Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2002 Subaru Impreza owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Subaru Impreza. When the contact started the vehicle, there was a burning oil odor. When the accelerator pedal was depressed, the rear of the vehicle began to emit a loud vibrating noise. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the exhaust from the convector rear muffler, gasket bolt, and dry belt needed to be replaced. In addition, the front subframe was rotted and the head gaskets were fractured, which caused an oil leak. All the parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.
Fuel lines above the engine on both sides leak fuel while the engine is running. The leak occurs when the gas pedal is depressed if the temp is lower than 32 degrees. At the point where the rubber fuel line meets the metal fuel lines you can see gas spray across the engine block and will pool up. Tightening the clamps does not help. This has happened every winter since 2007.
I was denied the fuel line recall due to I live in ohio and ohio is not on the list of "cold states." I am forced to breath gasoline fumes and my engine smokes burning off those gasoline fumes. Just waiting for the car to blow up. Thank you, Subaru
In reference to NHTSA action number : pe04002 & the occurrence of being overcome by vapors in my my02 Subaru Impreza rs. Starting last night there is a very apparent hazardous fuel vapor leak into the cabin of my vehicle via the HVAC system due to a previously noted faulty fuel line part I have contacted my dealer & was advised there was a TSB which did not involve coverage & replacement of the defective part due to me being over 60,000 & my engine 2.5 rs not being listed in the TSB. May I ask, what does a warranty have to do with replacement of a previously documented, & confessed defective part placed on a vehicle by the manufacturer? The part is known & established as defective. The effects of the failure with the known defective part are a serious health hazard & should be immediately addressed via recall/replacement. …
This issue is for a 2002 Subaru Impreza wrx wagon. There is a strong fuel smell in the vehicle cabin when the car is stoppped at idle. The Subaru mechanic said there is a clip attaching the fuel line from the tank to the engine under the intake manifold which is loose. They adjusted the clip but said it would be about $800 to fix if the problem occurred again since they would have to remove the intake manifold to repair. The smell came back a couple of days later. I have done research, and there is a TSB for this particular issue, but no recall. Looking at postings on this issue, there are hundreds if not thousands of people with the same issue. It seems to be particular with the 2002 wrx. It seems for an issue that has enough history to occur to generate a TSB that is also such a potential safety issue would warrant a recall.
Tl contact owns a 2002 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that water penetrated the radiator causing it to fail. The front subframe, front driver lower control arm, bushings, and ball joint were all corroded due to the water damage. The control arm broke in multiple pieces and resulted in loss of vehicle control. The vehicle was taken to a repair shop where the mechanic recommended that all of the parts be replaced. The contact called the manufacturer. The current and failure mileages were approximately 139,000. Updated 12/01/10. The consumer stated the water/puddle shorted out the engine fans which caused the vehicle to overheat and was not the cause of the rotted subframe. Updated 12/08/10
I recently bought an 02 Subaru and it seems that every time I cold start the car when it gets below freezing outside there is a horrid gas smell in the cabin of the car. On further investigation it is visible that there is a pool of gas accumulating on the motor from underneath the intake manifold. I have just noticed this and called the dealer and they said they had never heard of this. Looking online it seems to be a regular issue and there is no recall or information on how dangerous it is to have raw fuel on a hot engine. I am at a loss and a little concerned for my safety.
2002 Subaru Impreza wrx - I was taking my five yr. Old grandson home when we became aware of a heavy smell in the car. I thought it smelled like antifreeze, but he said 'gas' mamaw. I hurried to get him home, and before I got back home my throat was sore and my nose bothered me from the awful fumes. My husband took the car to the dealer today and they May call back when they get their loaner freed up but I don't think we are big on the priority list. They said antifreeze was leaking from the rear of the engine. It has 55,000 or so miles on it now.
Tl*- the contact owns a 2002 Subaru Impreza wr,x and stated that the vehicle was leaking fuel, and there was a raw fuel smell coming from the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The fuel smell was stronger when the vehicle was running and the temperature was below 32 degrees. The contact currently has the vehicle at the dealership. The failure and current mileage were 119330. The vehicle also had a coolant lead. The drivers side door regulator was inopertive, the clutch had a judder, there was problem with the ABS. Updated
My 2002 Subaru Impreza outback sport was also diagnosed in 4/08 with a leaking head gasket @ 81K by the dealer when I took it for a brake service. I bought the car new and gas mileage has been only OK. It has never overheated, ever, which is why I took it to an independent mechanic rather than spend the $3K the dealer wanted. An external leak was noted and I'm keeping an eye on it. I've heard rumors of problems with leaking head gaskets on this vehicle. Why not covered or monitored?
Engine complaints in other Impreza years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2002 Subaru Impreza?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2002 Subaru Impreza, 8% of the model year's 292 complaints. The component named most often is engine (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Subaru Impreza engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2002 Subaru Impreza, though it has 6 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2002 Subaru Impreza engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 72,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.