IsItAGoodCar

Common Problems with the
2001–2007 Subaru Impreza WRX / STI Mk2 (GD/GG)

We've identified 3 known issues that can affect the 2001–2007 Subaru Impreza WRX / STI Mk2 (GD/GG). 3 of these are serious faults that could be expensive to repair.

3
Known Issues
3
Serious
0
Moderate
0
Minor

All Known Issues

Rear Strut Tower and Sill Corrosion

SeriousBodywork & Rust

Turbo Mk2 cars rust in the same critical places as non-turbo versions, and hidden corrosion can ruin an otherwise desirable WRX or STI shell.

Estimated cost: £500–£3,000Affects: 2001–2007

Typical symptoms

  • •Bubbling rear arches
  • •Rust inside the boot around strut tops
  • •Fresh underseal without photo evidence

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Inspect rear towers inside the boot
  • ✓Check the sills, arches and underside on a ramp
  • ✓Read the MOT history for suspension-mount corrosion

Detonation and Piston Ringland Damage

SeriousEngine

Poor mapping, low-quality fuel or hard use on modified cars can lead to detonation damage and cracked piston ringlands, especially on turbo engines that have been tuned beyond stock.

Most affected: WRX, STI

Estimated cost: £2,500–£6,000Affects: 2001–2007

Typical symptoms

  • •Misfire under load
  • •Blue smoke
  • •Uneven compression or rough idle

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Ask who mapped the car and on what fuel
  • ✓Be wary of boost or fueling mods with no supporting paperwork
  • ✓A compression test is worth doing on expensive cars

5-Speed Gearbox and Clutch Wear

SeriousGearbox & Transmission

Hard launches and repeated abuse can shorten the life of the WRX 5-speed gearbox and clutch, leading to baulky shifts, bearing noise or gear failure.

Most affected: WRX 5-speed manual

Estimated cost: £700–£2,500Affects: 2001–2007

Typical symptoms

  • •Crunch selecting 2nd
  • •Whine under load
  • •High clutch bite or slip

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Check shift quality from cold and hot
  • ✓Accelerate hard in higher gears to test for clutch slip
  • ✓Listen for transmission noise on and off throttle

Buying Tips for the 2001 Subaru Impreza WRX / STI Mk2 (GD/GG)

  • ✓Rust inspection matters just as much as the engine bay: check rear strut towers, rear arches, sills and the front subframe.
  • ✓Treat modifications cautiously. A mildly tuned car with mapping and maintenance evidence is safer than a heavily altered car with vague promises.
  • ✓On WRX cars, pay close attention to gearbox quality and clutch bite because the 5-speed transmission is a known weak spot.

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Other Subaru Impreza WRX / STI Mk2 (GD/GG) Year Periods

2001–2007

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