2005 Subaru Impreza Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2005 Subaru Impreza, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Fuel system1921.3%
- Suspension1719.1%
- Airbags1213.5%
- Engine89.0%
- Body & structure66.7%
- Brakes66.7%
- Driver assistance44.5%
- Visibility33.4%
- Powertrain (other)33.4%
- Steering33.4%
- Electrical22.2%
- Tires & wheels22.2%
- Transmission22.2%
- Other / unspecified11.1%
- Seat belts11.1%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
TEMPORARILY EXPERIENCE SOME FUEL SEEPAGE AT ENGINE FUEL DELIVERY PIPE/HOSE DURING COLD ENGINE START UP IN EXTREMELY COLD OUTSIDE TEMPERATURES. VEHICLE OCCUPANTS MAY NOTICE THE SMELL OF FUEL. THE SAME ISSUE IS DESCRIBED IN SUBARU CAMPAIGN/RECALL WVK-21 ISSUED FOR 2002-2003 MODEL YEAR SUBARU IMPREZA VEHICLES. SERVICE BULLETIN 01-170-09 HTTP://WWW-ODI.NHTSA.DOT.GOV/ACMS/CS/JAXRS/DOWNLOAD/DOC/ACM12948229/RCSB-09V468-1307.PDF
EVERYTIME I START THE CAR IN EVEN THE MILDEST TO COLDEST TEMPERATURES, THE CAR HAS AN EXTREME GAS SMELL IN THE CABIN OF THE CAR. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE SHOP AND THEY CLAIM THEY DON'T EVEN SMELL IT AND CANNOT SERVICE IT. THERE IS A RECALL FOR MODEL 02 AND 03 OF THIS CAR BUT DOES NOT COVER MY YEAR. IT'S GOTTEN TO THE POINT WHERE THE CAR IS NOT DRIVE-ABLE DURING COLD WEATHER. THE RECALLS ALSO DO NOT COVER THE STATE OF MARYLAND, WHICH IS RIDICULOUS BECAUSE WE'VE BEEN GETTING COLD SNAPS PUTTING US BELOW 0. CONSIDERING THE PROBLEM IS DETECTABLE EVEN IN 40 DEGREE WEATHER, THIS DOES NOT SEEM REASONABLE. *TR
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
The dealership is refusing to fix my car free of charge on a recall they confirmed would be able to do and now they are refusing to do it due to price and have made me wait two months for this to be the answer while also not giving me any sort of pay for the inconvenience of waiting for so long, while also having already ordering the parts and they have decided to decline my recall repair
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. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The driver was able to park on the side of the road. The vehicle was not drivable and was towed to her residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V464000 (Suspension). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and was informed the recall was completed by the previous owner on 12/10/2011. The failure mileage was approximately 199,000.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V323000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MARK MILLER SUBARU MIDTOWN AT (801) 268-3734 (3535 STATE ST, SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84115) WHERE THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WAS REPLACED. SOON AFTER THE RECALL REPAIR WAS COMPLETED, THE AIR BAG INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE RECALL WAS COMPLETED AND THE CONTACT WOULD BE CHARGED A DIAGNOSTIC FEE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 161,000.
TL* TAKATA RECALL. 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. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. UPDATED 10/28/16*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ON JULY 31, 2016. UPDATED 11/02/16.*JB
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU IMPREZA. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT SOME CODES NEEDED TO BE CLEARED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, AFTER THE REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH A DEALER AND INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE IDLING FOR SOMETIME IN ORDER TO ALLOW THE VEHICLE RELEARN THE IDLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
EVERYTIME I START THE CAR IN EVEN THE MILDEST TO COLDEST TEMPERATURES, THE CAR HAS AN EXTREME GAS SMELL IN THE CABIN OF THE CAR. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE SHOP AND THEY CLAIM THEY DON'T EVEN SMELL IT AND CANNOT SERVICE IT. THERE IS A RECALL FOR MODEL 02 AND 03 OF THIS CAR BUT DOES NOT COVER MY YEAR. IT'S GOTTEN TO THE POINT WHERE THE CAR IS NOT DRIVE-ABLE DURING COLD WEATHER. THE RECALLS ALSO DO NOT COVER THE STATE OF MARYLAND, WHICH IS RIDICULOUS BECAUSE WE'VE BEEN GETTING COLD SNAPS PUTTING US BELOW 0. CONSIDERING THE PROBLEM IS DETECTABLE EVEN IN 40 DEGREE WEATHER, THIS DOES NOT SEEM REASONABLE. *TR
