| 1 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
2002 Subaru Impreza / Outback Sport repairs by problem area
Engine (54%)
Transmission and Drivetrain (13%)
Brakes and Traction Control (6%)
Suspension and Steering (9%)
Electrical and Air Conditioning (13%)
Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (2%)
Other (3%)
Chart based on 231 repairs.
2002 Subaru Impreza / Outback Sport engine repair cost distribution
$2500+ (6%)
$1000 - $2499 (14%)
$500 - $999 (17%)
$100 - $499 (33%)
< $100 (31%)
Chart based on 109 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.
2002 Subaru Impreza / Outback Sport
Engine not specified
| 81220 mi C $1700 |
Precat pipe was poorly welded at factory |
| Returned four days after purchase because dealer didn't disclose salvage title at time of sale. One head gasket slightly sweating at the time. |
2002 Subaru Impreza / Outback Sport 4dr Wagon
turbocharged 227hp 2.0L H4 5-speed manual AWD
| 127580 mi C $1000 |
Both head and valve gaskets. |
| 71000 mi US $200 |
Repair shop damaged timing belt idler pulley while replacing timing belt. Problem was noticed after taking car on 100 mile trip. Repair shop replaced defective unit at no labor cost to owner. Owner paid for new idler pulley. |
| 86000 mi US $160 |
Replaced alternator belt, ac/power steering belt, idler pulley. I broke and replaced plastic piece that was part of ac belt tensioner. Idler pulley was preventative maintenance. One of the two radiator fan had a broken fan blade. I believe it was my fault and was a by-product of my previous belt install. |
| 93000 mi US $800 |
Replaced rear catalytic converter and midpipe. Preventative maintenance: replaced rear O2 sensor. |
| 107000 mi US $881 |
Timing belt was old and slipping so produced a burning rubber smell on long drives. A replacement corrected the problem. |
| 126000 mi US $4400 |
A rod bearing clicking between 2500-3500. Waiting for a failure of the bearing could have damaged the heads. The short block (engine block with pistons etc. already installed) was replaced. Valves were adjusted. Car had been protuned:+30%HP |
| 173000 mi US $80 |
Vacuum lines became brittle. Replaced all with new t-joints and clips. |
| 195000 mi US $150 |
Seized waterpump - this caused failure of timing belt. Engine is now inoperative. Update: sold car without this fixed in March. |
| 96000 mi US $2000 |
Wiring harness was modified by previous owner and is now requires complete replacement. |
| 179700 mi US $85 |
replaced the knock sensor |
| 186000 mi US $630 |
timing belt tensioner pulley failed, which prompted a complete timing belt job. |
| 75000 mi US $450 |
Ignition coil on #2 cylinder was failing, causing misfires, rough running & loss of power, as well as the Check Engine light to flash. Replaced ignition coil and it fixed the problem. |
| 143000 mi US $90 |
Motor mounts worn out. They had nearly completely separated. Bought used Sti ones for $40, took 5 hrs. Did trans mount as well for $60, |
| 148000 mi US $20 |
Replaced the a/c belt tensioner pulley. It was squeaking and I was certain of immanent failure. |
| 149000 mi US $30 |
Lower radiator hose and thermostat gasket due to coolant leak. |
| 159800 mi | Fuel smell on cold days, replaced fuel rail under extended warranty from Subaru. |
| 169000 mi US $70 |
Replaced rear differential mounts. |
| 78000 mi US $270 |
O2 sensor |
| 93000 mi US $500 |
Ruptured turbo inlet hose caused poor running, but vehicle still drivable. Factory inlet replaced with flexible silicone aftermarket (Samco) one. Primarily because it is easier than using factory part (intake manifold can stay on) |
| 55300 mi US $2000 |
A/C Belt Tensioner replaced on 1st trip. Probably not the real problem due to "discovery" of bad timing belt tensioner. Dealer gave me free parts to compensate. Timing Belt Tensioner leak/rattle |
| 75000 mi US $2200 |
Replaced clutch. Was still working but slipped when doing extreme acceleration ; ) Abuse related repair : p. Not Subaru's fault. Known 2002 wrx plastic radiator issue. Very slow micro leak at seam. Holds up during 1 hr pressure test but randomly leaks and makes a little stink while driving when engine is hot. Was sufficiently annoyed to finally change it. |
| 38000 mi | Fuel line leak. |
| 88000 mi US $150 |
alternator belt pulley loose from rusting replaced |
| 94000 mi US $1400 |
clutch wore out, 13 yrs old, they replaced the pressure plate, clutch disc, bearing |
| 99000 mi US $420 |
o2 sensor replaced |
| 101000 mi US $180 |
oil pump sensor repalced |
| 101900 mi | Catalytic converter replaced. |
| 161000 mi US $140 |
While it was apart worn transmission mount was replaced. |
| 224000 mi US $100 |
Replaced several dry and cracked vacuum crankcase lines. |
| 227000 mi US $50 |
Replaced turbo coolant supply line. Coolant flushed. |
| 227000 mi US $200 |
Replaced turbo oil return line. Including exhaust gaskets for: manifold, collector, up pipe, turbo, down pipe. |
| 230000 mi US $200 |
