2005 Subaru Impreza Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 7%of 75 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 90,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the engine of the 2005 Subaru Impreza, 7% of the 75 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 90,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Everytime I start the car in even the mildest to coldest temperatures, the car has an extreme gas smell in the cabin of the car. I have taken it to the shop and they claim they don't even smell it and cannot service it. There is a recall for model 02 and 03 of this car but does not cover my year. It's gotten to the point where the car is not drive-able during cold weather. The recalls also do not cover the state of maryland, which is ridiculous because we've been getting cold snaps putting us below 0. …”
NHTSA complaint #10704386, filed 2015-04, 90,000 miles“I own a 2005 Subaru Impreza wrx sti, upon starting vehicle, idle, and driving there's strong fuel smell under the hood and inside the cabin. I have popped the hood and confirmed is coming from back passenger side of intake manifold where the fuel lines, rails, and injectors are. I have confirmed this to be relating to soa's recall for the 02-03 Impreza wrx's hard fuel line / rubber hose leaking issues. I live in southern california so appears extreme cold weather not the cause. Leaking fuel is a huge safety issue!”
NHTSA complaint #10672422, filed 2015-01, 91,000 miles“In january 2008, I noticed a very strong smell of gas when I started a the car on a cold day. I opened the hood and saw gas dripping from the driver left side of the engine. Because of my concern of a fire, I had the car towed to the dealer. It cost $491.30 plus towing to have the fuel leak fixed. This year I started smelling raw gas again when the car is cold. I had it checked at the dealer on 1/16/2013 and they did not find anything. I asked about recalls and they said there were none. The smell of raw gas is very strong on most cold days and I'm afraid there will be a fire. …”
NHTSA complaint #10503847, filed 2013-03, 57,949 miles“When car is in motion and the heater is on the smell of burnt oil which becomes worse when the car comes to a full stop, valve cover gaskets leak on to the exhaust manifold due to poor engineering many parts need to be removed to gain access which in result causes a very expensive bill.”
NHTSA complaint #10496133, filed 2013-02, 68,000 miles“The contact owns a 2005 Subaru Impreza. While driving 20 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that some codes needed to be cleared. The vehicle was repaired; however, after the repairs were performed, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle, but the failure recurred on numerous occasions. The contact spoke with a dealer and independent mechanic who stated that the vehicle needed to be idling for sometime in order to allow the vehicle relearn the idle. …”
NHTSA complaint #10882678, filed 2016-07, 120,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11027982Jan 12, 2026This Bulletin provides the diagnostic procedure for the STARLINK® Remote Engine Start (RES).
- 11027083Dec 8, 2025This Service Information Bulletin provides the Service Manual Correction to the diagnostic procedure for DTC B2A16 (Immobilizer Key Collation Diagnosis).
- 11022305Aug 11, 2025Subaru Service Technical Support Newsletter special edition.
- 11017452Apr 22, 2025This Bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be followed when diagnosing engine oil leakage on FA and FB type engines.
- 11016224Mar 24, 2025The purpose of this bulletin is to advise of SOA’s revised Catalytic Converter Recycling Program shipping procedure.
- 11008282Sep 27, 2024This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
- 11008281Sep 26, 2024This Service Information Bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be followed when diagnosing engine oil leakage on FA and FB type engines.
- 11008267Sep 17, 2024This bulletin announces availability of the NEW genuine Subaru engine oil filter.
- 11006934Aug 5, 2024The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.
- 11005608Jul 11, 2024This thermo control valve video contains information on the replacement of thermo control valve.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 20% |
| 2024 | 2 | 6% |
| 2022 | 1 | 7% |
| 2021 | 1 | 7% |
| 2020 | 3 | 4% |
| 2019 | 8 | 4% |
| 2018 | 11 | 7% |
| 2017 | 14 | 11% |
| 2016 | 3 | 4% |
| 2015 | 10 | 13% |
| 2014 | 20 | 19% |
| 2013 | 75 | 30% |
| 2012 | 55 | 23% |
| 2011 | 3 | 5% |
| 2010 | 7 | 15% |
| 2009 | 13 | 13% |
| 2008 | 13 | 7% |
| 2007 | 8 | 12% |
| 2006 | 5 | 9% |
| 2005 | 5 | 7% |
| 2003 | 1 | 2% |
| 2002 | 3 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2005 Subaru Impreza
19 complaintsSuspension
17 complaintsAir bags
12 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 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