2008 SUBARU Impreza Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
209
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
AIR BAGS
38 complaints
SUBARU IS UNABLE TO REPAIR MY VEHICLE FOR ALMOST A MONTH, I USE MY VEHICLE FOR WORK AND THIS RECALL IS POTENTIALLY DEADLY.
Feb 04, 2020
TAKATATA AIRBAG RECALL I RECEIVED A LETTER STATING THE TK HOLDINGS INC. WAS FILING A CHAPTER 11 AND DOING AN AIRBAG RECALL THAT MAY AFFECT MY CAR. I LOOKED IT UP ON AIRBAGRECALL.COM AND WAS THEN DIRECTED TO THIS WEBSITE. THERE IS NO EXTERIOR DAMAGE TO THE CAR NOR WAS IT DAMAGED AT ALL WHILE DRIVING. THIS IS ALL TO CHECK IF I NEED MY AIRBAGS REPLACED.
Oct 30, 2017
TAKATA AIRBAG. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE SUBARU OF RICHMOND LOCATED AT 9177 WEST BROAD STREET 23294, WHERE TRIED TO GET THE AIRBAG REPLACED. THE AIRBAG SENSOR WAS FLASHING AND THEY SAID THEY WOULDN'T REPLACE THE AIRBAG WITH THE SENSOR BLINKING, SAYING THAT THE AIRBAG SENSOR AND THE AIRBAG RECALL HAD NO CORRELATION. THEY THEN PROCEEDED TO TRY AND CHARGE $1700 FOR THE SENSOR TO GET FIXED.
Oct 27, 2017
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V358000 (AIR BAGS). THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Sep 11, 2017
TAKATA RECALL
Sep 07, 2017
+ 33 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN
36 complaints
2008 WRX started to make a sqeeking noise when engaging the clutch. The spot welds came apart from firewall and my clutch has gone out twice. The pedal when shifting sticks and while driving I have to put the pedal under my foot and pull upwards for it to work. Very dangerous and the welds are faulty, it should be a recall items. Subaru can request for a inspection anytime as it is very much needed to be addressed.
Sep 13, 2023
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CLUTCH PEDAL BECAME VERY WOBBLY AND ALMOST DETACHED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER SENT HIM A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN EXTENDING THE CLUTCH ATTACHMENT COMPONENT; HOWEVER, THE DEALER (SUBARU SUPERSTORE OF CHANDLER, 1050 GILBERT RD, CHANDLER, AZ 85286) NEVER HAD THE PARTS TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.
Feb 19, 2019
MY SONS VEHICLE STARTED OFF WITH A SQUEAKING NOISE WHEN HE DEPRESSED THE CLUTCH. THIS WENT ON FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS HE IS NOW HAVING DIFFICULTY SHIFTING THE CAR INTO GEAR AND IT NEARLY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT THE OTHER DAY. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY, AND THE CLUTCH IS TOTALLY DEPRESSED IT IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO GET THE CAR INTO GEAR. WHEN DRIVING IT IS LESS DIFFICULT, BUT STILL VERY TRICKY TO GET INTO GEAR. WE ALSO NOTICED THAT WHEN THE CLUTCH IS DEPRESSED, IF YOU RAISE THE HOOD, YOU CAN SEE THE FIREWALL FLEXING QUITE A BIT WHERE THE CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER IS LOCATED. WE REPLACED THE CLUTCH SLAVE CYLINDER AND IT DID NOT HELP THE ISSUE. IN MY READING ONLINE, I HAVE NOTICED MANY COMPLAINTS FROM PEOPLE RELATED TO THE FACTORY WELDS HOLDING THE CLUTCH ASSEMBLY TO THE FIREWALL ARE FAILING. IT SEEMS TO BE A WIDESPREAD ISSUE FOR SUBARU IMPREZAS 2008-2014. I WOULD EXPECT THIS TO BE A FACTORY RECALL. MY SON CAN NO LONGER USE THE CAR AND WE ARE UNSURE ON HOW TO FIX THE ISSUE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE..
Dec 11, 2018
HAVING SAME ISSUE AS MOST WITH 08 WRX . FIREWALL BRACKETS HAVE COME LOOSE AND CLUTCH WILL NOT ACTUATE PROPERLY.
Sep 17, 2017
THE CLUTCH PEDAL ON MY 2008 WRX MAKES A LOUD CREAKING NOISE EVERY TIME IT'S DEPRESSED. WHEN I INVESTIGATED THE NOISE, I NOTICED THAT THE ENTIRE CLUTCH PEDAL BRACKET ASSEMBLY (ATTACHED TO THE FORWARD FIREWALL) SHIFTS APPROX 1/4 INCH EVERY TIME THE CLUTCH PEDAL IS DEPRESSED. I FOUND THAT THE THREE SPOT WELDS SECURING THE CLUTCH PEDAL BRACKET TO THE FORWARD FIREWALL WERE BROKEN. FROM THE OUTSIDE OF THE FIREWALL, JUST UNDER THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS, I SAW THE SPOT WELDS PULLING AWAY FROM THE FIREWALL EVERY TIME THE CLUTCH PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THIS ALLOWS THE ENTIRE CLUTCH PEDAL BRACKET ASSEMBLY TO MOVE, CAUSING THE CREAKING NOISE. IF THE BRACKET COMPLETELY SEPARATES FROM THE FIREWALL, THE CLUTCH MAY BECOME COMPLETELY INOPERATIVE - ESPECIALLY DANGEROUS WHILE DRIVING.
Mar 28, 2017
+ 31 more complaints for this component
VISIBILITY
23 complaints
SINCE I HAVE OWNER THIS CAR, EVERY TIME IT RAINS, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER STOP WORKING AFTER THEY HAVE BEEN OPERATING FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES. DOESN'T MAKE A DIFFERENCE IF IT IS A BRIEF SHOWER OR A DOWN POUR. *BF THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER, IT MAY BE A SHORT CIRCUIT. *JB
Feb 10, 2015
THE VISORS JUST DROP DOWN WHILE I DRIVE. I TRIED TO GET IT FIXED BUT THEY TOLD ME KNOW RECALL AND OUT OF WARRANTY. WHAT A HAZARD. I WOULD BE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT SPEED LIMIT AND THANK GOSH WHEN IT DROPPED DOWN I DIDN'T LOSE CONTROL OF THE CAR. *TR
Oct 02, 2013
THE VISORS KEEP BREAKING. WHEN THEY BREAK, THEY DROP DOWN, IMPEDING VISION. THERE IS NO TELLING WHEN IT MAY HAPPEN. THE PASSENGER SIDE VISOR WAS REPLACED IN 2010. IT IS NOW BROKEN AGAIN AND SO IS THE DRIVERS SIDE. RECENTLY, MY DRIVERS SIDE VISOR BROKE AND DROPPED DOWN WHILE DRIVING ON A BUSY HIGHWAY. I WAS LUCKY I DIDN'T WRECK. THE VISORS ARE OVER $100.00 EACH. THEY ARE MADE WITH A PLASTIC PIECE THAT IS NOT ABLE TO DO THE JOB. A SERIOUS DRIVING HAZARD! *TR
Jun 28, 2013
AT 32,000 MILES MY DRIVERS SIDE SUN VISOR SPRING MECHANISM BROKE DURING A COLD MORNING(10-15F). IT WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. NOW AT ABOUT 85,000 MILES IT BROKE AGAIN AND I NEED TO REPLACE IT MYSELF. THE DEALERSHIP SURPRISINGLY HAD SEVERAL IN STOCK WHICH WAS ODD BECAUSE THIS IS NOT SOMETHING A DEALER WOULD NORMALLY STOCK UNLESS THERE IS A TRENDING PROBLEM WITH IT. IT'S NOT ME ABUSING IT AS I AM DON'T TREAT MY THINGS IN A FAST FORCEFUL MANNER, I'VE ALSO NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH ANY OTHER VEHICLE IN HUNDRED OF THOUSANDS OF MILES. YET, I HAVE 2 OF THE EXACT SAME ITEM FAILURES IN LESS THAN 100,000 MILES. THE SAFETY ISSUE HERE IS THAT WHEN THE SUN VISOR BREAKS, IT HANGS DOWN PERFECTLY VERTICAL BLOCKING THE DRIVERS VIEW OF THE ROAD. I PRETTY MUCH HAD TO DRIVE TO WORK HOLDING THE VISOR WITH MY LEFT HAND. WHEN I ARRIVED AT WORK I GRABBED A SCREW DRIVER AND REMOVED THE VISOR UNTIL IT WAS REPLACED. *TR
Jan 07, 2013
THE DRIVER SIDE VISOR FAILED TO REMAIN IN POSITION. AFTER HITTING A SMALL BUMP THE VISOR FLIPPED DOWN FROM IT'S POSITION AGAINST THE ROOF TO A COMPLETELY VERTICAL POSITION BLOCKING MY VIEW OF THE ROAD. I AM ONLY 5 FOOT 7 INCHES, BUT WHEN THE VISOR IS COMPLETELY DOWN MY VISION IS COMPLETELY BLOCKED. THE VISOR WOULD NO LONGER REMAIN UP AGAINST THE ROOF, NOR FULLY FORWARD AGAINST THE WINDSHIELD. I HAD TO PULL OVER AND REMOVE THE SCREWS HOLDING THE VISOR MOUNT TO THE ROOF. WHEN I DID THIS THE SHAFT THAT CONNECTS THE VISOR TO THE ROOF MOUNT CAME OUT OF THE VISOR. THE PLASTIC PORTION HAD BROKEN COMPLETELY INSIDE THE VISOR. THE FORCE HOLDING THE VISOR IN THE UP POSITION HAD BEEN GETTING PROGRESSIVELY WEAKER FOR MORE THAN A YEAR BEFORE IT FAILED COMPLETELY. SEARCHING THE WEB IT APPEARS THIS IS A COMMON COMPLAINT. WITHOUT A VISOR IT IS NOW DEFINITELY MORE HAZARDOUS TO DRIVE INTO THE SUN, I KEEP A BASEBALL CAP IN THE CAR FOR THESE SITUATIONS WHILE I ATTEMPT TO FIND AN INEXPENSIVE REPLACEMENT. MY DEALER WANTS TO CHARGE ME $140 FOR A REPLACEMENT VISOR.
