Owners have filed 54 complaints
about the 2000 Subaru Impreza with NHTSA between 2000 and 2017.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 24 of 31 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 24
Against the median year of the Subaru Impreza. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
27.8% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 15
9% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
10,000 – 24,999 miles
19.1%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
19.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
436.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
218.2%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
327.3%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Mar 2000peak 6Oct 2017
Recalls on the 2000 Subaru Impreza
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
09E025000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
09E012000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
08E050000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
06E049000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 200006946,003 units in Canada
Other
Certain vehicle do not comply with Regulation 6 - Statement of Compliance. Compliance label was not expressed in both official languages in regard to vehicle classification. Correction: No corrective action will be taken for existing vehicles. Correct compliance label will be affixed in current production vehicles.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
College Park, GACrashFire1 killed
SEAT BELTS
ON OCTOBER 2002, MY MOTHER WAS INVOLVED IN A FATAL CAR ACCIDENT, WHEN WE WENT TO VIEW HER VEHICLE, I NOTICED HER DRIVERS SIDE DOOR PANEL, ON THE INSIDE WAS BURNED COMPLETELY. THIS DOOR WAS HIT FROM THE IMPACT OF THE CAR THAT RAN INTO HER. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE MOTOR THAT ALLOWS THE WINDOW TO ROLL UP CAUGHT ON FIRE AND THATS WHY THE DOOR GOT BURNT. WHEN THE DOOR CAUGHT ON FIRE, MY MOTHER WAS BURNED VERY BADLY, AS THIS WAS NOT THE TOTAL CAUSE OF HER DEATH, I AM CONCERNED ABOUT A DEFECT IN THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10069873 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
College Park, GACrashFire1 killed
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
ON OCTOBER 2002, MY MOTHER WAS INVOLVED IN A FATAL CAR ACCIDENT, WHEN WE WENT TO VIEW HER VEHICLE, I NOTICED HER DRIVERS SIDE DOOR PANEL, ON THE INSIDE WAS BURNED COMPLETELY. THIS DOOR WAS HIT FROM THE IMPACT OF THE CAR THAT RAN INTO HER. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE MOTOR THAT ALLOWS THE WINDOW TO ROLL UP CAUGHT ON FIRE AND THATS WHY THE DOOR GOT BURNT. WHEN THE DOOR CAUGHT ON FIRE, MY MOTHER WAS BURNED VERY BADLY, AS THIS WAS NOT THE TOTAL CAUSE OF HER DEATH, I AM CONCERNED ABOUT A DEFECT IN THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10069873 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
College Park, GACrashFire1 killed
STEERING
ON OCTOBER 2002, MY MOTHER WAS INVOLVED IN A FATAL CAR ACCIDENT, WHEN WE WENT TO VIEW HER VEHICLE, I NOTICED HER DRIVERS SIDE DOOR PANEL, ON THE INSIDE WAS BURNED COMPLETELY. THIS DOOR WAS HIT FROM THE IMPACT OF THE CAR THAT RAN INTO HER. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE MOTOR THAT ALLOWS THE WINDOW TO ROLL UP CAUGHT ON FIRE AND THATS WHY THE DOOR GOT BURNT. WHEN THE DOOR CAUGHT ON FIRE, MY MOTHER WAS BURNED VERY BADLY, AS THIS WAS NOT THE TOTAL CAUSE OF HER DEATH, I AM CONCERNED ABOUT A DEFECT IN THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10069873 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 51,000 milesSaint Paul, MNCrash
SUSPENSION:REAR
WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH VEHICLE FISH TAILED AND CRASHED INTO A DITCH.
