Owners have filed 461 complaints
about the 2002 Subaru WRX with NHTSA between 2001 and 2018.
The largest single group is the fuel & propulsion.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 17 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 — 100
Against the median year of the Subaru WRX. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 37
7.2% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 69
41% 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.
Under 1,000 miles
113.1%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
164.5%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
4913.9%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
13738.8%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
7320.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
3810.8%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
246.8%
150,000+ miles
51.4%
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.
Aug 2001peak 73Oct 2018
NHTSA investigations into the 2002 Subaru WRX
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.
EA09011Opened 2 Jul 2009Closed 14 Dec 2009FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
FUEL LINE LEAK
THE DESIGN OF THE FUEL LINE (METAL RAIL/RUBBER HOSE INTERFACE) IS SUSCEPTIBLE TO FUEL ODOR AND/OR SEEPAGE IN EXTREME COLD TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS.OWNERS MOST OFTEN NOTICED FUEL ODOR IN THE OCCUPANT COMPARTMENT AREA DURING INITIAL COLD ENGINE START-UP.ONCE THE ENGINE IS WARMED, THE ODOR/SEEPAGE ISSUE DISSIPATES.FROM SUBARU'S DATA, ODI NOTES THAT THE INCIDENT RATES ARE HIGHER IN STATES WITH COLDER TEMPERATURES.THERE WAS ONE ALLEGATION OF A FIRE INCIDENT IN WHICH THE OWNER HAD REPORTED THAT HE NOTICED FUEL ODOR A FEW DAYS EARLIER, BUT ODI COULD NOT CONFIRM THE ORIGIN OF THE FIRE. TO ADDRESS THIS I...
PE09017Opened 10 Mar 2009Closed 2 Jul 2009FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:CARBURETOR SYSTEM
FUEL LINE LEAK
COMPLAINANTS REPORT FUEL LEAKAGE MOST FREQUENTLY IN WINTER DURING INITIAL COLD ENGINE STARTUP.OWNERS WILL EITHER NOTICE A FUEL ODOR INSIDE THE OCCUPANT COMPARTMENT OR FUEL ODOR/LEAKAGE AT THE FUEL LINES ON THE RIGHT SIDE ATOP THE ENGINE. ONCE THE ENGINE HAS WARMED, THE ODOR/LEAKAGE MAY CEASE.SUBARU REVISED THE FUEL PIPE/HOSE DESIGN FOR MODEL YEAR (MY) 2003-04 WRX VEHICLES PRODUCED AFTER AUGUST 2003.SUBARU ALSO INTRODUCED A MY 2004 IMPREZA STI VEHICLE WITH A DIFFERENT ENGINE AND FUEL PIPE/HOSE LAYOUT.OUT OF THE TOTAL OF 994 COMPLAINTS, 944 CONCERN MY 2002-03 WRX VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH AUGUST 20...
PE04002Opened 7 Jan 2004Closed 27 May 2004FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
FUEL LINE LEAKAGE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT
SUBARU REPORTS THAT THE FUEL ODOR IS CAUSED BY FUEL SEEPAGE DURING COLD START OF THE ENGINE UNDER EXTREMELY COLD TEMPERATURES. THE LEAK OCCURS IN A FUEL LINE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.IT REPORTS THAT THE FAILURE IS DUE TO THE MISALIGNED ANGLE BETWEEN TWO FUEL DELIVERY LINES WHICH RESULTED IN SUCH FUEL SEEPAGE DURING THE FIRST FEW SECONDS OF COLD ENGINE START DURING THESE COLD TEMPERATURES.SUBARU REPORTS THAT THE TWO FUEL LINES ARE CONNECTED WITH A HOSE THAT BECOMES TOO STIFF IN VERY COLD TEMPERATURES TO CONFORM TO THE MISALIGNMENT. SUBARU HAS ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (SUBARU SERVICE...
DURING THE EA, ODI AND VRTC PERFORMED THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES:1.CONDUCTED A MAIL SURVEY OF 246 SUBJECT VEHICLE OWNERS TODETERMINE THE ROADWAY SURFACE THAT CAUSED OWNERS' CONCERN;2.INTERVIEWED COMPLAINING OWNERS;3.CONDUCTED FIELD INSPECTIONS OF SEVEN (7) COMPLAINT VEHICLES;4.INSTRUMENTED TESTING AT VRTC OF COMPLAINT AND PEER VEHICLES;5.REVIEWED SUBARU'S RESPONSE TO OUR INFORMATION REQUEST;6.MET WITH SUBARU FOR TECHNICAL REVIEW OF TESTINGAS A RESULT OF THE WORK CONDUCTED BY VRTC AND ODI DURING THIS INVESTIGAITON, A CONSISTENT OR CHRONIC PATTERN OF POOR BRAKE PERFORMANCE HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED....
SUBARU'S SUPPLEMENTAL RESPONSE OF SEPTEMBER 29, 2003, IDENTIFIED THAT THE 2002, 2003 SUBARU WRX MODELS AREEQUIPPED WITH THE BOSCH 5.3 ABS SYSTEM, AND IDENTIFIED THAT OTHER MODEL SUBARU VEHICLES ARE ALSO EQUIPPED WITH THE BOSCH 5.3 ABS SYSTEM, BUT HAVE DIFFERENT CALIBRATIONS THAN THE WRX MODEL VEHICLES.SUBARU IDENTIFIED THAT CHANGES WERE MADE IN THE ABS ECU TO ADDRESS A CALIBRATION LOGIC ISSUE WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE WITH THE SPARE TIRE MOUNTED.SUBARU REPORTED THAT BOTH THE ABS HYDRAULIC UNIT AND THE ABS ECU WERE MODIFIED, AND GAVE VIN NUMBERS TO IDENTIFY THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE MODIFIED UNI...
