Topic: Used Vehicle Review: Subaru Impreza, 2008-2011

[Autos_Editor]

A history of head gasket troubles in its 2.5L engine are the only black mark on the third-generation Subaru Impreza's reputation.

Read More...

[sailor723]

So...Lot's of questions raised by this article.

 Is there a specific mileage range where the head gasket issue usually shows up? What about this Subaru coolant conditioner/additive I've read about? If this has been used does it prevent the problem or just push it back to a higher mileage? Is this "conditioner" anything special or is it just some kind of product like Stop Leak? Are there any SOC TSB's on the issue?

More importantly, if this has been so widespread in earlier cars, is Subaru using a different type of gasket in newer vehicles?

We are still thinking about buying a used vehicle for our daughter this summer. An 08 or 09 Impreza is on the short list but I really don't want to be dealing with this issue a year or two down the road.

[Snowman]

Still the top rated Small Car in Consumers Reports, the engine gasket issue is long gone.

[sailor723]

Still the top rated Small Car in Consumers Reports, the engine gasket issue is long gone.

That's what I would have thought.......or are there just not enough 08's/09's around at a hundred and whatever thousand kms on the odometer  for the issue to be showing up yet?

[Gardiner Westbound]

Subaru owners are inexplicably uncritical and persevering in the face of well known, serious reliability issues. Loyalty should be a two-way street.

This link further discusses expensive Subaru quality lapses.
http://www.wheels.ca/Used%20Cars/article/802522

[chrischasescars]

Still the top rated Small Car in Consumers Reports, the engine gasket issue is long gone.

That's what people said four years ago. I'll believe it when I see it.

Subaru owners are inexplicably uncritical and persevering in the face of well known, serious reliability issues. Loyalty should be a two-way street.

This link further discusses expensive Subaru quality lapses.
http://www.wheels.ca/Used%20Cars/article/802522

Mark Toljagic writes a hell of a used car review. I like his style.

[Mike]

Everyone needs a 3.3L Subaru Flat-6.  Head gaskets are fine

The trannies on the other hand.....

[johngenx]

Interesting.  CR's panel suggests that (like most enthusiasts think) the HG problems were pretty much solved by the end of the 06 model year.

Automatic trans problems?  Really?  Again, the data panel suggests otherwise, and the consensus among Scoob owners is that the AT is stronger and much longer lived than the MT.  The note about weak clutches is spot on.

Wheel bearing problems have also disappeared about the same time as the HG issues, maybe earlier.  The driver's side rear bearing was super prone to failure.

CR notes lots of brake problems.  Yup, OE rotors warp before you're home from having a brake job done.  Subaru OE brake parts on their "normal performance" cars are JUNK.

"Fuel System" and "Check Engine Light" are also common problems.  Wish CR would be more specific than noting the CEL.  This is the front O2 sensor.  Most people I know seem to have to replace them every 100-125K-kms.  Mine had one at 90K, the second at 230K...

[OliverD]

The HG issues were most common back in the '90s. I owned a '97 Legacy GT which had the head gaskets fixed TWICE before I owned it.

I wouldn't hesitate to own any 2.5 litre Subaru these days. The issue may not be eradicated but it certainly isn't nearly as common as it once was.

[Threader]

"The turbocharged WRX and STI models were carried over as well, but these cars will be covered in a separate review" looking forward to it Chris 

Just FYI the only problem I ever had with my 2008 STI since new was an electrical short in the wiring harness or engine fuse box. The symptoms were loss of high beam lights, Wacky outside temperature readings, and the battery would go dead in a few weeks if left alone. The dealer found the TSB, ordered the part and since the fix ( 2 years ago) I have not had any oem issues other than my own responsibility and tinkering. 

[Fobroader]

So just get an STi or a WRX and you wont have the HG problems, that resolves so many issues. I would buy a Subaru in a second, my mom had one for damn near 14 years, the thing never gave us a headache, it had the 2.2, but still, by far the most bulletproof car Ive seen.

[johngenx]

The HG issues were most common back in the '90s. I owned a '97 Legacy GT which had the head gaskets fixed TWICE before I owned it.

The Phase I 2,5L engines with DOHC were terrible.  They ate head-gaskets like mad, and the killer was that 99% of the time, the leak was internal, greatly increasing the chances of an engine melt-down.  The Phase II 2.5L SOHC engines still have HG problems (though at a far lower rate) and the leaks are mostly external, meaning a far less chance of a melt down.

Still strong...

[paul246]

The resurfacing issue of head gasket failure is one of the things that has consistently stopped me from pulling the trigger on a Subaru. That, along with the goofy fix of adding the "Subaru brand" version of Bars Leaks... side effects of that "cure" would likely mean a less effective heater core, plus it is really only a band-aid solution....no thanks.  Subaru is known for coming up with quirky (cheap) warranty fixes.

Too bad they just wouldn't switch to an "oil head" air cooled BMW style boxer. At least oil leaking into the cylinders wouldn't trash the engine's bearings.

[RX7heaven]

I just had the head gaskets done on my '98 Forester even though I used the Subaru coolant additive that they say limits corrosion which can eat the gasket.  We bought a new Impreza 'cause they are still good vehicles.

[johngenx]

98 Forester has the Phase I 2.5L DOHC engine.  The worst engine made by Subaru, ever.  The HG leaks are widespead on that engine, and they're internal leaks, so it typically destroys the engine.  The engine was last installed in 1998 in Foresters and 1999 in Legacy models.

[nlm]

I replaced the HG in my 2004 Impreza this Feb at around 215,000km. Found a really good independent that knocked his hourly rate down to help out with the costs.

[RX7heaven]

 The 356cc engine in the Subaru 360 was a 2 stroke, 2 cyl., air-cooled, 16 hp, mill that may be "the worst engine". Sold in '58 it had a top speed of 60 mph. but got 66 mpg 'cause it only weighed 1000lbs. The dual overhead cams on my '98 sound nice under acceleration and I noticed the temperature guage climbing when I blew the head gasket so I stopped right away to avoid internal engine damage.

[Nuttygent]

  Lets hope Subaru has fixed the gasket and clutch problems in the new Impreza as word will eventually get out. The overall vehicle is great.