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
In April 2022 hood latch malfunctioned and caused hood to open while driving on interstate. Caused damage to Hood, Fenders, Windshield and Roof. I was able to get stopped safely without injury.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU IMPREZA. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR A YEARLY INSPECTION, THE TECHNICIAN NOTICED THAT THE FRONT SUBFRAME WAS CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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. THE CAR WAS NOT USED UNTIL TAKING IT TO GOODYEAR FOR AN INSPECTION ON 8/27/2020. GOOD YEAR IDENTIFIED THAT THERE IS A LEAK IN THE BRAKE LINE. THEY ADVISED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR SUBARU'S FOR THIS ISSUE, ALTHOUGH THEY COULD NOT LOCATE IT FOR THIS VIN#. I CONTACTED SUBARU AND OPENED A CASE REGARDING THIS ISSUE. THE CASE NUMBER IS [XXX]. THEY ADVISED ME THAT THE RECALL DID NOT APPLY TO MY VEHICLE (WQK-47). WHEN I QUESTIONED THAT IT APPEARS TO BE THE EXACT SAME PART THAT WAS AFFECTED BY THE RECALL IN OTHER CARS THAT YEAR, I WAS ADVISED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A SUBARU DEALER FOR EVALUATION. THE DEALER WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR CONTACTING SUBARU REGARDING THE ISSUE. THE CAR WILL BE TOWED TO SUBARU IN THE NEXT DAY OR SO FOR EVALUATION. *LN THE CONSUMER STATED PRIOR TO THE FAILURE THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. *JS PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
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. IT'S THE SAME PROBLEM AND EXACT SPOT DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL FOR WQK47. YES, I LIVE IN THE SALT BELT. THIS NEEDS TO BE LOOKED INTO MORE AND AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE. THANK YOU.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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. THE CAR CAME TO REST APPROXIMATELY 4 FEET INSIDE THE LAUNDRY ROOM. MY FOOT WAS NOT ON THE GAS; FLOOR MAT WAS ANCHORED TO THE FLOOR AND WAS NOT INVOLVED. *TR
ON OCTOBER 10, 2014 AT 6:13 AM I DROVE HOME FROM THE GYM. AS I APPROACHED MY HOUSE I OPENED THE GARAGE DOOR AND THE LIGHT CAME ON. I SLOWED DOWN AND APPLIED THE BRAKE BEFORE ENTERING THE GARAGE, BUT THE CAR BECAME UNCONTROLLABLE. IT REVVED AND ACCELERATED HITTING THE WALL BETWEEN THE GARAGE AND LAUNDRY ROOM. IT FELT LIKE I WAS IN AN AIRPLANE TAKING OFF A RUNWAY. THE CAR CAME TO REST APPROXIMATELY 4 FEET INSIDE THE LAUNDRY ROOM. MY FOOT WAS NOT ON THE GAS; FLOOR MAT WAS ANCHORED TO THE FLOOR AND WAS NOT INVOLVED THE ONLY THING THAT STOPPED ME FROM GOING THROUGH THE BACK WALL OF MY HOUSE WAS THE WASHING MACHINE. THE CAR PUSHED IT INTO THE WALL. I WAS IN SHOCK AND DAZED, BUT MANAGED TO GET OUT OF THE CAR AND GO SEEK HELP FROM A NEIGHBOR ACROSS. HE HAD HEARD THE IMPACT FROM THE ACCIDENT AND CAME IMMEDIATELY. I HAVE A HOME ALARM SYSTEM SO THE ACCIDENT IMMEDIATELY ALERTED THE ALARM COMPANY, MY CALL LIST PEOPLE, AND NEIGHBORS. I DID REPORT ACCIDENT TO SUBARU, IN WRITING. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
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. THE SUBARU IS A MONTH OLD AND HAD NOT HAD PRIOR IMPACTS TO THE WINDOW GLASS. I BELIEVE THAT IMPROPER TEMPERING AND IMPROPER WINDOW DESIGN/INSTALLATION DIDN'T ALLOW FOR THERMAL EXPANSION / CONTRACTION AND LED TO THE FAILURE. *NM