Recalls on the 2002 Subaru WRX
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
09V468000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002 AND 2003 IMPREZA WRX VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF SOUTH DAKOTA, NEBRASKA, NORTH DAKOTA, MINNESOTA, IDAHO, IOWA, MONTANA, COLORADO, WISCONSIN, NEW YORK, WYOMING, MICHIGAN, ALASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, VERMONT, AND MAINE. DURING COLD STARTS, TYPICALLY UNDER EXTREMELY COLD TEMPERATURES, FUEL LEAKS IN THE FUEL DELIVERY LINE COULD OCCUR WHERE THE LINE CONNECTS WITH A RUBBER HOSE.
Risk: FUEL LEAKS, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
06E060000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Risk: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Woodside, NYCrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I WORK AS A VALET ATTENDANT. I HAVE PARKED A LARGE NUMBER OF VEHICLES. I HAD TO PARK THIS VEHICLE IN A PARKING SPOT. TO PARK IN THIS SPOT I HAD TO MAKE A RIGHT TO LINE UP FOR THE SPOT. THE CAR ACCELERATED SUDDENLY. I HAD ALL MY WEIGHT ON THE BRAKES TO AVOID SLAMMING INTO A WALL,I TURNED HARD RIGHT AND CRASHED THE CAR AGAINST THE CORNER OF A CONCRETE COLUMN. THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED DURING THE ACCIDENT, THEN I HEARD A PURGE AND MULTIPLE CLICKING NOISES. THE BRAKES DID NOT STOP THE CAR AT ALL. THE BREAKS FELT ROCK HARD BEFORE THE ACCIDENT. AGAIN"THE BRAKES DID NOT STOP THIS CAR FROM CRASHING" I SUFFERED A SEVERELY FRACTURED HIP SOCKET INJURY. THIS ACCIDENT LEAVES ME WITH THE LIKELY HOOD OF NEEDING HIP REPLACEMENT DUE TO HIP ARTHRITIS. IF IT WASN'T FOR THE AIRBAG I WOULD HAVE SUFFERED SEVERE HEAD AND CHEST INJURY. I ALSO NO LONGER WORK AS A PARKING ATTENDANT, AND HAVING A HARD TIME FINDING A JOB. I AM NOT A TEENAGER JOYRIDING . I AM AN ADULT, PARKING CARS FOR A LIVING. I HAVE DRIVEN HIGH END VEHICLES WITH WAY MORE POWER, BUT HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED ANY THING LIKE THIS. NOW I HAVE DIFFICULTY DRIVING, AND I AFRAID TO GET BEHIND THE WHEEL. I AM A MALE DRIVER WITH 20+ YEARS OF DRIVING EXPERIENCE, BUT I AM LOOKED AT AS A RECKLESS DRIVER FOR WRECKING THIS CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10554688 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Woodside, NYCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
I WORK AS A VALET ATTENDANT. I HAVE PARKED A LARGE NUMBER OF VEHICLES. I HAD TO PARK THIS VEHICLE IN A PARKING SPOT. TO PARK IN THIS SPOT I HAD TO MAKE A RIGHT TO LINE UP FOR THE SPOT. THE CAR ACCELERATED SUDDENLY. I HAD ALL MY WEIGHT ON THE BRAKES TO AVOID SLAMMING INTO A WALL,I TURNED HARD RIGHT AND CRASHED THE CAR AGAINST THE CORNER OF A CONCRETE COLUMN. THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED DURING THE ACCIDENT, THEN I HEARD A PURGE AND MULTIPLE CLICKING NOISES. THE BRAKES DID NOT STOP THE CAR AT ALL. THE BREAKS FELT ROCK HARD BEFORE THE ACCIDENT. AGAIN"THE BRAKES DID NOT STOP THIS CAR FROM CRASHING" I SUFFERED A SEVERELY FRACTURED HIP SOCKET INJURY. THIS ACCIDENT LEAVES ME WITH THE LIKELY HOOD OF NEEDING HIP REPLACEMENT DUE TO HIP ARTHRITIS. IF IT WASN'T FOR THE AIRBAG I WOULD HAVE SUFFERED SEVERE HEAD AND CHEST INJURY. I ALSO NO LONGER WORK AS A PARKING ATTENDANT, AND HAVING A HARD TIME FINDING A JOB. I AM NOT A TEENAGER JOYRIDING . I AM AN ADULT, PARKING CARS FOR A LIVING. I HAVE DRIVEN HIGH END VEHICLES WITH WAY MORE POWER, BUT HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED ANY THING LIKE THIS. NOW I HAVE DIFFICULTY DRIVING, AND I AFRAID TO GET BEHIND THE WHEEL. I AM A MALE DRIVER WITH 20+ YEARS OF DRIVING EXPERIENCE, BUT I AM LOOKED AT AS A RECKLESS DRIVER FOR WRECKING THIS CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10554688 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NEW Palestine, INFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
IN FEB OF 2006 I BEGAN SMELLING A SLIGHT FUEL ODOR IN MY 2002 SUBARU WRX. A FEW DAYS AFTER I NOTICED THIS I CAME HOME AND WAS GOING TO TRY AND FIND THE SOURCE OF THE SMELL, IT HAD SLIGHTLY WORSENED OVER THOSE DAYS. I PULLED IN MY DRIVEWAY, OPENED THE HOOD AND LOOKED AROUND THE ENGINE FOR A MINUTE, I THEN WENT INTO MY GARAGE TO GET SOME TOOLS AND A LIGHT. WHILE IN THE GARAGE I HEARD A "WHOOSH" AND WENT OUTSIDE TO SEE WHAT MADE THE NOISE. WHEN I WENT OUTSIDE MY CAR WAS ON FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I THEN CALLED 911. WHEN THEY FIRE DEPT ARRIVED I INFORMED THEM THAT I HAD AMMUNITION IN THE CAR, AND THEY SAID THEY WOULD HAVE TO WAIT TO PUT IT OUT UNTIL THE AMMO BURNED OFF. AFTER A FEW MINUTES THE FIRE HAD REACHED THE REAR OF THE CAR AND THE AMMO EXPLODED, THE FIRE DEPT THEN PUT THE FIRE OUT.
