The 5th and 6th generation Subaru Impreza models frequently experience premature rear wheel bearing failure, characterized by a loud humming or growling noise as early as 30,000 miles.
Reviewed by SubaruReview Editorial Team · Last reviewed 2026-05-15 · Editorial standards
How this problem ranks against the other documented Impreza failures — cost, severity, and DIY difficulty at a glance.
| Problem | Years | Severity | Repair cost | DIY |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subaru Impreza Premature Wheel Bearing Failure Guides (2017-2024) (this page) | 2017-2024 | Major | $450–$1,100 | 3/5 |
| Wheel Speed Sensor Failure | 2012-2019 | Major | $250–$450 | 3/5 |
This is one of several documented Impreza problems we track, and it fits inside the broader Reliability & Common Problems guide. If you're weighing repair against replacement, cross-check the Subaru repair-cost database and any open NHTSA recalls on your VIN before booking a shop.
The integrated hub and bearing unit begins to lose lubrication efficiency due to water ingress. As the steel balls or rollers gall against the race, friction increases, generating significant heat and noise. If left unaddressed, the bearing can seize or allow the wheel to wobble, potentially damaging the axle or braking system.
Inadequate weather sealing on the original factory hub units allows moisture and road salt to penetrate the bearing race, leading to oxidation and grease breakdown.
Inadequate weather sealing on the original factory hub units allows moisture and road salt to penetrate the bearing race, leading to oxidation and grease breakdown.
National average $450–$1,100. Cost for a single hub replacement at a dealership is approximately $450-$550. If both rear bearings fail simultaneously, costs can exceed $1,000. Independent shops are usually 30% cheaper.
Difficulty 3/5. Replacement of the hub and bearing assembly with the updated Subaru part number (e.g., 28473FL040 or latest supersession) and ensuring the axle nut is torqued exactly to 174 ft-lbs.
Drone or humming noise that increases with vehicle speed; Rhythmic thumping or 'helicopter' sound from the rear of the car; Grinding sensation felt through the floorboards or steering wheel; Noise changes pitch when steering left or right (loading/unloading the bearing); ABS or Stability Control warning lights (in advanced failure stages)
Owners typically pay $450–$1,100 at an independent Subaru shop, parts and labor included. Our Subaru Wheel Bearing Replacement Cost guide breaks the job down by parts, labor hours, and where the money actually goes.
The same generation also sees Wheel Speed Sensor Failure. Both are documented with symptoms, cost, and a permanent-fix walkthrough — see the full list in the Impreza hub.
Cross-check NHTSA campaign 23V292000, which covers 2023 Impreza – Brake Light Switch on 2023 Impreza. Recall work is free at any Subaru dealer — always run your VIN before paying for the fix.
We rate it 3/5 on our DIY scale. Confident wrenchers can tackle it in a weekend using the permanent-fix steps above. Cross-reference the reliability & common problems hub for related jobs worth bundling while you're in there.
Dig into the Problems Database to plan your next maintenance sprint, or browse every model hub for buyer's guides, generation breakdowns, and known-issue lists.