NHTSA complaint #10053350 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Boring, ORCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
VEHICLE ACCELERATES AT SLOW SPEEDS OR WHEN COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP, THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 8 TIMES. *AK CONSUMER STATES THAT ON 2 OCCASIONS, A CRASH HAS OCCURRED. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #883812 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Boring, ORCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
TRIED TO CHANGE OIL ON VEHICLE AT HOME, BUT WHEN TRIED TO PLACE ON TOP OF RAMP, CONSUMER TAPPED ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THEN ENGINE ACCELERATED SO FAST THAT CONSUMER COULD NOT CONTROL VEHICLE, DRIVING OVER THE RAMPS.*AK *SLC
NHTSA complaint #882364 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 148,000 milesGreat Falls, MT
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I WAS PULLING OUT OF A SERVICE BAY AFTER AN OIL CHANGE, I WAS GOING A LITTLE TO FAST SO I HIT THE BRAKE, THE CAR ACCELERATED, I LET UP OFF THE PEDAL AND BRAKED AGAIN AND IT ACCELERATED AGAIN. I BUMPED THE ATTENDANT IN FRONT OF ME AND KNOCKED HIM DOWN. HE SAID HE WAS OK. I REALLY DON'T KNOW WHAT HAPPENED. IT SEEMS OBVIOUS THAT I STEPPED ON THE ACCELERATOR RATHER THAN THE BRAKE BUT I CAN'T BELIEVE I DID THAT. IT ALMOST FELT LIKE THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT FURTHER DOWN THAN NORMAL AND WHEN I BRAKED MY FOOT CAME DOWN ON THE GAS PEDAL. AS PART OF THE SERVICE THEY CHECKED MY BRAKE FLUID AND SAID IT LOOKED GOOD. AFTER THE INCIDENT, I DROVE THE VEHICLE QUITE A BIT TO CHECK IT OUT. IT SEEMED TO BE OPERATING CORRECTLY. NOTHING LIKE THIS HAS EVER HAPPENED TO ME. I'VE BEEN INTO 100S OF SERVICE BAYS AND HAVE DRIVEN MANY MANY MILES. I HAVE ALWAYS CONSIDERED MYSELF AN EXCELLENT DRIVER. AFTER THIS INCIDENT I'M NOT SO SURE ANYMORE. IN ADDITION, THIS IS MY HIGH SCHOOL DAUGHTER'S CAR AND I WANT TO MAKE SURE IT IS SAFE FOR HER TO DRIVE.
NHTSA complaint #11040924 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,000 milesPark City, UT
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SUBARU IMPREZA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, FUEL FUMES EMITTED INTO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT FUEL WAS LEAKING ONTO THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000.
NHTSA complaint #10658889 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 93,000 milesChesterfield, MO
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
VERY STRONG FUEL SMELL COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. FOUND SERIOUS FUEL LEAKING FROM THE FUEL LINES AND INTAKE MANIFOLD. DEALER/OTHER OWNERS REPORTED SAME PROBLEMS FOR THIS MODEL.
NHTSA complaint #10563693 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dunkirk, MD
TIRES
RE: GENERAL ALTIMAX RT 205/60R15 DOT 65TM3T3 (PER CONTINENTAL). TREAD SEPARATION/BUBBLED SIDEWALLS WHEN VEHICLE TRAVELING 50-55MPH. DRIVER FELT TIRE GOING FLAT & PULLED OVER TO FIND SIDEWALL BUBBLED & DISTORTED AROUND ENTIRE CIRCUMFERENCE. SENT TO CONTINENTAL TIRE (ADMINISTRATOR OF THE GENERAL TIRE WARRANTY) WHO DENIED THE CLAIM BLAMING "UNDERINFLATION/OVERLOADING". THE OWNER/DRIVER OF THE CAR IS A FORMER DEALERSHIP TECHNICIAN WHO MAINTAINS THE TIRES AND KNOWS SYMPTOMS OF TIRE PROBLEMS. (TWO AIR COMPRESSORS IN HOME GARAGE). THE CAR WAS NOT OVERLOADED. WHEN THE TIRE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR WARRANTY SUBMISSION, A NUMBER OF TECH'S GATHERED AROUND AS NONE HAD EVER SEEN THIS PROFOUND LEVEL OF SEPARATION/BUBBLING.
NHTSA complaint #10494960 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesPalos Heights, IL
TIRES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SUBARU IMPERZA. THE REAR CONTINENTAL TIRES MADE A LOUD NOISE WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS. THE TIRES WERE TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE TECHNICIAN NOTICED ABNORMAL TREAD WEAR INSIDE OF THE SIDE-WALL. THE TIRES ARE CUPPED AT THIS POINT. THE TECHNICIANS INSPECTED THE SUSPENSION AND THE ALIGNMENT, BUT COULD NOT LOCATE A FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
NHTSA complaint #10296601 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 63,948 milesMagalia, CA
SUSPENSION:REAR
RIGHT REAR WHEEL BEARING REPLACED 63948, 67346, 84427 MILES. HAD TO GO ON THE INTERNET TO FIND OUT THAT IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM. SHORTLY AFTER BUYING THE CAR (NEW) THE ENGINE STARTED MAKING A NOISE LIKE SOMETHING RATTLING INSIDE OF IT. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WAS A COMMON PROBLEM AND THEY WOULD DO NOTHING ABOUT IT. THEY WOULD HAVE TO TAKE THE ENGINE APART, AND SINCE THE PROBLEM WASN'T DANGEROUS, THEY WOULDN'T FIX IT. VERY, VERY DISAPPOINTED IN SUBARU CUSTOMER SERVICE.
NHTSA complaint #10236253 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mackay, ID
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
TURN SIGNAL DIMMER SWITCH. HEAD LIGHTS GO OUT IF TURN SIGNAL IS TOUCHED. FAILURE OF LIGHTS OPERATING WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT FOR SECONDS UNTIL LIGHTS TURN BACK ON. NO CORRECTION MADE YET. WATER PUMP MAKING HIGH PITCH SOUND. FAILURE OF PUMP COULD CAUSE SEVERE ENGINE DAMAGE. NO CORRECTION MADE YET.
NHTSA complaint #10179279 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mackay, ID
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
TURN SIGNAL DIMMER SWITCH. HEAD LIGHTS GO OUT IF TURN SIGNAL IS TOUCHED. FAILURE OF LIGHTS OPERATING WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT FOR SECONDS UNTIL LIGHTS TURN BACK ON. NO CORRECTION MADE YET. WATER PUMP MAKING HIGH PITCH SOUND. FAILURE OF PUMP COULD CAUSE SEVERE ENGINE DAMAGE. NO CORRECTION MADE YET.
NHTSA complaint #10179279 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 64,000 milesIrving, TX
SUSPENSION:REAR
DEFECTIVE WHEEL BEARINGS. REPLACED REAR-RIGHT IN 2002, REAR LEFT FEB 2004, BOTH REAR JUN 2006.
NHTSA complaint #10160795 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 62,500 milesDover, DE
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
I HAVE A 2000 SUBARU IMPREZA WAGON....I BOUGHT IT NOV 2004 TO USE IN MY BUSINESS. I BOUGHT IT MAINLY BECAUSE SUBARUS ARE RELIABLE, ECONOMICAL CARS...IT HAD 55,000 MILES ON IT...NOW IT HAS 75,000 MILES ON IT AND THE CLUTCH IS REALLY SLIPPING BADLY; NOT GOOD WHEN YOU NEED TO ACCELERATE QUICKLY INTO TRAFFIC. I KNOW PEOPLE WITH SUBARUS THAT DIDN'T HAVE TO REPLACE THE CLUTCH UNTIL ALMOST 200,000 MILES. I REALLY FEEL THERE IS SOMETHING DEFECTIVE WITH MY PARTICULAR CAR FOR IT TO BE SLIPPING SO BADLY AT SUCH LOW MILEAGE...IM THE SOLE DRIVER OF THE CAR AND I DO NOT RIDE THE CLUTCH....IT IS NOW DEC 14, 05 AND IT HAS BEEN SLIPPING FOR A COUPLE MONTHS NOW. IS THERE ANYTHING THE MANUFACTURER CAN DO TO HELP ME WITH THIS PROBLEM? I LOVE THE CAR BUT AM VERY DISSATISFIED WITH THIS PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10145425 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,600 milesWhite Lake, MI
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES
1. NOT AWARE OF EVENTS LEADING TO THIS DEFECT. DESIGN IS SENSITIVE TO SMALL ADJUSTMENTS AND NOT ROBUST. 2. THROTTLE CABLE DISLODGES FROM GROOVE ON THROTTLE BODY LEVER WHEN ACCELERATOR IS FULLY DEPRESSED, PREVENTING THROTTLE FROM RETURNING TO IDLE POSITION. THIS CONDITION CAUSES MOTOR TO ACCELERATE AT APROXIMATELY 1/3 TO 1/2 FULL THROTTLE. THIS ALMOST CAUSED SEVERAL ACCIDENTS DUE TO SURGEN OF POWER DURING BRAKING. . CABLE END WAS REPOSITIONED AND CABLE SLACK ADJUSTED FROM 10 MILIMETERS TO 2 MILIMETERS. THIS SEEMS TO HAVE PREVENTED RECURANCE. 4.SUGGESTED DESIGN MODIFICATIONS INCLUDE: A. INCREASE GOOVE DEPTH ON THROTTLE LEVER AN ADDITIONAL 6 MI;IMETERS TO LESSEN TENDANCY OF CABLE TO DISLODGE. B. CHANGE SHAPE OF CABLE END TO PREVENT SEVERE TWISTING OF CABLE. CYLINDRICAL END COULD BE CHANGED TO SPHERICAL SHAPE, ALLOWING CABLE TO RELAX AND FIND NATURAL POSITION. THROTTLE LEVER WOULD ALSO NEED TO BE RE-DESIGNE TO ACCEPT THIS NEW CABLE END. A SIMPLE DEALER KIT WITH NEW LEVER COULD BE COULD BE INSTALLED QUICKLY DUE TO EASY ACCESSABILITY. THIS WOULD BE BETTER THAN NOTHING AND PREVENT A DANGEROUS SITUATION.
