1998 Subaru Impreza Transmission and drivetrain Problems

“Transfer clutch on the powertrain of my 1998 Subaru Impreza bucks and binds in turns, apparently due to the transfer clutch hanging up and staying applied. This has occurred at least since the 50,000 mile mark and continues to date. Despite this problem falling under Subaru's powertrain warranty, two separate Subaru dealers have refused to fix it under warranty, and instead have added limited slip differential additive to the differential-a fix I have been told by another Subaru dealer is not an authorized fix for this problem. I am now faced with $900 in repair bills. …”

“I believe there is a sub-standard part being used in Subaru Impreza rear wheel bearings. Besides my 2 failures, I know of dozens of other people in my car club with similar rear wheel bearing failures. Currently the failures are being handled under warranty, but as the cars age, the wheel bearing failures seem likely to continue and will start to get expensive.”

“The left rear wheel bearing went bad at approx 51k miles. The reason the report is being filed is the large number of late model Subaru wheel bearing failures I found on the internet. I read many reports of failed rear wheel bearings on 1998 and later Subaru vehicles which included the outback, forester and Impreza. Several individuals reported having the same bearing replaced two and three times. The alarming part is many were replaced at mileages below twenty thousand miles. I'm afraid I'm going to have other bearings go or the same bearing go again.”

“Consumer had taken vehicle to dealer due to a strong fuel smell and burning oil coming from engine. Dealer replaced transmission transfer case/ repaired an oil leak, and replaced piston gaskets.sometimes consumer had tried to start engine, but it would not happen at all. Please provide more information.”

“Right wheel bearings have been replaced five times. Contacted dealer, and dealer can't fix problem. Consumer states entire differential is inoperative.”