This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
The right front control arm sheered in half while driving at speed. Later inspection revealed it was due to corrosion. A recall was issued for this exact same part on September 10, 2011, and the recall was complied with on this car in 2012, yet the part still failed in a dangerous condition less than two years later.
The 2002 Subaru Impreza is subject to a recall on its control arms (NHTSA campaign number: 11V464000). Our car's passenger side control arm corroded to the point of failure about 1.5 years ago. Now we have discovered the same level of corrosion on a nearby part, also on the front passenger side. We discovered that the engine cradle (aka K-frame, aka front crossmember) is showing severe corrosion, similar to that shown by the control arm that previously corroded through and broke on our car. Our understanding is that it is hard to predict what would happen should this part fail, but would pose a significant danger particularly if it happened at high speed. The similarity between the corrosion of our control arms and now our engine cradle exceeds that of normal wear and tear. This was the reason that the control arms were previously recalled.
When I took out the underneath plastic cover below the engine for cleaning purposes, I saw severe rust on the" sub-frame" where both lower arms are attach to it.I went to the Subaru dealer for inspection on Nov. 9, 2013. They told me that, it is not in the recall list, so I will need to pay for the costly repairs.when I ask one of the associates if it safe to drive, he said no, it is not safe to drive and also if collision occurs. They scheduled my car for free estimates on Nov.11,2013. No accident this time.I just want to drive my car safe.please help me, thanks
The contact owns a 2002 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while traveling approximately 5 mph, the steering wheel became uncontrollable. Upon inspection, it was found that the driver's side front wheel was abnormally angled inward. The contact also mentioned that the vehicle was inspected by the dealer under NHTSA campaign number 11V464000 (suspension) five months prior to the failure and the contact was informed that no repair was necessary. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure. The vehicle was being repaired. The failure mileage was 168,000.
The contact owns a 2002 Subaru Impreza. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign id number: 11V464000 (suspension:front:control arm:lower arm) and was taken to the dealer for the recall repairs. The technician advised that the front lower control arm would not have to be replaced. Instead, the technician added rust proof to the front lower control arm. Approximately one month later while driving approximately 25 mph, the contact heard a banging and grinding sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician advised that the front lower control arm separated and fractured the sway bar linkages. The wheel was pushed inward into the wheel well, causing body damage to the vehicle. The technician advised the contact the lower control arm, bushings and sway bar linkages would have to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 159,500.
- Concord, NH, USA
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The contact owns a 2002 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign id number: 11V464000 (suspension:front:control arm:lower arm). The contact stated that the dealer bolted the recalled component to the sub-frame, which was rusted. The contact was concerned that the vehicle could separate from the wheels due to the stress on the rusted component. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but denied any assistance with repairs to the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 103,000 and the current mileage was 104,000.
While pulling into my driveway at about 3-5 mph in August 2011, the right front lower control arm broke due to corrosion. When this happened it broke the sway bar links that connect to the control arm. The mechanic that specializes in Subaru in my area found that the sub frame was also rotted out due to corrosion (the control arms bolt to the sub frame). He replaced the sub frame, both left & right lower control arms, and both left & right sway bar links in order to get back to a road safe vehicle. In November 2011 I was notified by Subaru that there was a recall campaign wvx-34, NHTSA recall no.11V-464 for the lower control arms. I submitted all necessary information under paragragh titled "if you have previously paid for a repair" and never heard from Subaru (they said "it may take up to 60 days"). after 90+ days I emailed them only to find out on Feb 21, 2012, "I had the opportunity to review your claim and unfortunately, it appears that your request for reimbursement was denied based on the fact that the part that was replaced is not an affected component of this recall." I responded, " please review the repair order again. Both lower control arms were replaced ( the right actually broke and the left was rusted through) that is exactly what the recall is about. It was further found that the sub frame was also rotted through. The control arms bolt to the sub frame, so just replacing the control arms would not have made the vehicle road worthy." I received a check for $723 with no explanation what was being covered (it cost me $1449.36 for repairs). I called Subaru and was told that covered both lower control arms and $100 towing. I again asked for the claim to be reviewed and they said they would now pay for the links but not the sub frame. You can't safely bolt new control arms to a rotten subframe. Subaru needs to inspect and repair this also and pay!!!
The contact owns a 2002 Subaru impreeza WRX. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under the recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number 11V464000 (suspension:front:control arm:lower arm). In addition to the repairs, the dealer stated that the subframe also needed to be replaced due to corrosion. The manufacturer was notified, but the vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 290,000 and the current mileage was unknown.
Extreme corrosion of front sub-frame. Fast onset. No sign of issue and then approx. Less than 1 year later total penetrating corrosion was visible in an area of it. Was noticed during completion of an existing safety recall due to excessive corrosion and failure of the lower control arms. Can provide digital photos of the issue upon request.
