Three problems related to brakes failed have been reported for the 2002 Subaru Impreza. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2002 Subaru Impreza based on all problems reported for the 2002 Impreza.
Approaching a toll-booth I began braking moderately from roughly 45mph. At about 15mph I went over some broken pavement with small pock marks. The pedal immediately went to the floor, or thereabouts, and a significant loss of braking power occurred. Upon releasing the brake and reengaging the vehicle's brakes, the brakes operately properly and stopped the car. By the time I stopped, however, I was already 20 feet beyond the tollbooth. Thank god there was not a car in front of me. I have also been able to repeat this scenario numerous times over rough, dry pavement with light to moderate braking. The bumps seem to confuse the abs. (?) I brought the car into marin Subaru, who confirmed a brake hydraulic failure and replace the offending parts.
On 2/4/02 I was coming up to a stop light behind traffic. When I applied my brakes nothing happened. I had brake pedal but the car did not slow down at all. I immediately I geared down going about 20mph and applied the brakes again but no reaction. I hit the car in front at the rate of about 10mph and did considerable damage to my car. This was not the first time I had a problem with the brakes. In oct. 2001 I applied the brakes at about 55mph, the abs system kicked in, but the vehicle didn't even slow down. I continued trying the brakes for at least 1 mile down the road with no slowing of the vehicle. Finally the brakes started to work and I continued on my way. In Dec. When I took the car in for servicing, I stated this incident and was told that the abs braking system isn't supposed to stop or slow down the car. From that point I decided to brake the car by gearing down so the abs brakes would never kick in. In Jan. I applied the brakes one day to turn into my driveway and nothing not even the abs. A little further down the hill, the brakes worked and I stopped. It was a little slippery that day so I thought the failure to slow down or stop was related to the road conditions. Then on 2/4/02 the brakes failed to have any reaction once again and this time there was an accident. I do not intend to drive the car again until this problem is solved.
Abs in the 2002 Impreza is dangerous over bumps. Brakes can fail when braking over bumps at moderate speeds when in neutral. I have had several near misses, as have many others. The problem is largely reproduceable, and not uncommon. Please follow this.