
Defect. SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002-2007 IMPREZA, MODEL YEAR 2003-2008 FORESTER, AND MODEL YEAR 2005-2006 SAAB 9-2X VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 5, 2000 THROUGH NOVEMBER 26, 2007 ORIGINALLY SOLD, OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN, MASSACHUSETTS, MARYLAND, MICHIGAN, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW YORK, PENNSYLVANIA, VERMONT, WISCONSIN, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IOWA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MAINE, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW JERSEY, OHIO, RHODE ISLAND, WEST VIRGINIA AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS MAY BREAK AT THE HANGER BRACKETS DUE TO CORROSION IF THE HANGER BRACKET IS EXPOSED TO SALTY AND HUMID ENVIRONMENTS SUCH AS ROADS CONTAINING SNOW MELTING AGENT.
Risk. A BROKEN CONTROL ARM CAN RESULT IN THE LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy. SUBARU WILL HANDLE THEIR VEHICLES AND SAAB WILL HANDLE THEIRS. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DEGREE OF CORROSION OF THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS, AND WILL EITHER RUSTPROOF OR REPLACE THEM. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING DECEMBER 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.
Filed Dec 4, 20095,724 vehiclesSubaru of America, Inc.
Defect. SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002 AND 2003 IMPREZA WRX VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF SOUTH DAKOTA, NEBRASKA, NORTH DAKOTA, MINNESOTA, IDAHO, IOWA, MONTANA, COLORADO, WISCONSIN, NEW YORK, WYOMING, MICHIGAN, ALASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, VERMONT, AND MAINE. DURING COLD STARTS, TYPICALLY UNDER EXTREMELY COLD TEMPERATURES, FUEL LEAKS IN THE FUEL DELIVERY LINE COULD OCCUR WHERE THE LINE CONNECTS WITH A RUBBER HOSE.
Risk. FUEL LEAKS, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL LINE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 31, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.
Filed Mar 24, 200836,791 vehiclesSubaru of America, Inc.
Defect. SUBARU IS RECALLING 36,791 MY 2002-2003 IMPREZA WAGONS. THE STUD BOLT(S) OF REAR GATE STAY MAY HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED WITH INSUFFICIENT TIGHTENING TORQUE AND A GAP MAY HAVE RESULTED BETWEEN THE REAR GATE PANEL AND STUD BOLT BASE. AFTER REPEATED REAR GATE OPERATIONS (OPENING AND CLOSING), THE REAR GATE INNER PANEL AT THE WELDING NUT MAY BREAK, WHICH WILL LEAD TO DETACHMENT OF THE REAR GATE STAY, AND THE REAR GATE DROPPING DOWN.
Risk. IN CASE SOMEONE IS UNDERNEATH OR NEAR THE REAR GATE, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT A DROPPING REAR GATE PANEL MAY HIT THEM INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURIES.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT TO SEE IF THERE IS ANY GAP AT THE STUD BOLT OF THE REAR GATE STAY INSTALLATION. IF A GAP IS FOUND, THE STUD BOLT WILL BE REMOVED TO CHECK FOR DAMAGE TO THE WELDING NUT. IF THE WELD NUT IS CRACKED, THE REAR GATE STAY WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 2, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.
Filed Jul 14, 200484,574 vehiclesSubaru of America, Inc.
Defect. ON CERTAIN SEDAN AND WAGON MODEL VEHICLES, THE LEFT FRONT BOLT THAT RETAINS THE FORWARD PART OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT TO THE SEAT SLIDE RAIL MAY LOOSEN. IF THE SEAT SLIDE RAIL BOLT LOOSENS, IT WILL EVENTUALLY FALL OUT, AND THE SEAT MAY SEPARATE FROM THE SEAT SLIDE.
Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE DRIVER MAY SUSTAIN MORE SEVERE INJURIES DUE TO THE SEAT MOVEMENT.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW LEFT HAND DRIVER'S SEAT RAIL MOUNTING BOLT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 20, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.
