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2005 Subaru Impreza Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2005 Subaru Impreza has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Fuel line leak and cabin fuel odor on cold start.” 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 2005 Subaru Impreza.

Reported to NHTSA

Fuel line leak and cabin fuel odor on cold start

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

18 NHTSA complaints · 2005-04 → 2015-08

“STRONG FUEL SMELL IN CABIN, DEALER CONFIRMED LEAKING FUEL HOSES. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10671535
“DURING COLD WEATHER, A STRONG FUEL ODOR PERMEATES THE CABIN OF MY 2005 SUBARU IMPREZA WAGON. UPON ENGINE WARM UP THE FUEL SMELL GOES AWAY. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10564154
“GAS LEAK IN THE FUEL LINE CAUSING A STRONG RAW ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE ON COLD DAYS. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE FOR IMPREZA MODELS AND THERE IS RECENTLY A RECALL FOR THE 02-03 MODELS. CURRENTLY THERE IS NO RECALL FOR THE 04-05 MODELS YET. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10305368

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Rear strut failure

SUSPENSION

5 NHTSA complaints · 2005-03 → 2012-02

“THE LEFT REAR STRUT OF MY 2005 STI HAS FAILED TWICE IN LESS THAN 13K MILES. THE FIRST FAILED AT AROUND 10K AND THE SECOND AT 12.6K MILES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10116170
“WITH AROUND 6,000 MILES ON MY 05 IMPREZA WRX STI A CLUNKING NOISE APPEARED IN THE REAR RIGHT SIDE SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY. THE DEALER INSPECTED AND FOUND A DAMAGED STRUT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10137428
“REAR STRUTS ON MY 2005 SUBARU IMPREZA HAVE BLOWN TREE TIMES SINCE VEHICLE PURCHASE IN JUNE 2005. SUBARU HAS CHANGED THE PN# TO AN UPDATED PART NUMBER BUT REFUSE TO REPLACE AGAIN STATING MY VEHICLE MILEAGE HAS SURPASSED THEIR WARRANTY LIMITATION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10177082

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Corroded brake line leak

SERVICE BRAKES

3 NHTSA complaints · 2015-01 → 2020-08

“I BELIEVE MY VEHICLE NEEDS ADDED TO THE SAFETY RECALL: WQK47. NHTSA CAMPAIGN: 14V311000. I OWN A 2005 SUBARU IMPREZA RS. DRIVING DOWN RESIDENTIAL STREET I LOST ALL BRAKE PRESSURE COMING TO A STOP. PROBLEM WAS FROM BRAKE LINE HAD LEAK FROM CORROSION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11267693
“2005 SUBARU IMPREZA OUTBACK SPORT ON 8/23/2020 THE BRAKE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. UPON RETURNING HOME, THE BRAKE FLUID WAS CHECKED AND FOUND TO BE LOW. NOTICED BRAKE FLUID ON DRIVEWAY UNDER CAR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11351670

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Spontaneous window and windshield glass failure

VISIBILITY

3 NHTSA complaints · 2005-02 → 2005-08

“IT WAS A 95F DAY ,USING MY AIR CONDITIONER AND AFTER PULLING INTO MY GARAGE AT HOME MY DRIVER'S SIDE REAR WINDOW HAD AN EXPLOSIVE FAILURE CAUSING GLASS TO FLY INTO AND OUT OF THE CAR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10132240
“HI, MY WIFE HAS A NEW SUBARU IMPREZA WRX (4000 MILES). A FEW DAYS AGO WHILE SHE WAS DRIVING IT, THE DRIVER?S SIDE WINDOW COMPLETELY SHATTERED. HERS WAS THE ONLY CAR ON THE ROAD AT THE TIME, AND NO VEHICLES HAD RECENTLY COME BY TO KICK UP A STONE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10114447

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Front lower control arm fracture from corrosion

SUSPENSION

8 NHTSA complaints · 2011-10 → 2021-11

“I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN I LOST CONTROL OF MY CAR. I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY PULL OFF TO THE SIDE, AND HAVE THE CAR TOWED HOME. THE CONTROL ARM ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS RUSTED AND SNAPPED SNAPPED WHILE MY CAR WAS TRAVELING STRAIGHT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11000539
“WHILE TURNING TO BACK INTO DRIVEWAY CONTROL ARM BROKE. IT IS RUSTED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11143057
“The contact owns a 2005 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated while her son was driving and approaching a stop sign, he heard an abnormal noise which caused him to lose control of the vehicle”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11439156

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Takata air bag recall repair delayed by part unavailability

AIR BAGS

9 NHTSA complaints · 2015-08 → 2017-12

“TAKATA RECALL : I HAVE A 2005 SUBARU WRX WHICH HAS NOT BEEN SCHEDULE FOR THE RECALL, FOR OVER A YEAR. I HAVE BEEN USING THE CAR WITHOUT ALLOWING ANYONE TO SIT IN THE FRONT SEAT FOR A YEAR NOW, WAITING FOR THE RECALL TO BE SCHEDULE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10854861
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V323000 (AIR BAGS), HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10777741
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V323000 (AIR BAGS)”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11055749

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Unintended acceleration at low speed

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

3 NHTSA complaints · 2005-09 → 2014-12

“DT: THE CONTACT S IS A MEMBER OF A RELIGIOUS GROUP THAT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AND WHEN PLACING THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE IT ACCELERATED BY ITSELF, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO HIT A TREE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE DID NOT ACCELERATE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10137061
“WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKE AND SLOWED DOWN WHILE ENTERING THE GARAGE, THE CAR BECAME UNCONTROLLABLE. IT REVVED AND ACCELERATED HITTING THE WALL BETWEEN THE GARAGE AND LAUNDRY ROOM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10663478

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)

93 crashes 1990–2024

How the 93 occupant deaths break down

54

driver deaths

39

passenger deaths

93

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2005 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.

10

complaints mentioning a crash

1

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 2005 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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