Recall: wagon rear gate stay stud can break, Impreza (incl. WRX) wagons 2002-03
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What causes "Recall: wagon rear gate stay stud can break, Impreza (incl. WRX) wagons 2002-03" on the Subaru WRX (GD/GG, 2002-2007), and how is it fixed?
On 2002-03 Impreza wagons (incl. Fix: Check by VIN; dealers inspected the mounting and repaired it as needed.
Symptoms
The rear gate will not stay up or drops on its own.
Cause
On 2002-03 Impreza wagons (incl. WRX; Subaru's bulletin covers all Impreza wagons in its VIN range), the weld nut for the rear gate stay stud can break, so the open gate can fall on someone.
Fix (summary)
Check by VIN; dealers inspected the mounting and repaired it as needed.
Related build entries
Other GD problems
- Cracked piston ring lands from detonation
- Rod-bearing wear on the 2.0L EJ205
- Clogged oil-feed screens starving the turbo (P0011)
- Timing belt is an interference-engine risk; about 105k mi
- Stock transmission/clutch is the fuse under extra power
- Worn synchros (3rd gear) and cold-shift shudder
More for this car
- All Subaru WRX (GD/GG, 2002-2007) fitment answers · GD common problems
- Guide: WRX GD bolt pattern: 5x100 vs 5x114.3 (2002-07 WRX and STI)
- Guide: 2002-05 WRX vs 2006-07 WRX: EJ205 vs EJ255, known problems and wheels
- Newsletter archive: past issues with every new and corrected entry
Sources
- NHTSA recall record 08V-135 (2002-03 Impreza wagons (incl. WRX wagon): rear gate stay stud) — NHTSA recalls API (regulatory; read 2026-10-26; full page read)
- Subaru campaign bulletin WVD-14 (NHTSA recall 08V-135): 2002-2003 Impreza wagon rear gate stays — Subaru of America, filed with NHTSA (regulatory; read 2026-10-26; full page read)Applicability: 2002-2003 MY Impreza wagon, by VIN range.
Summaries are in our own words. Not repair instructions; consult the factory service manual.
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