2002 Subaru WRX: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Dec 3, 2014 · Steering, Suspension · 125,600 miles · NH

Control arms were recalled in 2011 for rust issues and failure on the hanger brackets. Got the parts checked at the time of the recall by a certified subaru dealership, the dealership sprayed a "rust proofing" agent on the control arms. Three years later I was driving down my road and lost control of the vehicle completely. The driver side lower control arm had rusted through and broken at the hanger bracket. Subaru of america will not cover the repairs as the recall had been performed already (even through it did not prevent the issues from happening).

Filed Aug 21, 2014 · Body, Fuel system · 1,000 miles · OH

I'm filing my complaint with all the others about the strong fuel smell during the cold months. I cannot believe ohio is not included in the recall. I've taken my car to the dealer numerous times to be told that the car is okay. Frankly, this past cold winter has been awful. The smell makes it's way into the house. It is awful. I cannot believe subaru does not believe ohio is cold and will not stand by its autos. Also, when I brought the auto in for a recall on the front control arms, they only rustproofed them and never told me the frame was rusted out. This was at 125,000 miles. This auto has been meticulously cared for. If this car is meant to be in all kinds of weather, why can't it stand up past 125,000 miles. Ridiculous! I have three other vehicles from other brands with many more miles, one car of which is stored outside in the winter, and all the other autos have great lasting frames. Considering I had only 125,000 miles, I saved the money and made this expensive repair. Com'on subaru make a car that lasts!!!!!

Filed Jan 28, 2013 · Suspension · 38,369 miles · MA

Reference: recall no. 11v‑464, the federal safety agency campaign no. 11v464000 the corrosion discovered in my subaru 2002 wrx is far more extensive than that covered by the recall resulting in cityside subaru dealership (1‑761‑641‑1900) identifying the vehicle not safe to drive. Their assessment of the dangerous rusting, rotting and necessary repairs is quoted here (I can provide a facsimile of their assessment upon your request). There is extensive rusting and rotting as well as parts that have already broken. The following is quoted from the cityside subaru dealership invoice number[xxx]' technician states: vehicle has failed recall inspection of front lower control arms due to rusting. Subframe is also rotted and will need to be replaced. Technician recommends: additionally upon replacement of control arms and subframe both left and right swaybar links are broken $295 front knuckles, wheel bearings and inner and outer tie rod ends are rotted and will need to be replaced $2340 both front struts rotted and may need to be replaced if they are not able to be detached and put back together properly $509 each as required replace rotted leaking oil pan $416 vehicle is not safe to drive' I consider myself lucky that the extensive corrosion and already failed parts in an otherwise very clean, low mileage car have not LED to an accident and suggest that the recall needs to be broader in scope. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Dec 10, 2011 · Body · 139,900 miles · PA

Subframe near passenger/right front control arm is rusted through and has holes. Subaru of cherry hill, nj stated that it should be replaced and was at significant risk of breaking when removed for control arm recall (wvx34).dealership said the case with pictures was reported to subaru headquarters and dealership stated it was the first time they have seen it. I discovered many other cases reported dating back as far as may 2009. Documented with pictures of my own.

Filed Nov 9, 2011 · Suspension · IL

Driving southbound on I-55 for morning commute in the leftmost lane when with no discernible cause the car began to drift back and forth across the center lane and left lane. The car minimally responded to any steering inputs. I had to crank the wheel almost a turn and a half to get my car over to the shoulder. Fortunately, there were no cars near me when this happened so I did not strike any vehicles. I got the car towed to a local shop and the service person quickly glanced around underneath it and immediately noticed that the control arm had rusted through on the passenger side. I came back later that day and they showed me the car on the lift where both control arms were thoroughly rusted as well as the subframe. I paid to get the one repaired but still don't drive the car as I don't feel safe until the other is taken care of as well.

Filed Jul 12, 2011 · Suspension · TN

The passenger side lower control arm on our 2002 subaru wrx wagon snapped rendering the car inoperable. The car has been towed to a mechanic. When I looked under the car you could see the arm was rusted through. Once the car was loaded on the rollback there was a visible pile of rust on the pavement.

Filed Jul 5, 2011 · Suspension · 127,000 miles · NJ

Lower control arm for my 2002 subrau wrx rusted completely and broke, which also caused the sway bar to be ripped off. Thankfully it only happened pulling out of the driveway and not on the highway.