Owners have filed 95 complaints
about the 2005 Subaru Impreza with NHTSA between 2005 and 2025.
The largest single group is the fuel & propulsion.
Across this model's run it ranks 12 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 — 43
Against the median year of the Subaru Impreza. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
28.4% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 63
37% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
22.5%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
1619.8%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
1012.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
44.9%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1012.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1822.2%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1721.0%
150,000+ miles
44.9%
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.
Feb 2005peak 6Jan 2025
NHTSA investigations into the 2005 Subaru Impreza
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
1
investigation is
still open.
EA15001Opened 24 Feb 2015Still openAIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Air Bag Inflator Rupture
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.During the course of PE14-016, ODI determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by Takata. No evidence of field fai...
PE14016Opened 11 Jun 2014Closed 2 Mar 2015AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Air Bag Inflator Rupture
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.During the course of PE14-016, ODI determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by Takata. No evidence of field fai...
PE11011Opened 7 Apr 2011Closed 23 Sep 2011SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
Front suspension control arm failure
On September 6, 2011, Fuji Heavy Industries USA, Inc, on behalf of Subaru of America, Inc notified the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) it would be conducting a safety recall of certain model year (MY) 2002 through 2007 Subaru Impreza, MY 2003 through 2008 Subaru Forester, and MY 2005 through 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold or currently registered in one the salt belt states including the District of Columbia (DC). For the purpose of this investigation, salt belt states include Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mis...
Recalls on the 2005 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
23V076000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2004-2005 Impreza and WRX vehicles that received replacement front passenger air bag inflators under a previous recall. The replacement air bag inflators may have been installed incorrectly.
Risk: An incorrectly installed inflator may not properly inflate the passenger air bag, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
20V001000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (STI included), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
20V003000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
20V002000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
15V323000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Subaru Baja vehicles manufactured January 22, 2003, to July 21, 2004, 2004-2005 Impreza vehicles manufactured January 28, 2003, to May 31, 2005, 2003-2008 Subaru Legacy vehicles manufactured January 22, 2003, to May 2, 2008, 2003-2008 Subaru Outback vehicles manufactured February 18, 2003, to May 5, 2008, and 2005 Saab 9-2x vehicles manufactured February 11, 2004, to March 17, 2005. The affected vehicles are equipped with a passenger side frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture upon its deployment.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
11V464000
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002-2007 IMPREZA, MODEL YEAR 2003-2008 FORESTER, AND MODEL YEAR 2005-2006 SAAB 9-2X VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 5, 2000 THROUGH NOVEMBER 26, 2007 ORIGINALLY SOLD, OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN, MASSACHUSETTS, MARYLAND, MICHIGAN, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW YORK, PENNSYLVANIA, VERMONT, WISCONSIN, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IOWA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MAINE, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW JERSEY, OHIO, RHODE ISLAND, WEST VIRGINIA AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS MAY BREAK AT THE HANGER BRACKETS DUE TO CORROSION IF THE HANGER BRACKET IS EXPOSED TO SALTY AND HUMID ENVIRONMENTS SUCH AS ROADS CONTAINING SNOW MELTING AGENT.
Risk: A BROKEN CONTROL ARM CAN RESULT IN THE LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202000123,159 units in Canada
Airbag
Issue: This recall is for certain vehicles that had an airbag inflator replaced as a part of an earlier recall campaign. This recall provides a final repair. Long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, may eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger-front airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. If the airbag inflator ruptures, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants or cause damage to the airbag assembly, preventing its proper function. Safety Risk: If the vehicle is involved in a crash requiring an airbag deployment, the airbag inflator could rupture and create a risk of injury. Corrective Actions: Owners will be notified by mail and instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer to inspect the passenger-front airbag inflator. The passenger-front airbag module or inflator will be replaced as necessary. Note: The Canadian climate results in the propellant degrading slowly. This recall is being conducted as a precaution to address future risk. It is expected that all airbag inflators will be replaced before their function would be affected.
Recall 201523412,400 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, the passenger frontal airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. Increased pressure may cause the inflator to rupture, which could allow fragments to be propelled toward vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of injury. This could also damage the airbag module, which could prevent proper deployment. Failure of the passenger airbag to fully deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Correction: Dealers will replace airbag inflators.
Recall 201134459,432 units in Canada
Suspension
On certain vehicles, the front lower control arms could corrode due to exposure to humid environments and road de-icing chemicals. Over time, corrosion could progress causing thinning and perforation of the steel, which could allow the control arm to fracture near the forward pivot attachment to the chassis. Lower control arm failure could result in a loss of vehicle control and a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will inspect the front lower control arms and, depending on the degree of corrosion exhibited, will either rustproof or replace them.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 130,000 milesEast Aurora, NYCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
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).
NHTSA complaint #11351670 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 146,000 milesNEW Castle, DECrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.
NHTSA complaint #10663478 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 146,000 milesNEW Castle, DECrash
STRUCTURE:BODY
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.
NHTSA complaint #10663478 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 146,000 milesNEW Castle, DECrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.
NHTSA complaint #10659158 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 146,000 milesNEW Castle, DECrash1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
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.
NHTSA complaint #10659158 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 92,000 milesPueblo, COCrash
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 SUBARU IMPREZA. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE CONTACT CRASHED THE VEHICLE INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,000.
NHTSA complaint #10629477 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Avondale, AZ
SUSPENSION
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
NHTSA complaint #11638183 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bangor, ME
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11483177 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bangor, ME
STRUCTURE:BODY
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.
NHTSA complaint #11483177 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Succasunna, NJ
TIRES
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
NHTSA complaint #11462656 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 199,000 milesMansfield, OH
SUSPENSION
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.
NHTSA complaint #11439156 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Covington, WA
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #11414627 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Covington, WA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11414627 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Covington, WA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11414627 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesEast Aurora, NYCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
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).
NHTSA complaint #11351670 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,000 milesPittsburgh, PA
SUSPENSION
WHILE MY SON WAS BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, HIS PASSENGER SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM SNAPPED IN 2. HE STRUGGLED TO GET IT EVEN BACK INTO THE DRIVEWAY. I RAN THE VIN NUMBER AND IT DOES NO SHOW THAT THIS CAR HAS A RECALL THAT NEEDS TO BE DONE. DOES THIS MEAN IT WAS ALREADY DONE? OR IS THIS CAR NOT COVERED FOR THE RECALL?
NHTSA complaint #11291060 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 158,000 milesSpartanburg, SC
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU IMPREZA. WHILE THE CONTACT'S WIFE WAS DRIVING 40 MPH, SHE HEARD A SNAP IN THE ENGINE THAT CAUSED HER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S FATHER'S HOME WHERE HE DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS FRACTURED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V464000(SUSPENSION). THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH VIC BAILEY MAZDA SUBARU (400 E DANIEL MORGAN AVE, SPARTANBURG, SC 29302, (864) 568-3338) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 158,000.
NHTSA complaint #11289711 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,000 milesGlenshaw, PA
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
NHTSA complaint #11267693 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 87,000 milesBurnsville, NC
SUSPENSION
WHILE TURNING TO BACK INTO DRIVEWAY CONTROL ARM BROKE. IT IS RUSTED
NHTSA complaint #11143057 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 161,000 milesGrantsville, UT
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11055749 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesGlenshaw, PA
STRUCTURE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11001716 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,500 milesNewton, MA
SUSPENSION
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. MY CAR IS AFFECTED BY THE WVX34 FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM (TRANSVERSE LINK) CORROSION RECALL, WHICH WAS PERFORMED BEFORE I PURCHASED THE CAR. THE CONTROL ARMS HAD ANTI-RUST SPRAY APPLIED AT THAT TIME, AND WERE NOT REPLACED. THE SPRAY WAS NOT EFFECTIVE IN PREVENTING FURTHER DAMAGE. FORTUNATELY I WAS UNHARMED BECAUSE THE HIGHWAY WAS NOT VERY BUSY AND TRAFFIC WAS MINIMAL.
