REAR STRUTS ON MY 2005 SUBARU IMPREZA HAVE BLOWN TREE TIMES SINCE VEHICLE PURCHASE IN JUNE 2005. SUBARU HAS CHANGED THE PN# TO AN UPDATED PART NUMBER BUT REFUSE TO REPLACE AGAIN STATING MY VEHICLE MILEAGE HAS SURPASSED THEIR WARRANTY LIMITATION. THIS IS KNOWN DEFECT WITH MANY DOCUMENTED CASES. SUBARU IS AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND HAS ISSUED AN UPDATED PART TO REMEDY THE SITUATION. DEFECTIVE STRUTS AR…
2005 subaru Impreza suspension problems
critical 16 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $900
Complaints
16
Recalls
0
Crashes
2
Avg fix
$900
What owners are reporting 8 most recent
WHILE MY SON WAS BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, HIS PASSENGER SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM SNAPPED IN 2. HE STRUGGLED TO GET IT EVEN BACK INTO THE DRIVEWAY. I RAN THE VIN NUMBER AND IT DOES NO SHOW THAT THIS CAR HAS A RECALL THAT NEEDS TO BE DONE. DOES THIS MEAN IT WAS ALREADY DONE? OR IS THIS CAR NOT COVERED FOR THE RECALL?
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU IMPREZA. WHILE THE CONTACT'S WIFE WAS DRIVING 40 MPH, SHE HEARD A SNAP IN THE ENGINE THAT CAUSED HER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S FATHER'S HOME WHERE HE DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS FRACTURED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN N…
The contact owns a 2005 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated while her son was driving and approaching a stop sign, he heard an abnormal noise which caused him to lose control of the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The driver was able to park on the side of the road. The vehicle was not drivable and was towed to her residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. …
WHILE TURNING TO BACK INTO DRIVEWAY CONTROL ARM BROKE. IT IS RUSTED
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, HE NOTICED A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE. HE LATER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS FRACTURED DUE TO CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED …
MY BROTHER WAS DRIVING HIS 2005 WRX STI ON A CLEAR MORNING ON DRY PAVEMENT AND LOST CONTROL. THE CAR SLID OFF THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND THEN CROSSED BACK OVER THE ROAD WHERE IT COLLIDED SIDEWAYS WITH A TREE. THE VEHICLE MADE CONTACT WITH THE TREE ON THE DRIVER'S DOOR POST, KILLING HIM INSTANTLY AND INJURING THE PASSENGER. UPON INSPECTION OF THE CAR, WE FOUND THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE BALL JOINT…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU IMPREZA. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED UNCONTROLLABLY. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT LOWER DRIVER SIDE CONTROL ARM FAILED AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY SERVICED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN …
Common questions
How serious is the suspension problem on the 2005 subaru Impreza?
It's a serious issue. 16 complaints have been filed, including 2 reports involving a crash and 1 fatality(ies). We've classified it as critical based on NHTSA's reported outcomes.
At what mileage does the suspension typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $900 for suspension repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to suspension?
No active recalls currently cover suspension issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities.
Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area.
Some links on this page are affiliate links.