Subaru Impreza Suspension Problems
Owners have filed 156 complaints with NHTSA about suspension problems on the Subaru Impreza across 23 model years. The 2002 model year has the most (49). The words owners use most often: “control arm” (37% of reports).
- 156suspension complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 9mention a crash
- 5mention an injury
- 2related recalls
- 34%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Control arm: mentioned in 57 of 156 complaints (37%)
- Rear wheel: mentioned in 22 of 156 complaints (14%)
- Front lower: mentioned in 15 of 156 complaints (10%)
- Sub frame: mentioned in 8 of 156 complaints (5%)
At what mileage do suspension problems happen?
Based on 107 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 156 complaints, 9 mention a crash, 5 an injury.
Subaru Impreza suspension complaints by model year
| Model year | Suspension complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Impreza | 5 | 16% | — |
| 2020 Impreza | 1 | 1% | 5,000 |
| 2019 Impreza | 2 | 1% | 600 |
| 2018 Impreza | 2 | 1% | 12,000 |
| 2017 Impreza | 2 | 2% | 20,500 |
| 2016 Impreza | 3 | 4% | — |
| 2014 Impreza | 5 | 5% | 2,500 |
| 2012 Impreza | 5 | 2% | 83,000 |
| 2011 Impreza | 2 | 3% | 13,050 |
| 2008 Impreza | 2 | 1% | 99,000 |
| 2007 Impreza | 5 | 7% | 92,472 |
| 2006 Impreza | 2 | 4% | 3 |
| 2005 Impreza | 17 | 23% | 76,118 |
| 2004 Impreza | 17 | 18% | 45,654 |
| 2003 Impreza | 3 | 5% | 115,000 |
| 2002 Impreza | 49 | 17% | 133,195 |
| 2001 Impreza | 1 | 9% | 25,000 |
| 2000 Impreza | 8 | 20% | 57,474 |
| 1999 Impreza | 6 | 27% | 52,975 |
| 1998 Impreza | 11 | 37% | — |
| 1997 Impreza | 4 | 13% | — |
| 1996 Impreza | 2 | 10% | — |
| 1995 Impreza | 2 | 4% | 66,061 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (2)
Suspension:front:control arm:lower armDo not drive
Model years: 2021
Problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2021 Impreza vehicles. The left-front lower control arm weld may fail, allowing the control arm to separate from the crossmember.
Risk: A separated control arm may cause the tire to contact the wheel well, resulting in a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the control arm as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 3, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRI-21.
Suspension:front:control arm:lower arm
Model years: 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007
Problem: Subaru is recalling certain model year 2002-2007 impreza, model year 2003-2008 forester, and model year 2005-2006 saab 9-2x vehicles manufactured from september 5, 2000 through november 26, 2007 originally sold, or currently registered in, massachusetts, maryland, michigan, new hampshire, new york, pennsylvania, vermont, wisconsin, connecticut, delaware, iowa, illinois, indiana, maine, minnesota, missouri, new jersey, ohio, rhode island, west virginia and the district of columbia. The front lower control arms may break at the hanger brackets due to corrosion if the hanger bracket is exposed to salty and humid environments such as roads containing snow melting agent.
Risk: A broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Subaru will handle their vehicles and saab will handle theirs. Dealers will inspect the degree of corrosion of the front lower control arms, and will either rustproof or replace them. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during december 2011. Owners may contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Owners may contact saab at 1-800-955-9007.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
I contacted Subaru in Mentor Oh at adventure subaru under TSB 19V065000 and was told to take it in to get looked at, my issue when I purchased the car at 67k miles i found that the car had a loud clunky sound while steering and going over bumps. After seeing the dealer and the stated the issue was…
PART 4 SUBARU STRUT ISSUE How come no one can tell me whatâs actually wrong. Was this a faulty part or was it not installed correctly, who knows, no one can tell me. The strut was loose and I could hear it rattling or jolting on many occasions before I knew thatâs what it was. Was it not…
Part 3 SUBARU STRUT ISSUE I called the service department at Peltier Subaru and told them what happened and that I should be reimbursed for the tire. I was told that I needed to bring the tire in so that it could be inspected, along with the car to make there wasnât something else going on. I…
SUBARU STRUT ISSUE PART 2 Today is January, 28, 2026 To Whom this may concern, and all parties involved at Peltier Subaru, location 3200 S Southwest Loop 323, Tyler, TX 75701 I regret to inform you that you failed to address my many concerns regarding my vehicle. This caused me to be out of pocket…
Hello, I just purchase this vehicle from a dealership, 615 auto sales. After purchasing the vehicle I decided to go and get the recall done that was never done to the vehicle at the repair shop they did the recall but then ask me where did I purchase this vehicle from then I told them. The repair…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Subaru Imprezas have suspension problems?
No. NHTSA has 156 owner complaints about suspension for the Subaru Impreza. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Subaru Impreza suspension?
Yes: 2 safety recalls list suspension. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about suspension problems on the Subaru Impreza?
The most frequent phrase is “control arm”, in 57 of 156 complaints, followed by “rear wheel” (22).
Other Subaru Impreza problems
- Air Bags problems (449)
- Power Train problems (288)
- Engine problems (262)
- Electrical System problems (231)
- Exterior Lighting problems (202)
- Visibility/wiper problems (201)
- Fuel System, Gasoline problems (149)
- Service Brakes problems (132)
See all Subaru Impreza problems.