NHTSA complaint #10270234 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,000 milesLewiston, ME1 injured
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
ON VERY COLD DAYS I HAVE A VERY STRONG SMELL OF GAS IN THE CAR WITH THE HEAT ON. IT IS SO STRONG I GET DIZZY AND NAUSEOUS AND HAVE TO DRIVE WITH THE WINDOWS DOWN AND SHUT THE HEAT OFF. I HAVE A 6 WEEK OLD BABY IN THE CAR WHO'S DAYCARE PROVIDER COMPLAINS ABOUT HER CLOTHES AND CAR SEAT SMELLING LIKE GAS. I HAVE TRACKED DOWN THE PROBLEM AND ATTRIBUTED IT TO A KNOWN TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN NUMBER 09-36-03. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY THIS ISN'T A RECALL? RAW FUEL VAPOR IS EXPLOSIVE AND A CARCINOGEN. AS IT IS NOW, I CANNOT DRIVE MY CAR ON COLD DAYS DUE TO THIS PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10252388 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 500 milesChico, CAFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
MY 2002 MODEL IMPREZA WRX-2.0L EXPERIENCES A FUEL SMELL IN COLD WEATHER. TOOK IT TO DEALER COURTESY MOTORS SUBARU-CHICO CA. THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID HE DIDN'T SMELL ANYTHING SO I LEFT MAD, BUT I LEFT. SINCE THEN, SUBARU HAS ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) REGARDING THIS PROBLEM AND I STILL CAN'T GET IT FIXED. IT'S FROM A RUBBER HOSE CONNECTOR LOCATED UNDER THE INTAKE MANIFOLD BETWEEN TWO DIRECT METAL FUEL-FEED LINES TO THE INJECTORS. (STRAIGHT OFF OF THE TSB) THIS SHOULD BE FIXED BY SUBARU OR THERE SHOULD BE A GENERAL RECALL FROM FIRE AND FUMES RAW GAS LEAKAGE.
NHTSA complaint #10183699 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 21,532 milesOmaha, NE1 injured
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
1. NONE, IT'S A FACTORY DEFECT. SEE SUBARU TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 09-36-03 "FUEL SMELL IN COLD WEATHER". 2. ANYTIME IT GETS BELOW FREEZING THERE IS RAW FUEL LEAKING FROM THE FUEL RAIL ONTO THE TOP OF THE ENGINE. THIS HAS TO BE A SERIOUS DEFECT! WHAT IS THE RISK OF MY CAR STARTING ON FIRE WHEN FUEL IS BEING LEAKED ONTO THE TOP OF MY MOTOR??? ON TOP OF THAT, WHEN THIS IS HAPPENING YOU HAVE TWO CHOICES IF YOU WANT TO FREEZE YOURSELF. 1. TURN ON THE HEATER AND LET ALL THE RAW FUEL FUMES BLAST YOU IN THE FACE (IT'S A GREAT WAY TO START OFF YOUR DAY) OR 2. LEAVE THE HEATER OFF AND FREEZE (BOTH CHOICES ARE UNACCEPTABLE). 3. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO BEARDMORE SUBARU IN BELLEVUE NEBRASKA 13 TIMES WHILE MY CAR WAS UNDER WARRANTY AND 4 TIMES WHILE OUT OF WARRANTY. I DON'T KNOW HOW A DEALERSHIP CAN BE SO CLUELESS SINCE THE TSB WAS ISSUED BEFORE I EVEN BOUGHT MY CAR. I TOLD THEM OVER AND OVER, "RAW FUEL SMELL IN CABIN ON DAYS IT'S BELOW FREEZING". THE WOULD WASH THE ENGINE, OR PUT IN AN NEW AIR FILTER, OR DO NOTHING AND SAY THEY CAN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. THIS IS TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE! PLEASE HELP!
NHTSA complaint #10176367 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 148,000 milesLOS Angeles, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
A FUEL LINE UNDER THE INTAKE MANIFOLD LOCATED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE IS LEAKING GAS ON COLD STARTS. THIS IS MY SECOND TIME DEALING WITH THIS ISSUE. AS OF NOW, IT IS ONLY LEAKING GAS WHEN THE ENGINE IS COLD, BUT THE LEAKING IS STARTING TO GET WORSE AND FASTER THAN BEFORE. THE FIRST TIME I HAD THIS ISSUE IT WAS LEAKING GAS REGARDLESS OF ENGINE TEMPERATURE. IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE IT STARTS TO LEAK AT ANY GIVEN MOMENT WITH A POSSIBILITY TO CAUSE A FIRE PUTTING MY LIFE AND OTHERS AT RISK. I LIVE IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA AND THIS RECALL HAS ONLY BEEN ANNOUNCED FOR "COLD WEATHER" STATES. IT IS EVIDENT THAT THIS FUEL LINE PROBLEM HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE WEATHER SINCE I LIVE IN A WARM CLIMATE. THIS PROBIEM IS UNFIXABLE AND TIME CONSUMING. I HAD ALREADY TRIED TO SOLVE THIS ISSUE AT MY LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND IT ENDED UP BEING A WASTE OF TIME AND MONEY. THIS IS CLEARLY A MANUFACTURER'S PROBLEM. SUBARU NEEDS TO ISSUE A NATIONAL RECALL FOR THIS VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #11133638 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50 milesIndependence, OH
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I HAVE THE TERRIBLE GASOLINE SMELL IN AND OUTSIDE OF THE CAR AS A RESULT OF A RECALL THAT IS NOT VALID IN THE STATE OF OHIO. AS SUBARU THINKS OHIO IS NOT A COLD WEATHER STATE AND HAS DENIED THE RECALL ON MY VEHICLE. IT SMELLS THE WHOLE HOUSE. IT IS SICKENING. I HAVE BEEN PUTTING UP FOR IT SINCE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE AND AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER. ACCORDING TO THE RECALL, IT CAN CAUSE A FIRE. I CANNOT PURCHASE ANOTHER CAR, AND SUBARU WILL NOT HONOR THE RECALL BECAUSE I LIVE IN OHIO (A VERY VERY COLD STATE).