Filed Mar 16, 2004127,580 vehiclesSubaru of America, Inc.
Defect. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER SEDANS, WAGONS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE COULD COME OUT OF ITS TRACK ON THE CRUISE CONTROL LEVER AND LODGE ON THE CONTROL LEVER TAB WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS RELEASED. IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, THE THROTTLE WILL NOT RETURN TO THE IDLE POSITION AND WILL REMAIN IN AN OPEN POSITION.
Risk. IF THIS OCCURS DURING VEHICLE OPERATION, THE DRIVER COULD LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A CRUISE CONTROL CABLE RETAINING CLIP TO THE CRUISE CONTROL LEVER TAB ON THE THROTTLE SHAFT IN ORDER TO PREVENT THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE FROM COMING OUT OF ITS TRACK. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 12, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.
Filed Oct 30, 2002172,564 vehiclesSubaru of America, Inc.
Defect. CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS WERE PRODUCED WITH AN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED TRANSMISSION PARKING ROD. WHEN THE TRANSMISSION SELECTOR LEVER IS PLACED IN THE "P" (PARK) POSITION, THE TRANSMISSION PARK MECHANISM, THAT IS INTENDED TO HOLD YOUR VEHICLE, MAY NOT ENGAGE.
Risk. THE VEHICLE COULD THEN MOVE/ROLL WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PARKING ROD ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION JANUARY 8, 2003. AN INTERIM OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL BE SENT DURING NOVEMBER 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.
All 6 campaigns on file, newest first.
NHTSA investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 4 name the 2002 Impreza.
Front suspension control arm failurePreliminary evaluation PE11011Closed
Opened Apr 7, 2011Closed Sep 23, 2011Led to recall 11V464000suspension
On September 6, 2011, Fuji Heavy Industries USA, Inc, on behalf of Subaru of America, Inc notified the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) it would be conducting a safety recall of certain model year (MY) 2002 through 2007 Subaru Impreza, MY 2003 through 2008 Subaru Forester, and MY 2005 through 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold or currently registered in one the salt belt states including the District of Columbia (DC). For the purpose of this investigation, salt belt states include Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, …
FUEL LINE LEAKEngineering analysis EA09011Closed
Opened Jul 2, 2009Closed Dec 14, 2009Led to recall 09V468000fuel system
The design of the fuel line (metal rail/rubber hose interface) is susceptible to fuel odor and/or seepage in extreme cold temperature conditions.owners most often noticed fuel odor in the occupant compartment area during initial cold engine start-up.once the engine is warmed, the odor/seepage issue dissipates.from subaru's data, odi notes that the incident rates are higher in states with colder temperatures.there was one allegation of a fire incident in which the owner had reported that he noticed fuel odor a few days earlier, but odi could not confirm the origin of the fire. To address this …
FUEL LINE LEAKPreliminary evaluation PE09017Closed
Opened Mar 10, 2009Closed Jul 2, 2009fuel system
Complainants report fuel leakage most frequently in winter during initial cold engine startup.owners will either notice a fuel odor inside the occupant compartment or fuel odor/leakage at the fuel lines on the right side atop the engine. Once the engine has warmed, the odor/leakage may cease.subaru revised the fuel pipe/hose design for model year (my) 2003-04 wrx vehicles produced after august 2003.subaru also introduced a my 2004 impreza sti vehicle with a different engine and fuel pipe/hose layout.out of the total of 994 complaints, 944 concern my 2002-03 wrx vehicles built through august …
FUEL LINE LEAKAGE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENTPreliminary evaluation PE04002Closed
Opened Jan 7, 2004Closed May 27, 2004fuel system
Subaru reports that the fuel odor is caused by fuel seepage during cold start of the engine under extremely cold temperatures. The leak occurs in a fuel line in the engine compartment.it reports that the failure is due to the misaligned angle between two fuel delivery lines which resulted in such fuel seepage during the first few seconds of cold engine start during these cold temperatures.subaru reports that the two fuel lines are connected with a hose that becomes too stiff in very cold temperatures to conform to the misalignment. Subaru has issued a technical service bulletin (subaru …
Technical service bulletins
178 on file
Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2002 Impreza. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.
electrical system 54engine 33equipment 23transmission 14fuel system 9suspension 6brakes 5body and frame 4
SB-01-170-09Warranty extensionDec 15, 2009fuel system
SUBARU: WRX COLD WEATHER FUEL LINE/HOSE SEEPAGE EXTENDED WARRANTY. VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A TEMPORARY FUEL SEEPAGE AT A SPECIFIC ENGINE FUEL DELIVERY PIPE/HOSE DURING COLD ENGINE START UP IN EXTREMELY COLD OUTSIDE TEMPERATURES. IF THIS CONDITIONS OCCURS, VEHICLE OCCUPANTS MAY NOTICE THE SMELL OF FUEL. *PE
037012R-1Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJan 15, 2014fuel system
Repair Procedure for High-Pitched Sound from Extension Housing Area Using Latest Generation Production Parts
093603RService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsFeb 19, 2013fuel system
Fuel Smell in Cold Weather
09-36-03RService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsFeb 19, 2013fuel system
SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
093603Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsApr 1, 2003fuel system
FUEL SMELL IN COLD WEATHER. *SCC
010901Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSep 1, 2001fuel system
Showing the newest 6 of 9 bulletins about the fuel system, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA 5-star safety ratings
Version tested
Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk
2002 Subaru Impreza Wagon 4-DR.
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New Car Assessment Program results for this model year. Ratings compare cars of similar size and weight only.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Unknown or OtherCrash1 injured
Filed Aug 26, 2022CA
A CHILD OWNS THIS VEHICLE
Suspension
Filed Dec 16, 2021170,000 milesMI
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.
Suspension
Filed Jun 8, 2021VA
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.
Electrical System › Horn
Filed Nov 19, 2020154,973 milesPA
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
Suspension
Filed Aug 5, 202054,000 milesNY
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 BE
Power Train
Filed Dec 10, 2019101,000 milesMI
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
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Dec 10, 201973,000 milesCA
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.
Suspension
Filed Aug 10, 2019195,000 milesIA
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.
Suspension
Filed Mar 25, 2019150,000 milesNE
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.
Suspension
Filed Mar 1, 201985,000 milesIL
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.
Steering
Filed Feb 18, 2019127,500 milesKY
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.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Feb 11, 2019141,000 milesMN
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.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 13, 201893,000 milesMA
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.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed May 24, 2018151,000 milesVA
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.
Suspension
Filed May 15, 2018IL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SUBARU IMPREZA. WHILE REVERSING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM FACTURED AND SEPERATED. BOTH FRONT WHEELS TURNED OUTWARD AND THE FRONT SUSPENSION FAILED, WHICH LOWERED THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE TO THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V464000 (SUSPENSION) AND NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: PE11011 (SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER (AUTOBARN SUBARU OF COUNTRYSIDE, 6191 JOLIET RD, COUNTRYSIDE, IL 60525, (708) 497-3999) FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THERE WERE NO OPEN RECALLS TO PROVIDE A REMEDY. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED OTHER THAN SUGGESTING THAT THE DEALER REPLACE THE PARTS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Suspension
Filed Aug 9, 2017163,000 milesIL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SUBARU IMPREZA. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE LOWER CONTROL ARM RUSTED AND FRACTURED, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL BEGAN BOUNCING UNCONTROLLABLY, AND THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN MOVING AND VIBRATING UNCONTROLLABLY. THE CONTACT FORCED THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD AND INTO A DITCH ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ROAD ON A TWO LANE HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V464000 (SUSPENSION) WAS ALREADY INSPECTED ON THE VEHICLE. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM DID NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 163,000. ..UPDATED 10/25/17 *BF CONSUMER STATED FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM CORRODED IN EXACT SPOT THAT WAS INSPECTED DURING RECALL. THIS IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL TEST IS INCONSISTENT WAY TO INSPECT VEHICLES. THE RUST PROOF COATING APPLIED WAS INEFFECTIVE IF AT ALL APPLIED. UPDATED 10/4/18*JB
Structure › Body
Filed Jun 23, 2017182,653 milesMN
AT OIL CHANGE, I WAS CALLED TO LOOK AT HOLE RUSTED INTO FRONT SUBFRAME--SHOCKING AND FRIGHTENING!!!
