Subaru Impreza Complaints

2,698 consumer complaints on file.

#10267601May 3, 2009
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
I PURCHASED A 2009 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX (BUILD DATE OF 07/08) IN SEPTEMBER, 2008. ON DECEMBER 12, 2008 (W/ APPROX 3870 MILES ON THE ODOMETER) DURING MY COMMUTE LEAVING WORK UPON MERGING INTO TRAFFIC THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER. THANKFULLY AT THIS TIME TRAFFIC WAS LIGHT AND THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT. THE VEHICLE AT THIS TIME EXHIBITED A RATHER PRONOUNCED CYCLIC KNOCKING SOUND AND HARSH VIBRATION. I WAS ABLE TO LIMP THE VEHICLE TO THE HOME OF A FAMILY MEMBER (VEHICLE AT THIS POINT HAD 3892 MILES ON THE ODOMETER); SHORTLY THEREAFTER THE VEHICLE CEASED TO FUNCTION ENTIRELY AND COULD NOT BE RE-STARTED. THANKFULLY I WAS PROXIMAL TO THE HOME OF A FAMILY MEMBER. IT COULD BE ENVISIONED THAT THIS PROBLEM MIGHT LEAVE OTHERS STRANDED IN AN UNSAFE ENVIRONMENT (ESPECIALLY FOR THOSE LIVING IN/NEAR THE SNOW-BELT, AS I DO). THE PROBLEM WAS DIAGNOSED AS A SPUN ROD BEARING (#3 ROD) CAUSING ENGINE FAILURE, THE LONG BLOCK WAS REPLACED, AND THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO ME ON DECEMBER 19, 2008. WHILE THE VEHICLE HAS NOT EXHIBITED ANY FURTHER PROBLEMS THUS FAR, IN THE RECENT MONTHS THROUGH MY OWN RESEARCH I HAVE BEEN MADE AWARE OF APPROXIMATELY 60 (AND COUNTING) OTHER 09 WRX THAT EXHIBIT THIS SAME DEFECT IN THE US. SIMILARLY I HAVE BEEN MADE AWARE OF 09 WRX EXHIBITING THIS SAME DEFECT IN BOTH CANADA AND AUSTRALIA, SOME LEGACY AND FORESTERS EXHIBITING THIS SAME DEFECT, AND THAT EVEN SOME REPLACEMENT ENGINES HAVE FAILED DUE TO THIS SAME DEFECT (SUBARU HAS REPLACED SOME DEFECTIVE ENGINES WITH FURTHER DEFECTIVE ENGINES). WHILE THE MOST RECENT PROBLEMS SEEM TO HAVE INITIATED ON VEHICLES BUILT IN 07/08, IT SEEMS THAT THIS DEFECT OR ONE VERY SIMILAR ALSO OCCURRED ON SELECT 08 SUBARU MODELS. FOR THE REASONS I HAVE PREVIOUSLY MENTIONED (LOSS OF POWER IN TRAFFIC OR COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE WITH THE POTENTIAL TO LEAVE THE OCCUPANTS IN AN UNSAFE ENVIRONMENT) I FEEL THIS IS A LEGITIMATE SAFETY CONCERN AND HOPE THAT SOME RESOLUTION CAN BE MADE IN THE NEAR FUTURE. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10267605May 3, 2009
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
THERE WAS NO INDICATION THAT A FAILURE WAS GOING TO OCCUR BEFORE IT HAPPENED. I HAD DRIVEN THE CAR NORMALLY FOR ALMOST 6 MONTHS. THE ENGINE BEGAN TO MAKE A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE AROUND 2000 RPM, SOUNDING LIKE METAL HITTING METAL. LUCKILY FOR ME, I WAS APPROACHING A PARKING LOT SO I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND HAVE MY CAR TOWED. I WAS TOLD THAT IF I HAD KEPT DRIVING THE CAR WOULD HAVE JUST STOPPED FUNCTIONING ENTIRELY AND LEFT ME STRANDED WHEREVER IT DIED. THE FAILURE, WHICH TURNED OUT TO BE A SPUN BEARING IN THE 2ND PISTON, WAS RECTIFIED BY REPLACING THE ENTIRE LONG BLOCK OF THE ENGINE. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10267401April 30, 2009
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