NHTSA complaint #10965915 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesIndependence, OH
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE BODY IS DETERIORATING SO FAST. I LAUGH AT THE SUBARU COMMERCIAL WHERE THE PARENTS GIVE THEIR KIDS THE OLD CAR. I WOULD NOT TRUST THE OLD SUBARU TO KEEP MY CHILDREN SAFE. I'VE HAD TO REPLACE THE FRAME, AND AM LETTING THE BODY RUST. THE SICKENING SMELL OF FUMES LIKE GAS IN THE WINTER ARE HORRIBLE. WHEN I KEEP THE SUBARU IN THE GARAGE, IT MAKES MY WHOLE HOUSE TOXIC WITH FUMES. SUBARU WILL NOT HONOR THE RECALL ON IT, BECAUSE I AM IN OHIO, AND OHIO IS NOT A "COLD-WEATHER" STATE, BUT DO THEY REALIZE WE HAVE TONS OF SNOW AND FRIGID TEMPERATURES IN THE WINTER. I CAN'T STAND BY SUBARU NO LONGER, BUT CANNOT AFFORD A NEW CAR. WHEN I DO, IT WILL NOT BE A SUBARU.
NHTSA complaint #10936296 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesIndependence, OH
STRUCTURE:BODY
THE BODY IS DETERIORATING SO FAST. I LAUGH AT THE SUBARU COMMERCIAL WHERE THE PARENTS GIVE THEIR KIDS THE OLD CAR. I WOULD NOT TRUST THE OLD SUBARU TO KEEP MY CHILDREN SAFE. I'VE HAD TO REPLACE THE FRAME, AND AM LETTING THE BODY RUST. THE SICKENING SMELL OF FUMES LIKE GAS IN THE WINTER ARE HORRIBLE. WHEN I KEEP THE SUBARU IN THE GARAGE, IT MAKES MY WHOLE HOUSE TOXIC WITH FUMES. SUBARU WILL NOT HONOR THE RECALL ON IT, BECAUSE I AM IN OHIO, AND OHIO IS NOT A "COLD-WEATHER" STATE, BUT DO THEY REALIZE WE HAVE TONS OF SNOW AND FRIGID TEMPERATURES IN THE WINTER. I CAN'T STAND BY SUBARU NO LONGER, BUT CANNOT AFFORD A NEW CAR. WHEN I DO, IT WILL NOT BE A SUBARU.
NHTSA complaint #10936296 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 177,000 milesSeattle, WA
ENGINE
FUEL RAIL ON 2002 WRX IS LEAKING HEAVILY ON THE ENGINE. THIS IS A HIGH FIRE HAZARD AS WELL AS NOXIOUS FOR PASSENGERS IN THE CAR AS IT SMELLS HEAVILY OF FUEL. SINCE I LIVE IN WASHINGTON STATE SUBARU OF AMERICA HAS NOT HONORED THE RECALL THEY'VE PUT IN OTHER STATES FOR THIS EXACT ISSUE. SUBARU HAS DENIED WARRANTY REPAIR DUE TO THE EXTENDED WARRANTY EXPIRING FOR THIS ISSUE IN 2013. I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF THIS ISSUE. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THIS CAR AND HAVE TAKEN IT IN FOR EVERY OTHER RECALL ISSUE THAT I'VE BEEN NOTIFIED OF. THIS IS RECKLESS AND DANGEROUS. THE LOCAL REPAIR SHOP HAS SAID THEY DON'T THINK IT IS CORRECT TO CHARGE ME FOR LABOR AND PARTS THAT SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY BY SUBARU AND HAVE DIRECTED ME TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP ASKED ME TO GET AUTHORIZATION FROM SUBARU, WHICH WAS DENIED. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY FOR THE LIFE OF THE CAR. IT IS A BONE STOCK CAR WITH NO AFTERMARKETS PARTS OR ENHANCEMENTS.
NHTSA complaint #10935043 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 177,000 milesSeattle, WA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FUEL RAIL ON 2002 WRX IS LEAKING HEAVILY ON THE ENGINE. THIS IS A HIGH FIRE HAZARD AS WELL AS NOXIOUS FOR PASSENGERS IN THE CAR AS IT SMELLS HEAVILY OF FUEL. SINCE I LIVE IN WASHINGTON STATE SUBARU OF AMERICA HAS NOT HONORED THE RECALL THEY'VE PUT IN OTHER STATES FOR THIS EXACT ISSUE. SUBARU HAS DENIED WARRANTY REPAIR DUE TO THE EXTENDED WARRANTY EXPIRING FOR THIS ISSUE IN 2013. I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF THIS ISSUE. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THIS CAR AND HAVE TAKEN IT IN FOR EVERY OTHER RECALL ISSUE THAT I'VE BEEN NOTIFIED OF. THIS IS RECKLESS AND DANGEROUS. THE LOCAL REPAIR SHOP HAS SAID THEY DON'T THINK IT IS CORRECT TO CHARGE ME FOR LABOR AND PARTS THAT SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY BY SUBARU AND HAVE DIRECTED ME TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP ASKED ME TO GET AUTHORIZATION FROM SUBARU, WHICH WAS DENIED. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY FOR THE LIFE OF THE CAR. IT IS A BONE STOCK CAR WITH NO AFTERMARKETS PARTS OR ENHANCEMENTS.
NHTSA complaint #10935043 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesHurricane, UT
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THERE IS A CONSTANT RAW FUEL SMELL WHEN DRIVING, TO THE POINT OF MAKING ME FEEL SICK, CANT EVEN DRIVE MY CAR WITHOUT ALL THE WINDOWS DOWN, IVE REASURCHED THIS ISSUE WITH OTHER MODELS USING THE SAME ENGINE & COMPONINTS THAT ARE ON THE RECALL LIST, BUT I CAN NOT GET ANY HELP FROM ANYONE AT SUBARU, EVEN WITH EXPLAINING ITS THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM AS ITHER THE FORESTER OR OUTBACK... OF A RAW FUEL SMELL FROM A FULTY GAS LINE UNDER THE MANIFOLD,,, NOT COOL THAT THEY ARE WILLING TO COMPROMISE MY SAFETY TO AVOID DOING THE FIX, OR ADDMITING THE DEFECT AFFECTS THE 2002 WRX
NHTSA complaint #10864528 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 600 milesKansas City, MO
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
WHEN THE WEATHER IS COLD AND BELOW FREEZING THERE IS A GAS LEAK AND I CAN SMELL GAS IN THE INSIDE OF MY CAR AS WELL AS OUTSIDE. IT IS HARD TO BE ABLE TO DRIVE ANYWHERE WHEN IT IS BELOW FREEZING. THERE WAS A SAFETY RECALL (HTTP://TINYURL.COM/WRXGAS) FOR THIS SITUATION IN 2009, BUT I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED. I DISCOVERED THIS RECALL WHEN I RECENTLY DECIDED TO TRY TO RESEARCH THE SITUATION AGAIN, ALTHOUGH I WAS TURNED DOWN FOR ANY HELP FROM SUBARU EARLY IN MY OWNERSHIP OF THE VEHICLE. I RECENTLY TOOK IT TO MY DEALERSHIP TO GET THE ISSUE FIXED, ONLY TO BE TOLD THAT THIS RECALL EXPIRED. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET THIS RESOLVED SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR IN MAY 2001 IN MN.
NHTSA complaint #10838749 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,600 milesNelson, NH
WHEELS
CONTROL ARMS WERE RECALLED IN 2011 FOR RUST ISSUES AND FAILURE ON THE HANGER BRACKETS. GOT THE PARTS CHECKED AT THE TIME OF THE RECALL BY A CERTIFIED SUBARU DEALERSHIP, THE DEALERSHIP SPRAYED A "RUST PROOFING" AGENT ON THE CONTROL ARMS. THREE YEARS LATER I WAS DRIVING DOWN MY ROAD AND LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY. THE DRIVER SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM HAD RUSTED THROUGH AND BROKEN AT THE HANGER BRACKET. SUBARU OF AMERICA WILL NOT COVER THE REPAIRS AS THE RECALL HAD BEEN PERFORMED ALREADY (EVEN THROUGH IT DID NOT PREVENT THE ISSUES FROM HAPPENING).
NHTSA complaint #10661992 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,600 milesNelson, NH
STEERING
CONTROL ARMS WERE RECALLED IN 2011 FOR RUST ISSUES AND FAILURE ON THE HANGER BRACKETS. GOT THE PARTS CHECKED AT THE TIME OF THE RECALL BY A CERTIFIED SUBARU DEALERSHIP, THE DEALERSHIP SPRAYED A "RUST PROOFING" AGENT ON THE CONTROL ARMS. THREE YEARS LATER I WAS DRIVING DOWN MY ROAD AND LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY. THE DRIVER SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM HAD RUSTED THROUGH AND BROKEN AT THE HANGER BRACKET. SUBARU OF AMERICA WILL NOT COVER THE REPAIRS AS THE RECALL HAD BEEN PERFORMED ALREADY (EVEN THROUGH IT DID NOT PREVENT THE ISSUES FROM HAPPENING).
NHTSA complaint #10661992 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,600 milesNelson, NH
SUSPENSION
CONTROL ARMS WERE RECALLED IN 2011 FOR RUST ISSUES AND FAILURE ON THE HANGER BRACKETS. GOT THE PARTS CHECKED AT THE TIME OF THE RECALL BY A CERTIFIED SUBARU DEALERSHIP, THE DEALERSHIP SPRAYED A "RUST PROOFING" AGENT ON THE CONTROL ARMS. THREE YEARS LATER I WAS DRIVING DOWN MY ROAD AND LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY. THE DRIVER SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM HAD RUSTED THROUGH AND BROKEN AT THE HANGER BRACKET. SUBARU OF AMERICA WILL NOT COVER THE REPAIRS AS THE RECALL HAD BEEN PERFORMED ALREADY (EVEN THROUGH IT DID NOT PREVENT THE ISSUES FROM HAPPENING).
