Subaru Impreza Common Problems and Solutions
Oil leaks
Problem:
The car is leaking oil from the rear.
Solution:
The Impreza uses a plastic oil baffle plate that is extremely prone to failure. Subaru has released an improved design, which you can easily find on our drop-down parts list. It's a bit of a fiddly part to get to, but it's an easy enough job if you have the patience.
Difficulty level
Check Engine Light
Problem:
The check engine light is illuminated.
Solution:
While there are hundreds of potential reasons why your check engine light may come on, it's a good idea to check the knock sensor first. This is the most common cause of the check engine light turning on intermittently when driving the Impreza, and it's very easy to order a replacement from us and install the new one. If the sensor is fine, then check the spark plug wires and the ignition coil, as these are the next most common issues that cause the light to turn on. If everything seems fine, then you're going to have to head to a garage for a full diagnostic check.
Difficulty level
Knock Sensor
Clutch Chatter
Problem:
The clutch chatters when you are starting the car from cold.
Solution:
If your Impreza is still under warranty, then the dealer will replace your clutch for free as this is a known fault. If there's no warranty, then you're going to need to find a complete clutch assembly on the BreakerYard parts list and replace the faulty one.
Difficulty level
Clutch Kit
Black Smoke From Exhaust (Turbocharged Models)
Problem:
There is thick black smoke coming from the exhaust. You can also smell burning oil.
Solution:
If you skip an oil change, then the Impreza is very unforgiving. Oil sludge and muck will build up quickly, and your oil filter will become very blocked. If you don't sort this problem out quickly, then your car is going to see catastrophic failure across multiple parts. You can try cleaning out the buildup, but in most cases, you will have to order a new oil filter from our parts page for the Impreza.
Difficulty level
Oil Filter
Long Brake Distance
Problem:
The brake pedal feels too unresponsive, and the car takes a long time to come to a complete stop.
Solution:
The brakes on the Impreza are seriously under-specified, and they will wear out incredibly quickly. Your best bet is to install a whole new brake kit on both sides of the front of the car. We always have brake kits available for the Impreza and will deliver the kits directly to you.
Difficulty level
Crunching/Knocking Gears
Problem:
When you move from 2nd to 3rd gear, you can hear a crunching noise and a knocking sound.
Solution:
The gearbox system on the Impreza has a known flaw, and the problem is the synchromesh system. This is quite a serious issue, and if you ignore it, then you're going to end up destroying multiple parts of the car. You'll find replacement synchromesh systems on our parts list, but this can be a very challenging system to install.
Difficulty level
Oil leaks
Problem:
The car is leaking oil from the rear.
Solution:
The Impreza uses a plastic oil baffle plate that is extremely prone to failure. Subaru has released an improved design, which you can easily find on our drop-down parts list. It's a bit of a fiddly part to get to, but it's an easy enough job if you have the patience.
Difficulty level
Check Engine Light
Problem:
The check engine light is illuminated.
Solution:
While there are hundreds of potential reasons why your check engine light may come on, it's a good idea to check the knock sensor first. This is the most common cause of the check engine light turning on intermittently when driving the Impreza, and it's very easy to order a replacement from us and install the new one. If the sensor is fine, then check the spark plug wires and the ignition coil, as these are the next most common issues that cause the light to turn on. If everything seems fine, then you're going to have to head to a garage for a full diagnostic check.
Difficulty level
Knock Sensor
Clutch Chatter
Problem:
The clutch chatters when you are starting the car from cold.
Solution:
If your Impreza is still under warranty, then the dealer will replace your clutch for free as this is a known fault. If there's no warranty, then you're going to need to find a complete clutch assembly on the BreakerYard parts list and replace the faulty one.
Difficulty level
Black Smoke From Exhaust (Turbocharged Models)
Problem:
There is thick black smoke coming from the exhaust. You can also smell burning oil.
Solution:
If you skip an oil change, then the Impreza is very unforgiving. Oil sludge and muck will build up quickly, and your oil filter will become very blocked. If you don't sort this problem out quickly, then your car is going to see catastrophic failure across multiple parts. You can try cleaning out the buildup, but in most cases, you will have to order a new oil filter from our parts page for the Impreza.
