2002 Subaru Impreza Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 21about this part
- Share
- 7%of 292 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 118,132miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 21 complaints about the body and structure of the 2002 Subaru Impreza, 7% of the 292 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 118,132 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I took my 2002 Subaru Impreza for its yearly new york state inspection. At this time we were told the subframe is rusted beyond repair. And it is un safe to even drive the car. The car is otherwise in great shape. It does have 170,000 miles but other than that the car has given us no problems.”
NHTSA complaint #10669737, filed 2015-01, 170,249 miles“The 2002 Subaru Impreza is subject to a recall on its control arms (NHTSA campaign number: 11v464000). Our car's passenger side control arm corroded to the point of failure about 1.5 years ago. Now we have discovered the same level of corrosion on a nearby part, also on the front passenger side. We discovered that the engine cradle (aka k-frame, aka front crossmember) is showing severe corrosion, similar to that shown by the control arm that previously corroded through and broke on our car. …”
NHTSA complaint #10557390, filed 2013-12, 128,000 miles“Took my car in for tires and along with bad wheel bearing, I was told by the mechanic that the front subframe was almost rotted out. As I live in a cold snowy area and I often drive my grandchildren around in this vehicle, I'd like to know what is being done about this? I see that there are other owners of the same model, year, make that have similar complaint. I am also very upset that I was sold this car in 01/12 and was not informed of the front control arm recall. 5 months after I bought this car, I had to have this replaced. …”
NHTSA complaint #10671308, filed 2015-01, 165,000 miles“While pulling into my driveway at about 3-5 MPH in august 2011, the right front lower control arm broke due to corrosion. When this happened it broke the sway bar links that connect to the control arm. The mechanic that specializes in subarus in my area found that the sub frame was also rotted out due to corrosion (the control arms bolt to the sub frame). He replaced the sub frame, both left & right lower control arms, and both left & right sway bar links in order to get back to a road safe vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #10450582, filed 2012-03, 120,723 miles“I was just informed that the sub frame on my vehicle is rotted and that my car is no longer safe to drive. This vehicle is only a 2002 with less then 94,000 miles. To correct the problem, I would need to spend around $2000.00 to replace the entire front and rear subframe. If this problem wasn't noticed and I had continued to drive the car, the consequences would be serious injury or death. The car would crumble if it was involved in an accident. Or I could just be driving along the interstate and it could basically fall apart, causing an accident.”
NHTSA complaint #10293149, filed 2009-11, 94,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11022304Aug 11, 2025This bulletin provides information on paint codes for vehicles in the 2026 line up.
- 10130277Jan 11, 2018( 2017-2018MY Impreza - 5 Dr Only)
- 10015186Feb 25, 2005This bulletin provides information to properly diagnosis the rear gate stays and also avoids unnecessary replacement of non-failed stays.
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 | 3% |
| 2020 | 1 | 1% |
| 2019 | 3 | 2% |
| 2018 | 6 | 4% |
| 2017 | 2 | 2% |
| 2016 | 4 | 5% |
| 2015 | 3 | 4% |
| 2014 | 8 | 7% |
| 2013 | 6 | 2% |
| 2012 | 6 | 2% |
| 2011 | 2 | 3% |
| 2010 | 1 | 2% |
| 2009 | 22 | 21% |
| 2008 | 24 | 14% |
| 2007 | 2 | 3% |
| 2006 | 2 | 4% |
| 2005 | 6 | 8% |
| 2004 | 3 | 3% |
| 2003 | 3 | 5% |
| 2002 | 21 | 7% |
| 2000 | 1 | 2% |
| 1998 | 1 | 3% |
| 1997 | 1 | 3% |
| 1995 | 1 | 2% |
| 1993 | 1 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2002 Subaru Impreza
99 complaintsBrakes
60 complaintsSuspension
49 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
25 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 27, 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