2002 Subaru Impreza
Common problems & what to know before you buy
Before you message the seller, know the documented failure patterns, repair cost exposure, and risk level for the 2002 Subaru Impreza.
Recalls on the 2002 Subaru Impreza
Suspension: lower arm
THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS MAY BREAK AT THE HANGER BRACKETS DUE TO CORROSION IF THE HANGER BRACKET IS EXPOSED TO SALTY AND HUMID…
Latches/locks/linkages: latch
THE STUD BOLT(S) OF REAR GATE STAY MAY HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED WITH INSUFFICIENT TIGHTENING TORQUE AND A GAP MAY HAVE RESULTED BETWEEN THE REAR…
Fuel system: fuel pump
DURING COLD STARTS, TYPICALLY UNDER EXTREMELY COLD TEMPERATURES, FUEL LEAKS IN THE FUEL DELIVERY LINE COULD OCCUR WHERE THE LINE CONNECTS…
3 more in the guide, with whether each one was done on the car you're looking at.
Source: NHTSA
What 300 owners reported
Source: NHTSA
2002 Subaru Impreza at a glance
- Trims
- 2.5 RS2.5 TSOutback SportWRX
- Engine
- 2.5L Flat-4, 2.0L Flat-4 Turbo
- Transmission
- Manual 5-spd, Automatic 4-spd
- Drivetrain
- AWD
- Fuel
- Gasoline
- Body style
- Wagon
Other Subaru Impreza years
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Frequently asked questions
What are the common problems with the 2002 Subaru Impreza?
Owners have filed 300 complaints about the 2002 Subaru Impreza with NHTSA, most often about the fuel system. There are 6 recall campaigns covering this model year. Squeezed's free research-backed buyer guide cross-references these against documented failure patterns and mileage-stage risks, sorted by severity, in about a minute.
Is the 2002 Subaru Impreza reliable?
Reliability depends heavily on the specific configuration and how the car was maintained. Start with the 6 open recall campaigns on this model year and confirm the work was completed. Generate a Squeezed buyer guide for this exact vehicle to see a reliability snapshot, repair-cost exposure, and the questions to ask the seller before you buy.
Should I still get a pre-purchase inspection on a 2002 Subaru Impreza?
Always. A Squeezed buyer guide is the triage step before the inspection: it shows you the documented failure patterns and what to check so you can decide which 2002 Subaru Impreza listings are even worth a mechanic's time, then walk into the PPI knowing exactly what to look for.
Squeezed is a buyer guide based on public data and industry patterns, not a mechanical inspection. Always get a professional pre-purchase inspection before you buy.