Difficulty level
Oil Filter
The gearbox system on the Impreza has a known flaw, and the problem is the synchromesh system. This is quite a serious issue, an
Problem:
The brake pedal feels too unresponsive, and the car takes a long time to come to a complete stop.
Solution:
The brakes on the Impreza are seriously under-specified, and they will wear out incredibly quickly. Your best bet is to install a whole new brake kit on both sides of the front of the car. We always have brake kits available for the Impreza and will deliver the kits directly to you.
Difficulty level
Crunching/Knocking Gears
Problem:
When you move from 2nd to 3rd gear, you can hear a crunching noise and a knocking sound.
Solution:
The gearbox system on the Impreza has a known flaw, and the problem is the synchromesh system. This is quite a serious issue, and if you ignore it, then you're going to end up destroying multiple parts of the car. You'll find replacement synchromesh systems on our parts list, but this can be a very challenging system to install.
Difficulty level
Suspension problems
Problem:
When you drive over rough surfaces or speed bumps, can you hear a knocking noise coming from the suspension? If so, this is an indication that either the drop links are failing, or you have faulty anti-roll bar bushes.
Solution:
You will need to correctly identify which suspension parts are faulty. You will then need to fit replacement ones, which will sort the problem. We can help you to find replacement suspension parts, at a price that will make you very happy.
Difficulty level
AYF warning light
Problem:
Has the AYF warning light appeared on the dashboard? If so, this means that you have a fault with the AYF sensor, also known as the oxygen sensor.
Solution:
You will need to replace the AYF (oxygen) sensor, in order to fix the problem. Watch the video below, for an idea on how to replace it.
Difficulty level
Oxygen Sensor
2.5L WRX poor engine idling
Problem:
Can you hear a ticking/rattling noise coming from the engine, as it idles? Does this noise go away when the revs go over 3000 rpm? If yes to one, or both of the above questions, this noise is coming from the pistons slapping and can mean a very expensive repair. Is your problem anything like the one in this video?
Solution:
You will either need to replace the pistons, which is a big job and can be rather expensive, or you can purchase a replacement engine. We want to help you to find a replacement engine, at a very low price.
Difficulty level
Misfiring
Problem:
On the second generation, (2000-2007) version of the Impreza, the gearbox neutral position switch is known for failing. If this part fails, it can cause misfiring of the engine. Watch the video below:
Solution:
You will need to fit a replacement gearbox neutral position switch to resolve the issue.
Difficulty level
Poor Steering Control
Problem:
The car handles very sloppily, and you have poor control when you drive into a turn.
Solution:
If your Impreza was built in 2004, then there's a very good chance that you have faulty steering rack bushes. You'll very much notice it when you take a slow turn. You can find new steering rack bushes on our parts list, and they are fairly simple to install.
Difficulty level
Power Steering Rack
Poor Steering Control
Problem:
The car handles very sloppily, and you have poor control when you drive into a turn.
Solution:
If your Impreza was built in 2004, then there's a very good chance that you have faulty steering rack bushes. You'll very much notice it when you take a slow turn. You can find new steering rack bushes on our parts list, and they are fairly simple to install.
Difficulty level
Brake Lights Not Working
Problem:
Your brake lights have stopped working.
Solution:
Although the most obvious problem here will be burnt-out lights or fuses, if your Impreza was built between 2010 and 2016, then it could be a sign of something far more serious. Silicone gas could be seeping into the stoplight switch housing, which will lead to a conduction failure. You're going to need to order a brake light switch from our store and replace the worn one.
Difficulty level
Brake Light Switch
Brake Lights Not Working
Problem:
Your brake lights have stopped working.
Solution:
Although the most obvious problem here will be burnt-out lights or fuses, if your Impreza was built between 2010 and 2016, then it could be a sign of something far more serious. Silicone gas could be seeping into the stoplight switch housing, which will lead to a conduction failure. You're going to need to order a brake light switch from our store and replace the worn one.
Difficulty level
Brake Light Switch