Jun 08, 2011
+ 18 more complaints for this component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
22 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUBARU IMPREZA. WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED OIL LEAKING FROM THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT WAS AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE VALVE COVERS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT THEN REPLACED THE CLAMPS ON THE OIL RETURN LINE HOWEVER THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE CONTACT THEN DIAGNOSED THAT THE OIL FEED LINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V460000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CONTACT STATED THAT TWO WEEKS AFTER THE REPAIRS, WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, THERE WAS A NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119,000. UPDATED 7/1/15*CN
May 13, 2015
2008 SUBARU IMPREZA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE ENGINE SHUTS DOWN AFTER PRESSING DOWN ON ACCELERATOR. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN HER HUSBAND ADJUSTED HIS PANT LEG, IT CAUSED HIM TO PRESS DOWN ON THE ACCELERATOR. WHEN THAT HAPPENED, THE VEHICLE LET OUT A LOUD SHUDDERING AND IMMEDIATELY SHUT THE ENGINE DOWN. ALL THE LIGHTS STAYED ON AND THE VEHICLE STARTED RIGHT BACK UP. THE CONSUMER STATED THE INCIDENT HAPPENED TWICE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. HOWEVER, THEY DID FIND A VALVE WAS LEAKING OIL, WHICH WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY.
Feb 11, 2013
CAR BEGAN 'STUMBLING' AT 3K RPM UNDER VERY LIGHT LOAD/THROTTLE. HAD SUBSTANTIALLY LESS POWER AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. SMALL TRACE OF WHITE SMOKE DURING STARTUP, ONLY HAPPENED ONCE. COMPRESSION/LEAKDOWN RESULTS; CYL1 = 115 / 10%, CYL2 = 125 / 10%, CYL3 = 117 / 18%, CYL4 = 100 / 23%. DRIVING HABITS ARE MILD, I-MODE 90% OF THE TIME, SHIFTING AT 2800-3200 RPM... CAR IS CURRENTLY AT DEALER, THEY HAVE CONFIRMED AN ISSUE AND WE'RE AWAITING RESPONSE FROM SUBARU OF AMERICA ON WHETHER OR NOT THIS WILL BE WARRANTIED. *TR
Feb 22, 2012
VEHICLE BEGAN SMOKING ON COLD START UP. COMPRESSION TEST WAS PERFORMED AND CYL 4 RESULTED IN ~50-70 PSI, WHICH IS LESS THAN HALF THE SUBARU SPECIFICATION. SHORTBOCK HAD TO BE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY AT APPROX 20,000 MILES. NO ROOT CAUSE FOR THE FAILURE WAS DETERMINED. *TT
Jan 30, 2012
ENGINE STARTED KNOCKING. SET UP AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALER FOR THE NEXT DAY. ON THE WAY TO THE DEALER THE KNOCKING GOT WORSE AND THE ENGINE STARTED SQUEALING AND LOSING POWER. ENGINE SEIZED UP AND WOULD NOT START AGAIN. THE ENGINE HAD TO BE REPLACED WITH A NEW ONE. *TR
Aug 19, 2011
+ 17 more complaints for this component
STRUCTURE
8 complaints
3 OF 7 SPOT WELDS HAVE FAILED FOR PEDAL ASSEMBLY SUPPORT BRACKET. *TR
Jan 30, 2019
BROKEN FIREWALL WELDS/CLUTCH SQUEAK IM HAVING LOUD CREAKING NOISE WITH DEPRESSION OF CLUTCHPEDALOVER LAST FEW YEARS WHICH DID NOT RESPOND TOLITHIUMGREASELUBRICATIONAT PIVOT BOLT WHERECLUTCH PEDALHINGESON BRACKET ATTACHED TO FIREWALL. ACCORDING TO MY MECHANIC (SUBARUCERTIFIED) THERE IS A FAILURE OF A WELD ON THE FIREWALL NEXT TO CLUTCH BRACKET CAUSING A BOWING OUTWARD OF A PORTION OF THE FIREWALL AND CONSEQUENTIALLY A LOUD CREAKING NOISE.
Mar 17, 2016
CHASSIS FATIGUE AND CRACKING RESULTING IN DAMAGE/POTENTIAL COMPROMISE OF DRIVER CONTROLS. WELDS FOR CLUTCH BRACKET HAVE FAILED RESULTING IN CRACKING OF FIREWALL. *TR
Nov 18, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE HOOD FLEW OPEN AND DAMAGED THE WINDSHIELD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HOOD WAS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS AND THE VEHICLE WAS OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,000.
Jan 23, 2014
BROKEN SPOT WELDS ON REAR HATCH OPENING. *KB
Aug 17, 2011
+ 3 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES
8 complaints
WE HAD A NEW CLUTCH INSTALLED AND THE BRAKE PEDAL AND CLUTCH PEDAL NOW MOVE TOGETHER. SIMULTANEOUSLY THIS NOT ONLY IS A SAFETY ISSUE BUT HAS POTENTIAL TO CAUSE PREMATURE CLUTCH AND BRAKE FAILURE.
Apr 20, 2017
I OWN A 2008 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX WITH A STOCK CLUTCH. FOR APPROXIMATELY 2 YEARS I HAVE BEEN HEARING CREAKING AND/OR CLICKING NOISES WHEN ENGAGING THE CLUTCH PEDAL. IN APRIL OF 2013 CHATHAM SUBARU IN GA REPLACED MY CLUTCH DUE TO THE METAL CLUTCH FORK WEARING THROUGH AT THE PIVOT POINT WITHIN THE BELL-HOUSING. THEY ALSO NOTED A VERY HARD CLUTCH PEDAL AND SPONGY BRAKES BEFORE THE REPAIR. THEY REPLACED THE CLUTCH, FLYWHEEL, PRESSURE PLATE, FORK AND MASTER CYLINDER (I REPLACED THE SLAVE CYLINDER BEFORE I BROUGHT IT IN) ALL OF WHICH I PAID FOR. INITIALLY THE CLUTCH FELT GREAT (BRAKE FEEL WAS UNCHANGED), BUT HAS SINCE BEGAN TO HARDEN AGAIN. I BEGAN TO LOOK ONLINE FOR A SOLUTION AND FOUND THAT THERE ARE SPOT WELDS THAT BREAK BETWEEN THE FIREWALL AND THE MOUNTING BRACKET THE CLUTCH PEDAL ASSEMBLY IS ATTACHED TO (HTTPS://WWW.GOOGLE.COM/?GWS_RD=SSL#Q=WRX+SPOT+WELDS). I REMOVED THE NECESSARY ITEMS TO INSPECT THE WELDS AND THEY DID UNFORTUNATELY FAIL. *TR
Dec 29, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUBARU IMPREZA. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE STOPPING DISTANCE WAS INCREASED. IN ADDITION, THE CLUTCH BECAME INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRACKET THAT HOLDS THE CLUTCH AND BRAKE ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE RE-WELDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 111,834.
Dec 12, 2014
CLUTCH AND BRAKE MASTER CYLINDERS HAVE POOR DESIGN. MY CLUTCH PEDAL CURRENTLY SQUEEZE AND WOBBLES WHILE MY BRAKE PEDAL IS WOBBLEY. THE MINIMAL/POOR SPOT WELDS FOR THE MASTER CYLINDERS ON THE FIREWALL HAVE CRACKED. *TR
Dec 09, 2014
AS MANY OTHERS HAVE NOTED REGARDING THE SUBARU IMPREZA WRX, THE WELDS THAT CONNECT THE CLUTCH TO THE FIREWALL HAVE BEEN BROKEN. TOOK IT INTO A LOCAL DEALER AND HE SAID THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM AND THAT I WOULD NEED TO TAKE IT TO AN AUTO BODY SHOP. *TR
Nov 10, 2014
+ 3 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE
7 complaints
THE SPOT WELDS UNDER WINDSHIELD COWL BROKE CAUSING THE BRACKET HOLDING CLUTCH PEDAL ASSEMBLY TO BREAK. BECAUSE OF THESE ISSUES, I CAN ONLY ENGAGE MY REVERSE GEAR HALF THE TIME AND WHILE SHIFTING GEARS IN MOTION, IT TENDS TO BE A BIT DIFFICULT. I'VE ALMOST CRASHED A COUPLE TIMES BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE. MY CAR IS A 2008 SUBARU WRX SEDAN WITH ONLY 74,000 MILES AND I'M CURRENTLY MAKING PAYMENTS ON THE CAR. MONEY IS REALLY TIGHT DUE TO ME BEING A FULL TIME COLLEGE STUDENT AND FULL TIME WORKER SO I'M NOT SURE HOW TO GO ABOUT THIS REALLY BIG PROBLEM. MY CAR IS EVERYTHING TO ME RIGHT NOW AND IF IT FAILS ON ME, I HAVE NO MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION. I ALSO HAVE NO MODIFICATIONS TO THE VEHICLE OTHER THAN WHEELS, AND A BLOW OFF VALVE. THE VEHICLE TENDS TO GIVE ME THE MOST DIFFICULTY ENGAGING REVERSE EVERY MORNING.
Feb 20, 2020
FAILED WELDS CONNECTING PEDAL PANEL TO THE FIREWALL. RESULTS IN LOUD SQUEAKING WHEN CLUTCH PEDAL IS DEPRESSED/RELEASED AND THE PANEL WELDS MAY FAIL ENTIRELY ON MY '08 STI. *TR
Apr 22, 2015
CPSC:I1490369A. 2008 SUBARU IMPREZA. CONSUMER STATED THE WELDS THAT HOLD THE CLUTCH BRACKET TO THE FIREWALL FAILED, CAUSING CREAKING, POPPING AND INCREASED PRESSURE TO FULLY DEPRESS THE CLUTCH PEDAL. *LN
Dec 15, 2014
THE VEHICLE DEVELOPED A CRACK IN THE FIRE WALL. EVERY TIME I PRESS MY CLUTCH PEDAL THERE IS FLEXING IN THE ASSEMBLY AND MAKES A LOUD CRACK/SQUEAK SOUND. ITS A DAILY DRIVER VEHICLE SO ITS NEVER BEEN RACED OR TRACKED. DUE TO THIS FIRE WALL CRACK (WHICH MIGHT BE DANGEROUS IN FIRE/ACCIDENT) MY TRANSMISSION GEARS AND SYNCROS HAVE BEEN WORN OUT DUE TO THE CLUTCH NOT RELEASING PROPERLY. I KNOW I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM, I WOULD HOPE THAT SUBARU OF AMERICA WILL ONE DAY MAKE A RECALL FOR THIS TERRIBLE PROBLEM BECAUSE I DON'T THINK THAT I SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR A HUGE DEFECT LIKE THIS, THE VEHICLE IS NO LONGER SAFE FOR MANY REASONS AND IS WEARING OUT MY INTERNAL COMPONENTS EVERY DAY. PLEASE HELP ME! *TR
Mar 20, 2014
MY CLUTCH PEDAL BEGAN CLICKING AND CREAKING THIS SUMMER. I FINALLY FOUND OUT THAT THE WELDS THAT HELD THE CLUTCH TO THE FIREWALL WERE BROKEN. THE CLUTCH BRACKET HAS ONLY A COUPLE OF SPOT WELDS THAT ATTACH IT TO THE FIREWALL, AND THE FIREWALL IS VERY FLIMSY. THE WELDS TORE AWAY AND ALLOWED THE FIREWALL, CLUTCH ASSEMBLY,. BRAKE ASSEMBLY, AND DASH TO MOVE AND SHIFT WHENEVER I CLUTCHED IN, CAUSING PREMATURE CLUTCH FAILURE AND A VERY DANGEROUS DRIVING CONDITION. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO MANY GR/GV CHASSIS. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND SUBARU NEEDS TO INSTITUTE A RECALL ABOUT THIS DANGEROUS ISSUE. *TR
Feb 27, 2014
+ 2 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
5 complaints
THE FIRE WALL BROKE AND THE PISTONS HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS THEN IT BLEW THE CRANK
Oct 05, 2018
HEAD GASKET PREMATURELY LEAKING OIL. LEAK FINDS ITSELF NEAR EXHAUST. A LITTLE BIT OF RESEARCH FINDS THAT THIS PROBLEM IS VERY COMMON UP UNTIL 2010 AND THE INTRODUCTION OF THE NEWEST ENGINE. AN IMPROVED GASKET IS AVAILABLE, BUT REPLACEMENT IS VERY EXPENSIVE. THIS IS CLEARLY A DEFECTIVE PART AND THE AFFECTED CARS SHOULD BE RECALLED. *TR
Mar 30, 2015
THE CLUTCH BRACKET ON THE FIREWALL HAS ONLY 4 SMALL TACK WELDS FROM THE FACTORY. THIS BRACKET TAKES ALL THE FORCE OF YOUR LEG PUSHING IN THE CLUTCH EVERY TIME YOU CHANGE A GEAR. IT APPEARS TO BE VERY COMMON ON THE SUBARU WRX STI FOR THESE SMALL TACKS TO BREAK AWAY FROM THE FIREWALL AND CAUSE ACCELERATED CLUTCH WEAR AND EVENTUALLY CLUTCH FAILURE. MY CLUTCH FAILED AND THE DEALER IS NOW TELLING ME THAT THERE IS NO KNOWLEDGE OF THE PROBLEM AND THE REPAIR FOR THIS MANUFACTURING DEFECT WILL NOT BE COVERED BY SUBARU. TALKING TO OTHER PEOPLE AND CHECKING THE STI FORUMS THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM THAT SUBARU HAS PAID FOR FOR SOME PEOPLE. THEY ARE REFUSING TO COVER THIS FOR ME. *JS
Dec 31, 2014
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
Dec 17, 2012
A LOUD SQUEAK IS OCCURRING WHEN I PRESS AND RELEASE MY CLUTCH. I HAD MY CLUTCH REPLACED ABOUT 10K MILES AGO DUE TO A SEIZED THROWOUT BEARING. I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER, THEY LUBED IT ALL UP BUT SQUEAK IS STILL THERE. THE TECH SAID THE NOISE IS ACTUALLY COMING FROM THE BRACKET THAT IS MOUNTED TO THE FIREWALL UNDER THE DASH. AFTER A FEW HOURS OF RESEARCH, I HAVE FOUND NUMEROUS POSTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND IT LIES WITH THE WELDS HOLDING THE BRACKET BEING FAULTY AND BREAKING. THIS CAUSES THE FIREWALL TO FLEX AND YOUR WHOLE PEDAL ASSEMBLY, CLUTCH AND BRAKE, TO MOVE AROUND WHILE IN OPERATION. *TR
Jul 24, 2012
ENGINE
4 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUBARU IMPREZA. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED DURING THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED EVERY 20,000 MILES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER (GRAND PRIX SUBARU, 500 S BROADWAY, HICKSVILLE, NY 11801) AND THE ENGINE BLOCK WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT TO PURCHASE A NEW VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,000.
Jun 15, 2018
OIL LEAKING FROM PREMATURE HEAD GASKET FAILURE. OIL LEAKING ON A HOT ENGINE CAN CAUSE A FIRE. THIS IS COMMON FOR THIS MAKE, MODEL AND YEAR, DUE TO INCORRECT SIZING OF THE GASKET. IT IS DEFECTIVE FROM THE FACTORY AND MAY RESULT IN A FIRE. *TR
Apr 26, 2015
THE HEAD GASKET IS LEAKING. THIS WILL COST OVER $2000 TO FIX. THIS SHOULD NOT BE OCCURRING. *TR
Jan 31, 2015
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND THE ENGINE STOPPED PRODUCING POWER. AFTER PULLING IT OVER IT WOULDN'T START. DEALERSHIP SAYS THE ENGINE IS TOAST AND IT WILL COST 10K. I HAVE DONE ALL THE REGULAR MAINTENANCE AND OIL CHANGES. AN ENGINE SHOULD NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED AT 77K MILES. MY TOYOTAS HAVE LASTED FOREVER. *TR
Sep 29, 2014
POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE,SERVICE BRAKES
4 complaints
THERE IS A LOUD SQUEAK NOISE WHEN THE CLUTCH IS BEING PRESSED, AND AT TIMES WHEN THE STRUCTURE FLEXES,IT INTERFERES WITH CHANGING GEARS. NOT ONLY DOES IT INTERFERE WITH CHANGING GEARS BUT,IT ALSO CAUSES THE BREAK PEDAL ASSEMBLY MOVES WHEN PRESSING THE CLUTCH. I HAVE VERIFIED THAT SOME WELD SPOT HAVE BROKEN OFF AND HAVE BECOME LOOSE. THIS IS A BIG PROBLEM SEEING AS HOW IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE. WHEN IT COMPLETELY SEPARATES, DUE TO SHOTTY WELDING, NOT ONLY COULD THE CLUTCH GO OUT WHILE DRIVING BUT IT COULD CAUSE THE BREAKS TO GO OUT AS WELL. THIS IS NOT WEAR AND TEAR, I'VE ONLY HAD THE CAR FOR ABOUT A 1.5 YEARS. WELDS SHOULD NOT BUST THAT QUICKLY. I HAVE VERIFIED IN THE SUBARU COMMUNITY THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM MANUAL TRANSMISSION IMPREZAS. *TR
Nov 27, 2014
FIREWALL SPOT WELDS BROKE, RESULTING IN MOVEMENT OF THE BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY AND CLUTCH ASSEMBLY. THIS IS CAUSING THE CLUTCH TO NOT DISENGAGE FULLY AND ALSO MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO SHIFT DUE TO THE FLEX. AS THIS HAS THE POTENTIAL TO BE DANGEROUS AND IS MOST DEFINITELY A MANUFACTURING DEFECT, IT SHOULD BE SUBJECT TO A RECALL. *TR
Oct 30, 2014