MY 2009 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX, WHICH I USE AS A DAILY DRIVER, HAD A MAJOR ENGINE BREAKDOWN AT ABOUT 9000 MILES CONSISTING OF A LOUD KNOCKING SOUND AND EXTREME ENGINE VIBRATION. THE SYMPTOMS WERE CONFIRMED BY MY DEALER AS A SPUN ROD BEARING (#4). MY ENGINE AND TURBOCHARGER WERE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY (AFTER A 24 DAY WAIT). SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE HAD BEEN DONE PRIOR TO THE FAILURE (OIL CHANGES). WHILE THE FAILURE DID NOT CAUSE AN IMMEDIATE SAFETY SITUATION, AS I WAS VERY CLOSE TO HOME AT THE TIME, I FEEL THAT AN ISSUE LIKE THIS COULD PRESENT AN UNSAFE SITUATION WERE IT TO HAPPEN ON THE MANY LONG ROAD TRIPS THAT I TAKE, OFTEN IN UNPOPULATED OR RURAL AREAS. I ALSO DRIVE IN THE LOCAL MOUNTAINS QUITE A BIT IN WINTER TO GO SKIING AND A BREAKDOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE IN FREEZING WEATHER WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN SAFE. MY RESEARCH (AND DEALER STATEMENTS) INDICATE THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT A LARGE NUMBER OF WRX'S BUILT IN THE FIRST THREE MONTHS OF PRODUCTION ARE EXPERIENCING. SUBARU OF AMERICA HAS OFFERED NO EXPLANATION ABOUT WHY THIS HAPPENED OR WHY IT IS HAPPENING TO MANY OTHERS WHO OWN THIS CAR. ALTHOUGH I HAVE A REPLACEMENT ENGINE, I HAVE RECEIVED ABSOLUTELY NO ASSURANCES THAT IT WILL NOT HAPPEN AGAIN AND (FRANKLY) HAVE LITTLE CONFIDENCE IN THE CAR AT THIS TIME, AS I DO NOT WANT MYSELF OR MY FAMILY (INCLUDING 1 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER) TO BE STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE BECAUSE MY ALMOST-NEW CAR ENGINE FAILS AT LOW MILEAGE FOR NO REASON. FOR REASONS OF PRIVACY I AM NOT ATTACHING MY VIN NUMBER, BUT I CAN PROVIDE IT IF REQUIRED FOR FOLLOW-UP. THE BUILD DATE OF THE VEHICLE WAS 7/2008. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10266233April 21, 2009
POWER TRAIN
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON A SLIGHT INCLINE. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE WITHOUT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE BEING ENGAGED. THE VEHICLE HAD AN OCCUPANT IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AS IT ROLLED AND CRASHED INTO A FOUR FOOT RETAINING WALL. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. THE POLICE WERE CALLED TO THE SCENE AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A COLLISION CENTER. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT THE EXTENT OF THE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN DETERMINED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 50,000.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#10264806April 9, 2009
VISIBILITY
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SUBARU IMPREZA. WHEN THE CONTACT ACTIVATED THE DEFROSTER, THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT REPLACE THE WINDSHIELD FOR FREE. THE CONTACT WILL HAVE THE WINDSHIELD REPLACED ELSEWHERE. SHE FEELS THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 75,700.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10261956March 16, 2009
WHEELS
WITH MY ALLOY WHEELS ON TWO OF MY SUBARU CARS, THE SNOW GETS LODGED IN THE BREAK PADS\ROTORS AND IT TAKES PUMPING THE BREAKS TO FORCE THE SNOW OUT BEFORE THE BREAKS WILL ENGAGE. SUBARU DENIES IT IS A PROBLEM. THIS HAPPENS EVERY WINTER ON BOTH CARS, BUT I HAVE LEARNED TO BE EXTRA CAUTIOUS COMING TO A STOP IN ALREADY WINTRY CONDITIONS. THIS YEAR MY BREAKS DID NOT ENGAGE, WENT THROUGH A STOP INTO A BUSY INTERSECTION, LUCKILY NO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10261523March 11, 2009