Engine
Filed May 22, 201790,000 milesOH
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
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed May 14, 2017HI
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.
Engine
Filed Feb 11, 2017100,000 milesMO
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.
Steering
Filed Feb 7, 2017145,466 milesTX
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.
Structure
Filed Jan 30, 201775,000 milesME
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.
Structure › Body
Filed Dec 30, 2016PA
2002 SUBARU WITH ROTTED SUB FRAME WITH ONLY 129,000 MILES. UNSAFE TO DRIVE.
Suspension
Filed Nov 7, 2016172,509 milesMA
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?
Suspension
Filed Sep 19, 201671,000 milesNC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SUBARU IMPREZA. WHILE TURNING INTO THE DRIVEWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 2 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL COLLAPSED FROM THE AXLE AND FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS RUSTED AND FRACTURED WITHOUT WARNING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO A LOCAL DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 71,000.
Structure › Body
Filed Feb 29, 2016WI
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.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Feb 18, 2016135,000 milesMA
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.
Suspension
Filed Feb 12, 2016146,500 milesMO
RECENT TIRE ROTATION AT MY LOCAL GARAGE IDENTIFIED VERY BADLY CORRODED SUBFRAME ON THE RIGHT HAD SIDE. THE LEFT SIDE SUBFRAME APPEARS FINE. I AM DEBATING WHETHER TO GET IT REPAIRED BECAUSE I WILL COST ROUGHLY 50% OF THE CARS VALUE. FROM A SAFETY PERSPECTIVE I WILL PROBABLY GET THE WORK CARRIED OUT BECAUSE MY KIDS TRAVEL IN THE CAR AND I DON'T WANT A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE TO OCCUR. IT'S DISAPPOINTING THAT SUBARU DIDN'T CONSIDER THIS ISSUE AT THE SAME TIME AS THE CONTROL ARM RECALL ALTHOUGH PERHAPS THERE WAS NO CORROSION AT THE TIME.
Steering
Filed Dec 23, 2015NJ
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.
Suspension
Filed Dec 14, 2015203,000 milesWI
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING FROM A PARKING SPACE, THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WAS NOT IN PLACE AND THE LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS FRACTURED IN HALF. THE VEHICLE WAS LEFT AT A PARKING LOT. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED IN 2012 FOR A RECALL ON THE LOWER CONTROL ARM ISSUED BY THE MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 203,000.
Seats1 injured
Filed Nov 23, 2015105,000 milesNM
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.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 9, 201585,000 milesOH
WHEN THE TEMPERATURE DROPS 35 DEGREASE AND BELOW THE FUEL LINE TENDS TO LEAK FUEL/VAPOR AND THE SMELL INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE IS UNBEARABLE, AND I'M SURE THAT IT'S NOT SAFE NOR ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY ETHER.
Suspension
Filed Sep 29, 2015131,390 milesOH
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE IN PARK, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE CONTROL ARM HAD SLIGHTLY DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE DUE TO CORROSION. THE CONTACT, A CERTIFIED MECHANIC, DIAGNOSED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V464000 (SUSPENSION). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 131,390.
Service BrakesCrash
Filed Jul 2, 2015166,000 milesPA
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.