THIS CAR WAS PURCHASED BY MYSELF BRAND NEW WITH A FEW MILES ON THE ODOMETER. THE CLUTCH PEDAL WAS ALWAYS STIFF AND SQUEAKY AND TWO LOCAL DEALERSHIPS REASSURED ME THIS IS NORMAL AND NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT. SINCE ABOUT 50K MILES MY CLUTCH PEDAL HAS BEEN UNRESPONSIVE AND REQUIRES CONSTANT LUBRICATION AND BLEEDING OF CLUTCH MASTER AND SLAVE CYLINDER. WHEN PRESSING EITHER CLUTCH OR BRAKE PEDAL, THE OTHER WOULD ALSO MOVE WHICH CAUSES LOSS OF ROD TRAVEL THUS REDUCED FLUID VOLUME TO NECESSARY HYDRAULICS. WITH CLUTCH PEDAL FULLY DEPRESSED AND IN GEAR, THE CAR WILL ROLL AS IF CLUTCH IS DRAGGING. WITH CLUTCH DEPRESSED AND IN GEAR, THE CAR WOULD LURCH FORWARD WHEN TURNED ON. WHILE SHIFTING NORMALLY THE GEARS WOULD GRIND AND I'M CERTAIN THIS HAS WORN MY SYNCHROMESH GEARS. DEALER CONTINUED BLAMING ONE PART, ANOTHER PART, AND MY DRIVING HABITS. THEY CHARGED ME OUT OF POCKET FOR REPAIRS AND REPLACEMENT WITH NO ACTUAL PROGRESS FIXING THE ISSUES. TODAY I STOPPED BY THE CLOSEST DEALERSHIP REQUESTING MORE INFORMATION ON THIS COMMON CLUTCH PEDAL ASSEMBLY TO FIREWALL PROBLEMS. THEY ACKNOWLEDGED THIS IS AN ISSUE AND GAVE ME A VERBAL ESTIMATE OF AT LEAST $900 TO FIX THE BROKEN WELDS. IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD I AM LEAVING A STOP SIGN AS USUAL AND GO TO SHIFT INTO SECOND GEAR. THE CLUTCH PEDAL LINKAGE BROKE COMPLETELY WITH PEDAL STUCK ON THE FLOOR. CLUTCH IS NOW 100% INOPERABLE, LUCKILY I WAS ON A QUIET STREET AND THIS DID NOT BREAK WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY. THIS IS A VERY REAL SAFETY ISSUE AND THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD FIX THIS WITHOUT CHARGING WE THE CUSTOMERS. THERE WERE NUMEROUS SYMPTOMS FOR YEARS ON THIS EXACT PROBLEM, EACH GETTING PROGRESSIVELY WORSE UNTIL THIS FINAL BREAKAGE. *TR
Feb 19, 2014
MY 2008 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX HAS HAD A "HARD CLUTCH PEDAL". IM AN AUTO TECH AT A DEALER SO I TOOK A LOOK AT IT. I CHECKED THE SPRING AND THE PEDAL. I FOUND THE PEDAL WOULD BEND THE MOUNTING LOCATION UNDER THE DASH WHEN PUSHED IN. I LOOKED ON THE FIREWALL UNDER MY WIPER ARMS WHERE THE WELDS ARE AT. THE WELD THAT HOLDS THE CLUTCH AND BRAKE PEDALS TO THE FIREWALL IS CRACKED AND NOW IS CUTTING A HOLE IN THE FIREWALL. I CHECKED ONLINE FOR SOME HELP WITH THE PROBLEM, AND I FOUND OUT IM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM. I TOOK THE CAR TO MY LOCAL SUBARU DEALER. THE DEALER TOLD ME I NEEDED A CLUTCH. I ASK THEM TO LOOK AT THE FIREWALL WELDS THAT HOLD THE CLUTCH AND BRAKE PEDALS TO THE CAR. THEY TOLD ME TO GO AWAY AND NOT BRING MY CAR BACK TO THEM! I CALLED SUBARU OF AMERICA AFTER THIS ALL HAPPENED. THEY TOLD ME TO TAKE IT TO ANOTHER DEALER. SO I DID TO ONE " 3 HOURS AWAY ". THE NEXT DEALER TOLD ME THE CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE AND WELD IS CRACKED ON THE FIREWALL, AND THEY CALLED SUBARU OF AMERICA (SOA.) SOA NEVER CALLED THE DEALER BACK AND I TOOK THE CAR HOME AND WAITED. THEY CALLED ME 5 DAYS LATER AND TOLD ME I WOULD HAVE TO PAY 1/2 OF THE BILL TO FIX THE OEM DEFECT ON THE FIREWALL WELDS. I FEEL AS THOUGH THEY DON'T CARE ABOUT THIS SAFETY ISSUE EVEN THOUGH AFTER SOME RESEARCH ONLINE IT IS CLEAR THAT IM NOT THE ONLY ONE HAVING THIS SAME ISSUE. I HAVE VIDEOS AND PICTURES SHOWING THE DEFECTIVE WELDS AND CAN PRODUCE THEM FOR YOU. I NOTICED THIS ISSUE AROUND 58000 MILES. VEHICLE NOW HAS 60500 MILES. *TR UPDATED 02/19/13
Jan 16, 2013
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
4 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DEPRESSING THE CLUTCH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD MOVE OVER AN INCH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE BRACKET FOR THE BRAKE AND CLUTCH PEDALS WERE FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 65,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Mar 13, 2012
FRONT WHEEL SHIMMY THAT INCREASES STOPPING DISTANCE AND EFFECTS HANDLING. SHIMMY COMES AND GOES IN INTENSITY BUT IS ALWAYS PRESENT. SHIMMY CAUSES THE WHEEL AND ROTOR TO SHAKE WHICH PREVENTS THE BRAKE PADS FROM STOPPING THE VEHICLE AS INTENDED. THIS PROBLEM CAUSED ME TO RUN A STOP SIGN AND ALMOST GET BROADSIDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE SHIMMY STILL EXISTS AND HAS NOT BEEN FIXED DESPITE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE PROBLEM TO SUBARU AND THE SUBARU DEALER. SUBARU ACKNOWLEDGED THERE IS A PROBLEM AND STATED THAT THERE IS AN AXLE BALANCING PROBLEM OR A BEARING RUN OUT PROBLEM, BUT HAS YET TO FIX THE PROBLEM. *TR
Jul 07, 2010
SUBJECT: POSSIBLE CAR RECALL SUBARU IMREZA - IN THIS MODEL BASIC BRAKE MOUNT SNAPS COMMENTS DUE TO ROAD SAFETY AND THE POSSIBLE SERIOUS THREAT THAT COULD BE CAUSED BY CARS ON ROADS IN THE U.S. I'D LIKE TO PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION. THE CASE CONCERNS SUBARU IMPREZA MANUFACTURED IN 2007 AND 2009. THESE CARS MAY HAVE A FAULTY BASIC BRAKE MOUNT, WHICH CAN CAUSE IT TO SNAP . THE DESIGN AND STRENGTH OF THE FASTENING ELEMENTS TURNS OUT TO BE UNSUITED TO THE PREVAILING TENSION. MANY SUCH VEHICLES ARE ON THE ROADS IN THE U.S. AND POSE A DIRECT THREAT TO HUMAN LIFE. BECAUSE I AM A USER OF ONE OF THESE CARS (SUBARU IMPREZA WRX VIN [XXX] ) AND HAVE PERSONALLY EXPERIENCED SUCH A CASE, I AM IN POSSESSION OF ALL DOCUMENTATION. ON YOUR REQUEST I WILL SEND ANY INFORMATION ON THE CAR AND THE EVENT ALONG WITH PHOTOGRAPHIC DOCUMENTATION. I HOPE THAT THE CASE WAS INCIDENTAL AND RELATED TO ONLY THIS PARTICULAR MODEL, BUT THERE IS A HIGH PROBABILITY OF STRUCTURAL DEFECTS. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Jun 21, 2010
ON NOV. 20, 2008, FLATIRONS SUBARU AND SUBARU OF AMERICA SOLD ME A NEW 2008 IMPREZA WRX STI WITH DEFECTIVE BRAKES. ON DEC. 15, 2008, WHILE COMMUTING TO WORK I WAS INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT. I PUSHED DOWN THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THE BRAKES FAILED TO ENGAGE (THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS HARD). AS I WAS DRIVING CAUTIOUSLY, NO ONE WAS INJURED AND NO OTHER VEHICLE, EXCEPT MINE, SUFFERED DAMAGE TO THE FRONT HEADLIGHT. THE CAR WAS LESS THAN A MONTH OLD HAD FEWER THAT 650 MILES ON ODOMETER. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT INSPECTED THE CAR ON DEC. 17, THE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE TOLD ME THAT BRAKE VACUUM BOOSTER HOSE VALVE WAS DEFECTIVE. THE DEALER'S SERVICE MANAGER IN REFUSING TO ACCEPT ANY RESPONSIBILITY WROTE TO ME STATING THE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT THAT ONLY OCCURS IN EXTREME COLD WEATHER, AND SUBARU PERFORMS MOST OF THE INSPECTIONS AT THE FACTORY ON NEW CARS. THE DEALER PERFORMS A VERY LIMITED INSPECTION WITH A QUICK TEST DRIVE BEFORE THE SALE. ALTHOUGH THE DEALERSHIP REPAIRED THE BRAKES DEFECT UNDER WARRANTY ON DEC. 22, THEY TOOK NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE RESULTS OF THE DEFECT OR FOR NOT PROPERLY INSPECTING THE CAR PRIOR TO SELLING IT TO ME. THE ONLY RESPONSE I HAVE RECEIVED FROM SUBARU OF AMERICA IS THAT I SHOULD TAKE UP MY DAMAGE WITH MY INSURANCE CARRIER. IF SUBARU CAN CONTINUE TO SELL POORLY INSPECTED CARS WITH DEFECTIVE BRAKES WITHOUT ANY CONSEQUENCES, THEY WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO. THAT'S NOT FAIR TO ME AND CERTAINLY NOT FAIR TO ANY PERSON WHO WRECKS BECAUSE OF THE BRAKE DEFECT AND PERHAPS INJURES SOMEONE. I THINK CAR COMPANIES SHOULD NOT SELL DEFECTIVE, INADEQUATELY INSPECTED NEW CARS TO THE PUBLIC AND I AM ASKING FOR YOUR HELP TO ENFORCE THIS. UPON YOUR REQUEST, I CAN PROVIDE A COPY OF THE SERVICE INVOICES ON THE REPAIR DONE ON THE BRAKES; EMAIL AND MAIL CORRESPONDENCE WITH SUBARU OF AMERICA AND FLATIRONS SUBARU. *TR