Rt control arm failed while my daughter was North bound on the West side highway in nyc. She was able to control car and exit highway. Inspection by my mechanic indicated the part had rusted away. I had him replaced both as I intended to trade it in and I didn't want to endanger anyone who might get the car. Car was traded in for a new Subaru in August 2010.
The contact owns a 2002 Subaru Impreza. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for routine maintenance when the technician advised that the front lower control arm was corroded. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign id number: 11V464000 (suspension:front:control arm:lower arm) but was advised by the manufacturer that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 109,000.
The front passenger side control arm broke due to rust damage. Happened when backing out of the garage. Vehicle cannot be steered. Subaru has issued a recall for this exact issue for the same model year but has excluded my VIN number.
The contact owns a 2002 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while driving at low speeds and reversing from the driveway, the front lower control arm had fractured. The vehicle was not inspected by a dealer nor repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and they advised him that they were aware of the failure. The failure and current mileages were approximately 100,000.
See previous complaint w/same vehicle----failure of right side lower control arm on 1-14-2011 at odo 49093. This current complaint is failure of left side lower control arm on 8-28-11. 2002 Subaru Impreza 2.5ts wagon with 51764 miles. Always best of preventative maintenance. Driving slowly on city street. Clunking sound from left front, difficulty steering. Recognized problem from previous failure of right side lower control arm. Returned to my driveway (less than a mile) and called wrecker. Repair cost: $458.95. Contacted Subaru customer/dealer services----no acknowledgement of responsibility for this or previous failure. "out of warranty, you live in a snow/salt area, etc".
As I pulled into my driveway after work, everything seemed normal. The car had driven fine all the way home, including on the highway. A few hours later when I went out to the car to leave, is when I found the problem. As I began to back up the car began making a shuddering sound, and backed up crooked. It felt like something in the drivetrain was binding severely. I got out to check underneath with a flashlight, and I noticed the drivers side front lower control arm had separated into two pieces. This occurred where the front control arm bushing is attached to the rest of the control arm. Comparing side to side, the front wheels are not even close to parallel now. Luckily this did not result in an accident, as only a few miles prior I was cruising down the highway at 65 mph! I'm assuming the small bump at the end of my driveway is what finally caused the failure, but it just as easily could have been a bump or pothole on the highway.
Traveling at 40 M mph, I suddenly heard a loud pop and then the car went out of control, crossed the road and stopped in the ditch on the opposite side of the road from where I was traveling. After a tow to the service station, I discovered a snapped lower control arm on the right side front wheel. The left is very corroded as well. The skid damaged the axle, sway bar and tie rod as well on the right side.
2.5 ts with 49,093 miles. Wagon was always given best of preventative maintenance. Driving slowly on city street. Clunking sound from right front wheel area. Some difficulty with braking and steering. Assumed it was ice buildup on brakes/suspension. After about 10 minutes increased speed on country road and became much worse, almost lost control of steering but got off the road safely. Lower control arm had broken and caused rust-riddled front subframe to collapse. Replaced lower control arm, front stabilizer link and front subframe. $1218.02.
I was driving down us rt 2 in bolton vt when had sudden steering wheel wobble. Car then veered to the right and off the road. Car went about 20 feet off the road. I was very lucky that a field was to the right. After getting out, I noticed that the left side front wheel was sitting several inches too far to the rear, rubbing against the body. My mechanic indicated that a lower control arm was severely corroded and broke off of the front subframe. The subframe itself is also corroded. This is only on the left side; the right side is fine. The car's body is generally in good shape. I would not have expected this part to be at all weak or corroded. I have the old control arm. My mechanic is going to replace the corroded portion of the subframe. Updated 01/13/11 updated 02/14/11 updated 03/11/11 updated 03/14/11 updated 03/30/11
Contact owns a 2002 WRX imperza. Current and failure mileage was 71,000. Contact stated while backing out of the driveway the driver side lower control arm broke in half due to rust. The manfacturer offered to pay for 50% of the repairs but the contact they should pay the total cost. Contact feels this is a safety issue because the vehicle could have been driving on the highway while the lower control broke and caused a crash. Jo updated 06/03/11
Vehicle's ABS controller went bad, ABS was getting activated ever in a dry non slip condition, contacted dealer, and they replaced the ABS controller. Reported problem about engine vibration at idle speed, dealer refuses to accept it, compared with a new vehicle at dealer's stock and the vibration in my vehicle was distinguishable. Still dealer refuses to accept it. Contacted 1-800-subaru3 and they said that they woul dget in touch with the dealership and see whats going on.
- Raleigh, NC, USA
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Ann Arbor, MI, USA