2002 Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport Problems and Repair Histories

Subaru WRX in West Virginia, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
May	2011	175000		First odometer entry
Aug	2011	180700	85	replaced the knock sensor
Oct	2011	186000	630	timing belt tensioner pulley failed, which prompted a complete timing belt job.
Mar	2012			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru WRX in Arkansas, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Feb	2010	136000		First odometer entry
Sep	2010	143000	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,
Dec	2010	148000	20	Replaced the a/c belt tensioner pulley. It was squeaking and I was certain of immanent failure.
Jan	2011	149000	30	Lower radiator hose and thermostat gasket due to coolant leak.
Feb	2011	150000	50	Blower motor due to failure of the motor. Motor and ductwork replaced as unit. Bought used hvac unit with cores for $50. Took an hour to change out.
Nov	2011	160000	0	Fuel smell on cold days, replaced fuel rail under extended warranty from Subaru.
Mar	2012	164000	120	CV joints getting loose, clunking. Boots busted on both front shafts.
Sep	2012	169000	70	Replaced rear differential mounts.
Feb	2013			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru WRX in North Carolina, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Oct	2007		0	new radiator
Aug	2009	122000	1900	timing belt/water pump and 115k service (spark plugs, compression test)
Jan	2010	133000	600	Return trip - smell of burning oil in cabin. Gaskets (head? valve cover?) were leaking and needed replacing. AC compressor declared dead... it was just repaired /recharged 2-3 months ago? Now dead...in winter, car has been sitting in driveway after purchase of new car. Dealer wants $8-900, I refused.
Jun	2011			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru WRX in California, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Feb	2010	70000		First odometer entry
Mar	2010	71000	370	Door lock cylinder came loose and fell into door. Repair shop removed door panel and reattached lock cylinder.  A/C inoperative. Repair shop replaced o-rings and seals and recharged A/C.
Jun	2011			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru WRX in California, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Jan	2011	98000		First odometer entry
Sep	2011	107000	881	Timing belt was old and slipping so produced a burning rubber smell on long drives. A replacement corrected the problem.
Apr	2012			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru WRX in Oregon, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Jul	2011	125000		First odometer entry
Aug	2011	126000	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
Jan	2012	129000		Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru WRX in New Jersey, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
May	2010	115000		First odometer entry
Jul	2010	117000	600	Power Steering pump leaking, need replacement
Jun	2011			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru WRX in Colorado, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Oct	2008	85000		First odometer entry
Jun	2010	103000	500	Replaced Timing belt
Oct	2010	104300	150	Leaking radiator, replaced radiator and hoses.
Sep	2011			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru WRX in Illinois, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Jul	2004		0	Replaced defective rear view mirror/compass
Nov	2010	55500	4000	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 Full Timing Belt & Water Pump replacement since Timing Belt Tensioner was replaced. Dealer gave me free timing belt and water pump due to A/C Belt tensioner replacement that didn't solve problem.
Mar	2013	73000		Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru WRX in Wisconsin, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Aug	2008	89000		First odometer entry
Mar	2009	100000	400	Whine/whistle upon acceleration; AC not functioning. New AC line and belt installed.
Jun	2011			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru WRX in Ontario, Canada
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Dec	2004		0	Transmission syncho 2-3 went, as new trannys were unavailable (lots of demand) they rebuilt it. Put in a new clutch at my request
May	2006		0	Whining sound from 3rd gear at steady speed or on deceleration. Replaced transmission under warranty.
Feb	2007		1200	Clutch replaced with Exedy competition Stage I as the stock clutch which was replaced at 54,000 kms was slipping.
Jun	2008	93000	300	Front brake job
Mar	2010			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru WRX in Illinois, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Sep	2007	37000		First odometer entry
Oct	2007	37000	0	replaced self dimming mirror
Jan	2008	38000	0	Fuel line leak.
Dec	2011	65000	200	neutral interlock shift replaced
Mar	2013	75000	300	caliper frozen

 

Subaru WRX in New Jersey, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Aug	2007	77000		First odometer entry
Sep	2007	78000	270	O2 sensor
Feb	2010	90500	270	Ruptured inboard CV boot on passenger side front driveshaft, was depositing grease on exhaust/cat. Driveshaft replaced.
May	2010	93000	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)
Apr	2011	95000	191	A/C found to be not working (the day before I had someone lined up to buy the car). O ring on AC Compressor found to be leaking by garage. Replaced. Car sold hours later.