Feb 10, 2009
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
3 complaints
There is a weakness in the cars firewall around the master cylinder where the weld inside is breaking and it is cracking all around the master cylinder and I am unable to shift the car. I have taken the car to two different shops and both say the same thing that the firewall is failing. The brake pedal is shifting when you push down on the slutch and could compromise your ability to safely find the brake pedal in a braking event. Secondly, in the event of a crash, the clutch/brake pedal assembly could move in a direction not orginally designed causing injury to the legs/feet. If it breaks through all the way it will permanently damage the car beyond repair. I have gone online and read that this is happening to many many many people and their are class action lawsuits going on. I just want to be able to drive my car safely and not worry about killing myself or my kids and no one can fix it. IT NEEDS TO BE A SAFETY RECALL!! This is what I read online as soon as I looked it up: Some Subaru models have had issues with their firewalls, including the 2008–2010 Impreza and WRX. These issues can include broken welds that cause other parts of the clutch system to wear out. Some symptoms of a Subaru firewall issue include: Failed clutch, Failing pedal assembly, Sheet metal tearing, Heavy clutch pedal, and Squeaky clutch. Some Subaru owners have reported that the firewall is cracked where the master cylinder is attached, causing problems when shifting. Others have reported that spot welds under the cowl are either cracked or deformed, and that there are little spaces in the firewall where the master cylinder flexes. I just put $13000 into my car and now I can't even drive it because of this issue and it was not my fault. It is the fault of the manufacturer. PLEASE HELP ME!!
May 20, 2024
THE CLUTCH PEDAL ON MY 2008 WRX MAKES A LOUD CREAKING NOISE EVERY TIME IT'S DEPRESSED. WHEN I INVESTIGATED THE NOISE, I NOTICED THAT THE ENTIRE CLUTCH PEDAL BRACKET ASSEMBLY (ATTACHED TO THE FORWARD FIREWALL) SHIFTS APPROX 1/4 INCH EVERY TIME THE CLUTCH PEDAL IS DEPRESSED. I FOUND THAT THE THREE SPOT WELDS SECURING THE CLUTCH PEDAL BRACKET TO THE FORWARD FIREWALL WERE BROKEN. FROM THE OUTSIDE OF THE FIREWALL, JUST UNDER THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS, I SAW THE SPOT WELDS PULLING AWAY FROM THE FIREWALL EVERY TIME THE CLUTCH PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THIS ALLOWS THE ENTIRE CLUTCH PEDAL BRACKET ASSEMBLY TO MOVE, CAUSING THE CREAKING NOISE. IF THE BRACKET COMPLETELY SEPARATES FROM THE FIREWALL, THE CLUTCH MAY BECOME COMPLETELY INOPERATIVE - ESPECIALLY DANGEROUS WHILE DRIVING.
Oct 03, 2016
PAINT ON CAR EASILY DULLED BY NORMAL WASHING. LOTS OF SWIRL MARKS AND STREAKS. *TR
Jun 16, 2008
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
3 complaints
I was driving to work and the car was running funny after a few blocks when I saw smoke pouring out of the car I pulled over ad got out and watched the car burn to the ground. I cant get to work and the car contained my personal.belongings.
Sep 01, 2023
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED WITH THE ENGINE OFF, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DETERMINED THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY A FAULTY RELAY/FUSE BOX. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
Jan 18, 2017
CAR WAS PARKED AND LOCKED IN MY DRIVEWAY .THE HORN STARTED BLARING AND HEADLIGHTS CAME ON. NOT CAR ALARM. INTERIOR WAS FILLED WITH SMOKE. CALLED FIRE DEPARTMENT THEN TRIED TO OPEN CAR WITH REMOTE TO EXTINGUISH FIRE. HAD TO USE KEY TO UNLOCK DOOR. FIRE ORIGIONATED FROM GUAGES/DASH AREA ON DRIVERS SIDE. THERE WERE SEVERAL EXPLOSIONS FROM CAR AS IT BURNED. HORN CONTINUED TO BLARE AFTER FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED FIRE. FIRE FIGHTERS THEN PRIED INTO HOOD AND CUT BATTERY CABLES BEFORE HORN STOPPED BLARING. TOTAL LOSS OF VEHICLE. *TR
Feb 12, 2009
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
3 complaints
For the last few years, the reverse lights would intermittently work when the six-speed manual transmission was put into reverse. Lately, the lights fail to work more often than actually work. I have read other Subarus have a common reverse light switch failure and I think more of the older cars use a similar switch and design to recalled models.
Oct 25, 2022
SUBMISSION FROM SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. RE CONSUMER COMPLAINT- 2008 SUBARU IMPREZA. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED ON JANUARY 24, 2014, THE HIGH BEAM LIGHTS WOULD NOT COME ON. HOWEVER, SHE DID SMELL A BURNT PLASTIC SMELL COMING FROM HER VEHICLE. SHE PURCHASED A REPLACEMENT BULB FROM AN AUTO PARTS STORE. THE CONSUMER LATER WENT TO A LUBE ESTABLISHMENT, TO HAVE THE DRIVER'S SIDE REPLACED. BUT, WHEN THE HOOD WAS OPENED, IT WAS DISCOVERED BOTH HEADLIGHT PLASTIC COVERS HAD MELTED . THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE HER, THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. WHEN THE CONSUMER CALLED THE DEALER TO EXPLAIN THE SITUATION, SHE WAS GIVEN AN ESTIMATE OF $1300 TO REPLACE THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES. SOON AFTER, THE PASSENGER HIGH BEAM LIGHT WOULD NOT COME ON. SHE WENT BACK TO THE AUTO PARTS STORE AND PURCHASED ANOTHER BULB. ON FEBRUARY 24, 2014, THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED, SUBARU WOULD PAY 50% FOR THE REPLACEMENT, AS A COURTESY BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. *JB
Mar 25, 2014
I FIND THE HID HEADLAMPS ON MY 2008 SUBARU IMPREZA STI TO BE AIMED AND/OR THROW A LIGHT PATTERN THAT IS DANGEROUSLY LOW. AT NIGHT, OBJECTS ONLY VERY CLOSE TO THE VEHICLE ARE LIT UP. I FEEL UNSAFE DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON UNLIT ROADS AT NIGHT, PARTICULARLY IN THE RAIN. AN INQUIRY WITH THE DEALER INDICATED THAT SEVERAL OTHER OWNERS OF THIS MAKE AND MODEL HAVE MADE SIMILAR COMPLAINTS, BUT THAT THE HEADLAMPS CANNOT BE ADJUSTED BY THE DEALER, AND SUBARU HAS OFFERED NO SOLUTION. *TR
Dec 31, 2008
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
3 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE EXITING A DRIVE-THRU, THE VEHICLES EXHIBITED A LOUD BANG AND THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY ACCELERATED ABNORMALLY. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE BRAKES, BUT THERE WAS NO RESPONSE CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A TREE. THE CONTACT WAS SEVERELY INJURED AND WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE THROTTLE HAD ERRONEOUSLY OPENED FULLY AND WOULD NOT CLOSE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE ABNORMALLY. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 20,000.
Mar 08, 2012
2008 SUBARU IMPREZA, STANDARD TRANSMISSION. AT SPEEDS UNDER 10 MPH, WHEN CLUTCH IS FULLY DEPRESSED, AND TRANSMISSION IS IN FIRST GEAR, ENGINE WILL REV UP TO 2500-4000 RPM'S. THIS ONLY OCCURS WHEN VEHICLE IS COASTING FORWARD AT SLOW SPEEDS AND WHEN IN GEAR WITH CLUTCH PUSHED TO THE FLOOR. WHEN BRAKE IS TAPPED OR GEAR PLACED TO NEUTRAL ENGINE WILL RETURN TO NORMAL IDLE. THIS PROBLEM OCCURS 90 PERCENT OF THE TIME WHEN COASTING FORWARD. THE ENGINE SPEED VARIES EACH OCCURRENCE BUT GENERAL SPEEDS TO AROUND 2500 RPM'S WITH RARE JUMPS TO 4000+ RPM'S. *TR
Mar 02, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUBARU IMPREZA. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE WOULD ACCELERATE FOR A HALF SECOND WITHOUT PRESSURE BEING APPLIED TO THE PEDAL. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DESIGNED FOR A HALF SECOND ACCELERATION. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC AND THE LOCAL MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE ECU NEEDED TO BE REPROGRAMMED. THE CONTACT HAS NOT HAD THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 255. UPDATED 03/11/10 *BF WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED THE VEHICLE WOULD CONTINUE TO ACCELERATE AS THOUGH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS ENGAGE FOR UP TO 1.5 SECONDS AFTER THE CONSUMER HAD REMOVED HIS FOOT. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THE VEHICLE WAS PERFORMING WITHIN DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS. THE CONSUMER WENT TO TWO INDEPENDENT MECHANICS WHO STATED THE ECU THAT CONTROLLED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BEHAVIOR WOULD NEED TO BE RE-PROGRAMMED. UPDATED 07/26/10
Feb 23, 2010
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 complaints
FUEL PUMP CONNECTOR BURNT , GASOLINE IN CONNECTION AND PUMP STOPPED WORKING. NO START.
Mar 09, 2020
FUEL LEAK , TANK NEED TO BE REPLACED. FIND THE LEAK IN MY GARAGE
Oct 23, 2018
STRUCTURE,SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaints
SPOT WELDS ON FIREWALL THAT SUPPORT THE PEDAL ASSEMBLY HAVE CRACKED/BROKE CAUSING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO FLEX AND MOVE WHILE PUSHING DOWN ON THE CLUTCH.
Dec 09, 2019
MY BRAKE PEDAL / CLUTCH ASSEMBLY IS SEPARATING FROM MY FIREWALL ON MY 2008 WRX SEDAN AT THE SPOT WELDS. I CAN SEE THIS THROUGH MY COWL SUPPORT UNDER THE WINDSHIELD WASHER MOTOR. I HEARD LOTS OF SQUEALING AND POPPING AND NOW THE ASSEMBLY MOVES UNDER LIGHT BRAKING AND CLUTCH DEPRESSION. IT IS NOW PAST A NOISE ISSUE, AND NOW IS SAFETY ISSUE. MY CAR ONLY HAS 42,5000 MILES. *TR
Jun 24, 2014
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM,ENGINE
2 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM FAILED DUE TO THE DESIGN OF THE ENGINE VALVES. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE IN SNOWY WEATHER. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE AIR VALVES FAILED. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE ENGINE AIR VALVES HIMSELF, BUT IT DID NOT CORRECT THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE VALVES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000.
Jan 03, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM FAILED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE IN SNOWY WEATHER. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE AIR VALVE FAILED. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE ENGINE AIR VALVES HIMSELF, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE VALVES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE VALVE DESIGN CAUSED THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM TO FAIL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000.
Jan 02, 2019
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
2 complaints
BOTH HEADLIGHTS GOING OUT AT THE SAME TIME. THIS HAS HAPPENED ABOUT TEN TIMES OVER THE LAST FOUR YEARS AND NOW I HAVE NO HEADLIGHTS. I HAVE TRIED THREE DIFFERENT HEADLIGHTS IN THE LAST MONTH, THE FIRST TWO WORKED BRIEFLY AND THE LAST ONE FROM SUBARU DID NOT WORK AT ALL. FROM 2005 - 20011 SUBARU HAS RECALLED OTHER MODELS FOR THE SAME PROBLEM BUT AS I WAS TOLD, "THE IMPREZA IS THE CHEAP CAR"
Aug 07, 2018
HIGH BEAMS FAIL, VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. DEALER STATES UNSURE WHAT PROBLEM IS, AFTER 1 HOUR CHARGE OF DIAGNOSTICS,SENT ME ON MY WAY. *TR
Apr 13, 2010
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE,SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaints
THIS 2008 SUBARU IMPREZA HAS BEEN PLAGUED AS HAVE MANY OTHERS BY A MANUFACTURER CHASSIS DEFECT. THE FIREWALL/BULKHEAD BETWEEN THE DRIVER AND ENGINE HAS 5 SPOT WELDS BROKEN WHICH INITIALLY ARE MEANT TO SECURE THE CLUTCH AND BRAKE ASSEMBLY. THESE WELD BREAKS ARE A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AS THEY ARE CAUSING DIFFICULTY IN ENGAGING CLUTCH AND BRAKES, AS WELL AS A SQUEAK NOISE EVERY TIME THE CLUTCH IS DEPRESSED. AS THIS IS NOT AN INSIGNIFICANT WEAR ITEM BUT PART OF THE CHASSIS/FRAME WHICH IS A DANGEROUS DEFECT AS COMPLETE FAILURE DURING OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE CAN CAUSE CATASTROPHIC ACCIDENTS, FURTHER INVESTIGATION AND ACTION ON THIS MATTER SHOULD BE TAKEN BY THE NHTSA. THIS IS CERTAINLY A RECALL ISSUE. *TR
Nov 20, 2013
THIS 2008 SUBARU IMPREZA HAS BEEN PLAGUED AS HAVE MANY OTHERS BY A MANUFACTURER CHASSIS DEFECT. THE FIREWALL/BULKHEAD BETWEEN THE DRIVER AND ENGINE HAS 5 SPOT WELDS BROKEN WHICH INITIALLY ARE MEANT TO SECURE THE CLUTCH AND BRAKE ASSEMBLY. THESE WELD BREAKS ARE A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AS THEY ARE CAUSING DIFFICULTY IN ENGAGING CLUTCH AND BRAKES, AS WELL AS A SQUEAK NOISE EVERY TIME THE CLUTCH IS DEPRESSED. AS THIS IS NOT AN INSIGNIFICANT WEAR ITEM BUT PART OF THE CHASSIS/FRAME WHICH IS A DANGEROUS DEFECT AS COMPLETE FAILURE DURING OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE CAN CAUSE CATASTROPHIC ACCIDENTS, FURTHER INVESTIGATION AND ACTION ON THIS MATTER SHOULD BE TAKEN BY THE NHTSA. THIS IS CERTAINLY A RECALL ISSUE. *TR
Nov 16, 2013
SEAT BELTS
2 complaints
I HAVE A 2008 IMPREZA. EVER SINCE I PURCHASED IT THE PASSENGER SIDE SEATBELT LOCKS UP RIGHT AWAY AND TIGHTENS TO THE POINT THAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE IT OFF. IT HAS BEEN REPLACED AND STILL DOES NOT WORK RIGHT. *TR
Aug 18, 2009
WHILE MY AIR BAG WAS DEPLOYED DURING AN ACCIDENT, THE SEAT BELT GOT UNLOCKED AT THE SAME TIME. *TR
Sep 22, 2008
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
1 complaint
BLEW 3 VALVE GASKETS WITHIN TWO WEEKS AFTER BUYING CAR. BLEW 2 TIRES WITHIN 2 MONTHS OF HAVING THE CAR. THEY 'FIXED' AN OIL CONTROL VALVE AND THEN IT NEEDED ANOTHER. SWAY BAR LINKS NEEDED REPLACED, CV JOINTS NEED REPLACED, BRAKE PADS ARE EXTREMELY LOW. AC DOESN'T WORK. HAD TO BUY ALL NEW TIRES.
Aug 11, 2019
AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
TAKATA RECALL- I WAS DRIVING IN THE SLOW (RIGHT SIDE) OF THE FREEWAY GOING ABOUT 68 MPH (BETWEEN 65-70), THERE WAS A SMALL AMOUNT OF TRAFFIC. THERE WAS AN EXTRA LANE (TEMPORARY 3 LANE FOR ENTRANCE, BUT NORMAL 2 LANE FREEWAY) TO MY RIGHT AND I BEGAN MERGING (OR POSSIBLY SWERVED FROM LOOKING OVER SHOULDER...AND A BEE FLEW INTO ME WHILE I WAS DRIVING ALSO CAUSING ME TO SWERVE A BIT). I ENDED UP IN THE FAST (LEFT) LANE THAT WAS GOING SLOWER DUE TO AN UNKNOWN REASON...WHICH CAUSED ME TO SLAM ON THE BREAKS, BUT I REAR ENDED THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME AT AN ANGLE (MY DRIVER SIDE FRONT TO THEIR PASSENGER SIDE BACK) BECAUSE I SWERVED BACK INTO THE LUCKILY EMPTY SPOT NEXT TO ME, BUT IT WASN'T FAST ENOUGH TO NOT HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I DIDN'T SEE MY EXACT SPEED WHEN I HIT THE CAR BUT I WAS GOING OVER THE DOCUMENTED (ON PREVIOUS PAGE) SPEED THAT THE AIRBAG SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED WITH THE AMOUNT OF IMPACT OUR CARS STRUCK...THIS VEHICLE WAS GOING LESS THAN 20 MPH AND I WAS GOING SOMEWHERE BETWEEN 50-60 MPH AND THE IMPACT WAS ALL ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SO FROM WHAT I'VE BEEN READING THAT THE AIRBAG SHOULD HAVE GONE OFF....ESPECIALLY SINCE I HAD THE RECALL FIXED/SERVICED IN DECEMBER 2018, WHERE I HAD TO BRING THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT AN HOUR LATER BECAUSE SOME "HOSING" WASN'T CORRECTLY REINSTALLED. SO I'M CURIOUS IF ANYTHING ELSE WASN'T INSTALLED CORRECTLY THAT CAUSED THE AIRBAG NOT TO GO OFF. I HAD JUST TAKEN FULL COVERAGE OFF MY INSURANCE TO SAVE MONEY THREE DAYS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT BECAUSE I AM IN THE MOVING PROCESS-NOW WITH NO COVERAGE TO MY DAMAGE (WHICH MY INSURANCE QUOTED AROUND 2900$ HAD I HAD FULL COVERAGE STILL), AS WELL AS MEDICAL INSURANCE FOR MYSELF AND I SPENT ABOUT 8 HOURS IN THE ER. WHICH ALSO WON'T BE COVERED. I AM NOT 100% CERTAIN OF HOW THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED BECAUSE I WASN'T SURE WHY TRAFFIC WAS SLOWED SO SUDDENLY; THE AIRBAGS SHOULD HAVE GONE OFF?