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. SUBARU ASSUMES SOMETHING EXTERNAL SHATTERED THE WINDOW, SO THAT WE HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR (ABOUT $500, WHICH IS OUR INSURANCE DEDUCTIBLE), BUT WE?RE WONDERING WHETHER A STRUCTURAL DEFECT COULD HAVE CAUSED THE PROBLEM. I WAS WONDERING WHETHER YOU HAD EVER HEARD OF A STRUCTURAL PROBLEM LIKE THIS IN GENERAL, AND FOR SUBARUS IN PARTICULAR. THANK YOU. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE KEY INTERMITTENTLY GETS STUCK IN THE IGNITION SWITCH WHEN THE GEARSTICK IS SET IN THE 'PARK' POSITION. THE CAR CAN BE TURNED OFF, BUT THE KEY CANNOT BE MOVED FORWARD INTO THE #1 POSITION (LOCK/OFF) AND CANNOT BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION IN THE #2 POSITION (ACCESSORY). THIS SCENARIO RETAINS THE ELECTRICAL IN THE 'ON' POSITION WHICH POTENTIALLY DRAINS THE BATTERY AND FORCES THE DRIVER TO INDEFINITELY REMAIN WITH THE VEHICLE TO AVOID A DEAD BATTERY AND/OR VEHICLE THEFT. SUBARU HAS ACKNOWLEDGED THIS ISSUE IN SERVICE BULLETIN 16-112-18R (NHTSA ID NUMBER: 10155220). THE SUMMARY IS AS FOLLOWS: 'THIS BULLETIN ANNOUNCES A DESIGN CHANGE TO THE CVT SELECT LEVER (SHIFTER) MECHANISM IN RESPONSE TO ISOLATED CUSTOMER CONCERNS OF NOT BEING ABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN PARK. THE CAUSE IS CONTAMINATION OF THE PARK-RANGE SWITCH INTERNAL COMPONENTS.' MANY CONSUMERS BELIEVE THAT IF THIS PROBLEM WAS SERIOUS ENOUGH TO REQUIRE A REDESIGN TO THE CVT (CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION), THEN IT IS SERIOUS ENOUGH TO REQUIRE A RECALL.' PLEASE NOTE THAT EVEN THOUGH YOUR INCIDENT REPORT FORM REQUIRES THE USER TO SELECT "ONE DATE" WHEN THE INCIDENT HAPPENED, THAT THIS INCIDENT IS ONLY THE FIRST OCCURRENCE OUT OF MULTIPLE OCCURRENCES. THE PROBLEM IS NOW ONGOING AND UNRESOLVED FROM THE REPORTED DATE FORWARD.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU IMPREZA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DECELERATE. THE CONTACT SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF AND REGAINED ACCELERATION AFTER RESTARTING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE BUT SUGGESTED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY BE REPLACED. THE THROTTLE BODY WAS REPLACED BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED AFTER THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS DRIVING AND LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR AT 55MPH. I STRUGGLED TO PULL THE CAR OFF THE ROAD. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO MY MECHANIC WHERE HE DIAGNOSED A BROKEN CONTROL ARM DUE TO CORROSION.
ALL OF A SUDDEN I WAS UNABLE TO STEER THE CAR. SPECIFICALLY, ACCORDING TO MY MECHANIC THE O-RING FAILED IN THE STEERING PUMP RETURN HOSE. THIS CAUSED AN AIR LEAK IT IS A GOOD THING I WAS ONLY GOING SLOWLY. THE CAR HAD LOW MILEAGE. THE O-RING THAT FAILED WAS MADE OF PLASTIC AND BECAME WARPED DUE TO ENGINE HEAT OVER 9 YEARS. THIS FAILURE COULD HAVE CAUSED A MAJOR CRASH AND DEATH TO THE OCCUPANTS IN THE CAR. I AM SURE THAT MY CAR WAS NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THE O RING FAILURE. CHECK AT YOUTUBE. IN MY OPINION THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL FOR THIS CAR. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE KEY INTERMITTENTLY GETS STUCK IN THE IGNITION SWITCH WHEN THE GEARSTICK IS SET IN THE 'PARK' POSITION. THE CAR CAN BE TURNED OFF, BUT THE KEY CANNOT BE MOVED FORWARD INTO THE #1 POSITION (LOCK/OFF) AND CANNOT BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION IN THE #2 POSITION (ACCESSORY). THIS SCENARIO RETAINS THE ELECTRICAL IN THE 'ON' POSITION WHICH POTENTIALLY DRAINS THE BATTERY AND FORCES THE DRIVER TO INDEFINITELY REMAIN WITH THE VEHICLE TO AVOID A DEAD BATTERY AND/OR VEHICLE THEFT. SUBARU HAS ACKNOWLEDGED THIS ISSUE IN SERVICE BULLETIN 16-112-18R (NHTSA ID NUMBER: 10155220). THE SUMMARY IS AS FOLLOWS: 'THIS BULLETIN ANNOUNCES A DESIGN CHANGE TO THE CVT SELECT LEVER (SHIFTER) MECHANISM IN RESPONSE TO ISOLATED CUSTOMER CONCERNS OF NOT BEING ABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN PARK. THE CAUSE IS CONTAMINATION OF THE PARK-RANGE SWITCH INTERNAL COMPONENTS.' MANY CONSUMERS BELIEVE THAT IF THIS PROBLEM WAS SERIOUS ENOUGH TO REQUIRE A REDESIGN TO THE CVT (CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION), THEN IT IS SERIOUS ENOUGH TO REQUIRE A RECALL.' PLEASE NOTE THAT EVEN THOUGH YOUR INCIDENT REPORT FORM REQUIRES THE USER TO SELECT "ONE DATE" WHEN THE INCIDENT HAPPENED, THAT THIS INCIDENT IS ONLY THE FIRST OCCURRENCE OUT OF MULTIPLE OCCURRENCES. THE PROBLEM IS NOW ONGOING AND UNRESOLVED FROM THE REPORTED DATE FORWARD.