NHTSA complaint #10661992 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,000 milesIndependence, OH
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
I'M FILING MY COMPLAINT WITH ALL THE OTHERS ABOUT THE STRONG FUEL SMELL DURING THE COLD MONTHS. I CANNOT BELIEVE OHIO IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. I'VE TAKEN MY CAR TO THE DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES TO BE TOLD THAT THE CAR IS OKAY. FRANKLY, THIS PAST COLD WINTER HAS BEEN AWFUL. THE SMELL MAKES IT'S WAY INTO THE HOUSE. IT IS AWFUL. I CANNOT BELIEVE SUBARU DOES NOT BELIEVE OHIO IS COLD AND WILL NOT STAND BY ITS AUTOS. ALSO, WHEN I BROUGHT THE AUTO IN FOR A RECALL ON THE FRONT CONTROL ARMS, THEY ONLY RUSTPROOFED THEM AND NEVER TOLD ME THE FRAME WAS RUSTED OUT. THIS WAS AT 125,000 MILES. THIS AUTO HAS BEEN METICULOUSLY CARED FOR. IF THIS CAR IS MEANT TO BE IN ALL KINDS OF WEATHER, WHY CAN'T IT STAND UP PAST 125,000 MILES. RIDICULOUS! I HAVE THREE OTHER VEHICLES FROM OTHER BRANDS WITH MANY MORE MILES, ONE CAR OF WHICH IS STORED OUTSIDE IN THE WINTER, AND ALL THE OTHER AUTOS HAVE GREAT LASTING FRAMES. CONSIDERING I HAD ONLY 125,000 MILES, I SAVED THE MONEY AND MADE THIS EXPENSIVE REPAIR. COM'ON SUBARU MAKE A CAR THAT LASTS!!!!!
NHTSA complaint #10627180 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,000 milesIndependence, OH
STRUCTURE:BODY
I'M FILING MY COMPLAINT WITH ALL THE OTHERS ABOUT THE STRONG FUEL SMELL DURING THE COLD MONTHS. I CANNOT BELIEVE OHIO IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. I'VE TAKEN MY CAR TO THE DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES TO BE TOLD THAT THE CAR IS OKAY. FRANKLY, THIS PAST COLD WINTER HAS BEEN AWFUL. THE SMELL MAKES IT'S WAY INTO THE HOUSE. IT IS AWFUL. I CANNOT BELIEVE SUBARU DOES NOT BELIEVE OHIO IS COLD AND WILL NOT STAND BY ITS AUTOS. ALSO, WHEN I BROUGHT THE AUTO IN FOR A RECALL ON THE FRONT CONTROL ARMS, THEY ONLY RUSTPROOFED THEM AND NEVER TOLD ME THE FRAME WAS RUSTED OUT. THIS WAS AT 125,000 MILES. THIS AUTO HAS BEEN METICULOUSLY CARED FOR. IF THIS CAR IS MEANT TO BE IN ALL KINDS OF WEATHER, WHY CAN'T IT STAND UP PAST 125,000 MILES. RIDICULOUS! I HAVE THREE OTHER VEHICLES FROM OTHER BRANDS WITH MANY MORE MILES, ONE CAR OF WHICH IS STORED OUTSIDE IN THE WINTER, AND ALL THE OTHER AUTOS HAVE GREAT LASTING FRAMES. CONSIDERING I HAD ONLY 125,000 MILES, I SAVED THE MONEY AND MADE THIS EXPENSIVE REPAIR. COM'ON SUBARU MAKE A CAR THAT LASTS!!!!!
NHTSA complaint #10627180 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 195 milesWest Haven, CT
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
WHEN IT IS COLD OUTSIDE MY CAR SMELLS LIKE RAW FUEL VERY STRONGLY IN THE CABIN RESULTING IN HEADACHES AND DIZZINESS. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AMONG-ST THESE CARS AND SUBARU KNOWS ABOUT IT BECAUSE THEY HAD AN EXTENDED RECALL BUT DOES NOT COVER THE PROBLEM NOW.
NHTSA complaint #10584414 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 126,000 milesSAN Antonio, TX
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
WORKING NIGHT SHIFTS, STARTED MY CAR TO LET WARM UP, TEMPERATURE WAS 43 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT AT THE TIME. AFTER START UP I COULD SMELL RAW FUEL OUT SIDE THE CAR AS WELL AS INSIDE THE CAR THROUGH THE VENTS. ALSO GAS MILEAGE HAS GONE DOWN BY DRASTICALLY, NORMALLY GET 300-330 MILES A TANK AND CURRENTLY GETTING BARLEY 200. NOTICED CAR STARTING TO SMOKE A LITTLE AS WELL FROM UNDER THE HOOD, NO FIRE BUT NOT GOING TO KEEP DRIVING THE CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10578785 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 126,000 milesSAN Antonio, TX
ENGINE
WORKING NIGHT SHIFTS, STARTED MY CAR TO LET WARM UP, TEMPERATURE WAS 43 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT AT THE TIME. AFTER START UP I COULD SMELL RAW FUEL OUT SIDE THE CAR AS WELL AS INSIDE THE CAR THROUGH THE VENTS. ALSO GAS MILEAGE HAS GONE DOWN BY DRASTICALLY, NORMALLY GET 300-330 MILES A TANK AND CURRENTLY GETTING BARLEY 200. NOTICED CAR STARTING TO SMOKE A LITTLE AS WELL FROM UNDER THE HOOD, NO FIRE BUT NOT GOING TO KEEP DRIVING THE CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10578785 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 92,923 milesHillsboro, OR
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
SMELL OF FUEL FROM WITHIN THE CAR DURING COLD TEMPERATURES. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE PER TSB 01-170-09. DEALERSHIP MAY DENY REPAIRS IF THEY CAN'T REPRODUCE THE ISSUE. EMAIL FROM SUBARU REGARDING THIS PROBLEM: WE WELCOME YOUR CONTACT, AS IT RELATES TO THE WVK-21 FUEL LINE WARRANTY EXTENSION. YOUR 2002 SUBARU WRX IS AFFECTED BY THE WARRANTY EXTENSION FOR THESE COMPONENTS. THE DEALERSHIP WOULD NEED TO PERFORM A DIAGNOSIS OF THE CURRENT CONCERN. THEY CAN THEN ADVISE YOU REGARDING THE ISSUE AND WHETHER IT IS THE SAME AS THE WARRANTY EXTENSION. I WOULD RECOMMEND THAT YOU MAKE AN APPOINTMENT AT A SUBARU DEALERSHIP, AT YOUR EARLIEST CONVENIENCE.
