IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2005–2006 Subaru Impreza Mk2 (GD/GG)

We've identified 3 known issues that can affect the 2005–2006 Subaru Impreza Mk2 (GD/GG). 1 of these are serious faults that could be expensive to repair.

3
Known Issues
1
Serious
2
Moderate
0
Minor

The 2005–2006 period has 2 more issues than the Subaru Impreza Mk2 (GD/GG) average across all year periods.

All Known Issues

Rear Strut Tower, Sill and Arch Corrosion

SeriousBodywork & Rust

Mk2 shells can rot badly around the rear strut tops, sills and rear arches, sometimes hiding serious structural decay behind trim and underseal.

Estimated cost: £500–£3,000Affects: 2000–2007

Typical symptoms

  • •Rust bubbles around rear arches
  • •Damp or rust inside the boot side trim
  • •Corrosion advisories near suspension mounts

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Lift the boot trim around both rear strut towers
  • ✓Inspect the sill ends and rear arch lips
  • ✓Check underneath for previous welded repairs

Radiator End Tank Cracking

ModerateCooling System

Ageing factory radiators can split around the plastic end tanks, causing coolant loss that is easy to miss until the car gets hot in traffic.

Estimated cost: £200–£450Affects: 2000–2007

Typical symptoms

  • •Sweet coolant smell
  • •Low coolant level
  • •Staining around radiator seams

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Inspect the top corners of the radiator
  • ✓Check for dried coolant marks after the drive
  • ✓Confirm the cooling fans cycle normally

Wheel Bearing Wear

ModerateSuspension & Chassis

Rear wheel bearings in particular can get noisy as the cars age, bringing a droning noise that is often mistaken for tyre roar.

Estimated cost: £180–£400 per cornerAffects: 2000–2007Often appears around: 70,000+ miles

Typical symptoms

  • •Humming or droning that rises with speed
  • •Rumble from one rear corner
  • •Noise changes on sweeping bends

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Drive at A-road speed and listen for a steady drone
  • ✓Check for play or roughness at each wheel if inspected on a lift

Buying Tips for the 2005 Subaru Impreza Mk2 (GD/GG)

  • ✓Lift the boot trim and inspect the rear strut towers carefully; corrosion here can be much worse than the bodywork suggests.
  • ✓Check the radiator for staining or cracks around the plastic end tanks before and after the test drive.
  • ✓Listen for wheel-bearing drone on a faster road, especially from the rear axle.
2004 Subaru Impreza Mk2 (GD/GG)2007 Subaru Impreza Mk2 (GD/GG)

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Other Subaru Impreza Mk2 (GD/GG) Year Periods

20002001–200320042005–20062007

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