2002 Subaru WRX problems
Owners have filed 461 complaints about the 2002 Subaru WRX with NHTSA. Fuel system, gasoline accounts for 59.7% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of service brakes, hydraulic at 14.5%.
Complaints461
Crashes20
Fires2
Injuries18
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Fuel system, gasoline 59.7% · 275
Service brakes, hydraulic 14.5% · 67
Fuel system, other 5.9% · 27
Power train 4.1% · 19
Engine and engine cooling 3.5% · 16
Service brakes, air 3.3% · 15
Visibility 1.7% · 8
Suspension 1.3% · 6
Severity
Of those complaints, 20 describe a crash, 2 describe a fire and 18 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Filings have fallen off, 8 in the last three years against 20 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 40,000 miles.
In owners' own words
2002 WRX fuel smell in cabin at cold temperatures. How many people have to complain before a recall is issued or someone gets hurt? Where is the nhtsa when you need them? There are recalls for relatively minor issues. So, where is the recall for leaking fuel? Dealer denies any problem. See also nhtsa item number:10014461, service bulletin #: 11012004, service bulletin 09-36-03 raw fuel smell in cold weather. Fuel system, gasoline · reported at 116,559 miles
Fuel leak/smell from bad connection of fuel lines in the engine compartment. This only occurs during cold weather. It is extremely aggravating that it is not covered by the manufacturer. This is a potential health and safety issue. I have read multiple testimonies from fellow owners of 2002 Subaru impreza wrxs. This can be seen on http://forums.Nasioc.Com/forums/showthread.Php?T=131755&page=1&pp=25. Fuel system, gasoline · reported at 29,000 miles
2002 Subaru WRX sedan. Strong fuel smell comes from passenger side of the engine compartment. A minor fuel leak occurs occasionally during cold weather. Took it to Subaru dealer but they could not reproduce the leak since the weather warmed up. Service rep recalled similar problem with another customer who paid $400 for replacing a fuel line. Fuel leaks are safety hazards and should be fixed as recalls. Fuel system, gasoline · reported at 35,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…