2002 Subaru Impreza Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 49about this part
- Share
- 17%of 292 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 133,195miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 49 complaints about the suspension of the 2002 Subaru Impreza, 17% of the 292 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 133,195 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Safety recall: wvx34 I had this work done at a dealership. They did a punch test.the lower control arms passed on july 9, 2019 and were undercoated at 192630 miles. Today august 10, 2019 the passenger side control arm broke while driving at 70 MPH. I was able to safely get the vehicle home and towed to the dealership. They were unable to tell me if this would be covered or I will have to pay for the repair. I am concerned Subaru's actions regarding this issue are inadequate.”
NHTSA complaint #11242967, filed 2019-08, 195,000 miles“Rt control arm failed while my daughter was north bound on the west side highway in nyc. She was able to control car and exit highway. Inspection by my mechanic indicated the part had rusted away. I had him replaced both as I intended to trade it in and I didn't want to endanger anyone who might get the car. Car was traded in for a new Subaru in august 2010.”
NHTSA complaint #10441008, filed 2011-12, 95,000 miles“Hello, I hope this message finds you safe and well. My problem is as follows: control arm failure exactly as described in previous recall from 2011 (lower control arm broke at hangar bracket; safety recall: wvx34|NHTSA campaign: 11v464000). I was never personally notified of the recall, the catastrophic failure leading to a near accident at highway speeds is what alerted me to the problem. I was driving straight, approximately 50mph, when the hangar broke compromising the steering and causing me to nearly crash. …”
NHTSA complaint #11343484, filed 2020-08, 54,000 miles“I brought my Subaru Impreza 2001 wagon in for oil change into my Subaru service on 11/4/2016. I was informed that the front subframe was rusty and they could stick a screw driver through a hole. I was able to leave with the car but they were concerned for the future and recommended repairing if we are keeping the car. I have already had the control arm replaced before the control arm recall on this model due to excessive rust; luckily it broke in a parking lot and not at high speed. …”
NHTSA complaint #10924693, filed 2016-11, 172,509 miles“Traveling at 40 m MPH, I suddenly heard a loud pop and then the car went out of control, crossed the road and stopped in the ditch on the opposite side of the road from where I was traveling. After a tow to the service station, I discovered a snapped lower control arm on the right side front wheel. The left is very corroded as well. The skid damaged the axle, sway bar and tie rod as well on the right side.”
NHTSA complaint #10401751, filed 2011-05, 156,000 milesRelated recalls
- 11V464000Sep 6, 2011Subaru is recalling certain model year 2002-2007 impreza, model year 2003-2008 forester, and model year 2005-2006 saab 9-2x vehicles manufactured from…Covers: Subaru Impreza 2002–2007, Forester 2003–2008, Saab 9-2X 2005–2006
Related service bulletins
- 11008259Sep 4, 2024This bulletin outlines the judgment criteria to be used when inspecting front transverse link bushings to reduce unnecessary bushing replacement.
- 11005593Jul 8, 2024This Bulletin provides guidance for diagnosing a leaking front or rear suspension strut.
- 10199955Jul 26, 2021Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has determined that affected vehicles listed, may have been manufactured with front lower control arms (transverse links) that could corrode in the…
- 10017969Oct 4, 2005Countermeasure to eliminate front strut noise.
- 10016483Sep 1, 2003On the car rear wheel bearing replacement procedure.
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 5 | 16% |
| 2020 | 1 | 1% |
| 2019 | 2 | 1% |
| 2018 | 2 | 1% |
| 2017 | 2 | 2% |
| 2016 | 3 | 4% |
| 2014 | 5 | 5% |
| 2012 | 5 | 2% |
| 2011 | 2 | 3% |
| 2008 | 2 | 1% |
| 2007 | 5 | 7% |
| 2006 | 2 | 4% |
| 2005 | 17 | 23% |
| 2004 | 17 | 18% |
| 2003 | 3 | 5% |
| 2002 | 49 | 17% |
| 2001 | 1 | 9% |
| 2000 | 8 | 20% |
| 1999 | 6 | 27% |
| 1998 | 11 | 37% |
| 1997 | 4 | 13% |
| 1996 | 2 | 10% |
| 1995 | 2 | 4% |
| 1994 | 1 | 13% |
| 1993 | 1 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2002 Subaru Impreza
99 complaintsBrakes
60 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