Jun 21, 2019
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
PROBLEM BEGAN WITH A SQUEAKING SOUND AND WOULD CLICK WHEN DEPRESSING CLUTCH. THEN THE CLUTCH PEDAL WOULD STICK AND NOT COME BACK UP. CLUTCH PEDAL UNABLE TO COMPLETELY ENGAGE MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO GET THE CAR INTO GEAR. MOVEMENT IN CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL CAUSING HAZARD WHILE DRIVING DUE TO DISPLACEMENT. WELDS IN CLUTCH/BRAKE ASSEMBLY AT THE FIREWALL ARE BROKEN.
Apr 15, 2018
POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
WHAT IS THE ISSUE? BASICALLY THE FIREWALL IS SO THIN THAT IT FLEXES TERRIBLY EVERY TIME THE CLUTCH OR BRAKE PEDAL IS PRESSED. THE BIG PROBLEM IS THE WAY THE CLUTCH/BRAKE ASSEMBLY IS SECURED TO THE THIN FIREWALL. IT ONLY HAS 6 SMALL SPOT WELDS THAT RIP OFF THE FIREWALL AFTER TIME. THIS MAKES IT SO YOU CAN'T GET IN AND OUT OF GEAR. CLUTCH BECOMES USELESS. WHO? 2008-2014 GH/GR IMPREZA (2.5I/OBS/WRX/STI). I DON'T THINK THE ISSUE CAN BE LINKED TO A CERTAIN BATCH OF VEHICLES, CERTAIN CLIMATE/LOCATION, OR CERTAIN YEAR. THIS HAS HAPPENED ALL OVER THE WORLD, ALL YEARS 08-14, AND ALL MODELS (WITHIN THE GH/GR CHASSIS).
Sep 14, 2017
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
MANUAL TRANSMISSION 2008 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX, HAVE TROUBLE SWITCHING GEARS, AND SPECIFICALLY PUTTING VEHICLE IN REVERSE FROM A COLD START. FOR A WHILE HEARD A POPPING NOISE WHEN PUSHING THE CLUTCH DOWN. BUT SWITCHING GEARS IS VERY DIFFICULT/CLUNKY AND PLACING THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE FROM A COLD START IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT. AFTER DOING RESEARCH THIS APPEARS TO BE RELATED TO SUBARU BULLETIN 12-184-15 (AN ISSUE WITH WELDS ON THE FIREWALL). THE BRACKETS/WELDS ON THE FIREWALL SEEM TO BE BREAKING/ARE BROKEN.
Feb 21, 2017
STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
FIREWALL. FIREWALL BROKEN, DO NOT HAVE THE FULL RANGE OF MOTION THAT MY CLUTCH NEEDS IN ORDER FOR THE GEARS TO GO IN.
Feb 19, 2017
STRUCTURE,ENGINE
1 complaint
VEHICLE WAS NOT STATIONARY, IT WAS BEING TUNED AND THE FIRE WALL GOT TO HOT AND STARTED TO SMOKE. IN ADDITION THE THIRD CYLINDER IN THE MOTOR WENT BAD AS WELL AND THE MOTOR WAS REPLACED DUE TO A ROD KNOCK AND THE 3RD CYLINDER GOING BAD. THE VEHICLE HAS 80000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE.
Jan 30, 2016
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
VEHICLE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, STABILITY CONTROL ASSIST, AND CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT COME ON ALL AT THE SAME TIME RENDERING THOSE SYSTEM USEFUL. ALSO SOMETIMES THE HILL START ASSIST AND ABS LIGHT COME ON RENDERING THOSE UNAVAILABLE AS WELL. MAKING THE VEHICLE NOT AS SECURED AS ADVERTISED. IT STARTED IN 2010 TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY JUST ERASED THE CODES, BUT THE PROBLEM CONTINUED, STILL HAPPENING TODAY.
Oct 05, 2015
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
THE FIRE WALL IS CRACKED AND THE WELDS ARE BROKEN WHICH IS CAUSING MY CLUTCH TO NOT DISENGAGE PROPERLY AND THE CLUTCH PEDAL TO NOT FUNCTION CORRECTLY. *TR
Dec 26, 2014
POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
WELDS ON BRACKET THAT HOLDS CLUTCH AND BRAKE PEDAL TO FIREWALL FAILING. CAUSING CLUTCH PEDAL INCONSISTENCY ALONG WITH BRAKE PEDAL MOVEMENT UPON CLUTCH PEDAL DEPRESSION. *TR
Dec 23, 2014
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
1 complaint
ACCORDING TO THE DEALERSHIP THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER IN MY 2008 SUBARU IMPREZA HAS PREMATURELY FAILED. THE VEHICLES CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR WENT INTO "LIMP" MODE WHILE DRIVING, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING VERY POOR GAS MILEAGE FOR THE LAST MONTH. THE DEALERSHIP HAS QUOTED ME OVER $2000 FOR THE REPAIR OF MY CAR. IT WAS BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION THAT SEVERAL OTHER SAME MODEL YEAR SUBARU'S HAVE RECALLS DUE TO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NOT PERFORMING TO EMISSION STANDARDS. SOME OF THESE CARS HAVE THE EXACT CATALYTIC CONVERTER PART NUMBER AS MY CAR, I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY CAR WOULD NOT BE RECALLED ALSO. *TR
Aug 05, 2014
VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
THE DRIVER'S SIDE SUN VISOR INTERNAL CAM BROKE WHILE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN SUCH THAT THE SUN VISOR HANGS AT THE LOWEST POINT, AND IS NO LONGER ADJUSTABLE. THIS OBSCURES THE DRIVER'S FIELD OF VISION WHEN DRIVING THE CAR AND THUS PRESENTS A SAFETY HAZARD. THIS APPEARS TO BE A COMMON DEFECT IN THE SUNVISOR DESIGN/MANUFACTURE BASED UPON IDENTICAL USER FORUM REPORTING. SUBARU AMERICA REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS DEFECT IN DESIGN OR MATERIALS WORKMANSHIP. *TR
Jul 05, 2014
POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
THE CLUTCH PEDAL ON MY 2008 WRX MAKES A LOUD CREAKING NOISE EVERY TIME IT'S DEPRESSED (IT WILL ALSO POP IF COLD OUT). AFTER READING OTHER COMPLAINTS ONLINE I FOUND THE ENTIRE CLUTCH PEDAL BRACKET ASSEMBLY (ATTACHED TO THE FORWARD FIREWALL) SHIFTS APPROX 1/4 INCH EVERY TIME THE CLUTCH PEDAL IS DEPRESSED, ALSO CAUSING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO FLEX TO THE LEFT. I CAN SEE AT LEAST TWO OF MY THREE SPOT WELDS SECURING THE CLUTCH PEDAL BRACKET TO THE FORWARD FIREWALL ARE BROKEN. THE WHOLE CLUTCH PEDAL ASSEMBLY PULLS AWAY FROM THE FIREWALL EVERY TIME THE CLUTCH PEDAL IS DEPRESSED, THE SLAVE CYLINDER UNIT VISIBLY MOVES. THIS ALLOWS THE ENTIRE CLUTCH PEDAL BRACKET ASSEMBLY TO MOVE, CAUSING THE CREAKING NOISE. IF THE BRACKET COMPLETELY SEPARATES FROM THE FIREWALL, THE CLUTCH MAY BECOME COMPLETELY INOPERATIVE, IT ALREADY FREQUENTLY FEELS LIKE I CANNOT PUSH THE CLUTCH IN FAR ENOUGH TO GET IT INTO GEAR. FEEDBACK FROM THE ONLINE FORUMS SHOWS SUBARU IS NOT ADDRESSING THE PROBLEM OF THE FAULTY WELDS LEADING TO EXPENSIVE CONSUMER REPAIRS OR ALTERNATIVE DIY FIXES. *TR
Aug 12, 2013
POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE,ENGINE
1 complaint
MY CLUTCH BRACKET BROKE ON THE WELDS. THIS IS AN OEM PRODUCT THAT HAS A DEFECT AND IT IS WELL KNOWN ON THE INTERNET AND FORUMS. SUBARU OF NEWTON NJ REFUSES TO FIX THE PROBLEM AND WAS WELL AWARE. THIS WAS VERY DANGEROUS FOR ME SINCE IT HAPPENED ON A HIGHWAY AT SPEEDS OF 65 MPH. THE BRACKET IS BROKEN AND THE CLUTCH WILL NOT ENGAGE. I HAVE NOTICED THE FIREWALL IS CRACKING ALSO. THE BRAKE PEDAL MOVES INCHES TO THE SIDE WHEN THE CLUTCH IS PRESSED. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM. I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH SUBARU AND THE CAR ONLY HAS 73K MILES ON IT. I ALSO FILLED WITH SUBARU AND I AM AWAITING ANSWERS. *TR
Jan 21, 2013
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,SEATS
