Two problems related to engine head gasket leaking 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.
My 2002 Subaru Impreza outback sport was also diagnosed in 4/08 with a leaking head gasket @ 81k by the dealer when I took it for a brake service. I bought the car new and gas mileage has been only ok. It has never overheated, ever, which is why I took it to an independent mechanic rather than spend the $3k the dealer wanted. An external leak was noted and I'm keeping an eye on it. I've heard rumors of problems with leaking head gaskets on this vehicle. Why not covered or monitored?.
Just learned that my 2002 Impreza sport has a leaking head gasket when the car only has 72,000 on it. The car has never gotten over 23 miles per gallon, even when it is highway driven. The car has had very very little mileage on it since it was purchased three years ago with 55,000 on it. No mention of any problems during its 60,000 mile maintenance. This came out of the blue.