2005 Subaru Impreza: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2005 Subaru Impreza? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 75 complaints, with Suspension Failures as the top reported area.
2005 Subaru Impreza Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 8 2005 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. 8 trims analysed.
2005 Subaru Impreza Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated11.8% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
11.8% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2005 Subaru Impreza has 75 owner complaints, 10 crash-related complaints, and 6 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Suspension Failures. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Subaru
- Model
- Impreza
- Model year
- 2005
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 75
- Crash-related complaints
- 10
- Safety recall campaigns
- 6
- Top reported component
- Suspension Failures
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 20
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 18 / 25
- Fuel type
- Premium Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- No
Most Common 2005 Subaru Impreza Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Suspension Failures
Airbag Malfunctions
Fuel System
Complaint patterns center on Suspension Failures, Airbag Malfunctions, Fuel System. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2005 Subaru Impreza?
The 2005 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 2005 Subaru Impreza
Inspection Focus
- Inspect suspension components for signs of wear or failure.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for airbag and fuel system repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect suspension components for signs of wear or failure.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for airbag and fuel system repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2005 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
Based on 75 NHTSA complaints for the 2005 Subaru Impreza, issues are concentrated in suspension, airbag, and fuel systems. Crash-related complaints account for 10 reports, but the data is limited to a single model year and consumer-submitted reports.
- Suspension Failures account for the highest number of complaints at 17.
- Airbag Malfunctions are the second most reported component with 12 complaints.
- Fuel System and Fuel/Propulsion System together total 19 complaints.
- Suspension Failures are the most frequently reported issue.
- Airbag Malfunctions are a recurring theme in complaints.
- Fuel System problems appear in a notable number of reports.
All 2005 Subaru Impreza Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2005 Subaru Impreza. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension Failures | 17 | 2 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 12 | 3 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 10 | — | 1 | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 8 | — | 1 | — | |
| Structural Problems | 6 | 2 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 5 | 3 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 4 | 3 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Other | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 2 | 2 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 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 2005 Subaru Impreza. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The dealership is refusing to fix my car free of charge on a recall they confirmed would be able to do and now they are refusing to do it due to price and have made me wait two months for this to be the answer while also not giving me any sort of pay for the inconvenience of wait…
In April 2022 hood latch malfunctioned and caused hood to open while driving on interstate. Caused damage to Hood, Fenders, Windshield and Roof. I was able to get stopped safely without injury.
goodyear all season f1 p225/45 ZR 17 psgr right sidewall looks like a few chunks are missing and some tread from tire to sidewall is peeling
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 si…
THE KEY INTERMITTENTLY GETS STUCK IN THE IGNITION SWITCH WHEN THE GEARSTICK IS SET IN THE 'PARK' POSITION. THE CAR CAN BE TURNED OFF, BUT THE KEY CANNOT BE MOVED FORWARD INTO THE #1 POSITION (LOCK/OFF) AND CANNOT BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION IN THE #2 POSITION (ACCESSORY). THIS S…
2005 SUBARU IMPREZA OUTBACK SPORT ON 8/23/2020 THE BRAKE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. UPON RETURNING HOME, THE BRAKE FLUID WAS CHECKED AND FOUND TO BE LOW. NOTICED BRAKE FLUID ON DRIVEWAY UNDER CAR. THE CAR WAS NOT USED UNTIL TAKING IT TO GOODYEAR FOR AN INSPECTION ON 8/27/2020. …
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? O…
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 C…
I BELIEVE MY VEHICLE NEEDS ADDED TO THE SAFETY RECALL: WQK47. NHTSA CAMPAIGN: 14V311000. I OWN A 2005 SUBARU IMPREZA RS. DRIVING DOWN RESIDENTIAL STREET I LOST ALL BRAKE PRESSURE COMING TO A STOP. PROBLEM WAS FROM BRAKE LINE HAD LEAK FROM CORROSION. IT'S THE SAME PROBLEM AND EXAC…
WHILE TURNING TO BACK INTO DRIVEWAY CONTROL ARM BROKE. IT IS RUSTED
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V323000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MARK MILLER SUBARU MIDTOWN AT (801) 268-3734 (3535 STATE ST, SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84115) WHERE THE FRONT PA…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU IMPREZA. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR A YEARLY INSPECTION, THE TECHNICIAN NOTICED THAT THE FRONT SUBFRAME WAS CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAI…
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN I LOST CONTROL OF MY CAR. I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY PULL OFF TO THE SIDE, AND HAVE THE CAR TOWED HOME. THE CONTROL ARM ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS RUSTED AND SNAPPED SNAPPED WHILE MY CAR WAS TRAVELING STRAIGHT. MY CAR IS AFFECTED BY THE WVX34 FRONT LOW…
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…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU IMPREZA. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT SOME CODES NEEDED TO BE CLEARED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, AFTER THE REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED, …
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V323000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE R…
TAKATA RECALL : I HAVE A 2005 SUBARU WRX WHICH HAS NOT BEEN SCHEDULE FOR THE RECALL, FOR OVER A YEAR. I HAVE BEEN USING THE CAR WITHOUT ALLOWING ANYONE TO SIT IN THE FRONT SEAT FOR A YEAR NOW, WAITING FOR THE RECALL TO BE SCHEDULE. I AM TIRED OF BEING INCONVENIENCED DUE TO THIS R…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V323000 (AIR BAGS) EXCEEDED A REASONABLE TIME FOR REPAIR. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER ALSO VERIFIED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR …
MY CONCERN IS THE UNREASONABLE LENGTH OF TIME IT IS TAKING TO REMEDY THE JULY SAFETY RECALL. FOUR MONTHS NOW AND THE DEALER SIMPLY TELLS ME THE PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE AND MORE CARS ARE BEING RECALLED WITH THE SAME PROBLEM! UNTIL THE REPAIR IS PERFORMED, WE ARE ADVISED TO NOT A…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V323000 (AIR BAGS), HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. T…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2005 Subaru Impreza.
2005 Subaru Impreza Recalls
6 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2005 Subaru Impreza. 6 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.
2005 Subaru Impreza Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2005 Subaru Impreza reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 75 owner complaints, 10 crash-related complaints, and 6 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2005 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 2005 Subaru Impreza?▾
#1: Suspension Failures (17 complaints). #2: Airbag Malfunctions (12 complaints). #3: Fuel System (10 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2005 Subaru Impreza?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2005 Subaru Impreza?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2005 Subaru Impreza, NHTSA complaints include 10 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 75 total complaints. 3 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2005 Subaru Impreza have any recalls?▾
Yes. 6 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2005 Subaru Impreza. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. 6 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 2005 Subaru Impreza?▾
The 2005 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 Suspension Failures 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 2005 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.