Recalls: Subaru GD/GG Impreza WRX
Overview
Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the number of recalls should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: Subaru GD/GG Impreza WRX
2001-04 model year Subaru Impreza WRX: throttle could stick in open position
In March 2004, a recall was issued for Subaru GD/GG Impreza WRX vehicles due to the cruise control cable potentially becoming dislodged and resulting in the throttle becoming partially stuck open (PRA 2004/6879). The recalled vehicles were as follows:
- Impreza WRX: model year 2001 to 2004; and,
- Impreza WRX STI: model year 2002 to 2004.
2002-03 Subaru GD/GG Impreza WRX: oil leak from AVCS control valve
In October 2004, a recall was issued for Subaru GD/GG Impreza WRX vehicles due to possible oil leaks from the AVCS oil flow control valve due to insufficient tightening of bolts that secure the valve cover plates (PRA 2004/7276). The recalled vehicles were as follows:
- Impreza WRX: manufactured from August 2002 to January 2003; and,
- Impreza WRX STI: manufactured from September 2002 and January 2003.
2002-05 model year Subaru GD/GG Impreza WRX: security system shutdown
In May 2006, a recall was issued for all 2002 to 2005 model year Subaru GD/GG Impreza WRX vehicles. These vehicles were susceptible to interference from high voltage signals either from an external source or due to engine ignition system malfunction or as a result of unauthorised modifications (such as high powered stereo systems or ignition systems). As a result, the security system control module may reset and shut down the vehicle (PRA 2006/8519).
2004-07 model year Subaru GD/GG Impreza WRX: Takata airbag recall
In May 2015, a recall was issued for 2004 to 2007 model year Subaru Impreza vehicles equipped with a Takata front passenger airbag. In these vehicles, propellant wafers in the passenger’s front airbag may experience moisture intrusion over time. If this occurred, the inflator assembly may be more susceptible to rupture during airbag deployment and metallic fragments could contact an occupant. The recalled Impreza vehicles had serial numbers (i.e. the last six digits of the VIN) in the following ranges:
- MY2004: 021344 to 045216;
- MY2005: 024602 to 058988;
- MY2006: 024801 to 057412; and,
- MY2007: 034808 to 073605.
In August 2017, however, this recall was extended to include an additional eight (8) VINs. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2015/14715.
2004-07 model year Subaru GD/GG Impreza: passenger airbag inflator installed in reverse
In December 2017, a recall was issued for 2004-07 model year Subaru GD/GG Impreza vehicles that had previously been recalled for PRA 2015/14715. For these vehicles, the replacement front passenger airbag inflators may have been installed incorrectly (in reverse). In the event of a collision that would ordinarily cause the passenger airbag to deploy, that airbag may not deploy as designed, thereby increasing the risk of injury to the front passenger. For the VINs of the recalled Subaru GD/GG Impreza vehicles, please see PRA 2017/16483.
Subaru GD/GG Impreza WRX: recall of like-for-like replacement Takata airbags
In April 2019, recall campaign SRT-271 was issued for Subaru GD/GG Impreza WRX and Impreza WRX STi vehicles that had previously been recalled for ‘like-for-like’ replacement of their Takata airbags. As such, recall campaign SRT-271 was issued so that the replacement Takata airbags – which had the same defect whereby propellant wafers could absorb moisture over time – could be replaced with defect-free airbags. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2019/17508.
Search online for recalls by VIN
To see if a Subaru vehicle has been recalled, you can conduct a search on the Subaru Australia website using its VIN.
Problems and faults: Subaru GD/GG Impreza WRX
Overview
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
Problems and faults: Subaru GD/GG Impreza WRX
- If the clutch pedal does not fully return to its original position, the clutch fluid line may require replacement.
- The remote central locking transmitter buttons may be activated inadvertently; an improved case was subsequently released to overcome this problem.
- The seatbelt male latch may slide down the belt because the top button breaks or falls out, requiring the button to be replaced.
- The washers for the windscreen and/or rear window may not work properly unless revised check valves have been installed in the hoses.
