Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2002 Subaru Impreza
The 2002 Subaru Impreza has a moderate number of complaints and several recalls, particularly concerning suspension, fuel system, and transmission issues. The most significant recall involves the front suspension control arm. While known issues exist, comprehensive checks and validation of recall completions are necessary due to limited complaint specifics.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2002 Subaru Impreza has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns and 292 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #11V464000 FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM/TRANSVERSE LINK NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #09V468000 FUEL LINE LEAKS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #08V135000 REAR GATE STAY ATTACHMENT BOLT BREAKAGE NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #04V342000 SUBARU/DRIVER'S SEAT SLIDE RAIL BOLT NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #04V128000 SUBARU/CRUISE CONTROL CABLE NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #02V282000 SUBARU/TRANSMISSION PARKING ROD NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Fuel System, Gasoline 88 complaints
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic 56 complaints
- Suspension 49 complaints
- Power Train 25 complaints
- Structure 21 complaints
- Engine and Engine Cooling 19 complaints
Of the 292 complaints on file, 11 report a crash and 3 a fire; across all 292 complaints, owners report 8 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Lower control arm rust
How to check: Inspect front lower control arms for rust or damage.
Fuel pump leakage in cold
How to check: Check for fuel odor or leaks after a cold start.
Rear tailgate latch failure
How to check: Open and close tailgate, check latch function.
Parking mechanism not engaging
How to check: Ensure car stays in place when gear is in park.
Seat bolt loosening
How to check: Check driver's seat stability and mounting bolts.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual noises, check for fuel smells.
Red flag: Persistent fuel odor or loud noises
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Observe any warning lights or irregular gauges.
Red flag: Warning lights remain on
- 03
City driving
What to check: Listen for suspension noises or clunks over bumps.
Red flag: Loud clunking or harsh impacts
- 04
Low-speed cornering
What to check: Feel for vibrations or steering issues.
Red flag: Steering vibrations or drifting
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Check for smooth gear transitions and power.
Red flag: Sluggish acceleration or hard shifts
- 06
Full stop
What to check: Ensure brakes engage smoothly without noise.
Red flag: Squealing or grinding brakes
- 07
Parking
What to check: Verify vehicle stability when parked.
Red flag: Vehicle rolls when in ‘Park’
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the suspension recall been addressed?
- Any issues starting in cold weather?
- Has the fuel pump been replaced?
- Any problems with the tailgate latch?
- Is the transmission parking rod recall completed?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Proof of completed recalls
- Recent service records
- Accident history report
- Title and registration
- Original owner's manual
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2002 Subaru Impreza at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
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