[MYSTi]

Concerns have been expressed in another thread concerning the year-one STi (the 2004 model) - regarding the first STi sold in this market and any possible "glitches" that might appear in the first year of cars. Although these cars are not new as they are, for the most part, cosmetically-enhanced versions of previous STi's sold in foreign markets, with some mechanical changes.

I do not have this concern, as my '02 WRX has had absolutely no problems, but has anyone else had problems? This can include problems with the car itself, as well as technicians not being properly trained for a new-to-market car. Any problems with WRX's in NA might be indicative of any problems that we might expect in the new-to-this-market STi's.

 

[Marine06]

Detroit...

I've found this site by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (i believe it only applies to US car owners). Lists all the service bulletins, recalls, etc. for many automobiles.

NHTSA Service Bulletin search

 

[zerepjd]

Hey All,

The only problem that I've had with my Wife's WRX is the Check Engine keeps popping up (second or third time) for a misfire in the #3 Cylinder. That and the I needed a new motor for the drivers side window. Other than that no problems.

 

[chawklit]

uh oh, i've heard about subaru and the #3 problem before; get that checked out.

 

[SnowbordrWRX]

I have one problem with my WRX...it's not an STi :lol:

 

[SnowbordrWRX]

Actually, I do have a problem with my '03 WRX...it's sometimes difficult to put the shifter into reverse...anyone else have that problem?

 

[MYSTi]

I think difficulty of shifting into reverse is fairly common in some manual transmissions - I had a '85 Celica that you had to sometimes roll in neutral before reverse would engage. I have noticed some difficulty with my WRX and getting reverse, but not too often. Though I occasionally have problems getting it into third from second when accellerating hard - sometimes it can be quite notchy. Its a pain in the ass when stop-light dragging anmd you can't get it into gear. I hope that the new six-speed will be less notchy into third and reverse.

 

[CloNeGTS]

Yeah, the reverse thing is just the lack of synchros and being a straight cut gear. All manuals have that issue.

Try this.....with the clutch in, put the car in first gear first, then go to reverse. That usually helps. Or leave the shifter out of a gear and let the clutch out....this will spin the gears in the tranny and let them line up better.

 

[Marine06]

Yeah, its a "problem" (characteristic?) with most manual transmissions. Like
CloNeGTS, putting it in first gear or second then going to reverse always works for me.

 

[MyCarSucks]

well i've found it helps not to be driving forward when you try to put the car in reverse. javascript:emoticon(':lol:')
http://www.imprezawrxsti.com/phpBB2/images/smiles/icon_lol.gif

 

[Albert]

cant see ya link...
I hope you are not insuniation actually moving the car forward initially when tryng to engage reverse :-? The reference is to only drop it into first then immediately take it out and put it into reverse.

BTW, sometime it take me 2-4 tries to engage reverse even with this routine

 

[SnowbordrWRX]

I completely stop the car when I'm about to reverse...it's not like my auto tranny civic where sometimes I'm lazy and I still have some forward momentum when I decide to reverse...it jerks a little and probably isn't good for the car, but hey it's a civic. Still very reliable with over 86,000 miles on it and we all know it probably can run another 86,000 on it before it starts to give up

 

[Oldguy]

Do you own WRX made after
late spring 2002 ???

There is an issue with the front
calipersand rotors... not really a
problem, unless you try to upgrade
your brake rotors/caliprs, and/or
upgrade your front pads, or if you
need new front bleeder screws (still
no part #'s from FHI in either Canada
or USA).

The aforementioned cars have upgraded
front calipers and rotors... to address
the "weak" braking performance of the
WRX... possibly parts made for the new
2004 WRX (NOT STI) ???

How do I know ??? I tried to upgrade
the braking performance of my WRX...

Then a lot of head scratching, a bazillion
calls to Subaru parts depts in Canada and
USA, and finally a couple of RMA#'s...
you get my drift...

So, LEAVE IT ALONE.

Porterfield will have pads for these newer
cars by summer 2003... they are ahead
of the game.

 

[Oldguy]

In addition to my last posting re:
upgrading the brakes on post-spring 2002
WRX's... any aftermarket lines will
have to be "modified" to fit the new
calipers on the aforementioned cars...

Email me if you want the details...

It is in no way a modification that
compromises safety, it is just a little
mod to let the front banjo fittings clear
a locator lug...

Braking performance (feel, modulation
before ABS onset, etc...) after the lines
are installed (and are bled properly) is
improved markedly, even using just the
stock pads.

 

[qbsti]

Strange thought

this moight help as far as not being able to shift to reverse sometimes.
put it into 3rd and then purt it into reverse. im sure it will be easier shift to reverse after that.

 

[CloNeGTS]

woah.....talk about digging a post out of the grave.

Alright....post finished already....

 

[YBnormal07]

Two problems so far...both have occurred in other WRXs (buddy is a mechanic at Subaru):
1. Front windshield fit from factory can stress crack without impact by rocks, etc. Due to type of factory fit whereby the windshield is actually "flexed" slightly prior to gluing in place. Different expansion/contraction rates with window and window "frame" (body) can cause the windshield to crack.
2. Outside mirror retaining spring. Spring can break or dislodge from retaining mount, causing mirror to wobble in the wind. Needs new mirror package to fix, not just spring. BTW...a wooden golf tee fits nicely in the space between the mirror and the mirror mount to hold in place till SOA gets the mirror in...1 to 3 weeks for the wait.

As for the comment on the number 3 cylinder...check your spark plug or plug gap. Look for discoloration caused by misfire. Also plug wire may be bad (are your speakers talking to you as the revs change?) Spark is very important with the lower compression cylinders like ours.

Having owned 4 subaru SVXs, I have to say I'm impressed with the build qaulity and honesty of Subaru. Only repeat problems I ever had were wheel bearings (cars topped out at +150 mph...bearings didn't seem to like that for some reason) and again with a mirror problem...spontaneous combustion of heated mirrors. Talk about freaking out...try sitting in a snowstorm and suddenly your mirror goes "poof" and flames start licking out. Happened 3 different times...and each time a handfull of snow quickly dowsed the flames (and cracked the mirror!!).

Cheers,
Scott

 

[minimay7]

Here we go....

I think WRX in general is a very solid car. But, few of us do have serious problem with it.

My problem with my WRX is with it's tranny in general. Especially shifting into first gear. When I engage first gear from complete stop or very low speed... say.. about 5mph, it acts as if I am not pressign the cluth. It gives out that awful grinding sound. I stopped taking chnces and double clutch all the time. It doesn't sound like a big problem. But this one time, the gear wouldn't engage on a uphill. I got so pissed.

I tried dealing with it through most of Subaru dealers in LA. Their services are horrible. I even got hooked up with SOA directly through my journalist friend. They totally didn't even care. I loved my WRX. But, her parents (SOA), I dont' know... I just don't trust that company at this point....
This is probably a good place to say that if you live in LA, goto Irvine Subaru. It's not that they are the most excellent dealer. But, compare to all the other Subaru dealers in LA, they are the best. I dont' even want to go into my car buying experience.

 

[CloNeGTS]

No offense....but that's the case with all manual trannies. I'd bet they didn't give you much service because they probably looked at the complaint and rolled their eyes. Not the best response, no, but there isn't a damn thing they can do for ya.

Double clutching is the only 'for sure' way to really get it into gear. Most manufacturers will tell you you shouldn't shift into first gear unless you aren't moving. If you are stopped and it doesn't go in, the tranny is just sitting with the dogs in a location where they won't slip in. Roll just a touch..that should to it. It will slide in when the dogs line up.

 

[chawklit]

huh, canines?