Replaced radiator. |
| new radiator | |
| 122000 mi US $840 |
shop overtorqued a number of items on timing belt/water pump repair. Per dealer, had to replace multiple bearings, pulley tensioner, etc. After previous visit to aftermarket shop not noting noise from engine, will only use for performance add-ons |
| 133000 mi US $600 |
Return trip - smell of burning oil in cabin. Gaskets (head? valve cover?) were leaking and needed replacing. |
| 104700 mi US $150 |
Leaking radiator, replaced radiator and hoses. |
2002 Subaru Impreza / Outback Sport 4dr Wagon
turbocharged 227hp 2.0L H4 4-speed automatic AWD
| 51500 mi US $900 |
valve leak, axle oil, fuel injection |
| 67500 mi US $730 |
Cracked radiator Replaced cracked radiator. |
| 80000 mi US $113 |
Check Engine light came on. Dealer determined it was because intake boot wasn't properly secured, causing unmetered air to enter intake. NOTE: this was not the problem as the Check Engine light came on again 9 days later! Motor oil cooler gasket not sealing, causing engine oil leak. Replaced left side valve cover gasket. This repair was an additional $393. |
| 80500 mi US $525 |
Air intake sensor intermittently giving incorrect reading, causing computer to think fuel was running too lean. Check Engine light on. First trip shop said intake not secured properly. Second replaced sensor. |
2002 Subaru Impreza / Outback Sport 4dr Wagon
165-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD
| 41000 mi US $170 |
Replaced evaporative vent valve. |
| 44000 mi US $50 |
Rattling heat shield removed. Not replaced. |
| 51000 mi US $990 |
Exhaust pipe and catalytic converter connections rusted almost to breaking point. |
| 105300 mi US $380 |
The radiator was cracked and needed to be replaced |
| 113000 mi US $3000 |
Replaced catalytic converter Knock sensor replaced Spark plugs and engine working coil replaced. Coil had failed and was sparking to ground causing engine to surge erratically. |
| 137000 mi US $200 |
Check engine light coming on. The computer indicated that it is the catalytic converter (replaced 5 years ago) |
| 138000 mi US $1700 |
Needed new catalytic converter |
| 58000 mi US $300 |
Spark Plugs. Wires. Ignition Coil pack for #2 cylinder. Map Sensor. |
| 233000 mi US $100 |
broken exhaust |
| 119660 mi C $500 |
Stalling and hesitation which was cured with new oxygen sensor - routine maintenance at this mileage (190000)? |
| 144000 mi US $800 |
Timing belt worn and replace belts. |
| 83400 mi US $300 |
replaced cracked exhaust |
| 90300 mi US $1700 |
Replaces timing belt, clutch, water pump and AC fan belt. |
| 98000 mi US $367 |
Spark plug hole seal was leaking, high oil consumption, replaced valve cover gasket |
| 106000 mi US $1400 |
Muffler and catalytic converter replaced. |
| 116600 mi US $2000 |
Headgasket replacement, water pump change. |
2002 Subaru Impreza / Outback Sport 4dr Wagon
165-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed automatic AWD
| 65000 mi US $143 |
Check Engine light went on then off, no charge. Exhaust heat shield came loose |
| 82000 mi | I have a slow head gasket leak they are doing nothing about at this time. |
| 90000 mi | Head gasket on engine leaking; repaired under Subaru manufacturers' extended warranty to 100,000 miles |
| 93000 mi | housing on exhaust fan was bumping a hose after previous replacement of head gasket; housing realigned |
| 101000 mi US $75 |
Car had exhuast crack that was repaired. Needed new timing belt and water pump in 3000 miles, needed some other maintenance/repairs over next 5000 miles so decided to sell. |
| 75000 mi US $200 |
gasoline smell. tightened parts. |
| 103000 mi US $4500 |
Head gaskets 2nd time. Once at 30K now again. Brakes (rotors, wheel kits, pads), ball joints, timing belt, struts, knock sensor 3rd time, fuel filter and fluid maint. There is a computer problem, but haven't been able to find it. |
| 141000 mi US $40 |
Overheating, misfiring on cylinder 3. Time for head gasket number 4. Which I'll have to do later. Made temp repairs for now. Will correct later. |
| 141000 mi | Valve issue causing the misfire. Didn't want to keep spending money on what has been an expensive and unreliable vehicle. Replaced with Toyota Corolla |
| 138300 mi US $750 |
replaced rusted exhaust pipes and muffler from catylitic converter back |
| 146000 mi | check engine light intermittent off and on. couldnt resolve will return later date or sell car not sure yet |
| 148 mi US $64 |
Had difficulty getting engine light to turn off in order to pass New York State inspection, Took a couple of tries but it went off |
| 149000 mi | Rusted through hole in muffler Attempted to patch but unsuccessfull |
| 97200 mi US $600 |
Timing belt pulley |
| 122000 mi US $346 |
Both cats replaced, got rid of 420 code (rear o2 sensor). Also mid pipe replaced due to rust holes at bracket points. |
| 129800 mi US $40 |
