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Subaru · Known Issues

2002 Subaru Impreza Problems: 1 Known Issue

2002 model year · 4,200+ owner reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's analysis of 4,200+ owner reports, the 2002 Subaru Impreza has 1 documented issue, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is EJ253 Head Gasket Failure (External Leak) ($1,500-$2,800 repair). The most commonly reported issue is EJ253 Head Gasket Failure (External Leak) with 4,200 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $1,500 to $2,800. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • Impreza Engine1
  • Recalls22
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Engine1
  • Recalls22
  • FAQ

All 1 Known Issue

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ALL YEARS20242023202220212020201920182017201620152014201320122011201020092008200720062005200420032002200120001999199819971996199519941993
Community reported
4,200 owners

On the 1999-2011 Subaru Impreza EJ253, the 2.5L EJ253 naturally-aspirated engine in 1999-2011 Imprezas is notorious for external head gasket failure. The composite head gaskets degrade over time, allowing coolant and oil to seep externally at the gasket mating surfaces. Unlike a typical blown head gasket that causes coolant-oil mixing, Subaru EJ25 head gaskets typically leak externally first. The boxer engine design means gaskets are at the bottom of the heads, making leaks drip downward and often go unnoticed. If left unaddressed, external leaks can progress to internal coolant-oil mixing and overheating.

Common Symptoms

  • Oil seepage visible on bottom of engine near head gasket area
  • Coolant level slowly dropping without visible external puddles
  • Sweet coolant smell from engine bay
  • Oil spots on garage floor near front of vehicle
  • Overheating in severe cases (internal gasket breach)
  • Bubbles in coolant overflow reservoir

How to Fix

Replace both head gaskets with updated MLS (multi-layer steel) gaskets (Subaru OEM 11044AA770 or Six Star MLS set). Resurface both cylinder heads to within 0.002 inch flatness spec. Replace timing belt, water pump (21111AA370), thermostat, and all seals while the engine is apart. Add Subaru Cooling System Conditioner (SOA635071) after repair. Budget 8-12 hours labor for the complete job.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Genuine Subaru 11044AA633 Naturally Aspirated Head Gasket

    current OE MLS head gasket after the affected engine and failure are confirmed Fitment/availability: 1999-2011 naturally aspirated 2.5-liter Impreza EJ251/EJ253 applications; quantity two, confirm VIN and engine Fitment/availability: Add…

    Subaru Online Parts
  • Genuine Subaru 21111AA007 Water Pump

    water pump only when failed, contaminated or due during accessible timing service Fitment/availability: 1999-2005 naturally aspirated 2.5-liter Impreza branch within this issue; confirm VIN and engine Fitment/availability: ships in 1-3 b…

    SubaruPartsDeal
  • Genuine Subaru 21111AA280 Water Pump

    later-branch water pump only when failed, contaminated or due during accessible timing service Fitment/availability: 2006-2011 naturally aspirated 2.5-liter Impreza branch within this issue; confirm VIN and engine Fitment/availability: A…

    Subaru Parts Guys
  • Genuine Subaru 21200AA072 Thermostat Assembly

    thermostat when testing, age or contamination warrants replacement Fitment/availability: Use here for the confirmed 1999-2005 naturally aspirated Impreza branch; verify VIN and catalog split Fitment/availability: ships in 1-3 business da…

    SubaruPartsDeal
  • Genuine Subaru 21200AA170 Thermostat Assembly

    later-branch thermostat when testing, age or contamination warrants replacement Fitment/availability: 2006-2011 naturally aspirated 2.5-liter Impreza branch within this issue; confirm VIN and engine Fitment/availability: ships in 1-3 bus…

    SubaruPartsDeal

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Typical repair cost:$1,500 - $2,800

Research This Issue

Based on 4,200 owner reports

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High Confidence4,200 owner reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026
NHTSA Recalls22 recalls

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing the brake lights from illuminating and also preventing keyless ignition vehicles from starting and CVT/automatic transmissions from being able to be shifted out of Park.

Campaign #19V14900028/02/2019

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Campaign #20V003000
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Other Subaru Models

Subaru Forester46Subaru Outback40Subaru WRX31Subaru Ascent25Subaru Solterra24Subaru Crosstrek23

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Subaru Impreza problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 4,200+ owner reports, the 2002 Subaru Impreza has 1 documented issue. The documented issue is: EJ253 Head Gasket Failure (External Leak). Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Subaru Impreza reliable?

The 2002 Subaru Impreza has 1 known issue documented across 4,200+ owner reports. 1 issue is rated critical: EJ253 Head Gasket Failure (External Leak). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Subaru Impreza problems?

Repair costs for known Subaru Impreza issues range from $1,500 to $2,800, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, EJ253 Head Gasket Failure (External Leak), typically costs $1,500-$2,800 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 1999-2011 Subaru Impreza EJ253 Head Gasket Failure (External Leak)?

The 2.5L EJ253 naturally-aspirated engine in 1999-2011 Imprezas is notorious for external head gasket failure. The composite head gaskets degrade over time, allowing coolant and oil to seep externally at the gasket mating surfaces. Unlike a typical blown head gasket that causes c… Repairs typically run $1,500-$2,800. Severity: high.

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data sourced from 4,200+ owner reports, NHTSA recalls, TSBs, and automotive forums.

02/01/2020

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (STI included), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Campaign #20V00100002/01/2020

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Campaign #20V00200002/01/2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, 2008-2011 Impreza vehicles, 2008-2014 WRX vehicles, 2005-2014 Legacy vehicles, 2005-2014 Outback vehicles and 2006-2008 Tribeca vehicles equipped with a mechanical key ignition switch installed as a replacement part. The ball spring inside the switch may break, reducing the strength of the ignition switch. If this occurs, the weight on the key ring and certain road conditions could cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position to the accessory position, turning off the engine.

Campaign #19V29700011/04/2019

+ 17 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.