2002 Subaru Impreza: common problems and reliability

The 2002 Subaru Impreza has 300 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are fuel system and gasoline. Owners most often flag cvt transmission problems — jerky, hesitant behavior in stop-and-go traffic (10-30 mph / 16-48 km/h); pronounced concerns about long-term reliability and high replacement costs; fluid leaks indicative of failure. frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 2002 model year

300
Owner complaints
6
Recalls
12
Crash reports
3
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2002 Subaru Impreza vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

fuel system
92
gasoline
88
service brakes
63
hydraulic
59
suspension
49

Recalls affecting the 2002 Impreza

suspension:front:control arm:lower arm

Campaign 11V464000

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 CURRE…

latches/locks/linkages:tailgate:latch

Campaign 08V135000

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…

fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump

Campaign 09V468000

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, WISCO…

vehicle speed control:cables

Campaign 04V128000

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.…

What owners say across generations

Mixed sentiment with a clear generational divide. Long-term owners of older models (circa 2005-2013) with naturally aspirated engines and manual transmissions frequently praise the vehicles for their practicality, spacious interiors (especially hatchbacks), an

  • CVT transmission problems — Jerky, hesitant behavior in stop-and-go traffic (10-30 mph / 16-48 km/h); pronounced concerns about long-term reliability and high replacement costs; fluid leaks indicative of failure. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Excessive oil consumption — Primarily noted on older models (pre-2014) with EJ-series engines, requiring frequent top-ups. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Head gasket failures — A historical issue strongly associated with pre-2012 models equipped with the EJ25 engine, particularly in North America. Frequency: recurrent (for older generations).
  • Rust — Severe corrosion, especially on rear wheel arches and undercarriage, noted as a major issue for older models (e.g., 2008) in regions using road salt. Frequency: recurrent (for older generations).
  • Weak air conditioning — Inadequate cooling performance, particularly in temperatures above 90°F (32°C). Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Impreza.

Typical used price

Used Impreza listings typically run $12,499–$26,251 across 2012 to 2026 model years.

Other Impreza model years

2023 Impreza2020 Impreza2016 Impreza2015 Impreza2011 Impreza2008 Impreza2007 Impreza2006 Impreza2005 Impreza2000 Impreza1998 Impreza1996 Impreza
Full Subaru Impreza owner reportCompare against another car