Subaru Impreza Typical Problems - Should You Buy It?

By Nick Marchenko, PhD

The Subaru Impreza III (GR) is a compact car manufactured from 2007 to 2011. A facelift was carried out at the end of 2009, during which cosmetic changes were made.

Subaru Impreza Engine Problems - Petrol

The petrol engine lineup of the Impreza III includes the four-cylinder boxer engines 1.5R (107 horsepower), 2.0R (150 horsepower), and the top model WRX STI with 300 horsepower.

Typical of Subaru's boxer engines are faulty cylinder head gaskets, primarily affecting older models. Additionally, these engines tend to have increased oil consumption.

Want a more in-depth look at the engines that were installed in the Subaru Impreza? Check the information below - we've gathered everything you might be interested in in one place:

• 2017;
• 2016;
• 2015;
• 2014;
• 2013;
• 2012;
• 2011;
• 2010;
• 2009;
• 2008;
• 2007;

Subaru Impreza Engine Problems - Diesel

Furthermore, a 150-horsepower boxer diesel engine, the 2.0D, was offered.

The powerplant of the EE20 series is, to put it mildly, not a masterpiece. It often leads to diesel particulate filter blockages, especially in older models up to the end of 2010, as the filter quickly reaches its capacity limits.

There have also been numerous engine failures attributed to insufficient lubrication due to silicone droplets in the crankcase or excessive play in the crankshaft bearings. This affected Impreza models from 2007 to 2009.

In general, when considering high-mileage vehicles, one should be mindful of the typical weaknesses of diesel engines, which eventually surface with any manufacturer. These include:

• Diesel particulate filter (DPF);
• Dual-mass flywheel (DMS);
• Turbocharger;
• EGR valve;
• Fuel injectors;

Subaru Impreza Recalls

The Subaru Impreza III has been subject to multiple recalls. The following are all recall actions affecting a significant number of vehicles. Detailed information on these recalls can also be obtained from the KBA or ADAC:

• Due to a fault in the passenger airbag gas generator, when the airbag deploys, it may uncontrollably inflate and release metal fragments that can injure occupants. This issue affects all model years of the Impreza III.
• Models from 2008 and onwards may experience a malfunction in the brake light switch, causing the VDC warning light and the "Eyesight" assistance system light to illuminate, and the brake lights to stop functioning.
• Problems with the fuel pump affect the 1.5R and 2.0R models from 2008 to 2010.
• According to the KBA, a faulty relay can lead to a malfunction and overheating of the secondary air pump, potentially resulting in a smoldering fire. Models from the year 2008 onwards are affected.

Subaru Impreza Buyer's Guide

Price-wise, the Subaru Impreza III starts at around $1,500, while well-maintained facelift models with mileage of up to 150,000 miles cost approximately $4,000 to $5,000 more. Most available vehicles are predominantly petrol-powered.

See Also:

• How to Diagnose & Fix Common Subaru Impreza Coil Pack Problems
• What Engines Can You Put in Subaru Impreza?
• Subaru Impreza Bad O2 Sensors: How to Diagnose & Fix
• How to Fix a Subaru Impreza Brake Light Fault

Nick Marchenko, PhD

Industrial Engineer & Automotive Content Specialist

Nick writes in-depth guides on car clubs, engine specs, vehicle ownership, and modifications, combining engineering knowledge with automotive passion.

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