NHTSA complaint #10564192 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 92,923 milesHillsboro, OR
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
SMELL OF FUEL FROM WITHIN THE CAR DURING COLD TEMPERATURES. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE PER TSB 01-170-09. DEALERSHIP MAY DENY REPAIRS IF THEY CAN'T REPRODUCE THE ISSUE. EMAIL FROM SUBARU REGARDING THIS PROBLEM: WE WELCOME YOUR CONTACT, AS IT RELATES TO THE WVK-21 FUEL LINE WARRANTY EXTENSION. YOUR 2002 SUBARU WRX IS AFFECTED BY THE WARRANTY EXTENSION FOR THESE COMPONENTS. THE DEALERSHIP WOULD NEED TO PERFORM A DIAGNOSIS OF THE CURRENT CONCERN. THEY CAN THEN ADVISE YOU REGARDING THE ISSUE AND WHETHER IT IS THE SAME AS THE WARRANTY EXTENSION. I WOULD RECOMMEND THAT YOU MAKE AN APPOINTMENT AT A SUBARU DEALERSHIP, AT YOUR EARLIEST CONVENIENCE.
NHTSA complaint #10564192 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Woodside, NYCrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I WORK AS A VALET ATTENDANT. I HAVE PARKED A LARGE NUMBER OF VEHICLES. I HAD TO PARK THIS VEHICLE IN A PARKING SPOT. TO PARK IN THIS SPOT I HAD TO MAKE A RIGHT TO LINE UP FOR THE SPOT. THE CAR ACCELERATED SUDDENLY. I HAD ALL MY WEIGHT ON THE BRAKES TO AVOID SLAMMING INTO A WALL,I TURNED HARD RIGHT AND CRASHED THE CAR AGAINST THE CORNER OF A CONCRETE COLUMN. THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED DURING THE ACCIDENT, THEN I HEARD A PURGE AND MULTIPLE CLICKING NOISES. THE BRAKES DID NOT STOP THE CAR AT ALL. THE BREAKS FELT ROCK HARD BEFORE THE ACCIDENT. AGAIN"THE BRAKES DID NOT STOP THIS CAR FROM CRASHING" I SUFFERED A SEVERELY FRACTURED HIP SOCKET INJURY. THIS ACCIDENT LEAVES ME WITH THE LIKELY HOOD OF NEEDING HIP REPLACEMENT DUE TO HIP ARTHRITIS. IF IT WASN'T FOR THE AIRBAG I WOULD HAVE SUFFERED SEVERE HEAD AND CHEST INJURY. I ALSO NO LONGER WORK AS A PARKING ATTENDANT, AND HAVING A HARD TIME FINDING A JOB. I AM NOT A TEENAGER JOYRIDING . I AM AN ADULT, PARKING CARS FOR A LIVING. I HAVE DRIVEN HIGH END VEHICLES WITH WAY MORE POWER, BUT HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED ANY THING LIKE THIS. NOW I HAVE DIFFICULTY DRIVING, AND I AFRAID TO GET BEHIND THE WHEEL. I AM A MALE DRIVER WITH 20+ YEARS OF DRIVING EXPERIENCE, BUT I AM LOOKED AT AS A RECKLESS DRIVER FOR WRECKING THIS CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10554688 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Woodside, NYCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
I WORK AS A VALET ATTENDANT. I HAVE PARKED A LARGE NUMBER OF VEHICLES. I HAD TO PARK THIS VEHICLE IN A PARKING SPOT. TO PARK IN THIS SPOT I HAD TO MAKE A RIGHT TO LINE UP FOR THE SPOT. THE CAR ACCELERATED SUDDENLY. I HAD ALL MY WEIGHT ON THE BRAKES TO AVOID SLAMMING INTO A WALL,I TURNED HARD RIGHT AND CRASHED THE CAR AGAINST THE CORNER OF A CONCRETE COLUMN. THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED DURING THE ACCIDENT, THEN I HEARD A PURGE AND MULTIPLE CLICKING NOISES. THE BRAKES DID NOT STOP THE CAR AT ALL. THE BREAKS FELT ROCK HARD BEFORE THE ACCIDENT. AGAIN"THE BRAKES DID NOT STOP THIS CAR FROM CRASHING" I SUFFERED A SEVERELY FRACTURED HIP SOCKET INJURY. THIS ACCIDENT LEAVES ME WITH THE LIKELY HOOD OF NEEDING HIP REPLACEMENT DUE TO HIP ARTHRITIS. IF IT WASN'T FOR THE AIRBAG I WOULD HAVE SUFFERED SEVERE HEAD AND CHEST INJURY. I ALSO NO LONGER WORK AS A PARKING ATTENDANT, AND HAVING A HARD TIME FINDING A JOB. I AM NOT A TEENAGER JOYRIDING . I AM AN ADULT, PARKING CARS FOR A LIVING. I HAVE DRIVEN HIGH END VEHICLES WITH WAY MORE POWER, BUT HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED ANY THING LIKE THIS. NOW I HAVE DIFFICULTY DRIVING, AND I AFRAID TO GET BEHIND THE WHEEL. I AM A MALE DRIVER WITH 20+ YEARS OF DRIVING EXPERIENCE, BUT I AM LOOKED AT AS A RECKLESS DRIVER FOR WRECKING THIS CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10554688 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 38,369 milesBrookline, MA
SUSPENSION
REFERENCE: RECALL NO. 11V-464, NHTSA CAMPAIGN NO. 11V464000 THE CORROSION DISCOVERED IN MY SUBARU 2002 WRX IS FAR MORE EXTENSIVE THAN THAT COVERED BY THE RECALL RESULTING IN CITYSIDE SUBARU DEALERSHIP (1-761-641-1900) IDENTIFYING THE VEHICLE NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. THEIR ASSESSMENT OF THE DANGEROUS RUSTING, ROTTING AND NECESSARY REPAIRS IS QUOTED HERE (I CAN PROVIDE A FACSIMILE OF THEIR ASSESSMENT UPON YOUR REQUEST). THERE IS EXTENSIVE RUSTING AND ROTTING AS WELL AS PARTS THAT HAVE ALREADY BROKEN. THE FOLLOWING IS QUOTED FROM THE CITYSIDE SUBARU DEALERSHIP INVOICE NUMBER[XXX]' TECHNICIAN STATES: VEHICLE HAS FAILED RECALL INSPECTION OF FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS DUE TO RUSTING. SUBFRAME IS ALSO ROTTED AND WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED. TECHNICIAN RECOMMENDS: ADDITIONALLY UPON REPLACEMENT OF CONTROL ARMS AND SUBFRAME BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT SWAYBAR LINKS ARE BROKEN $295 FRONT KNUCKLES, WHEEL BEARINGS AND INNER AND OUTER TIE ROD ENDS ARE ROTTED AND WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED $2340 BOTH FRONT STRUTS ROTTED AND MAY NEED TO BE REPLACED IF THEY ARE NOT ABLE TO BE DETACHED AND PUT BACK TOGETHER PROPERLY $509 EACH AS REQUIRED REPLACE ROTTED LEAKING OIL PAN $416 VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE' I CONSIDER MYSELF LUCKY THAT THE EXTENSIVE CORROSION AND ALREADY FAILED PARTS IN AN OTHERWISE VERY CLEAN, LOW MILEAGE CAR HAVE NOT LED TO AN ACCIDENT AND SUGGEST THAT THE RECALL NEEDS TO BE BROADER IN SCOPE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10494954 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 139,900 milesPhiladelphia, PA
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
SUBFRAME NEAR PASSENGER/RIGHT FRONT CONTROL ARM IS RUSTED THROUGH AND HAS HOLES. SUBARU OF CHERRY HILL, NJ STATED THAT IT SHOULD BE REPLACED AND WAS AT SIGNIFICANT RISK OF BREAKING WHEN REMOVED FOR CONTROL ARM RECALL (WVX34).DEALERSHIP SAID THE CASE WITH PICTURES WAS REPORTED TO SUBARU HEADQUARTERS AND DEALERSHIP STATED IT WAS THE FIRST TIME THEY HAVE SEEN IT. I DISCOVERED MANY OTHER CASES REPORTED DATING BACK AS FAR AS MAY 2009. DOCUMENTED WITH PICTURES OF MY OWN.
NHTSA complaint #10439262 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Joliet, IL
SUSPENSION
DRIVING SOUTHBOUND ON I-55 FOR MORNING COMMUTE IN THE LEFTMOST LANE WHEN WITH NO DISCERNIBLE CAUSE THE CAR BEGAN TO DRIFT BACK AND FORTH ACROSS THE CENTER LANE AND LEFT LANE. THE CAR MINIMALLY RESPONDED TO ANY STEERING INPUTS. I HAD TO CRANK THE WHEEL ALMOST A TURN AND A HALF TO GET MY CAR OVER TO THE SHOULDER. FORTUNATELY, THERE WERE NO CARS NEAR ME WHEN THIS HAPPENED SO I DID NOT STRIKE ANY VEHICLES. I GOT THE CAR TOWED TO A LOCAL SHOP AND THE SERVICE PERSON QUICKLY GLANCED AROUND UNDERNEATH IT AND IMMEDIATELY NOTICED THAT THE CONTROL ARM HAD RUSTED THROUGH ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. I CAME BACK LATER THAT DAY AND THEY SHOWED ME THE CAR ON THE LIFT WHERE BOTH CONTROL ARMS WERE THOROUGHLY RUSTED AS WELL AS THE SUBFRAME. I PAID TO GET THE ONE REPAIRED BUT STILL DON'T DRIVE THE CAR AS I DON'T FEEL SAFE UNTIL THE OTHER IS TAKEN CARE OF AS WELL.
NHTSA complaint #10435011 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Unicoi, TN
SUSPENSION:FRONT
THE PASSENGER SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM ON OUR 2002 SUBARU WRX WAGON SNAPPED RENDERING THE CAR INOPERABLE. THE CAR HAS BEEN TOWED TO A MECHANIC. WHEN I LOOKED UNDER THE CAR YOU COULD SEE THE ARM WAS RUSTED THROUGH. ONCE THE CAR WAS LOADED ON THE ROLLBACK THERE WAS A VISIBLE PILE OF RUST ON THE PAVEMENT.
NHTSA complaint #10411916 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 127,000 milesCherry Hill, NJ
SUSPENSION:FRONT
LOWER CONTROL ARM FOR MY 2002 SUBRAU WRX RUSTED COMPLETELY AND BROKE, WHICH ALSO CAUSED THE SWAY BAR TO BE RIPPED OFF. THANKFULLY IT ONLY HAPPENED PULLING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AND NOT ON THE HIGHWAY.
NHTSA complaint #10410424 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.