SubaruImpreza2005Overview/subaru/impreza/2005/base/

2005 Subaru Impreza

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2005 Impreza.

Body PASSENGER CAR

The 2005 Subaru Impreza is a passenger car defined in part by its 4.2-quart oil capacity and 5W-30 API lubricant specification, the maintenance baseline a researcher should anchor against. Owner-reported reliability for this model year shows 75 total complaints with suspension standing out as the leading concern, paired with 6 recalls — a profile that places it three years past the nameplate's worst year, 2002 (300 complaints), and well ahead of the single-complaint low the Impreza would log in 2026. That positioning makes 2005 a meaningful midpoint in the model's complaint history: past the early-decade trouble spike but not yet reflective of the markedly cleaner record the Impreza would later establish.

Model year202620252024202320222021202020192005

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity4.2 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-30 APIOEM · verified
Lug nut torque58-72 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 35 · 430 CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 35 · 430 CCAOEM · verified

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length173.6 in
Overall width68.1 in
Overall height57.9 in
Wheelbase99.6 in
Curb weight2976 lb
Track (front / rear)58.3 / 57.5 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)59/41

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Impreza of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

7.8–7.9 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 7.80 sec — 2002 2.5RS Sedan
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
20072.5i Sedan 2.5L F-47.90 sec16.00 sec173 hpAWD
20022.5RS Sedan 2.5L F-47.80 sec16.10 sec165 hpAWD
20002.5RS Sedan 2.5L F-47.80 sec15.90 sec165 hpAWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 4.2 qt of 5W-30 API engine oil, 75W-90 · GL-5 in the differential, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 58-72 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 33.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-3-2-4. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity10
Brake FluidDOT 3
Differential Gear Oil75W-90 · GL-5
Differential Gear Oil Capacity1.7 Pints
Engine CoolantETHYLENE GLYCOL
Engine Oil5W-30 · API
Engine Oil Capacity4.2 qt

Engine torques

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings33 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts53 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts51-55 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts18.1 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts22.4 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug33.0 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs5 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs5 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts58-72 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain Plug17.0-20.0 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub162 ft-lbs
Rear Wheel Hub140 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-3-2-4
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)750 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)100 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)MT: 650, AT: 700, TURBO: 700 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)100 rpm
Ignition Coil Secondary Resistance12,800 ohms
Spark Plug ManufacturerNGK
Spark Plug Torque15.0 ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity0.99-1.50 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Capacity4.90 oz
Standard BCI Group Number35
Standard BCI Cranking Performance430 cca
Standard BCI Group Number35
Standard BCI Cranking Performance430 cca

Service checks

Regulated Fuel System Pressure (Without Vacuum)41.0-46.0 psi
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)33.0-38.0 psi
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (Without Vacuum)41.0-46.0 psi
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)30.0-34.0 psi
Injector Primary Resistance5-20 ohms
Injector Primary Resistance5-20 ohms
Engine Compression142-171 psi
Engine Compression148-185 psi. 7 variance psi.

Brakes

Wheel Application14 inch WHEELS
Torque Caliper to Bracket38.3 ft-lbs
Wheel Application15
Torque Caliper to Bracket27.5 ft-lbs / 59 ft-lbs / 114.3 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle59 ft-lbs
Wheel Application17 inch WHEELS
Torque Caliper to Bracket47.9 ft-lbs
Wheel Application14 inch WHEELS

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 8 stages
122 ft. lbs.22 ft. lbs
251 ft. lbs.51 ft. lbs
3Loosen 180 degrees.180 degrees
4Loosen 180 degrees.180 degrees
529 ft. lbs.29 ft. lbs
6180 degrees.180 degrees
740-45 degrees.40–45 degrees
845 degrees.45 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 8 stages

Prep MFI

122 ft. lbs.22 ft. lbs
251 ft. lbs.51 ft. lbs
3Loosen 180 degrees.180 degrees
4Loosen 180 degrees.180 degrees
5Bolts 1, 225 ft. lbs
6Bolts 3-611 ft. lbs
7All Bolts, 80-90 degrees.80–90 degrees
8All Bolts, 80-90 degrees.80–90 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 8 stages
122 ft. lbs.22 ft. lbs
251 ft. lbs.51 ft. lbs
3Loosen 180 degrees.180 degrees
4Loosen 180 degrees.180 degrees
536 ft. lbs.36 ft. lbs
680-90 degrees.80–90 degrees
740-45 degrees.40–45 degrees
840-45 degrees.40–45 degrees

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter at 3,000 mi; spark plugs every 30,000 mi; coolant every 30,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 30,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

At 3,000 miEngine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
Every 7,500 miCabin Air Filter (replace) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
At 15,000 miEngine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
Every 15,000 miAxle Shaft Oil Seal (inspect) · Brake Line (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Clutch Assembly (inspect)
Every 30,000 miBrake Hydraulic System (drain, refill & bleed) · Differential (inspect fluid level) · Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Engine Coolant System (leak inspection) · Fuel Line (inspect) · Spark Plugs (replace)
Every 60,000 miFuel Filter (replace) · Wheel Bearing (inspect)
At 105,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Drive Belt (replace) · Timing Belt (replace)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2005 model sits near the peak of a generation‑wide surge in Subaru Impreza issues: complaints rise sharply from 11 in 2001 to 300 in 2002, stay elevated through 2004 (96 complaints) and dip modestly to 75 in 2005, while recalls climb from 2‑3 in the early 2000s to 6 in both 2004 and 2005. Compared with the surrounding years, 2005’s 75 complaints and 6 recalls are lower than the 2004 high (96 complaints, 8 recalls) but still above the early‑2000s baseline and well above the post‑2010 decline to single‑digit complaints. The trend shows a pronounced spike in the early‑2000s, a gradual reduction through the late 2000s, and a steep drop after 2015, placing 2005 in the middle‑high segment of that arc. Its top complaint areas—suspension (14 reports), airbags (9) and fuel‑system issues (6 each)—indicate multiple systems were problematic, though fire complaints were minimal (1). **Takeaway:** 2005 is not the worst year, but it remains in a higher‑risk period; buyers should be prepared for potential suspension, air‑bag, and fuel‑system repairs and may prefer later model years with markedly fewer reported issues.

6
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
181
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
3
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
75
Owner complaints
10 involved a crash · 1 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Rollover★★★★

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 75 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Suspension14
Air Bags9
Fuel/Propulsion System6
Fuel System, Gasoline6
Service Brakes3
Power Train3
Visibility3
Structure,Unknown Or Other2

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 6 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

20V001000Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator ModuleReported 02/01/2020

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (STI included), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold… Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators with alternate inflators, free of charge. The recall…

20V003000Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator ModuleReported 02/01/2020

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold… Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 181 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
SubaruNet Annoucement (E2026-06-11Unknown Or OtherThis announcement is requesting retailer staff to retain the EyeSight protective hood…
01-167-08R2026-05-18Unknown Or OtherThis bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the…
SubaruNet Announcement (R2026-05-04Power TrainThis announcement provides information on the remanufactured CVT transmission program.
07-240-26R2026-04-30Unknown Or OtherThis Service Information Bulletin was developed to provide interim guidance for vehicles…
03-97-262026-04-24Power TrainThis bulletin announces the service manual correction regarding clutch master cylinder…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Impreza. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2005 Impreza take?

4.2 qt of 5W-30 API SM, per the factory manual.

Does the 2005 Impreza have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 6 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.