Subaru Impreza engine vibrations and white smoke issue suspected blown head gasket on Subaru Impreza

Submitted by Vehicle Owner · Jun 23, 2025
Published by RepairPal

Problem overview

Some Subaru Impreza owners report experiencing issues such as engine vibrations and white smoke, which may indicate a blown head gasket. These symptoms can manifest as the engine running poorly or not at all, white smoke from the exhaust due to coolant entering the combustion chamber, and overheating alongside low coolant levels. Additionally, some owners notice rough idle, engine knock, and contaminated engine oil. To diagnose a blown head gasket, a compression leak test is essential to ensure timely repairs and prevent further engine damage. Notably, Subaru models with 2.5L engines are particularly vulnerable to head gasket problems because of their composite-style head gaskets. Given the critical role of the head gasket in maintaining proper compression and preventing coolant and oil mixing, it is recommended that owners suspecting a blown head gasket have their vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic for accurate diagnosis and resolution.

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Subaru Impreza vehicles with this problem

1 model year affected
Average mileage: 60,000 miles
(60,000 - 60,000)

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