2005 SUBARU IMPREZA - OIL LIGHT NEVER CAME ON....THE CAR RAN OUT OF OIL AFTER ONLY 4000 MILES USING SYNTHETIC. OTHER DRIVERS ONLINE REPORT THE OIL LIGHT NEVER COMES ON OR FLICKERS. THIS COULD CAUSE A CRASH ON THE HIGHWAY IF THE ENGINE BLOWS UP. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
goodyear all season f1 p225/45 ZR 17 psgr right sidewall looks like a few chunks are missing and some tread from tire to sidewall is peeling
I HAVE TWO SUBARUS WITH BRIDGESTONE POTENZA TIRES ON THEM. ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS, I EXPERIENCED FLAT TIRES WITH THEM. ON BOTH OCCASIONS, THEY WENT FLAT SO FAST, I COULDN'T EVEN GET TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD BEFORE I WAS RIDING ON THE RIM. I HAVE NEVER HAD TIRES GO FLAT SO FAST. IN BOTH CASES THE CAUSE WAS A SCREW IN THE TREAD. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE WITHIN A RESIDENTIAL AREA, AROUND 35 MPH AND TRANSMISSION JUST DIED. ENGINE AND POWER WERE WORKING, HOWEVER THE CLUTCH AND TRANSMISSION WERE NOT RESPONDING. CAR WAS PICKED UP AND TOWED TO NEAREST SUBARU DEALER. DEALERSHIP REPORTED THE CLUTCH WAS WORN OUT BY DRIVER AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. AT ONLY 9,000 MILES. *NM
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE TRANSMISSION STOPPED WORKING WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD SAFELY. THEN IT WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE MANUAL TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
DRIVING. HIT A BUMP AS I WAS ATTEMPTING TO TAKE AN EXIT AND HIT A POT HOLE WHICH BENT MY RIMS AND DEPLETED THE AIR IN THE TIRES. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS TRAVAILING 40-45 MPH ON A 2 LANE ROAD IN MY 2005 SUBARU WRX STI. I CAME OUT OF A SMALL S CURVE AND WENT OVER A ROUGH PATCH OF ROAD, AND THE TAIL END OF THE CAR STARTED SLIDING OUT TO THE RIGHT, THE NEXT THING I KNEW I HAD RAN INTO THE BANK AND I WAS FACING TRAFFIC, I HIT THE BANK AT LEAST 40 MPH, THERE WAS A CAR IN FRONT OF ME AND ONE BEHIND ME, AND ONE COMING IN THE OTHER LANE OF TRAFFIC. IT FELT LIKE THE TAIL OF THE CAR HAD TIGHTENED UP AND SENT POWER TO THE REAR WHEELS AND KEPT ME SLIDING UNTIL RIGHT BEFORE I HIT THE BANK IT SWUNG THE CAR AROUND LIKE IT HAD SENT ALL POWER TO THE FRONT WITCH IN TURN PUT ME INTO THE BANK. NOTHING WORKED. NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE SEAT BELTS DID NOT RESTRAIN ME, I HIT MY HEAD ON THE SIDE WINDOW BECAUSE NONE OF THE SAFETY FEATURES WORKED ON THE CAR I SUSTAINED INJURIES INCLUDING: WHIP LASH, SEVERE HEADACHES AND I MAY HAVE A FRACTURED A VERTEBRA IN MY BACK. CONTACTED SUBARU OF AMERICA AND THEY BLEW ME OFF SAYING THAT THERE WAS NO DEFECTS IN THE CAR, AND THAT THEY WAITED TILL THE GOVERNMENT TOLD THEM TO FIX SOMETHING BEFORE THEY WOULD FIX ANY PROBLEMS.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .