Sway Bar Problems of Subaru Impreza

Blew 3 valve gaskets within two weeks after buying car. Blew 2 tires within 2 months of having the car. They �fixed� an oil control valve and then it needed another. Sway bar links needed replaced, cv joints need replaced, brake pads are extremely low. Ac doesn't work. Had to buy all new tires.

See all problems of the 2008 Subaru Impreza 🔎.

While driving along a smooth, straight stretch of us-12 the right lower control arm broke at the hanger bracket. . Read more...

See all problems of the 2004 Subaru Impreza 🔎.

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 Subarus 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!!!.

See all problems of the 2002 Subaru Impreza 🔎.

The passenger side lower control arm broke while leaving the driveway. It was about midnight. Attempts were made to drive the car. However once I checked the steering and noticed that the two front wheels were not tracking together, I left the car where it was since it was dark and I could not see what the issue was. Next morning a tow truck was called and he showed me where the lower control arm had sheared off. At the lower section of the control arm. The rest of it was completely corroded. Once the car was delivered to the repair garage, it was put on the hoist and the driver's side lower control arm was checked. Using a hammer the mechanic was able to put a large hole in the control arm section above the base of the control arm. The control arm in profile section looks like a triangle. He put a hole in the upper front leg of the triangle. I have contacted transport canada as well to alert them of the issue and file a complaint. I have the old parts. I have installed two new control arms and the sway bar link kit for a total cost of $ 1,384 cdn. Just last week the car had been on a road trip at night I was extremely fortunate that the lower control arm did not fail then. I am shocked that both arms were so badly corroded and one completely failed. The car was made in April 2001. I am also concerned because I own a 2005 Subaru forester and I do not know if this may be a similar issue for the forester's lower control arms with respect to corrosion at the same place and whether this will happen to the forester in 3 years time.

In the day or two prior to the event, the car felt out of alignment. In order to get the car to drive straight I had to keep the wheel turned ~15%. When I was driving on the highway at ~65mph, I hit an undulation in the road. This must have put increased load on the suspension component. All of a sudden the I heard a pop and the the car started to go out of control. There was screeching from the tires and I struggled with the wheel to keep the car going straight as traffic was all around me. I managed to keep the car somewhat in control and merged to the shoulder where I came to a stop. It turned out the front passenger lower control arm had broken. The weld on it had corroded and it separated. This is vital to keeping the cars ability to steer. I got the part replaced, along with a new axle and sway bar end-link that were damaged in the incident. The total repair was over $1000.