2001 Subaru Impreza: problems, recalls and reliability

“After reading about investigations into the subaru wrx ABS problems, I now feel like the issue is broader than the NHTSA recall suggests. I did not know there was a site to file this type of complaint.*ak I drive a 2001 subaru impreza 2.5rs. The ABS system seems to be incredibly sensitive to small bumps and undulations in the road. If the car hits a bump while the brake pedal is pressed, the ABS system begins pumping the brake which causes, in my opinion, lengthened stopping distances and a feeling of lack of control over the car. This problem is easily duplicated.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Oct 2003

“For some reason, the factory anti-theft device has cut off the starter and it would not let me start the car. When I turn the key to "start", the engine does not try to turn over at all. When I open the hood, I can hear a quiet high-pitch noise when key is turned to "start", and that's all. All the accessories, such as stereo, radar detector, work fine when key is in "on" position. I have to hold down the override switch to start my car. Furthermore, the remote entry/anti-theft device has been completely disabled. Technician at the dealership said the "brain" of the alarm system, or the control module needs to be replaced because it's simply dead. *la”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2003

“The rear wheel bearing repeatidly failed. The part has been replaced ten times. The vehoicle was involved in an accident related to the fault bearing. *ak *cb *nlm”Owner report · Suspension · May 2003

“The brake rotors have surface imperfections which causes incomplete brake shoe contact to the rotor and concentric grooves in the rotor. There are numerous reports from wrx owners of the same problem, as well as reports of brake shoes wearing out before 5000 miles and grinding noises. Subaru has been contacted and chooses to use the excuse "it is only a problem of appearance" when in fact the rotors, a vital piece of a major safety component of the vehicle is defective and potentially unsafe. We demand a recall and replacement of the defective rotors. Subaru's flippant and ridiculous attitude is irresponsible. Please force them to fix this obvious mechanical defect.*ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Aug 2001

“First off the roads were wet from a previous rain and there was no standing water. I was turning a left hand corner from 3040 onto service road of I-35e south. While in the turn I hydro planed into the curb. I called for a wrecker and while loading the car I've found that 2 of the 4 tires were put on backwards. The right front tire and the left rear. There is a rotation arrow on them. I called b.f goodrich and they said that the tire being put on backwards could hinder the rain shedding of the tire. Have pictures of the tires on backwards and a estimate of the damage.*ak (tiresize: 235/50zr16)( dot number: tire size: 235/50zr16 )”Owner report · Tires · Mar 2001