Suspension › Front › Control Arm
Filed Jun 29, 201590,000 milesMN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SUBARU IMPREZA. AFTER TAKING POSSESSION OF THE VEHICLE, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT BOTH THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARMS FRACTURED DUE TO SEVERE RUSTING AND CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields
Filed Jan 9, 2015165,000 milesMA
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
Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jan 5, 2015117,000 milesVA
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
Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields
Filed Jan 2, 2015170,249 milesNY
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
Suspension
Filed Apr 17, 2014150,000 milesCT
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION WAS EXHIBITING CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V464000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 168,000.
Suspension
Filed Mar 18, 2014159,000 milesMI
THE RIGHT FRONT CONTROL ARM SHEERED IN HALF WHILE DRIVING AT SPEED. LATER INSPECTION REVEALED IT WAS DUE TO CORROSION. A RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR THIS EXACT SAME PART ON SEPTEMBER 10, 2011, AND THE RECALL WAS COMPLIED WITH ON THIS CAR IN 2012, YET THE PART STILL FAILED IN A DANGEROUS CONDITION LESS THAN TWO YEARS LATER. *TR
Structure › Body
Filed Jan 1, 201472,300 milesMA
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
Structure › Body
Filed Dec 27, 2013128,000 milesIN
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
Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields
Filed Nov 9, 2013IL
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
Suspension
Filed Nov 8, 2013168,000 milesFL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME UNCONTROLLABLE. UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT WHEEL WAS ABNORMALLY ANGLED INWARD. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY THE DEALER UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 11V464000 (SUSPENSION) FIVE MONTHS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT NO REPAIR WAS NECESSARY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 168,000.
Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Nov 6, 201391,337 milesMT
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
Structure › Body
Filed Aug 23, 201394,000 milesOH
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.
Seats
Filed Jan 11, 2013216,000 milesWI
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
Suspension
Filed Nov 6, 2012159,500 milesNH
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V464000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM) AND WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM WOULD NOT HAVE TO BE REPLACED. INSTEAD, THE TECHNICIAN ADDED RUST PROOF TO THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM. APPROXIMATELY ONE MONTH LATER WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A BANGING AND GRINDING SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM SEPARATED AND FRACTURED THE SWAY BAR LINKAGES. THE WHEEL WAS PUSHED INWARD INTO THE WHEEL WELL, CAUSING BODY DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THE CONTACT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM, BUSHINGS AND SWAY BAR LINKAGES WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 159,500.
Structure › Body
Filed Aug 17, 2012115,541 milesWV
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SUBARU IMPREZA. WHILE HAVING THE VEHICLE INSPECTED FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHO STATED THAT THE SUB FRAME WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,541.
Suspension
Filed Apr 4, 2012103,000 milesPA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V464000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER BOLTED THE RECALLED COMPONENT TO THE SUB-FRAME, WHICH WAS RUSTED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD SEPARATE FROM THE WHEELS DUE TO THE STRESS ON THE RUSTED COMPONENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 104,000.
Complaints 1-50 of 292, newest first, reproduced as filed.
Going by the federal record, it is one of the Impreza years to avoid: owners filed 292 complaints, 3.9 times as many as a typical Impreza year. The most common complaint is about the fuel system (31%).
What is the most common problem with the 2002 Subaru Impreza?
The fuel system: 91 of the 292 complaints (31%) are about it. Owners most often say it leaks oil or fluid (49%). The typical report comes at 60,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2002 Subaru Impreza have?
6 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Sep 6, 2011. The largest, 11V464000, covered 318,215 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.
At what mileage do 2002 Subaru Impreza problems start?
Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 63,000 miles. For the fuel system the midpoint is 60,000 miles.
Has NHTSA investigated the 2002 Subaru Impreza?
Yes, 4 times. The latest, PE11011 ("Front suspension control arm failure"), was opened Apr 7, 2011 and closed Sep 23, 2011.
Are there service bulletins for the 2002 Subaru Impreza?
The manufacturer filed 178 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the electrical system (54), the engine (33) and the transmission (14). They include a warranty extension, SB-01-170-09, filed Dec 15, 2009. A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.
Reading this record
Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: Sep 6, 2011. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.