NHTSA complaint #11000539 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,260 milesAltoona, PA
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU IMPREZA. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED UNCONTROLLABLY. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT LOWER DRIVER SIDE CONTROL ARM FAILED AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY SERVICED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V464000 (SUSPENSION), BUT THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,260. ...UPDATED 12/06/16 *BF
NHTSA complaint #10910589 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesSomerville, MA
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #10882678 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waupaca, WI
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10881386 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 19,000 milesAnna, OH
AIR BAGS
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. I AM TIRED OF BEING INCONVENIENCED DUE TO THIS RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10854861 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 19,000 milesAnna, OH
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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. I AM TIRED OF BEING INCONVENIENCED DUE TO THIS RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10854861 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Loomis, CA
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V323000 (AIR BAGS) EXCEEDED A REASONABLE TIME FOR REPAIR. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER ALSO VERIFIED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR REPAIR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTIFICATION IN JUNE OF 2015. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10789623 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arden, NC
AIR BAGS
MY CONCERN IS THE UNREASONABLE LENGTH OF TIME IT IS TAKING TO REMEDY THE JULY SAFETY RECALL. FOUR MONTHS NOW AND THE DEALER SIMPLY TELLS ME THE PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE AND MORE CARS ARE BEING RECALLED WITH THE SAME PROBLEM! UNTIL THE REPAIR IS PERFORMED, WE ARE ADVISED TO NOT ALLOW PASSENGERS TO RIDE IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. A FEW WEEKS OF NOT ALLOWING PASSENGERS IS ONE MATTER, FOUR MONTHS IS RIDICULOUS. AND THERE IS NO PROMISE OF REPAIR ANY TIME SOON. AN APPOINTMENT WAS MADE FOR THE REPAIR ON 8/17 AND AFTER WAITING 2 1/2 HOURS I WAS ADVISED THEY HAD RUN OUT OF THE PARTS. THEY WERE EXPECTING MORE AND I WOULD BE CALLED BY WEDNESDAY OF THAT WEEK. HAVING NOT BEEN CONTACTED BY THE DEALER ON 9/3 I CONTACTED SUBARU OF AMERICA. GRANT NOBLE WITH SUBARU OF AMERICA CONTACTED THE DEALER AND ADVISED ME THE PART WAS EXPECTED IN VERY SOON. NOW, TWO MONTHS LATER, NO REMEDY!!! PERHAPS, YOU CAN ALLOW THE AIRBAG TO BE DISABLED SINCE NO PASSENGERS ARE ALLOWED AS IT IS. CAN SUBARU PROVIDE ANOTHER VEHICLE OR COMPENSATE ME FOR THE INCONVENIENCE AND EXTRA EXPENSE OF DRIVING ANOTHER VEHICLE DURING THIS TIME? I WILL NEED THE AWD SUBARU WITH WINTER WEATHER.
NHTSA complaint #10787384 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ancorage, AK
AIR BAGS
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. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. UPDATED 12/03/15*LJ; UPDATED 4/9/18*JB THE CONSUMER STATED REPAIRS WERE MADE TO THE VEHICLE ON OCTOBER 28, 2015.
NHTSA complaint #10777741 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesCleveland Heights, OH
AIR BAGS
I OWN A 2005 SUBARU IMPREZA, VIN [XXX] AND IN JULY RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE (15V-323) RE. THE WQR-53 RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE LETTER STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT SHOULD NOT BE USED BECAUSE OF THE SAFETY HAZARD CREATED BY THE DEFECTIVE AIR BAG. GIVEN THE MANNER IN WHICH WE USE THIS CAR THIS PRESENTS ARE HARDSHIP FOR US. I CALLED THE SUBARU COMPANY (1-800-782-2783) AS WELL A LOCAL SUBARU DEALERSHIP AND WAS UNABLE TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT FOR REPAIR BECAUSE THE NECESSARY PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE. AT THE DEALERSHIP I WAS TOLD THE PARTS WOULD NOT COME IN BEFORE NOVEMBER AT THE EARLIEST. I DO NOT BELIEVE IT IS FAIR FOR THE CUSTOMER TO HAVE TO HAVE TO LIVE WITH THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE DELAY WITHOUT ANY REMEDY OR COMPENSATION. I WOULD APPRECIATE IF YOU COULD LOOK INTO THIS MATTER. THANK YOU INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10781721 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.