Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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.
2002 Subaru wrx - I took the car in for 30,000 mile service, car was running fine, no complaints. When I got the car back, I noticed that it was difficult to downshift into first gear, and I was sometimes missing the shift - grinding gears. I have never had a problem like this in any car before. The problem is more severe at higher speeds, and is getting progressively worse over the last 5000 miles. I have taken the car back to the dealer twice, the first time they "couldn't see anything wrong", the second time they noted that the "sencros" were going bad. I have just returned from the dealership and talking to the service tech, who claims this is a problem he sees a lot on wrxs, and that "there isn't anything I can do about it"!! The dealership has promised to "look into what we can do", but meanwhile the car is getting less and less functional. …
Grinding of the gears when shifting from 3rd-4th gear. Started with a very mild noise, has progressed to a loud grind. Took it in for warrant service and they said that the determination of warranty coverage would be made by a regional representative after the transmission was removed. I checked on the internet and found that many other owners were experiencing the same problem and being denied warranty coverage after the transmission was removed unless they were willing to sign one time repair agreement voiding the remainder of the warranty. I have been told by the dealer that I will probably be required to sign one even though I have not agreed to have the transmission removed or dissassembled yet. …
I have a 2002 Subaru Impreza rs, this vehicle seems to be like lots of others, the vehicles shudders and jerks alot when I'm pulling off in the morning, evening, whether its cold or hot. I took it to shelors which wanted to tear it apart and charge me, when the car is still under warranty. This vehicle does this atleast 3 times a week. The car only has 35588 miles so actually its still under the new car warranty. I have a hard time sometimes getting the car into reverse (manuel trans.) I haven't had any acciden't as of this date so, I'm putting the date that I'm filling this out into the incident date box.
Vehicle has problems shifting gears when driving. While driving the vehicle would not go into gear . As a result the vehicle stopped in the middle of the road. The vehicle was new with only a few thousand miles. The vehicles transmission has been replaced once under warranty but now that the transmission failed again the dealer refused to repair it. The vehicle has bee at the dealer for almost a year.
Consumer state of having problems with the transmission. Dealer was contacted, this problem was initially reported when the vehicle was only 4 months old, the problems included grinding sounds between first and second gears, clutch noise, and transmission popping out of gear when going downhill, when the vehicle was 10 months old the gear teeth on first gear failed, the dealer refused to repair the vehicle under warranty. Mr
The transmission gear won't move from park to drive. I called towing. He open the little cover and push it with a knife. Then, I was able to shift. Was the part defective? I had my mechanic check it but I can't recall if he fix it. I have to check with him. Now it is working. I am wondering if other Subaru owners have the same problem.
Clutch shutters upon startup. I can't believe this is a normal clutch function as Subaru mentions. I've had the car for 1 year and would like to sell it. The problem, how do I sell this car to someone else with a clutch that violently shutters when cold. It's a matter of good ethics which Subaru doesn't have.
Severe clutch shudder at start of forward movement. Affected by lower outside temps. If car sits in cold weather at first use of clutch severe shudder vibrates whole vehicle. As clutch warms up shudder lessens but never goes away. *dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12-12-02 cut over to artemis***761550
Differential fluid out; Subaru blames a non-dealer oil change error for problem hence not covered under warranty. Owner had to spend over $350 for replacement auto rental. Owner drove car for 1,700 miles after disputed non-dealer oil change to date when differential fluid outage discovered.
Related recalls
Power train › Automatic transmission
Certain sport utility and passenger vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions were produced with an improperly manufactured transmission parking rod. When the transmission selector lever is placed in the "p" (park) position, the transmission park mechanism, that is intended to hold your vehicle, May not engage.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the automatic transmission parking rod assembly. Owner notification January 8, 2003. An interim owner notification will be sent during November 2002.
Transmission complaints in other Impreza years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2002 Subaru Impreza?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2002 Subaru Impreza, 9% of the model year's 292 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Subaru Impreza transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 02V-282 (automatic transmission, Oct 30, 2002). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2002 Subaru Impreza transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 30,000 miles, and 47% before 25,000 miles.
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.