2000-2001 Subaru Impreza Rear Wiper Motor: Why It Fails and How to Buy a Used One

Symptoms of a Failing Rear Wiper Motor

When the rear wiper motor on a 2000-2001 Impreza begins to fail, it usually provides several warning signs. Understanding these symptoms can help you determine if the motor is the problem or if another part of the system is at fault.

• Wiper Doesn't Move at All: This is the most obvious symptom. When you activate the switch, nothing happens. This could be a dead motor, but it could also be a blown fuse, a bad switch, or a break in the wiring.
• Slow or Jerky Wiper Movement: If the wiper arm moves much slower than it used to or seems to stutter across the glass, the motor is likely struggling due to internal wear or high electrical resistance.
• Humming or Grinding Noise from the Hatch: If you hear a noise from the back of the car when you turn the wiper on, but the arm doesn't move, the motor is receiving power but is likely jammed internally. This is often caused by a seized pivot shaft.
• Wiper Stops in the Wrong Position: The motor has an internal 'park' circuit that tells the arm where to stop. If your wiper stops in the middle of the glass or at a random spot, this circuit has likely failed inside the motor assembly.

Diagnosing the Problem: Is It Really the Motor?

Before spending money on a replacement, follow these steps to confirm the motor is the culprit.

1. Check the Fuse: This is the simplest first step. Consult your owner's manual for the location of the rear wiper fuse and inspect it. If it's blown, replace it and test the wiper again.
2. Listen for Noises: Have a friend stand near the rear hatch while you operate the wiper switch. A faint 'click' means the switch and relay are likely working. A 'hum' means the motor is getting power but can't move. No sound at all points toward a wiring or switch issue.
3. Test for Power: This is the definitive test. You will need a multimeter. Unplug the electrical connector from the wiper motor. Set your multimeter to DC volts and probe the appropriate terminals on the connector (not the motor itself). Have a helper activate the wiper switch. If you see 12 volts, the motor is receiving power and has failed. If you don't see 12 volts, the problem is upstream in the wiring, switch, or fuse panel.
4. Check for a Seized Shaft: A very common failure on these cars is not the electric motor itself, but the metal pivot shaft that the wiper arm attaches to. Water and road salt cause corrosion inside the motor's housing, freezing the shaft in place. The motor tries to turn it but can't, eventually burning itself out or simply giving up.

Buying a Used 2000-2001 Impreza Rear Wiper Motor

Since this part is discontinued by Subaru and new aftermarket options are not readily available, a used OEM part is the most practical solution. Here’s what to look for to ensure you get a good one.

Inspection Checklist:

• Verify the Electrical Plug: This is the most critical step. Compare the plug on the used motor to the one on your car's wiring harness. Ensure the shape, number of pins, and pin layout are identical. Subaru sometimes made mid-year changes, so a motor from another 2000 or 2001 Impreza might have a different plug.
• Check the Output Shaft: Look at the splined metal shaft where the wiper arm mounts. It should be clean and free of significant rust or corrosion. If it's heavily corroded, it may be difficult to install the wiper arm correctly.
• Turn the Shaft by Hand: Try to rotate the output shaft by hand (you may need pliers to grip it). It should turn with some resistance from the internal gears, but it should not be frozen solid. If it doesn't move at all, it has the same seizure problem you're trying to fix.
• Inspect the Housing: Look for cracks or heavy corrosion on the motor's metal and plastic housing. While some surface rust is normal for a used part, deep corrosion or cracks can indicate it's near the end of its life.
• Ask for a Bench Test: If buying from a local seller or salvage yard, ask if they can 'bench test' it for you. By connecting the motor's power and ground pins to a 12V battery, you can see it operate before you buy.

Known Issues, Recalls, and Service Bulletins

As of mid-2026, there are no active recalls or Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) specifically for the rear wiper motor on 2000-2001 Subaru Impreza models. The most common known issue, widely reported by owners in forums, is the seizure of the wiper pivot shaft due to corrosion.

Cost Comparison: New vs. Used

Understanding the cost helps illustrate the value of a recycled OEM part for this specific application.

Rear Wiper Motor Replacement Overview

Replacing the motor is a straightforward job suitable for a DIYer with basic tools. The difficulty is rated 2 out of 5.

1. Disconnect the Battery: Disconnect the negative battery terminal as a safety precaution.
2. Remove the Wiper Arm: Lift the plastic cover at the base of the wiper arm and remove the 10mm nut. The arm may be stuck on the splined shaft. Wiggle it firmly or use a small battery terminal puller to remove it without damaging it. Using a little heat on the arm base can also help, but be careful not to damage the glass.
3. Remove the Rear Hatch Trim: Carefully pry off the large plastic interior panel on the tailgate to access the motor. This is usually held on by clips.
4. Disconnect and Unbolt: Unplug the motor's electrical connector and disconnect the washer fluid hose. Remove the bolts (typically three) holding the motor assembly to the hatch.
5. Install the New Motor: Installation is the reverse of removal. Attach the new motor, connect the plug and hose, and reinstall the interior trim panel. When reinstalling the wiper arm, position it in its correct 'parked' location at the bottom of the glass before tightening the nut. Torque the motor mounting bolts to approximately 4.3 ft-lbs and the wiper arm nut to 5.4 ft-lbs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)