I replaced the head gaskets @ 97,000 mi. Was meticulous, 36,000 mi later it began to display the hg syptoms again, got blue devil and after driving it with the blue devil in the system it actually plugged the hg leak successfully, now at 38k |
2002 Subaru Impreza / Outback Sport 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 227hp 2.0L H4 5-speed manual AWD
| 65000 mi US $45 |
Leaky valve cover on the passenger side caused smoke when the oil leaked on the up pipe. Replaced gasket and resealed but still seeping a small amount of oil. |
| 65000 mi US $15 |
Oil leaking from passenger side valve cover. Replaced gasket again. |
| 186000 mi US $4800 |
Whole Engine Replaced because of cracked piston. Also rack and pinion replaced clutch assembly and thermostat. |
| 128800 mi US $900 |
Timing belt kit, thermostat, aftermarket catless up-pipe (factory catted one can break and kill the turbo), LWCP. |
| 105000 mi | Strong fuel smell coming from engine compartment. Fuel rail fixed by dealer, covered by Subaru. |
| 177000 mi US $32 |
Leaking radiator hose. |
| 212000 mi US $1500 |
Burnt valve. Replaced all valves. |
| 74400 mi C $150 |
The prestone reservoir started leaking too much (it was leaking before) and I had it replaced. The replacement was plastic instead of metal, which efectively solves the corrosion problem the older one had. |
| 76260 mi C $240 |
Gas odor inside the car which happens at low temperatures was fixed, will have to wait until low temps to see if problem comes again. |
| 76880 mi C $300 |
Had hesitation when giving gas. Diagnosis was a bad MAF, which I ordered seperately and installed myself. MAF replaced, runs like new. |
| 83080 mi C $40 |
Replaced upper radiator hose which was worn on radiator fan. Replaced uppipe that was cracked (bad used part) |
| 88040 mi C $160 |
IAC gunked up and needed cleaning. Was causing misfires. |
| 90520 mi C $100 |
Blown radiator, replaced radiator. |
| 96100 mi C $600 |
Oil return tube was slightly leaking but the oil entered and fouled a coil pack. Coil pack had to be replaced with a new unit and oil return tube replaced. |
| 99400 mi C $300 |
Radiator leaking, replaced with all aluminum radiator. A/C compressor strap went straight through timing belt cover. Will have to replace timing belt cover, A/C strap and pulley. |
| 100440 mi C $300 |
Replaced AC belt and timing belt covers. |
| 111600 mi C $30 |
Vibration in steering wheel. Replaced an engine mount bolt that was missing, probably from some previous repair. Eliminated a squeaking noise, but vibration in steering still present. |
| 74000 mi US $50 |
Leaking radiator; radiator was repaired a little over a year ago by auto insurance company's repair shop after a front end collision. Because defective part was originally repaired, it was covered under insurance company's warranty. |
| 122000 mi US $100 |
Connection between pipes broke and needed to be re-welded. |
| 30000 mi | Check engine light. ECU reflashed by manufacturer under warranty. |
| 57000 mi US $185 |
Coolant hoses leak Coolant hoses leak. Replaced. |
| 67000 mi US $135 |
Subaru recall # WVK-21. Strong fuel smell under the hood during cold morning startups, lasting more than 5 minutes. Two gaskets on engine replaced; as recommended by dealer service manager. Replaced two engine gaskets. Subaru recall # WVK-21. Strong fuel smell under the hood during cold morning startups, lasting more than 5 minutes. Fixed under warranty. |
| 71000 mi US $1200 |
Mechanic misdiagnosed crank sensor problem and replaced clutch system first instead. Mechanic misdiagnosed crank sensor problem and replaced clutch system first instead. |
| 95000 mi US $40 |
Radiator leak. Need to add coolant every month. |
| 95000 mi | Radiator leak. Buyer replaced it. |
| 108100 mi US $1100 |
Timing belt, water pump, seals and gaskets |
| 130000 mi US $310 |
Radiator replaced due to a crack in the top. |
| 108000 mi | DTC PO031, O2 Sensor replaced |
2002 Subaru Impreza / Outback Sport 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 227hp 2.0L H4 4-speed automatic AWD
| 149000 mi US $500 |
Cracked radiator |
2002 Subaru Impreza / Outback Sport 4dr Sedan
165-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD
| 130000 mi US $300 |
Head gasket failure. Replaced oil pump, water pump and headgaskets while disassembled. |
| 166000 mi US $85 |
Replaced faulty knock sensor after error indicated by check engine light. |
| 120150 mi US $2500 |
Replace Headgaskets & rebuilt heads. |
| 56016 mi US $1980 |
Head gaskets replaced under warranty. Timing belt, brake rotors and pads, plugs, all fluids replaced, suspension pin. |
2002 Subaru Impreza / Outback Sport 4dr Sedan
165-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed automatic AWD
| 147000 mi US $500 |
Replace head gaskets |
| 39720 mi C $2500 |
head gasket |
2002 Subaru Impreza / Outback Sport 4-door
4-cylinder automatic AWD
| 68500 mi C $300 |
O2 sensor failed |
See TrueDelta's information for all Sedans and Hatchbacks.
See TrueDelta's information for all Subaru models.
