2001 Subaru Impreza: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2001 Subaru Impreza? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 11 complaints, with Tire Issues as the top reported area.
2001 Subaru Impreza Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 6 2001 Subaru Impreza trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 6 trims analysed.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2001 Subaru Impreza has 11 owner complaints, 5 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Tire Issues. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Subaru
- Model
- Impreza
- Model year
- 2001
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 11
- Crash-related complaints
- 5
- Safety recall campaigns
- 3
- Top reported component
- Tire Issues
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 22
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 20 / 27
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
Most Common 2001 Subaru Impreza Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Tire Issues
Brake System
Hydraulic
Complaint patterns center on Tire Issues, Brake System, Hydraulic. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2001 Subaru Impreza?
The 2001 Subaru Impreza shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2001 Subaru Impreza
Inspection Focus
- Inspect tires for wear or damage.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for brake and airbag systems.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect tires for wear or damage.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for brake and airbag systems.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2001 Subaru Impreza, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2001 Subaru Impreza are concentrated in tire and brake system issues, with a moderate number of crash-related reports. The data suggests potential concerns with these components, though the sample size is small.
- Tire Issues and Brake System each account for 3 complaints.
- Airbag Malfunctions are reported in 2 complaints.
- Crash-related complaints represent 5 out of 11 total complaints.
- Tire Issues
- Brake System
- Airbag Malfunctions
All 2001 Subaru Impreza Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2001 Subaru Impreza. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tire Issues | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 2 | 2 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | 1 | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2001 Subaru Impreza. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
THE CAR HAS A GAS ODOR IN CABIN WHEN STARTED IN COLD TEMPERATURES. THE SMELL WILL GO AWAY AFTER A LITTLE WHILE. JUDGING UPON HOW MANY ARTICLES I HAVE READ , THIS IS A PROBLEM. WHY HAVE THEY NOT EXPANDED THEIR RECALL?
TL* - THE CONSUMER BLACKED OUT AND DOESN'T REMEMBER WHAT HAPPENED. THE CONSUMER HIT A GUARD RAIL POST AND THEN TWO TREES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THE STEERING WHEEL BROKE OF FROM THE STEERING COLUMN WHICH CAUSED THE AIR BAG FAILED NOT TO DEPLOY. UPDATED 03/19/07. *JB
I WAS IN A HEAD ON COLLISION WHEN A WOMAN FELL ASLEEP AND HIT ME HEAD ON. MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *JB
DRIVING ALONG THE FREEWAY AT 60 MPH, THE LEFT REAR TIRE HAD A BLOWOUT. UPON INSPECTION IT WAS THE INTERIOR SIDEWALL WHERE THE FAILURE OCCURRED. I NOTICED THAT IN THE SPECIFIC LOCATION OF THE FAILURE, THE SIDEWALL WAS EXTREMELY SOFT; UNLIKE THE REST OF THE SIDEWALL. THE TIRE WAS…
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 INCRED…
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 …
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
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM OVER REACTS. HAD TO AVOID ACCIDENTS MANY TIMES WHEN CRUISING TO STOP AND HITTING EITHER A DIP,SMALL OR LARGE POTHOLE,SLIGHT IMPERFECTION IN ROAD SERVICE WILL CAUSE ABS TO ENGAGE (BRAKE PETAL DOPS AND ABS STARTS) ESPECIALLY ON DOWNHILL BREAKING. I WILL INC…
TIRE FAILURE. *AK
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 N…
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…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2001 Subaru Impreza.
2001 Subaru Impreza Recalls
3 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2001 Subaru Impreza. 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2001 Subaru Impreza Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2001 Subaru Impreza reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 11 owner complaints, 5 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2001 Subaru Impreza shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2001 Subaru Impreza?▾
#1: Tire Issues (3 complaints). #2: Brake System (3 complaints). #3: Hydraulic (3 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2001 Subaru Impreza?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2001 Subaru Impreza?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2001 Subaru Impreza, NHTSA complaints include 5 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 11 total complaints. 3 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2001 Subaru Impreza have any recalls?▾
Yes. 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2001 Subaru Impreza. A major recall area is EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS. 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2001 Subaru Impreza?▾
The 2001 Subaru Impreza shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Tire Issues during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Subaru Impreza reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2001 Subaru Impreza based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.