IsItAGoodCar

Common Problems with the
2009–2011 Subaru Impreza Mk3 (GE/GH/GR)

We've identified 3 known issues that can affect the 2009–2011 Subaru Impreza Mk3 (GE/GH/GR). 1 of these are serious faults that could be expensive to repair.

3
Known Issues
1
Serious
2
Moderate
0
Minor

The 2009–2011 period has 1 more issue than the Subaru Impreza Mk3 (GE/GH/GR) average across all year periods.

All Known Issues

Boxer Diesel Crankshaft Failure

SeriousEngine

Diesel Mk3 Imprezas inherit the same EE20 bottom-end risk seen elsewhere in the Subaru range, making them one of the least forgiving versions to buy blind.

Most affected: 2.0D EE20

Estimated cost: £3,000–£6,000Affects: 2009–2011

Typical symptoms

  • •Engine knock
  • •Low oil pressure
  • •Sudden engine failure

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Only consider cars with outstanding history
  • ✓Listen from cold and fully warm
  • ✓Avoid rough-running examples no matter how cheap

Steering Rack Leaks

ModerateSteering

Hydraulic steering racks on Mk3 Imprezas can leak from the seals, eventually causing heavy steering and pump noise.

Estimated cost: £450–£900Affects: 2007–2011Often appears around: 80,000+ miles

Typical symptoms

  • •Heavy steering
  • •Whining pump
  • •Fluid around the rack gaiters

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Inspect the gaiters for wetness
  • ✓Check the power steering reservoir level
  • ✓Listen for groaning when parking

Rear Arch and Underbody Corrosion

ModerateBodywork & Rust

Rust commonly starts around the rear arches, sill ends and suspension mounting areas, especially on cars that have lived through many salty UK winters.

Estimated cost: £300–£2,000Affects: 2007–2011

Typical symptoms

  • •Bubbling paint on rear arches
  • •Flaky underseal
  • •Corrosion advisories near suspension mounts

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Look behind arch liners where possible
  • ✓Read MOT history for repeated corrosion notes
  • ✓Inspect jacking points and rear subframe mounts

Buying Tips for the 2009 Subaru Impreza Mk3 (GE/GH/GR)

  • ✓Inspect rear arches, sills and the rear subframe area carefully; corrosion can be much worse underneath than it appears in photos.
  • ✓Check the steering rack gaiters and fluid level before driving, then listen for pump whine on full lock.
  • ✓Treat diesel examples as specialist purchases only and avoid cars with thin history.
2007–2008 Subaru Impreza Mk3 (GE/GH/GR)

Browse 2009–2011 Subaru Impreza Mk3 (GE/GH/GR) in our Directory

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Other Subaru Impreza Mk3 (GE/GH/GR) Year Periods

2007–20082009–2011

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