 

Subaru WRX in New York, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Nov	2012	85000		First odometer entry
Dec	2012	86000	40	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.
Mar	2013	87000		Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru WRX in Washington, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Jan	2012	166000		First odometer entry
Sep	2012	173000	80	Vacuum lines became brittle. Replaced all with new t-joints and clips.

 

Subaru WRX in California, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Aug	2007	55000		First odometer entry
Nov	2010	75000	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.
Feb	2012			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru WRX in New York, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Mar	2010	84000		First odometer entry
Aug	2010	86700	0	Driver side front axle replaced.
Aug	2011			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru WRX in California, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Dec	2010	65000		First odometer entry
Mar	2011	66000	137	Refrigerant leak in AC--replaced. Small leak that will cost $1000 for permanent fix.
Mar	2013	75000		Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru WRX in California, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Apr	2009		900	valve leak, axle oil, fuel injection
Oct	2011	67700	730	Replaced cracked radiator.
Jan	2013	80000	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.
Feb	2013	80000	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.

 

Subaru WRX in Connecticut, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Jun	2009	77000		First odometer entry
Apr	2011	97000	425	timing belt changed
Mar	2013	118000		Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru WRX in Pennsylvania, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Dec	2011	100000		First odometer entry
Jan	2012	101000	300	Timing belt.
Jun	2012			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru WRX in Colorado, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Dec	2012	128000		First odometer entry
Feb	2013	130500	900	Timing belt kit, thermostat, aftermarket catless up-pipe (factory catted one can break and kill the turbo), LWCP.
Mar	2013	133000		Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru WRX in North Dakota, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Sep	2007		200	windshield replacement with non-OEM glass

 

Subaru WRX in Wisconsin, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Jul	2012	58000		First odometer entry
Aug	2012	58000	300	Spark Plugs. Wires. Ignition Coil pack for #2 cylinder. Map Sensor.

 

Subaru WRX in Ontario, Canada
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Aug	2011	78740		First odometer entry
Dec	2011	81220	1700	Precat pipe was poorly welded at factory
Jul	2012	85560		Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru WRX in Massachusetts, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Nov	2011	106000		First odometer entry
Feb	2012	109000	1100	Timing belt, water pump, seals and gaskets
Mar	2012	110000	950	struts replaced
May	2012			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru WRX in Maryland, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Dec	2010	104000		First odometer entry
Jan	2011	105000	0	Strong fuel smell coming from engine compartment. Fuel rail fixed by dealer, covered by Subaru.
Jul	2011			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru WRX in Ohio, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Sep	2009	62000		First odometer entry
Dec	2010	83000	30	Broken sway bar end link. Simply installed a new one.
Apr	2011			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru WRX in Michigan, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Dec	2009	129000		First odometer entry
Jan	2010	130000	310	Radiator replaced due to a crack in the top.
Jan	2011			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru WRX in Colorado, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Dec	2008	166000		First odometer entry
Mar	2009	170000	290	CV Boot torn.
Aug	2009	177000	32	Leaking radiator hose.
Oct	2010	194700	30	Air conditioning and ventilation, repair
Dec	2011	212000	1500	Burnt valve. Replaced all valves.
Apr	2012			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru WRX in California, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Feb	2003		0	Clutch shudder at cold start. Whole clutch/disc assembly replaced under warranty.
Jul	2006		0	Check engine light. ECU reflashed by manufacturer under warranty.
Nov	2009	57000	185	Coolant hoses leak
Jan	2011	67300	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.
Jun	2011	71000	1200	Mechanic misdiagnosed crank sensor problem and replaced clutch system first instead.
Mar	2013	88000		Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru WRX in Ontario, Canada
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Jan	2010	99200		First odometer entry
Feb	2010	102300	850	Passenger side brake caliper was seized
Apr	2012	141980		Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru WRX in Ohio, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Jul	2010	121000		First odometer entry
Aug	2010	122000	100	Connection between pipes broke and needed to be re-welded.
Jun	2011			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru WRX in New York, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Aug	2007	57000		First odometer entry
Nov	2008	68000	0	After the car warms up (30+ mins of driving), the car clunks when performing low-speed turning.
Dec	2008	69000	1400	Prior problem as selected above: After the car warms up (30+ mins of driving), the car clunks when performing low-speed turning.
Oct	2009			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru WRX in Delaware, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Oct	2010	105000		First odometer entry
Nov	2010	106000	0	Throwout bearing was making noise for about a year, dealer confirmed diagnosis at the 105k service and recommended clutch replacement. Squealing from AC compressor. Dealer advised AC clutch/bearing failing. Waiting until warmer weather to repair (belt removed).
Apr	2011	108000	0	AC compressor replaced due to failing bearing. DTC PO031, O2 Sensor replaced
May	2011			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru WRX in Quebec, Canada
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Oct	2008	69440		First odometer entry
May	2009	74400	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.
Jun	2009	75640	300	I had to replace the whole window linkage and electric motor on the passengers side window.
Aug	2009	76260	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.
Sep	2009	76880	300	Had hesitation when giving gas. Diagnosis was a bad MAF, which I ordered seperately and installed myself. MAF replaced, runs like new.
Feb	2010	83080	40	Replaced upper radiator hose which was worn on radiator fan.  Replaced uppipe that was cracked (bad used part)
Jun	2010	88040	160	IAC gunked up and needed cleaning. Was causing misfires.
Aug	2010	90520	100	Blown radiator, replaced radiator.
Dec	2010	96100	600	Battery was constantly dead, alternator was replaced with a used unit as the old one was'nt outputtiong enough voltage. All connectors from the alternator to the battery were cleaned.  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.
Apr	2011	99600	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.
Jun	2011	100440	300	Replaced AC belt and timing belt covers.
Oct	2011	103500	40	Voltage drop problems when using A/C, defrost, etc. Tried improving grounding and cleaning connections, did not work.
Mar	2013	115320	600	Rear left suspension top mount was worn and doing clunking noise. Replaced top mount.

 

