Tl* the contact owns a 2002 subaru impreza. While having the vehicle inspected for routine maintenance, the contact was informed that the sub frame was corroded. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing who stated that the sub frame would have to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 115,541.
2002 Subaru Impreza body complaints
Page 2 of 2: complaints 11 to 21 of 21, newest first, as owners wrote them.
While pulling into my driveway at about 3-5 MPH in august 2011, the right front lower control arm broke due to corrosion. When this happened it broke the sway bar links that connect to the control arm. The mechanic that specializes in subarus in my area found that the sub frame was also rotted out due to corrosion (the control arms bolt to the sub frame). He replaced the sub frame, both left & right lower control arms, and both left & right sway bar links in order to get back to a road safe vehicle. In november 2011 I was notified by subaru that there was a recall campaign wvx-34 , the federal safety agency recall no.11v‑464 for the lower control arms. I submitted all necessary information under paragragh titled "if you have previously paid for a repair" and never heard from subaru (they said "it may take up to 60 days"). After 90+ days I emailed them only to find out on feb 21, 2012, "I had the opportunity to review your claim and unfortunately, it appears that your request for reimbursement was denied based on the fact that the part that was replaced is not an affected component of this recall ." I responded, " please review the repair order again. Both lower control arms were replaced ( the right actually broke and the left was rusted through) that is exactly what the recall is about. It was further found that the sub frame was also rotted through. The control arms bolt to the sub frame, so just replacing the control arms would not have made the vehicle road worthy." I received a check for $723 with no explanation what was being covered (it cost me $1449.36 for repairs). I called subaru and was told that covered both lower control arms and $100 towing. I again asked for the claim to be reviewed and they said they would now pay for the links but not the sub frame. You can't safely bolt new control arms to a rotten subframe. Subaru needs to inspect and repair this also and pay!!!
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 subaru impreza ts. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for unrelated maintenance when the contact was advised that the entire sub frame was corroded and required replacement. The vehicle was repaired at the contact's expense of $712.18. The manufacturer was notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 196,863. Updated 02/13/12 *bf updated 04/26/12
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 subaru impreza. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken in to the dealer for repairs under a manufacturer's recall when the mechanic advised him that the mounting frame was completely corroded. The dealer stated that in order to remedy the failure, the cross members needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the problem who advised the contact that they would contact him at a later date. The VIN was not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 129,000.
Extreme corrosion of front sub-frame. Fast onset. No sign of issue and then approx. Less than 1 year later total penetrating corrosion was visible in an area of it. Was noticed during completion of an existing safety recall due to excessive corrosion and failure of the lower control arms. Can provide digital photos of the issue upon request.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 subaru impreza. The contact was driving 15 MPH when the front passenger side wheel turned in the opposite direction. The contact also stated that there was a leak from the engine. The vehicle was towed to a private mechanic where they confirmed that the right sub frame and control arms were corroded and detached. In addition, the brake cable had seized. The manufacture was not contacted. The vehicle was repaired. The failure and the current mileages were 40,000.
2.5 ts with 49,093 miles. Wagon was always given best of preventative maintenance. Driving slowly on city street. Clunking sound from right front wheel area. Some difficulty with braking and steering. Assumed it was ice buildup on brakes/suspension. After about 10 minutes increased speed on country road and became much worse, almost lost control of steering but got off the road safely. Lower control arm had broken and caused rust-riddled front subframe to collapse. Replaced lower control arm, front stabilizer link and front subframe. $1218.02.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 subaru impreza. The contact stated that water penetrated the radiator causing it to fail. The front subframe, front driver lower control arm, bushings, and ball joint were all corroded due to the water damage. The control arm broke in multiple pieces and resulted in loss of vehicle control. The vehicle was taken to a repair shop where the mechanic recommended that all of the parts be replaced. The contact called the manufacturer. The current and failure mileages were approximately 139,000. Updated 12/01/10. *lj the consumer stated the water/puddle shorted out the engine fans which caused the vehicle to overheat and was not the cause of the rotted subframe. Updated 12/08/10
I was just informed that the sub frame on my vehicle is rotted and that my car is no longer safe to drive. This vehicle is only a 2002 with less then 94,000 miles. To correct the problem, I would need to spend around $2000.00 to replace the entire front and rear subframe. If this problem wasn't noticed and I had continued to drive the car, the consequences would be serious injury or death. The car would crumble if it was involved in an accident. Or I could just be driving along the interstate and it could basically fall apart, causing an accident.
I was driving down us rt 2 in bolton vt when had sudden steering wheel wobble. Car then veered to the right and off the road. Car went about 20 feet off the road. I was very lucky that a field was to the right. After getting out, I noticed that the left side front wheel was sitting several inches too far to the rear, rubbing against the body. My mechanic indicated that a lower control arm was severely corroded and broke off of the front subframe. The subframe itself is also corroded. This is only on the left side; the right side is fine. The car's body is generally in good shape. I would not have expected this part to be at all weak or corroded. I have the old control arm. My mechanic is going to replace the corroded portion of the subframe. *trw updated 01/13/11 *bp updated 02/14/11 *bp updated 03/11/11 updated 03/14/11 updated 03/30/11
Dt: the contact stated the hatchback/lifgate fell out because the screws holding the liftgate in place stripped due to wearing. The dealership determined it was assembled improperly, and to contact the manufacturer before having the repairs done. The vehicle is a 2002, subaru impreza wrx.
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