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
WHEN IN TO STAR SUBARU FOR A TURBO CHANGE AND MY ENGINE WENT 1 WEEK LATER. MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON 2DAYS AFTER GOT CAR BACK FROM STAR SUBURU SERVICE AND LESS THEN A WEEK THE ENGINE WENT. HAD CAR TOWED BACK TO STAR SUBARU AND MY PISTON HAD SHATTERED. NOW THEY ARE SAID THAT IT WAS DO TO THE WAY THE CAR WAS DRIVEN AND SO THE SUBARU WARRANTY NOW DOESN'T WANT TO PAY TO FIX IT. MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT THEY JUST PUT IN THE NEW TURBO WITHOUT CHECKING THE AIRFUEL WERE IT WAS AT OR THEY MAY HAD FORGOTTEN TO PUT IN THE OIL. I AM FIGHTING THE CASE AND THEY DON'T WANT TO ACCEPT THAT THEY DIDN'T DO WHAT THEY WERE SUPPOSE TO. MY CAR HAS BEEN IN AND OUT OF THE SUBARU SINCE I GOT IT I BOUGHT IT WITH 32,000 AND NOW IT HAS ABOUT 48,000. I ONLY HAVE THE HAVE 1 1/2 YEAR. IT HAS BEEN A NIGHTMARE WITH THIS CAR AND DEALING WITH STAR SUBARU AND THE SUBARU WARRANTY. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10260749March 4, 2009
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
ENGINE STARTED STUTTERING AND WOULD ALMOST DIE WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE, THEN STARTED BLOWING SMOKE OUT TALE PIPE. CAR HAD 3400 MILES. DEALER DIAGNOSED AS RINGLAND/PISTON FAILURE. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10260756March 4, 2009
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
SMOKE COMING FROM THE EXHAUST, ROUGH IDLE, OIL CONSUMPTION WERE MY FIRST SIGNS. THE DEALER WOULDN'T DO A COMPRESSION CHECK ON THE MOTOR SINCE THERE WAS NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON, SO I HAD TO PAY WITH MY OWN CASH AND TAKE IT TO A PRIVATE SHOP AND FOUND OUT THAT IN FACT CYLINDER #2 HAD A SHOT RINGLAND. THEY REPLACED THE PISTON BUT THE MOTOR DOESN'T SEEM TO BE RIGHT STILL SINCE I HAVE A CAR THAT WAS INVOLVED IN A "STOP SALE" THAT INVOLVED SOME ENGINES HAVING SOME DEBRIS IN THE MOTOR AND WAS CAUSING KNOCKING AND THROWING BEARINGS. SUBARU SHOULD HAVE REPLACED THE SHORT BLOCK BUT DIDN'T. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10259181February 18, 2009
VISIBILITY
A FOG KEEPS DEVELOPING ON THE INTERIOR FRONT WINDSHIELD AND SIDE WINDOWS WHICH IMPAIRS THE DRIVER'S ABILITY TO SEE CLEARLY THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO KEEP THE WINDSHIELD CLEAR OF THIS FOG WHILE THE DEFROST IS RUNNING. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY RISK THAT LIMITS THE DRIVER'S VISIBILITY. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10258424February 12, 2009
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CAR WAS PARKED AND LOCKED IN MY DRIVEWAY .THE HORN STARTED BLARING AND HEADLIGHTS CAME ON. NOT CAR ALARM. INTERIOR WAS FILLED WITH SMOKE. CALLED FIRE DEPARTMENT THEN TRIED TO OPEN CAR WITH REMOTE TO EXTINGUISH FIRE. HAD TO USE KEY TO UNLOCK DOOR. FIRE ORIGIONATED FROM GUAGES/DASH AREA ON DRIVERS SIDE. THERE WERE SEVERAL EXPLOSIONS FROM CAR AS IT BURNED. HORN CONTINUED TO BLARE AFTER FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED FIRE. FIRE FIGHTERS THEN PRIED INTO HOOD AND CUT BATTERY CABLES BEFORE HORN STOPPED BLARING. TOTAL LOSS OF VEHICLE. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10258430February 12, 2009
