2005 Subaru WRX Problems: 6 Known Issues

2005 Subaru WRX Problems: 6 Known Issues | Au7o

NHTSA Recalls13 recalls

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing the brake lights from illuminating and also preventing keyless ignition vehicles from starting and CVT/automatic transmissions from being able to be shifted out of Park.

Campaign #19V14900028/02/2019

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Campaign #20V00300002/01/2020

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (STI included), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Campaign #20V00100002/01/2020

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Campaign #20V00200002/01/2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, 2008-2011 Impreza vehicles, 2008-2014 WRX vehicles, 2005-2014 Legacy vehicles, 2005-2014 Outback vehicles and 2006-2008 Tribeca vehicles equipped with a mechanical key ignition switch installed as a replacement part. The ball spring inside the switch may break, reducing the strength of the ignition switch. If this occurs, the weight on the key ring and certain road conditions could cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position to the accessory position, turning off the engine.

Campaign #19V29700011/04/2019

+ 8 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Subaru WRX problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2005 Subaru WRX has 6 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Firewall Spot-Weld Cracking and Clutch Pedal Bracket Flex Causing Hard Shifting or Clutch Engagement Problems, Takata Airbag Inflator Rupture Risk on 2003-2014 Impreza WRX (Multiple Recall Campaigns), Power Steering Pump and Suction Hose Air Leak Causing Whine, Foamy Fluid, and Heavy Steering. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Subaru WRX reliable?

The 2005 Subaru WRX has 6 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Firewall Spot-Weld Cracking and Clutch Pedal Bracket Flex Causing Hard Shifting or Clutch Engagement Problems and Takata Airbag Inflator Rupture Risk on 2003-2014 Impreza WRX (Multiple Recall Campaigns). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Subaru WRX problems?

Repair costs for known Subaru WRX issues range from $0 to $1,800, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Firewall Spot-Weld Cracking and Clutch Pedal Bracket Flex Causing Hard Shifting or Clutch Engagement Problems, typically costs $400-$1,800 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2002-2007 Subaru WRX Firewall Spot-Weld Cracking and Clutch Pedal Bracket Flex Causing Hard Shifting or Clutch Engagement Problems?

On GD-chassis WRX models, repeated clutch pedal loads can crack the firewall around the clutch master cylinder and pedal bracket mounting area. Owners report the pedal assembly moving, popping noises from the firewall, inconsistent clutch engagement, and difficulty selecting gear… Repairs typically run $400-$1,800. Severity: high.

What is the 2003-2014 Subaru WRX Takata Airbag Inflator Rupture Risk on 2003-2014 Impreza WRX (Multiple Recall Campaigns)?

Impreza WRX models from roughly 2003 through 2014 were built with Takata phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate airbag inflators (driver and/or passenger side, depending on year and expansion phase). After years of humidity and temperature cycling the propellant degrades and the infla… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

What is the 2002-2014 Subaru WRX Power Steering Pump and Suction Hose Air Leak Causing Whine, Foamy Fluid, and Heavy Steering?

A common WRX complaint is a groaning or whining power steering system, especially when cold, often traced to the pump inlet O-ring or suction hose allowing air into the system. Aerated fluid becomes foamy in the reservoir and steering assist can feel inconsistent or heavy at low… Repairs typically run $50-$700. Severity: medium.

What is the 2002-2007 Subaru WRX Fuel Filler Neck Corrosion Causing EVAP Leaks, Fuel Smell, and Check-Engine Light?

Rust-belt GD-chassis WRX models are known for corrosion of the steel fuel filler neck and vent tubes behind the left rear wheel area. As the neck rusts through, owners notice a raw fuel smell, difficulty filling the tank, or EVAP leak codes from the compromised venting system. Su… Repairs typically run $300-$900. Severity: medium.

What is the 2002-2014 Subaru WRX Radiator End Tank Cracking and Coolant Leaks on Plastic-Aluminum OEM Radiators?

Many 2002-2014 WRX owners report coolant leaks from the crimped plastic end tanks of the factory radiator, especially as the car ages and sees repeated heat cycles. Cracks often form near the upper tank seam or hose neck, leading to a sweet coolant smell, low coolant level, and e… Repairs typically run $250-$900. Severity: medium.

What is the 2002-2007 Subaru WRX Front Wheel Bearing Grease Breakdown Causing Premature Bearing Failure and Highway Hum on GD-Chassis WRX?

2002-2007 (GD chassis) WRX front wheel bearings fail early — often well under 80k miles — with a speed-dependent hum or roar that changes when the car is loaded into a turn. The community consensus, backed by a Subaru service bulletin covering 2001+ Impreza models, is that the fa… Repairs typically run $250-$700. Severity: medium.

All 6 Known Issues

When Issues Typically Appear

2002-2007 Subaru WRX: Firewall Spot-Weld Cracking and Clutch Pedal Bracket Flex Causing Hard Shifting or Clutch Engagement Problems#

2003-2014 Subaru WRX: Takata Airbag Inflator Rupture Risk on 2003-2014 Impreza WRX (Multiple Recall Campaigns)#

2002-2014 Subaru WRX: Power Steering Pump and Suction Hose Air Leak Causing Whine, Foamy Fluid, and Heavy Steering#

2002-2007 Subaru WRX: Front Wheel Bearing Grease Breakdown Causing Premature Bearing Failure and Highway Hum on GD-Chassis WRX#

2002-2007 Subaru WRX: Fuel Filler Neck Corrosion Causing EVAP Leaks, Fuel Smell, and Check-Engine Light#

2002-2014 Subaru WRX: Radiator End Tank Cracking and Coolant Leaks on Plastic-Aluminum OEM Radiators#

Other Subaru Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Subaru WRX problems?

Is the Subaru WRX reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Subaru WRX problems?

What is the 2002-2007 Subaru WRX Firewall Spot-Weld Cracking and Clutch Pedal Bracket Flex Causing Hard Shifting or Clutch Engagement Problems?

What is the 2003-2014 Subaru WRX Takata Airbag Inflator Rupture Risk on 2003-2014 Impreza WRX (Multiple Recall Campaigns)?

What is the 2002-2014 Subaru WRX Power Steering Pump and Suction Hose Air Leak Causing Whine, Foamy Fluid, and Heavy Steering?

What is the 2002-2007 Subaru WRX Fuel Filler Neck Corrosion Causing EVAP Leaks, Fuel Smell, and Check-Engine Light?

What is the 2002-2014 Subaru WRX Radiator End Tank Cracking and Coolant Leaks on Plastic-Aluminum OEM Radiators?

What is the 2002-2007 Subaru WRX Front Wheel Bearing Grease Breakdown Causing Premature Bearing Failure and Highway Hum on GD-Chassis WRX?