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Resources for the Repair and Maintenance of your Subaru Impreza

Subaru Impreza Models:

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Subaru Impreza Problems

Check Engine Light Due to Failed Knock Sensor

Engine -- Verified

The Check Engine Light may illuminate because of a failed knock sensor. Although the sensor often tests okay, it can fail intermittently, while the vehicle is being driven.

Engine Misfire Due to Failed Spark Plug Wires

Engine -- Verified

Sometimes the Check Engine Light illuminates because the computer detects misfires. Subaru released an improved spark plug wire set to solve the problem. The ignition coil should also be inspected for carbon tracks or short circuits between the contacts

Cooling System Problems Cause Head Gasket Failure

Engine -- Verified

The head gasket has a high failure rate due to cooling system problems. Subaru is aware of the problem and has extended the warranty to 8 years/100k miles on many vehicles.

Engine Oil May Leak From Camshaft/Crankshaft Front Seals

Engine -- Verified

Front engine oil leaks can develop from the camshaft seal and the crankshaft front seal. If one or more seals require replacement, it may be wise to consider replacing the timing belt as well. These seals are commonly inspected and replaced as needed as part of a timing belt service.

Engine Oil Leak Form Pump Seal

Engine -- Verified

The leak may develop from the oil pump seal. Our technicians prefer to use thread locker when replacing the seal to prevent the bolts from becoming loose again.

Subaru Impreza Recalls (Recent)

Passenger Front Air Bag May Not Deploy as Expected

Body, Interior & Misc., March 9, 2007

RepairPal Expert Overview:

The wiring harness for the front passenger occupant detection system may have been pinched between the floor and the seat mounting bracket during vehicle assembly. This could result in an electrical short circuit. The passenger front air bag could become disabled and may not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupant. An electrical short circuit could also result in a fire. Dealers will inspect the wiring, repair as necessary, and re-route and secure the wire harness in the correct location. The occupant detection system will be re-calibrated as necessary. This recall is expected to begin on March 9, 2007. The Subaru recall number is WVC-13.

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Subaru Impreza Recall 08V135000

Body, Interior & Misc., June 2, 2008

Summary: 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.

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Oil Supply Pipe May Be Improperly Assembled

Engine, October 20, 2008

RepairPal Expert Overview:

The engine oil supply tube may vibrate and crack due to improper installation. This could result in an oil leak and a fire hazard. Dealers will inspect for a cracked pipes and install an additional support bracket to secure the pipe. This recall began on October 20, 2008. The Subaru recall number is WVF-16.

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Subaru Impreza Recall 09V468000

Engine, December 31, 2009

Summary: 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.

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Front Lower Control Arms May Break

Suspension & Steering, September 6, 2011

RepairPal Expert Overview:

The front lower control arms may break at the hanger brackets due to corrosion. This corrosion is commonly a result of the hanger bracket being exposed to salty conditions, such as roads where salt is used as a snow melting agent. A broken control arm can result in loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will inspect the affected control arms and rustproof or replace them as necessary. The Subaru recall number is WVX-34.

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Subaru Impreza Questions and Answers

DjZeroK, 1993 Subaru Impreza, Los Angeles, CA

Hi, I have a Subaru Impreza (L) 1993 and about two days ago i started seeing the check engine light flash momentarily in the dashboard and then it would go away. And in the evening of that day whil...

cateatingalien, 1993 Subaru Impreza, Manchester, ME

I have a 1993 subaru impreza. when you hit the gas and give her some there a power light that comes up on the dashbord and i have no clue to what it is. I can't even find it in my haynes manual.

...

Visitor, 1993 Subaru Impreza, 1.8L 4 Cylinder, Big Bear Lake, CA

axle bearing making noise and need to replace. want to know if I need to remove axle from diff.

hubbub2387, 1993 Subaru Impreza, 1.8L 4 Cylinder, Woodbridge, VA

I'll try to explain this as best as I can. So I have a 1993 Subaru Impreza. When I'm driving the RPM's will jump up and down. I'll have it in drive going like 45 and the RPM's will be at around 2,0...

Prano, 1993 Subaru Impreza, 1.8L 4 Cylinder, East Providence, RI

I replace the crank shaft pulley and keyway about a month later
the pulley be came lose the key way broke in half . Just bought
a used pulley and a new keyway

Write a Story About Your Car

Subaru Impreza Stories

I bought my 95 Impreza from the original owner and I've had it for 3 yrs. The front and rear boots and axles, starter and alternator have been replaced between 150,000 and 180,000 miles. I throw my kayak on top and head for mountain lakes whenever I can and my Subaru is up for anything. I'm a single woman who has owned many cars, but by far, my Subaru has out shined them all. The handling and suspension are right there. It's a car I feel safe in and have fun driving. Here's to anther 150,000!

I've just bought this car but it run good, little bit of lifter noise and it wont pass smog the hydrocarbon levels are 161 out of 130 but i can't find a scan tool for it so just saving to put it in the shop.Overall i really enjoy this car and have many plans for it.

I bought the 2008 2.5i hatchback with a 5-spd manual transmission. The car is very good. Excellent mileage considering the engine hasn't been retooled in 22 years, and a 5-spd. The ride is a little soft, but it makes the ride nice for long trips and bumpy roads (construction too).

The stereo is junk, but Subaru offers an 8-inch sub with an integrated amp that fits under the driver seats. This fixes the majority of tone issues. There is a lot of road noise, but you get what you pay for.

Steering is the new electronic system, no more hydraulic, which I'm not fond of. It's too soft and artificial feeling.

Of all things wrong with this car, there is more right. The seats are comfortable, the back seats fold down, a roof rack is cheap, the AWD is incredible in all situations, the boxer engine just adds to the handling and performance, etc. The car is worth every penny.

I recently purchased a 2010 Subaru Impreza 2.5I premium 5 door with manual trans. I now have 9k miles on it and so far so good mechanically. The entire drive train is broken in and running very smoothly. I am averaging 29.6mpg. Acceleration is very good. The four wheel drive is AMAZING in all conditions. The car is very roomy and has alot of usable space. The are a few small things I didn't like. The suspension is soft and tends to amplify body roll. The premium stereo is just o.k. and the front seet is not that compfortable on longer trips. I added a set of sway bars from Rallitek and WOW what a difference. I purchased this car because it had a lot to offer for the money and with the addition of the sway bars I am overall very happy with it. I can't wait to drive in the snow. I'll report back after five and again around ten years.

Over all good car. But the manual transmission doesnt go into reverse sometimes the first time I try putting it in first. Besides that awesome car.