VISIBILITY
SERIOUS WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE OF ENTIRE LINKAGE SYSTEM CAUSED BY A HOLD DOWN NUT COMING LOOSE FROM MAIN LINKAGE. MY WIFE WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY DURING A RAIN STORM WHEN BOTH WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED. SHE NARROWLY ESCAPED AN ACCIDENT AS THERE WAS NO PLACE TO SAFELY PULL THE VEHICLE OVER AND SHE LOST TOTAL VISIBILITY. THE 2008 IMPREZA OUTBACK SPORT WAS TAKEN TO A NEARBY SUBARU DEALER WHERE THEY FIXED THE PROBLEM BY SIMPLY TIGHTENING THE HOLD DOWN NUT WHICH CAME LOOSE. NEEDLESS TO SAY, I WAS VERY DISAPPOINTED BY THIS SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE FROM A NEW CAR THAT WAS RATED THIS TOP SAFETY PICK. THE CAR HAD 9800 MILES ON IT WHEN THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED.*TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10258208February 10, 2009
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
ON NOV. 20, 2008, FLATIRONS SUBARU AND SUBARU OF AMERICA SOLD ME A NEW 2008 IMPREZA WRX STI WITH DEFECTIVE BRAKES. ON DEC. 15, 2008, WHILE COMMUTING TO WORK I WAS INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT. I PUSHED DOWN THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THE BRAKES FAILED TO ENGAGE (THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS HARD). AS I WAS DRIVING CAUTIOUSLY, NO ONE WAS INJURED AND NO OTHER VEHICLE, EXCEPT MINE, SUFFERED DAMAGE TO THE FRONT HEADLIGHT. THE CAR WAS LESS THAN A MONTH OLD HAD FEWER THAT 650 MILES ON ODOMETER. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT INSPECTED THE CAR ON DEC. 17, THE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE TOLD ME THAT BRAKE VACUUM BOOSTER HOSE VALVE WAS DEFECTIVE. THE DEALER'S SERVICE MANAGER IN REFUSING TO ACCEPT ANY RESPONSIBILITY WROTE TO ME STATING THE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT THAT ONLY OCCURS IN EXTREME COLD WEATHER, AND SUBARU PERFORMS MOST OF THE INSPECTIONS AT THE FACTORY ON NEW CARS. THE DEALER PERFORMS A VERY LIMITED INSPECTION WITH A QUICK TEST DRIVE BEFORE THE SALE. ALTHOUGH THE DEALERSHIP REPAIRED THE BRAKES DEFECT UNDER WARRANTY ON DEC. 22, THEY TOOK NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE RESULTS OF THE DEFECT OR FOR NOT PROPERLY INSPECTING THE CAR PRIOR TO SELLING IT TO ME. THE ONLY RESPONSE I HAVE RECEIVED FROM SUBARU OF AMERICA IS THAT I SHOULD TAKE UP MY DAMAGE WITH MY INSURANCE CARRIER. IF SUBARU CAN CONTINUE TO SELL POORLY INSPECTED CARS WITH DEFECTIVE BRAKES WITHOUT ANY CONSEQUENCES, THEY WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO. THAT'S NOT FAIR TO ME AND CERTAINLY NOT FAIR TO ANY PERSON WHO WRECKS BECAUSE OF THE BRAKE DEFECT AND PERHAPS INJURES SOMEONE. I THINK CAR COMPANIES SHOULD NOT SELL DEFECTIVE, INADEQUATELY INSPECTED NEW CARS TO THE PUBLIC AND I AM ASKING FOR YOUR HELP TO ENFORCE THIS. UPON YOUR REQUEST, I CAN PROVIDE A COPY OF THE SERVICE INVOICES ON THE REPAIR DONE ON THE BRAKES; EMAIL AND MAIL CORRESPONDENCE WITH SUBARU OF AMERICA AND FLATIRONS SUBARU. *TR
