Subaru Impreza GD
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
301–310 PS
2.5L Turbo STI Benzin
300 hp, first US STI — where the legend begins
Legendary!301–310 PS
2.5L Turbo STI Benzin
5 weaknesses
Stay Away!Body Variants
The Subaru Impreza GD is available as Limousine and Schrägheck — choose your body type for specific insurance data:
Generations
Engine Overview
The Subaru Impreza GD is available with 3 engine variants — from 165 to 310 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
The Subaru 2.5L NA (Benziner, 168 PS) has the EJ253 (2.5L NA) — rated: "Be Careful", 2 known weaknesses.
The Subaru STI (Benziner, 300 PS) has the EJ257 (2.5L Turbo STI) — rated: "Stay Away!", 5 known weaknesses.
The Subaru WRX (Benziner, 224–230 PS) comes with 2 different engines: EJ205 (2002–2005, Be Careful) und EJ255 (2006–2007, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the WRX!
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Recall: Front Control Arm Corrosion Recall (2002–2007): Front lower control arms corrode at the hanger bracket from road salt and can break. Affects 21 US salt-belt states. Free replacement at dealer. Symptoms: Clunking from front suspension, visible rust on control arm bracket, handling instability from 100,000 km | Medium |
Top Reported Issues
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Known Problems and Issues
A total of 21 weaknesses have been documented for the Subaru Impreza GD (2001–2007) — 17 engine-related and 4 vehicle-related. One problem engine: EJ257 (2.5L Turbo STI). Typical issues affect Rust, Suspension, Body, Brakes.
Impreza (EJ205, 2002–2005) — Be Careful: Rod Bearing Failure, Timing Belt — Interference Engine, Oil Pickup Tube Crack — Brazed Joint. Power: 224 PS.
Impreza (EJ253, 2004–2007) — Be Careful: Head Gasket — External Oil/Coolant Leak, Slightly Elevated Oil Consumption. Power: 168 PS.
Impreza (EJ257, 2004–2007) — Stay Away!: Ringland Failure — The STI Cliché, Rod Bearing Failure — Class Action, Oil Pickup Tube Crack. Power: 300 PS.
Impreza (EJ255, 2006–2007) — Be Careful: Ringland Failure — Piston Breakage, Rod Bearing Failure, Oil Pickup Tube Crack. Power: 230 PS.
What to watch out for with the Subaru Impreza? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Subaru Impreza GD have? +
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee