Thinking about buying a used Subaru Impreza (2000–2023) in New Zealand? We've documented 45 known faults for this model spanning engine, cooling, brakes, and suspension. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
45
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$500–$2,200
Typical repair
8
Systems covered
Known Subaru Impreza faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
01EJ25 turbo ringland failure
CriticalCommonEngine $4,500–$9,500 to fix
The turbocharged EJ25 (as fitted to WRX STi variants on GD/GG platform) is prone to ringland failure on pistons 2 and 3 under sustained high-boost conditions. The flat-four firing order concentrates heat on centre cylinders. Factory ring land bridges are relatively thin and crack under detonation or lean conditions. This is well-documented across the global STi community and affects both stock and modified cars, though the risk increases sharply with boost, ethanol blends, or tuning beyond OEM parameters. Failure results in catastrophic oil consumption and blue smoke.
Symptoms to notice
Sudden excessive blue or grey smoke under acceleration
Severe oil consumption (more than 1L per 1000km)
Loss of power on cylinders 2 or 3
Compression test showing low or zero compression on one cylinder
Knocking or rattling at idle after oil loss
What to check
A healthy EJ25 turbo should show 150–180 psi with less than 10% variation between cylinders. Check dipstick and note oil colour; check for blue smoke at tailpipe under load. Review service history for oil change intervals — neglected oil is a contributing factor. Ask if the car has been mapped or run on E85. If a workshop inspection is possible: Perform a wet and dry compression test on all four cylinders before purchase.
Where to look: Pistons 2 and 3 (centre cylinders) of the EJ25 engine block
Ask the seller
“Has the car ever been tuned or run on E85 fuel?”
“Has it been compression tested recently?”
“What oil type and change interval has been used?”
“Has the engine ever been rebuilt or had any internal work?”
02FB20 Valve Stem Seal Deterioration and Cold-Start Blue Smoke
MinorCommonEngine $1,000–$2,500 to fix
The FB20D engine fitted to the GK/GT Impreza uses rubber valve stem seals that harden and lose elasticity as mileage accumulates, typically becoming problematic after 80,000-120,000 km. Degraded seals allow engine oil to drain past the intake and exhaust valve guides during overnight cold soaks, pooling in the combustion chamber and producing a puff of blue-grey smoke on initial cold startup. Oil consumption accelerates as the condition progresses, and the smoke disappears after the first minute of running, which can allow the issue to be missed during a brief inspection.
Symptoms to notice
Short puff of blue-grey smoke from exhaust on cold start, clearing after 30-60 seconds
Sweet or oily exhaust smell on first startup
Gradual oil consumption requiring top-up between services
Oily black deposits on interior of exhaust pipe
No smoke once engine reaches operating temperature
What to check
Observe the cold start from behind the vehicle before the engine has been warmed up — look for a distinct puff of blue or blue-grey smoke from the exhaust in the first 10-30 seconds of running. Check the engine oil level and service records for oil top-up frequency. Inspect exhaust pipe interior for oily black deposits.
Where to look: Cylinder head valve guides, exhaust tailpipe
Ask the seller
“Do you see any puff of blue smoke from the exhaust when starting the car cold first thing in the morning?”
“How often do you need to top up the engine oil between scheduled oil changes?”
“Have you or any previous owner been advised by a mechanic that the engine is consuming oil?”
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43 more documented faults on the Subaru Impreza
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 45 documented faults for the Subaru Impreza, the recurring problem areas are engine, cooling, and brakes. A Subaru Impreza with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.
What are the most common problems with a used Subaru Impreza?
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We've catalogued 45 known faults for the Subaru Impreza, covering engine, cooling, and brakes. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
How much do repairs cost on a Subaru Impreza?
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Most single repairs on the Subaru Impreza fall between $500–$2,200 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 45 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Subaru Impreza?
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Yes. A Subaru Impreza inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.