2005 Subaru Impreza Reliability ReportC- grade · moderate risk · system-by-system breakdown
Quick Facts · 2005 Subaru Impreza
- The system most likely to surface first: engine head gaskets (major severity).
- Has 6 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module.
- Scores 8 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2003 Subaru Impreza earns a 78.
Is the 2005 Subaru Impreza Worth Buying?
The 2005 Subaru Impreza offers commendable all-wheel-drive capability and engaging driving dynamics, making it an attractive option for those facing adverse weather or seeking a sportier compact. However, its Achilles' heel remains the well-documented head gasket issues on the 2.5L naturally aspirated engine, requiring diligent pre-purchase inspection and a readiness to invest in preventative maintenance to avoid significant repair costs and ensure long-term reliability.
Biggest Strengths
- Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system capability
- Engaging handling and driving dynamics
- Strong safety ratings for its class
What Tends to Fail First on the 2005 Subaru Impreza
The systems that break first on the 2005 Subaru Impreza. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.
2005 Subaru Impreza Recall History
6 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (STI included), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
What breaks on the 2005 Subaru Impreza?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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Other Subaru Impreza Years to Consider
Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Subaru Impreza. Click any year for its full report.
2005 Subaru Impreza Alternatives
Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.
Relevant Products for Your 2005 Subaru Impreza
Parts and accessories matched to your 2005 Subaru Impreza
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Frequently Asked Questions
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