Subaru Impreza in Pennsylvania, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Aug	2007	126000		First odometer entry
Oct	2007	130000	300	Head gasket failure. Replaced oil pump, water pump and headgaskets while disassembled.
Feb	2009	166000	85	Replaced faulty knock sensor after error indicated by check engine light.
Mar	2012			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru Impreza in New Jersey, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Sep	2010	77000		First odometer entry
Oct	2011	78000	250	The rear brakes were worn below minimum thickness. Each time the brakes were engaged, the rear pads 'stuck' to the rotor. Replaced rear pads and cut rotors.
May	2012			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru Impreza in New Jersey, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
May	2008		500	Replace wheel bearings on passenger rear .
Feb	2009		700	Replace drive axle
Jul	2009		2500	Replace Headgaskets & rebuilt heads.
Jun	2010			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru Impreza in Massachusetts, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Mar	2009		1980	Head gaskets replaced under warranty. Timing belt, brake rotors and pads, plugs, all fluids replaced, suspension pin.
Apr	2011			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru Impreza in Missouri, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Jun	2008		500	Had to get air conditioner replaced. Condenser went out, along with belt and everything else.
Mar	2010	147000	500	Replace head gaskets
Oct	2010	155000	600	Wheel bearings
Dec	2010	155000	600	Left wheel bearing
Apr	2012			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru WRX in Yukon Territory, Canada
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Jan	2010	86800		First odometer entry
Mar	2010			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru WRX in Ontario, Canada
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Jul	2010	111600		First odometer entry
Aug	2010	112840	1400	Right rear strut oil leaked out and required replacement of both right and left rear struts.
Jun	2011			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport in Ontario, Canada
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Oct	2007	112220		First odometer entry
Jul	2008	119660	500	Stalling and hesitation which was cured with new oxygen sensor - routine maintenance at this mileage (190000)? Note. Total bill for two problems was $1400, it seemed like $500 for oxygen sensor and $900 for new shocks on the rear of the car - again could be routine maintenance for a car with 190000 kms.
Apr	2010	135780	0	starter broke
May	2010			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport in California, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Apr	2004		0	Water pump broke. Had to get a new one.
Feb	2012	118000	0	My son drives the car now and he had to fix the brakes.
Feb	2013	139000		Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport in Texas, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Feb	2012	80000		First odometer entry
Mar	2012	80000	400	rack bushings replaced, steering realigned, tires balanced; purchased car knowing these repairs would be needed.
Aug	2012	84000	300	replaced cracked exhaust
Mar	2013	89000		Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport in New York, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Feb	2009	41000		First odometer entry
Mar	2009	41000	170	Replaced evaporative vent valve.
Mar	2010	44000	50	Rattling heat shield removed. Not replaced.
Jul	2010	44000	318	Warped front brake rotors, worn pads. Replaced all.
Jan	2011	49000	1208	Right front lower control arm broke while on the road. Replaced conrol arm, suspension link and rust-riddled front subframe.
May	2011	51000	990	Exhaust pipe and catalytic converter connections rusted almost to breaking point.
Aug	2011	51700	459	Left side lower control arm broke. Replaced same. Right side lower control arm and front subframe broke January 2011. Subaru denies any responsibility.
Jul	2012			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport in Vermont, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Sep	2010	69000		First odometer entry
Dec	2010	73000	200	drivers side floor mat slipping
Jan	2011	75000	200	gasoline smell. tightened parts.
Apr	2012			Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport in Michigan, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Mar	2010	184000		First odometer entry
Dec	2011	193000	0	road salt caused lower control arms to rust. recall.
Mar	2013	197000		Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport in Pennsylvania, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Feb	2013	121000		First odometer entry
Mar	2013	121000	346	Both cats replaced, got rid of 420 code (rear o2 sensor). Also mid pipe replaced due to rust holes at bracket points.

 

Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport in New York, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
May	2009	65000		First odometer entry
Nov	2011	101700	2500	new front rotors and pads
Jan	2013	119000		Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport in Maryland, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Aug	2007	64000		First odometer entry
Oct	2007	65000	143	rotors warped Check Engine light went on then off, no charge. Exhaust heat shield came loose
Jun	2008	67000	350	Air conditioning blowing hot. Freon recharged.
Jan	2009	82000	0	I have a slow head gasket leak they are doing nothing about at this time.
Jun	2009	87000	273	air conditioning was not working (was last repaired last year - freon was recharged). but within the week of the repair, could hear a hissing sound when air cond. was running and am now taking it back because it is blowing warm air again.
Jul	2009	87000	0	Would cost $1,100 to fix the A/C, so didn't fix.
Sep	2009	88000	2125	Compressor, receiver and dryer failed, shop replaced these to repair the air conditioning problem (was not blowing cold), but the A/C was insufficiently cold from day two after getting the car back. Upon putting dye in and checking system, found that there were additional leaks. Fixed those and charged for parts, no labor, no freon (which were required) given that the issue had not been found previously. 3rd attempt to fix the A/C. Told me that there was a "high pressure hose" that was leaking in addition to the previous defective compressor, dryer, receiver (trip #1), and two additional leaks (trip #2). So far so good, but took three recent trips.
Nov	2009	90000	0	Head gasket on engine leaking; repaired under Subaru manufacturers' extended warranty to 100,000 miles
Jun	2011	101000	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.