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2003 Subaru Impreza Cooling System Problems Cause Head Gasket Failure

The head gasket has a high failure rate due to cooling system problems. Subaru is aware of the problem and has extended the warranty to 8 years/100k miles on many vehicles.

Affected Model Years

This issue affects Subaru Impreza model years 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, .

9 people reported this problem

  • 2003 75,000 Miles
    Began smelling the sweet smell of coolant burning as temps have dropped. Traced back to LH head, rear side. Dripping about 1 drop/min after shutting car down (until everything cools and the head-to-crankcase clearances join back up). This followed after a recent coolant servicing. Application of Subaru Coolant Conditioner as instructed by the WRP-99 seems to have abated the leak for the time being.Will be replacing head gaskets as soon as funds allow, as 8 yrs/100k miles was aptly chosen and we are now beyond that 8 yr limit!

Subaru Impreza 2003 Common Problems