2010 Subaru Impreza

The 2010 Subaru Impreza offered a blend of practicality and all-weather capability, making it a popular choice for many drivers. Engine options included a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine producing 170 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options included a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic. Many owners appreciated the Impreza’s standard all-wheel drive system, compact size, and fuel efficiency. Common complaints included its relatively bland styling, somewhat underwhelming performance, and the road noise within the cabin.

Engine

2.5L Naturally Aspirated Four-Cylinder

• Head Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Overheating, coolant leaks (internal or external), white smoke from the exhaust, coolant mixing with oil.
  • Solution: Replacement of the head gasket, potentially resurfacing the cylinder head if warped.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption requiring frequent top-offs between oil changes. Blue smoke from the exhaust may be present.
  • Solution: Could require piston ring replacement or, in severe cases, engine replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Catalytic Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check Engine Light illuminates, often with codes related to catalyst efficiency. Decreased fuel economy and performance.
  • Solution: Replacement of the catalytic converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic

• Slipping or Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Delayed or jerky shifts, difficulty engaging gears, or slipping during acceleration.
  • Solution: Fluid change may temporarily alleviate symptoms, but often requires valve body repair or replacement, or a full transmission rebuild.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (fluid change) - $3,500+ (rebuild)
  • Recalls: None Found

5-Speed Manual

• Clutch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clutch slippage, difficulty shifting, or a soft/spongy clutch pedal feel.
  • Solution: Clutch replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear Wheel Bearing Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Grinding, humming, or roaring noise coming from the rear of the vehicle, especially at higher speeds.
  • Solution: Wheel bearing replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600 per side
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sway Bar Link Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noise from the suspension, especially when going over bumps.
  • Solution: Sway bar link replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300 per side
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Oxygen Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check Engine Light illuminates, poor fuel economy, rough idling, and potential stalling.
  • Solution: Oxygen sensor replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400 per sensor
  • Recalls: None Found
• Mass Airflow (MAF) Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check Engine Light illuminates, poor fuel economy, rough idling, stalling, and hesitation during acceleration.
  • Solution: MAF sensor replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust on Rear Quarter Panels
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust forming on the lower rear quarter panels, especially around the wheel wells.
  • Solution: Rust repair or replacement of affected panels.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+ (depending on severity)
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Cracked Dashboard
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracking forming on the dashboard, particularly in areas exposed to sunlight.
  • Solution: Replacement of the dashboard.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary The 2010 Subaru Impreza presents a mix of common issues, with engine-related problems like head gasket failure and oil consumption being potentially the most serious and expensive to address. Suspension and electrical issues are also common, but generally less costly. The rust formation can be an eyesore and lead to further problems if left untreated. Prospective buyers should carefully inspect the vehicle for these issues and factor in potential repair costs.