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10257600February 5, 2009
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU IMPREZA. AS SOON AS THE VEHICLE IS STARTED IN THE MORNINGS, A FUEL LEAK OCCURS. THE METAL FUEL RAIL WILL SHRINK IF THE TEMPERATURE REACHES BELOW 30 DEGREES. THE CONTACT REFERENCED TSB NUMBER 09-3603. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED HIM TO TAKE HIS VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10257483February 4, 2009
VISIBILITY
MY 2008 SUBARU IMPREZA HAS DEVELOPED A FILM ON THE INSIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD WHICH CAUSES A VERY UNSAFE SITUATION. I AM UNABLE TO SEE AT NIGHT OR WITH ON COMING CARS WITH LIGHTS ON. IT HAS BEEN TO A DEALER TWICE AND THEY HAVE CLEANED IT BUT THE PROBLEM COMES BACK AFTER ABOUT TWO WEEKS. IT IS DANGEROUS! *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10256269January 25, 2009
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
FUEL LEAKING FROM HOSES UNDER INTAKE MANIFOLD, CAUSING POOLING OF FUEL ON TOP OF THE MOTOR. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10256090January 23, 2009
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
OIL PICK UP FAILED CRACKED NEAR WELD IN RESULT OF MY ENGINE HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE OF BROKEN INTERNAL PARTS DUE TO NO OIL DISTRIBUTION TO THE MOTOR. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10255529January 19, 2009
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL, AIR BAGS
I WAS INVOLVED IN A DIRECT HEAD-ON MVC TRAVELING 35 MPH(AT TIME OF IMPACT). THE FRONT PASSENGER WAS WEARING THE SEATBELT APPROPRIATELY. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE FRONT PASSENGER'S HEAD MADE CONTACT WITH DASH. THIS PASSENGER DID SUSTAIN A MODERATE NECK INJURY PRESENTING THE FOLLOWING MORNING REQUIRING EVALUATION AND TREATMENT IN AN EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT. THERE WAS SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO THE FRONT OF THE CAR AND THE CAR IS NOT DRIVABLE. *TR
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#10255327January 16, 2009
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU IMPREZA. IN FREEZING WEATHER CONDITIONS, THE CONTACT COULD SMELL A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE. THE ODOR WAS SO STRONG AS IF SOMEONE DOUSED THE VEHICLE IN GASOLINE. SHE WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE ORIGIN OF THE ODOR, BUT THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE DRIVEN BECAUSE OF THE INTENSE SMELL. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS; THEREFORE, THEY COULD NOT ASSIST WITH THE REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,654 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 55,000. 4/01/09 *NJ THE CONSUMER HUSBAND FOUND GAS LEAKING ONTO THE ENGINE. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH, THE CONSUMER FOUND THE LEAK HAPPENS WHEN THE WEATHER IS COLD. UPDATED 04/07/09. *JB
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10254960January 14, 2009
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
PASSENGER AIRBAG ON/OFF LIGHT CYCLES BETWEEN OFF AND ON WHEN A PASSENGER OF 100LBS IS SEATED IN THE SEAT. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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