NHTSA complaint #10104825 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 16,481 milesKirkland, WA
SUSPENSION
2000 SUBARU IMPREZA HAS DEFECTIVE WHEEL BEARINGS.*MR (NAR) THE VEHICLE'S WHEEL BEARING HAVE BEEN REPLACED FOUR TIMES, 16481 MILES, 21401 MILES, 34770 MILES AND 56171 MILES.
NHTSA complaint #10046665 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
College Park, GACrashFire1 killed
SEAT BELTS
ON OCTOBER 2002, MY MOTHER WAS INVOLVED IN A FATAL CAR ACCIDENT, WHEN WE WENT TO VIEW HER VEHICLE, I NOTICED HER DRIVERS SIDE DOOR PANEL, ON THE INSIDE WAS BURNED COMPLETELY. THIS DOOR WAS HIT FROM THE IMPACT OF THE CAR THAT RAN INTO HER. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE MOTOR THAT ALLOWS THE WINDOW TO ROLL UP CAUGHT ON FIRE AND THATS WHY THE DOOR GOT BURNT. WHEN THE DOOR CAUGHT ON FIRE, MY MOTHER WAS BURNED VERY BADLY, AS THIS WAS NOT THE TOTAL CAUSE OF HER DEATH, I AM CONCERNED ABOUT A DEFECT IN THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10069873 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
College Park, GACrashFire1 killed
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
ON OCTOBER 2002, MY MOTHER WAS INVOLVED IN A FATAL CAR ACCIDENT, WHEN WE WENT TO VIEW HER VEHICLE, I NOTICED HER DRIVERS SIDE DOOR PANEL, ON THE INSIDE WAS BURNED COMPLETELY. THIS DOOR WAS HIT FROM THE IMPACT OF THE CAR THAT RAN INTO HER. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE MOTOR THAT ALLOWS THE WINDOW TO ROLL UP CAUGHT ON FIRE AND THATS WHY THE DOOR GOT BURNT. WHEN THE DOOR CAUGHT ON FIRE, MY MOTHER WAS BURNED VERY BADLY, AS THIS WAS NOT THE TOTAL CAUSE OF HER DEATH, I AM CONCERNED ABOUT A DEFECT IN THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10069873 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
College Park, GACrashFire1 killed
STEERING
ON OCTOBER 2002, MY MOTHER WAS INVOLVED IN A FATAL CAR ACCIDENT, WHEN WE WENT TO VIEW HER VEHICLE, I NOTICED HER DRIVERS SIDE DOOR PANEL, ON THE INSIDE WAS BURNED COMPLETELY. THIS DOOR WAS HIT FROM THE IMPACT OF THE CAR THAT RAN INTO HER. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE MOTOR THAT ALLOWS THE WINDOW TO ROLL UP CAUGHT ON FIRE AND THATS WHY THE DOOR GOT BURNT. WHEN THE DOOR CAUGHT ON FIRE, MY MOTHER WAS BURNED VERY BADLY, AS THIS WAS NOT THE TOTAL CAUSE OF HER DEATH, I AM CONCERNED ABOUT A DEFECT IN THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10069873 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbia Heights, MN
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
UPON STARTING THE CAR ON A COLD DAY (AROUND 0 F), A VERY STRONG RAW GASOLINE SMELL CAME THROUGH THE DASHBOARD VENTS. THE ODOR DISSIPATED WHILE DRIVING, BUT EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED/IDLING (EVEN AFTER THE ENGINE WAS WARMED UP), THE OVERWHELMING GASOLINE VAPOR ODOR CAME BACK THROUGH THE VENTS. I RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET AND IDENTIFIED A POTENTIAL SOURCE--IN MY 2.2L ENGINE, THERE IS A SHORT RUBBER HOSE CONNECTING TWO METAL FUEL LINES THAT BECOMES WETTED WITH FUEL AND SOMETIMES EVEN DRIPS DOWN ONTO THE ENGINE BLOCK. THIS CERTAINLY SEEMS TO BE ONE SOURCE, IF NOT THE ONLY ONE, FOR THIS PROBLEM. IT SEEMS TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE NOT ONLY FOR THE PASSENGERS' HEALTH, BUT INSIDE THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AS WELL. PLEASE VISIT THE FOLLOWING INTERNET DISCUSSION: HTTP://FORUMS.NASIOC.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?S=&THREADID=131755&PERPAGE=50&PAGENUMBER=1
NHTSA complaint #10052908 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 36,000 milesMinneapolis, MN
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:CENTER SUPPORT BEARING
PREMATURE FAILURE OF REAR WHEEL BEARINGS. THE REAR WHEEL BEARING WAS REPLACED AT 36,408 MILES. IT PROBABLY STARTED FAILING SEVERAL THOUSAND MILES EARLIER. I WASN'T AWARE OF THE CHANGE UNTIL A FRIEND POINTED OUT THE NOISE THAT HE THOUGHT SOUNDED LIKE THE WHEEL BEARING. SUBARU IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND HAS ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN ALTERING THE REPAIR PROCESS TO AVOID "REPEAT PREMATURE FAILURES"(QUOTE FROM THE SERVICE BULLETIN.
NHTSA complaint #10052583 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 51,000 milesSaint Paul, MNCrash
SUSPENSION:REAR
WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH VEHICLE FISH TAILED AND CRASHED INTO A DITCH.
NHTSA complaint #10053350 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Helena, MT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
CONSUMER WAS DRIVING A LONG DISTANCE, AND IT BEGUN TO THROW OIL, OIL WAS COMING FROM THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE. DEALER TOLD CONSUMER THAT THIS WAS NOT UNUSAL BECAUSE THE AUTO HAS TO BE BLOWN OUT.
NHTSA complaint #10022806 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Plainsboro, NJ
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
THIS IS A FOLLOW UP FOR NHTSA ODI NUMBER: 768872. AFTER THE FAILURE OCCURED I CONTACTED THE CAR DEALER, THEY SAID THAT PARTS AND REPAIRS WERE ONLY COVERED FOR ONE YEAR/UNLIMITED MILEAGE AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR. I CONTACTED SUBARU AMERICA(CASE # 440952) BEFORE TAKING THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND INFORMED THEM THAT THIS REPLACEMENT WOULD BE THE 3RD RIGHT REAR WHEEL BEARING IN THE CAR. WHEN I GOT TO THE DEALER, THEY EXAMINED THE BEARING. THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME SUBARU HAD CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP AND HAD THEM CHECK THE PART NUMBER OF THE FAILED BEARING. THE NUMBER MATCHED THE NUMBER SUBARU HAD GIVEN HIM TO CHECK FOR, THE BEARING WAS REPLACED WITH A NEW PART NUMBER FREE A CHARGE. AFTER THE CAR WAS REPAIRED I CALLED SUBARU AMERICA TO INQUIRE ABOUT THE ORIGINAL PART THAT FAILED TO SEE IF I COULD RE-COUP THE COST OF THE 1ST REPLACEMENT($316.000). THEY WOULDN'T ADMIT THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM AND SAID THAT THE DEALER CHANGED THE PART BECAUSE I PROBABLY WAS A GOOD CUSTOMER(COME NOW). IF POSSIBLE PLEASE CHECK TO SEE IF THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THESE CARS, I THINK THE ONLY REASON MY DEFECTIVE PART WAS CHANGED IS BECAUSE I CONTACTED SUBARU AMERICA AND TOLD THEM THAT THE SAME PART FAILING 2 TIMES WAS UNACCEPTIBLE. WELL I GUESS THE 'SQUEAKY WHEEL GET'S THE OIL'. THANKS FOR LOGGING THIS REPORT. DT
NHTSA complaint #769143 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Plainsboro, NJ
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
THE CAR WAS PURCHASED AS A NEW VEHICLE. THE ORIGINAL RIGHT REAR BEARING FAILED IN AUGUST OF LAST YEAR AND WAS REPLACED. IN SEPTEMBER OF THIS YEAR THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL STARTED MAKING A NOISE AGAIN. I HAD AN INDEPENDENT SUBARU DEALER CONFIRM THAT THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL BEARING HAD FAILED AGAIN. WHEN THIS IS REPLACED THIS WILL BE THE THIRD RIGHT WHEEL BEARING. CAR HISTORY: AFTER OWNING THE NEW CAR FOR 4 MONTHS THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD DEVELOPED A CRACK. THE DEALER TRIED TO TELL ME THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED BECAUSE OF A STONE. I SHOWED HIM THAT THE CRACK STARTED BY THE RIGHT WINDSHIELD PILLAR. IT WAS REPAIRED FOR FREE. I WENT IN FOR ROUTINE BRAKE SERVICE AND ONE OF THE MECHANICS ASKED ME IF THE CAR WAS IN AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE THE FRONT RIGHT BRAKE CALIPER WAS A MITSUBISHI CALIPER AND NOT A SUBARU CALIPER. WHEN I BROUGHT THIS TO THE SERVICE MANAGERS ATTENTION HE STATED THE JAPANESE MANUFACTURERS SOMETIME CROSS-USE COMPATIBLE PARTS IN DIFFERENT MAKES OF CARS. I AM NOT SURE THIS IS A VAILD EXPLAINATION. I'M WONDERING IF I BOUGHT A NEW CAR THAT HAD SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE RIGHT SIDE(WINDSHIELD PROBLEM, RIGHT FRONT CALIPER FROM ANOTHER MANUFACTURER AND PROBLEMS WITH THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL BEARING). ALSO WHEN I GOT THE WHEEL BEARING REPLACED, THERE WAS ANOTHER SUBARU CUSTOMER GETTING THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL BEARING REPLACED ON A 2001 SUBARU OUTBACK, SHE ONLY HAD 24,000 MILES WHEN THE PART FAILED. DT
NHTSA complaint #768872 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Seattle, WA
SUSPENSION:MULTIPLE AXLE
THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THE REAR BEARINGS HAVE GONE OUT ON THIS CAR (PREVIOUS OWNER HAD REPLACED. SO FAR, THE DEALER HAS BEEN GREAT. HOWEVER, THE FRONT BEARINGS ARE STARTING TO GO OUT (AT 38,900K) AND I AM NOT SURE IF THE DEALER IS STILL GOING TO BE AS GOOD- THEY CLAIM THAT THEY NEED TO TALK TO THE MANUFACTURER. I WILL BE CONTACTING SUBARU IN THE MEANTIME. I HAVE DONE RESEARCH ON THIS CAR, AND THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED PROBLEM- BUT SEEMS TO HAVE HAPPENED WITH A HANDFUL OF PEOPLE. SEE HTTP://WWW.RANMA.COM/%EHARLOCK/SUBARU/WHEELBEARING.HTML- ALSO THERE IS A YAHOO GROUP DEVOTED TO SUBARU OUTBACK SPORTS WITH MANY POSTING ABOUT BAD BEARINGS. THANKS FOR YOU PROMPT ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER.
NHTSA complaint #766677 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Meridian, ID
SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING
I CONTACTED MANUFACTURER SUBARU OF AMERICA (SOA) REGARDING MY ISSUES. THEY (SOA) ACKNOWLEDGED THEY ARE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE BEARINGS, BUT COULD NOT GUARANTYME ANY ASSISTANCE.
NHTSA complaint #766245 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Seattle, WA
WHEELS
THIS IS THE FIRST OF TWO SUCH INCIDENTS. 80% OF MY DRIVING IS HIGHWAY. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED.
NHTSA complaint #766075 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Seattle, WA
WHEELS
THIS IS THE SECOND SUCH INCIDENT. 80% OF MY DRIVING IS HIGHWAY.NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED.
NHTSA complaint #766076 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.