2002 Subaru Impreza Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 60about this part
- Share
- 21%of 292 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 25,376miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 60 complaints about the brakes of the 2002 Subaru Impreza, 21% of the 292 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 25,376 miles. 7 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Was coming to a stop sign and there was a man hole cover recessed into the road. Had foot on brake, light pressure to come to the stop sign. When the wheel hit the manhole cover, I could feel ABS kick in (vibration in pedal) and the car lost all braking power momentarily. If there had been someone in front of me, I probably would have hit them.”
NHTSA complaint #10058138, filed 2004-02, 25,376 miles“It was raining. I was turning left at a light, saw another car coming towards me. I applied brakes and there was a hesitation of braking power due to the ABS system. This also happens when driving in low traction conditions or over bumps. I went to the dealer and they said that the same year similar model had problems with the ABS computer and that they replace the ABS computers for that one but they said they wouldn't for my car.”
NHTSA complaint #10250511, filed 2008-12, 70,000 miles“My car's ABS engages when going over bumpy/uneven surfaces resulting in nearly complete braking loss. The pedal goes almost all the way to the floor and doesn't want to stop at all. This can be very scary, especially if you aren't aware that the road is uneven. I've had to get used to this happening and adjust my driving techniques as a result!!! I am very disappointed is this! This has happened many times since I have owned the car.”
NHTSA complaint #10047320, filed 2003-11, 5,000 miles“When braking hard, if a small bump is encountered ABS will often activate and fail causing loss of stopping power. Releasing the brake and re-applying will restore stopping power but not before giving the driver a good scare. I have not hit anything yet but I have had several close calls, even taking to the grass to avoid a collision. Dealer could not replicate. ****dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12-12-02 cut over to artemis****761464”
NHTSA complaint #10008794, filed 2002-05, 10,000 miles“Approaching a toll-booth I began braking moderately from roughly 45mph. At about 15mph I went over some broken pavement with small pock marks. The pedal immediately went to the floor, or thereabouts, and a significant loss of braking power occurred. Upon releasing the brake and reengaging the vehicle's brakes, the brakes operately properly and stopped the car. By the time I stopped, however, I was already 20 feet beyond the tollbooth. Thank god there was not a car in front of me. …”
NHTSA complaint #10028400, filed 2003-07, 9,800 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11002725Jun 25, 2024This bulletin provides diagnosis and procedure information to be applied when diagnosing potential fluid leaks on front and rear brake calipers. This information has been…
- 10163525Jul 11, 2019This Service Information bulletin announces instruction for application of additional lubrication between the brake caliper support and pad clips. This will prevent the pad from…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 20% |
| 2024 | 7 | 22% |
| 2022 | 2 | 14% |
| 2021 | 1 | 7% |
| 2020 | 5 | 6% |
| 2019 | 8 | 4% |
| 2018 | 3 | 2% |
| 2017 | 7 | 6% |
| 2016 | 6 | 8% |
| 2015 | 4 | 5% |
| 2014 | 5 | 5% |
| 2013 | 25 | 10% |
| 2012 | 15 | 6% |
| 2011 | 6 | 10% |
| 2010 | 7 | 15% |
| 2009 | 15 | 14% |
| 2008 | 21 | 12% |
| 2007 | 6 | 9% |
| 2006 | 6 | 11% |
| 2005 | 6 | 8% |
| 2004 | 6 | 6% |
| 2003 | 14 | 23% |
| 2002 | 60 | 21% |
| 2001 | 3 | 27% |
| 2000 | 5 | 12% |
| 1999 | 2 | 9% |
| 1998 | 1 | 3% |
| 1997 | 1 | 3% |
| 1996 | 5 | 25% |
| 1995 | 3 | 7% |
| 1993 | 2 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2002 Subaru Impreza
99 complaintsSuspension
49 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
25 complaintsBody and structure
21 complaintsEngine cooling
19 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
17 complaintsSteering
8 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsEngine
3 complaintsSeats
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Subaru Impreza
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology