2005 Subaru Impreza

The 2005 Subaru Impreza is a compact car known for its standard all-wheel drive, making it a popular choice for those living in areas with inclement weather. Engine options for the 2005 Impreza include a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine producing 165 horsepower and 166 lb-ft of torque in the 2.5RS, 2.5TS, and Outback Sport trims, as well as a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 227 horsepower and 217 lb-ft of torque in the WRX. Transmission options include a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic. Owners often praise the Impreza for its reliability, handling, and practicality. Common complaints include road noise and relatively basic interior features for some trims.

Engine

2.5L Naturally Aspirated (2.5RS, 2.5TS, Outback Sport)

• Head Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Overheating, coolant loss, white smoke from the exhaust, bubbling in the coolant overflow tank. Can cause engine damage if not addressed.
  • Solution: Replacement of the head gaskets. Machining of the cylinder heads is often recommended to ensure a proper seal.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Visible oil leaks, often around the valve covers or the rear separator plate. Burning oil smell.
  • Solution: Replacement of valve cover gaskets, resealing the rear separator plate, or replacing other leaking seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+ for valve cover gaskets, $500 - $1,000+ for rear separator plate.
  • Recalls: None Found

2.0L Turbocharged (WRX)

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, whining noise from the turbocharger, excessive oil consumption, blue smoke from the exhaust.
  • Solution: Replacement or rebuild of the turbocharger.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Starvation/Bearing Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Knocking sound from the engine, low oil pressure, potential for catastrophic engine failure. Often caused by oil supply issues to the turbo, or excessive wear on engine components.
  • Solution: Engine rebuild or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $7,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Cracked Uppipe
  • Description/Symptoms: Exhaust leak, metallic rattling sound, loss of power. Occurs in the factory uppipe due to the ceramic catalytic converter.
  • Solution: Replace with an aftermarket uppipe without a catalytic converter, or a replacement OEM uppipe.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Manual

• Clutch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Slipping clutch, difficulty shifting gears, high RPMs without corresponding acceleration.
  • Solution: Clutch replacement including the clutch disc, pressure plate, and throw-out bearing.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Synchro Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Grinding or difficulty shifting into certain gears, especially 2nd or 3rd.
  • Solution: Transmission rebuild or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

4-Speed Automatic

• Shifting Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifting, slipping between gears, failure to shift.
  • Solution: Transmission fluid flush, valve body repair or replacement, or transmission rebuild/replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+ for fluid flush, $500 - $1,500+ for valve body, $2,000 - $4,000+ for rebuild/replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Strut/Shock Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, poor handling, excessive body roll, leaking fluid from the struts/shocks.
  • Solution: Replacement of struts/shocks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Control Arm Bushing Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the front suspension, especially over bumps. Poor alignment.
  • Solution: Replacement of the control arm bushings or the entire control arm.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Oxygen Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, poor fuel economy, rough idling.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty oxygen sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Neutral Safety Switch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Car will not start in Park or Neutral, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replacement of the neutral safety switch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust forming on the quarter panels, rocker panels, and wheel wells.
  • Solution: Rust repair, body panel replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Broken Window Regulator
  • Description/Symptoms: Window not going up or down, grinding noise.
  • Solution: Window regulator replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2005 Subaru Impreza, particularly the WRX, can be prone to engine and transmission issues that can be costly to repair. Head gasket failures on the naturally aspirated engines and turbocharger/oil starvation problems on the WRX are significant concerns. Rust is also a factor, depending on the car’s location and maintenance history. Suspension and electrical issues are fairly typical for a car of this age. Potential buyers should have a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic to identify any existing or potential problems.