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2002 Subaru Impreza Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2002 Subaru Impreza has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Front subframe corrosion.” Subaru's symmetrical AWD system places unusually high demands on differential fluid and transfer case service — skipping these is the most common cause of premature drivetrain wear. Older Subarus with the EJ25 engine (pre-2011) require timing belt replacement; FB and FA engines (2011+) use a maintenance-free chain. Subaru's published intervals below align with the owner's manual Schedule II (severe) which most US drivers qualify for.

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No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2002 Subaru Impreza.

Reported to NHTSA

Front subframe corrosion

STRUCTURE

14 NHTSA complaints · 2009-11 → 2017-06

“AT OIL CHANGE, I WAS CALLED TO LOOK AT HOLE RUSTED INTO FRONT SUBFRAME--SHOCKING AND FRIGHTENING!!!”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11000912
“I TOOK MY 2002 SUBARU IMPREZA FOR ITS YEARLY NEW YORK STATE INSPECTION. AT THIS TIME WE WERE TOLD THE SUBFRAME IS RUSTED BEYOND REPAIR. AND IT IS UN SAFE TO EVEN DRIVE THE CAR. THE CAR IS OTHERWISE IN GREAT SHAPE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10669737
“I WAS JUST INFORMED THAT THE SUB FRAME ON MY VEHICLE IS ROTTED AND THAT MY CAR IS NO LONGER SAFE TO DRIVE. THIS VEHICLE IS ONLY A 2002 WITH LESS THEN 94,000 MILES. TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM, I WOULD NEED TO SPEND AROUND $2000”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10293149

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Driver seat track and seatback release failure

SEATS

3 NHTSA complaints · 2005-06 → 2015-11

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SUBARU IMPREZA. AFTER ADJUSTING THE REAR OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT, THE BACK OF THE SEAT SUDDENLY RELEASED AND CAUSED THE OCCUPANT TO FALL BACKWARDS WHILE IN THE SEAT. DURING THE INCIDENT, THE OCCUPANT SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10806318
“THE SEAT TRACK FAILED DUE TO METAL FATIGUE. THIS RESULTED IN THE DRIVERS SEAT COMING LOSE. ALL BOLTS REMAINED TIGHT, WAS NOT A FASTENER FAILURE, RATHER A METAL FATIGUE ISSUE WITH THE SEAT TRACK. WAS NOT CAUSED BY CORROSION. I AM RETAINING THE FAILED SEAT TRACK. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10492248
“(1) DEFECTIVE SEAT MOUNT DESIGN, AND BAD MANUFACTURER REPAIR. (2) DRIVER FRONT SEAT MOUNT( LEFT FRONT MOUNT WERE MOUNT ATTACHES TO SEAT RAIL FAILED UNDER HARD BRAKING AND ACCELARATION. (3) NOTHING AT THIS TIME. MANUFACTURER UPGRADE WAS PERFORMED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10123779

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Liftgate strut and mounting failure

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

3 NHTSA complaints · 2006-01 → 2008-06

“2002 SUBARU IMPREZA RECALL NOTICE. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE HATCH STRUT BROKE AND RIPPED OUT WHEN SHE WAS JUST LIFTING THE TAILGATE. CAUSING THE TAILGATE TO LAND ON HER HEAD WHICH RESULTED IN A MILD CONCUSSION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10231812
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V135000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10232022
“DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE HATCHBACK/LIFGATE FELL OUT BECAUSE THE SCREWS HOLDING THE LIFTGATE IN PLACE STRIPPED DUE TO WEARING. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED IT WAS ASSEMBLED IMPROPERLY, AND TO CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER BEFORE HAVING THE REPAIRS DONE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10146813

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

ABS activation and reduced braking response

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

4 NHTSA complaints · 2004-02 → 2008-12

“ABS INTERMITTENTLY KICKS IN ON DRY, SMOOTH ROAD AT LOW SPEEDS, WITH LIGHT PEDAL PRESSURE. DEALER CHECKED AND SAID ALL IS NORMAL. PROBLEM IS NOT READILY REPRODUCIBLE, BUT VERY DISCONCERTING WHEN IT HAPPENS, CAUSING PROLONGED STOPPING DISTANCES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10061820
“WAS COMING TO A STOP SIGN AND THERE WAS A MAN HOLE COVER RECESSED INTO THE ROAD. HAD FOOT ON BRAKE, LIGHT PRESSURE TO COME TO THE STOP SIGN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10058138
“IT WAS RAINING. I WAS TURNING LEFT AT A LIGHT, SAW ANOTHER CAR COMING TOWARDS ME. I APPLIED BRAKES AND THERE WAS A HESITATION OF BRAKING POWER DUE TO THE ABS SYSTEM. THIS ALSO HAPPENS WHEN DRIVING IN LOW TRACTION CONDITIONS OR OVER BUMPS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10250511

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fuel leak and fuel odor in cold weather

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

97 NHTSA complaints · 2004-01 → 2019-12

“FUEL RAILS LEAK IN COLD WEATHER CAUSING FUEL SMELL IN CAR AND POSSIBLE RISK OF FIRE. SUBARU HAS ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ON THIS. *CB”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10054271
“MY 2002 SUBARU HAS GAS FUMES IN THE CABIN WHENEVER THE WEATHER IS COLD. THE COLDER THE WEATHER THE STRONGER THE FUMES. SUBARU IS AWARE OF THE ISSUE, THE HAVE A BULLETIN ON THIS VERY ISSUE, HOWEVER THE DEALER REFUSES TO COVER THIS ISSUE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10182633
“IN COLD WEATHER (FREEZING), THE FUEL RAIL UNDER THE INTAKE MANIFOLD LEAKS GASOLINE. THE GAS DRIPS DIRECTLY ONTO THE HOT ENGINE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10251977

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Front lower control arm corrosion and fracture

SUSPENSION

41 NHTSA complaints · 2009-08 → 2021-12

“THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM BROKE DUE TO RUST DAMAGE. HAPPENED WHEN BACKING OUT OF THE GARAGE. VEHICLE CANNOT BE STEERED. SUBARU HAS ISSUED A RECALL FOR THIS EXACT ISSUE FOR THE SAME MODEL YEAR BUT HAS EXCLUDED MY VIN NUMBER. *TT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10433061
“THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM BROKE INTO TWO PIECES CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THIS CAUSED THE RIGHT FROM TOF THE VEHICLE TO DROP DOWN, IT CAUSED THE TIRE TO CONTACT THE FENDER AT REAR OF WHEEL OPENING AND CAUSED THE FRONT WHEELS TO POINT IN TWO”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11183528
“THE RIGHT FRONT CONTROL ARM SHEERED IN HALF WHILE DRIVING AT SPEED. LATER INSPECTION REVEALED IT WAS DUE TO CORROSION. A RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR THIS EXACT SAME PART ON SEPTEMBER 10, 2011, AND THE RECALL WAS COMPLIED WITH ON THIS CAR IN 2012, YET THE PART STILL FAILED IN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10573078

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Head gasket oil and coolant leakage

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

4 NHTSA complaints · 2008-03 → 2008-10

“HEAD GASKETS ON BOTH SIDES OF ENGINE LEAKING OIL AND COOLANT AT 20000 MILES AND 2.5 YRS OLD. OIL AND COOLANT LEAK TRANSFERS ON TIRES AND EXHAUST. THIS CAN CAUSE FIRE AND LOSS OF CONTROL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10245336
“JUST LEARNED THAT MY 2002 IMPREZA SPORT HAS A LEAKING HEAD GASKET WHEN THE CAR ONLY HAS 72,000 ON IT. THE CAR HAS NEVER GOTTEN OVER 23 MILES PER GALLON, EVEN WHEN IT IS HIGHWAY DRIVEN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10244927
“2002 SUBARU IMPREZA WITH A LEAKING HEAD GASKET. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE DEALER SAID THEY WOULD PAY FOR HALF OF THE COST OF THE REPAIRS. CONSUMER WAS THEN INFORMED THAT BOTH HEAD GASKETS WERE LEAKING. *KB THE CYLINDERS WERE LEAKING COOLANT. *JB”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10220551

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 6,000 mi

Replace 0W-20 full-synthetic oil and filter every 6,000 miles. WRX/STI 2.0L/2.5L turbo: 3,750 miles. Non-turbo FB engines: 6,000 miles severe / 10,000 normal.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. Critical on Subaru AWD — uneven tread depth across all 4 tires (>2/32") forces the center differential to bind, damaging the AWD coupling.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, calipers, and parking brake every 7,500 miles. Outback and Forester pads commonly last 35,000-50,000 miles depending on terrain.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Front Differential / Manual Transmission Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace front differential and manual transmission fluid every 30,000 miles. CVT models use proprietary Subaru CVT fluid — a separate item.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace rear differential fluid every 30,000 miles. Use Subaru 75W-90 GL-5 — substitutes can cause whining noises within months.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

CVT Fluid (Lineartronic)

Every 30,000 mi

Subaru CVT models (Outback, Legacy, Forester, Crosstrek, Impreza, Ascent): replace Lineartronic CVT fluid every 30,000 miles severe / 60,000 normal. Subaru High-Torque CVT-II fluid only — incorrect fluid destroys the chain-and-pulley system.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$360–$500

Shop

~$255–$355

DIY

~$80–$180

CVT fluid is manufacturer-specific and pricey — do NOT substitute conventional ATF.

Timing Belt (EJ25 engines, pre-2011)

Every 105,000 mi

Older Subarus with the EJ25 boxer engine (Forester, Outback, Legacy 1996-2010): replace timing belt every 105,000 miles. FB and FA boxer engines (2011+) use a chain — no scheduled replacement.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$935–$1175

Shop

~$655–$825

DIY

Pro only

On interference engines, a snapped belt destroys valves. Worth doing on schedule. Bundle water pump + tensioner — labor is already there.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 30 months. Subaru's brake hold and EyeSight automatic emergency braking depend on uncontaminated fluid.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace engine air filter every 30,000 miles. WRX/STI: inspect every oil change due to the higher airflow demand of the turbo intake.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Spark Plugs

Every 60,000 mi

Iridium plugs every 60,000 miles on FB engines. WRX/STI 2.5L turbo: 30,000 miles due to higher cylinder pressures and EGT.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Super Coolant

Every 30,000 mi

Subaru Super Coolant (blue): first change at 137,500 miles or 11 years, then every 30,000 miles. Do not substitute green or orange — head gasket sealing chemistry depends on the formula.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 15,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 15,000 miles. Behind the glove box on most Subaru models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

147 crashes 1990–2024

How the 147 occupant deaths break down

91

driver deaths

56

passenger deaths

147

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2001 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

12

complaints mentioning a crash

3

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2002 Subaru Impreza reflects Subaru's published service intervals. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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