1 complaint
I WAS OUT ALL MORNING RUNNING ERRANDS. I CAME HOME FROM ABOUT 4 HOURS OF DOING THE RUN AROUND. AT 12:25 PM I GOT HOME , TOOK MY BABIES OUT OF THE CAR AND PUT THEM DOWN FOR A NAP. I WENT OUT ABOUT 40 MINS LATER TO THE CAR AND THE KEY FOBS WERE NOT WORKING SO I THEN WENT TO UNLOCK THE DRIVER DOOR WITH THE KEY AND WHEN I OPENED IT BLACK SMOKE STARTED ROLLING OUT. I THEN CALLED 911 AND REPORTED THE FIRE. THE FIRE ITSELF WAS OUT BUT THE INSIDE OF THE CAR ALL UNDER THE DRIVER SEAT WAS BURNED UP. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STARTED GOING THREW THE CAR AND SAID THEY ARE CLAIMING IT AS ELECTRICAL. I REPORTED IT TO MY INSURANCE COMPANY AND NOW THEY ARE INVESTIGATED IT AS WELL. THE CAR WAS TOTALED OUT BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY SINCE THERE WAS SO MUCH DAMAGE TO THE INSIDE. *TT
May 23, 2012
STEERING
1 complaint
2008 SUBARU IMPREZA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO STEERING RACK FAILURE ISSUES *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAD ABOUT 47,500 MILES WHEN THE STEERING SUDDENLY BECAME TIGHT AND MADE A HORRIBLE NOISE. THE STEERING RACK WAS REPLACED AT A COST OF $1400. *JB
Jan 26, 2012
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
1 complaint
VEHICLE STARTED WITH A NOISE IN THE CLUTCH PEDAL. WENT AWAY WITH LUBRICANT. THEN BEGAN TO MAKE A CLICKING SOUND AND THE CLUTCH AND BRAKE BOTH STARTED TO MOVE AS I DEPRESSED THE CLUTCH . THE SHIFTING OF GEARS BECAME DIFFICULT FROM THE START OF REVERSE OR FIRST GEAR. THEN IT BE CAME REAL LOOSE I HAD A MECHANIC LOOK INTO IT AND MENTIONED THAT A WELD HAS BROKEN AND DID NOT RECOMMEND HIM FIX BUT TO HAVE THE DEALER TAKE A LOOK AT IT BECAUSE ITS A SAFETY ISSUE AND IF IT BREAKS COMPLETELY THAT IT MAY CAUSE THE CAR TO BE UNABLE TO STOP . SO I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND MENTIONED IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. BUT THEY WILL LOOK AT IT. CURRENTLY THEY MENTIONED THEY CANNOT FIX IT UNDER WARRANTY SO CURRENTLY I CANNOT AFFORD TO GET IT RESOLVED SO IM UNABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR. *TR
Jan 25, 2012
SUSPENSION
1 complaint
WHEN DRIVEN ON DRY PAVEMENT THE CAR BEHAVES NORMALLY. HOWEVER, WHEN THE CAR IS DRIVEN ON HARD PACKED SNOW OR WET PAVEMENT THE REAR END OF THE CAR WOBBLES VIOLENTLY FROM SIDE TO SIDE, MAKING IT HIGHLY UNSTABLE. THIS PROBLEM OCCURS AT RELATIVELY SLOW SPEEDS (BELOW 50 MPH). THIS PROBLEM INCREASES WHEN THE CAR IS SUBJECT TO LOADS SUCH AS ADDITIONAL PASSENGERS OR CARGO. SIMILAR COMPLAINTS HAVE REFERRED TO THE PROBLEM AS "GHOST WALKING". *TR
Jan 05, 2012
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
ON THE MORNING OF NOVEMBER 4, 2011 , I PULLED INTO THE PARKING AREA BEHIND A MIDDLE SCHOOL AND MY CAR WOULD NOT STOP. I APPLIED MY BRAKES, THE CAR STILL CONTINUED TO GO FORWARD OVER THE CEMENT BUMPER AND INTO THE BUILDING. THE ONLY THING TO STOP MY CAR WAS PULLING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. I WENT TWO FEET INTO THE MIDDLE SCHOOL BUILDING. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CAR AND THE BUILDING RECEIVED EXTENSIVE DAMAGE. *TR
Nov 04, 2011
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
THE PEDAL ASSEMBLY OF MY VEHICLE HAS DISCONNECTED FROM MY FIREWALL DUE TO FAULTY WELDS. MY CLUTCH AND BRAKE PEDALS NOW HAVE AN UNSAFE AMOUNT OF PLAY AND IS CAUSING ISSUES WITH BRAKING AND DISENGAGING MY CLUTCH. SUBARU OF AMERICA REFUSED TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM WITH MY CAR. *TR
Sep 21, 2011
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,AIR BAGS,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,WHEELS
1 complaint
2008 SUBARU IMPREZA. CONSUMER STATES PROBLEM WITH VEHICLE CLUTCH *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A SCREECHING/RUBBING NOISE WHEN THE CLUTCH WAS APPLIED AND A LOUD POP NOISE FROM NEUTRAL TO 1ST GEAR. THE VEHICLE WOULD POP OUT OF 6TH GEAR AT HIGH SPEEDS. THE ENGINE MADE A LOUD RATTLE NOISE ON COLD STARTS, THE RIGHT REAR WINDOW WASHER WAS INOPERABLE, THE PASSENGER AIR BAG OCCASIONALLY DID NOT RECOGNIZE A PASSENGER IN THE SEAT. THE HOOD WAS LOOSE AND RATTLED, THE RIGHT REAR DOOR WAS DIFFICULT TO CLOSE, THE LEFT REAR WHEEL STUDS WOULD NOT SECURE THE LUG NUT, THE BATTERY AND POWER STEERING PUMP WAS PUMPING. *JB
Jun 09, 2011
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
1 complaint
2008 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX SEDAN ABS ISSUES. LIGHT SNOW/WET PAVEMENT COMING TO A STOP ANYWHERE FROM 5-25 MPHS THE ABS SYSTEM LOCKS THE WHEELS CAUSING IT TO SLIDE. ABS PULSATES BUT DOES NOT SEEM TO LET GO. *TR
Dec 17, 2010
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1 complaint
FUEL LEAK AT FLANGE JOINT OF FUEL PUMP/TANK ASSEMBLY OR NEARBY LOCATION ACCOMPANIED BY SIGNIFICANT CORROSION OF FLANGE RETAINING BOLTS. LEAKED FUEL CAUSES ODOR TO ACCUMULATE IN PASSENGER COMPARTMENT BY WAY OF NEARBY AIR EXHAUST VENTS WHILE VEHICLE IS PARKED. VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY DUE TO MILES DRIVEN. DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT UNABLE TO SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT IN TIMELY MANNER TO RESOLVE ISSUE DUE TO WORKLOAD. *TR
Nov 15, 2010
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 complaint
I OWN A 2008 WRX STI SUBARU THAT HAD COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO FACT THE DEALER COULD NOT PERFORM A CRITICAL ECM RECALL THAT WAS A DIRECT RESULT OF ENGINE FAILURE. SUBARU REFUSED TO COVER IT UNDER WARRENTY. THE CAR HAS BEEN A PROBLEM FROM THE START ALSO HAD BRAKE SYSTEM ISSUES THEY REFUSE TO REPAIR. *TR
Dec 19, 2008
EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
ALL-SEASON RUBBER FLOOR MATS FAIL, CREATING A CREASE WHICH CAN BECOME CAUGHT ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. *TR
Nov 24, 2008
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,SEAT BELTS,EQUIPMENT,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
I STARTED TO GET A FILM ON THE WINDSHIELD OF MY 2008 SUBARU. I TOOK IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY DID A TEST AND FOUND A PROBLEM WITH THE A/C UNIT; THEY TOLD ME THE FILM ON THE WINDSHIELD WAS SAFE AND CAR WAS SAFE TO DRIVE. I TOOK THE CAR IN AGAIN WHILE THEY WERE WAITING FOR PARTS, FOR ANOTHER ISSUE, AND I REQUESTED A COPY OF THE TECH NOTES AND THE FILM THAT WAS ON THE WINDSHIELD WAS FREON!- HEALTH HAZARD. THEY FIXED THIS PROBLEM WITH THE FREON FILM, AND NOW NOT A MONTH LATER ITS BACK, AND WORSE. I AGAIN TOOK IT INTO THE DEALER AND HE TOLD ME THIS IS NATURAL, THAT THE GAS IN THE UPHOLSTERY NEEDED TO GET OUT AND THAT THE GAS IS AGAIN SAFE. I ASKED THE SALESMEN THAT I GOT THE CAR FROM,HE NEVER HEARD OF THIS. STILL NOT FIXED AS THIS IS A NATURAL ISSUE,THERE IS ALSO A FOUL ODOR COMING OUT OF THE AC/HEATER SYSTEM. I HAVE ALSO HAD ISSUES WITH THE TRACTION CONTROL WHEN ACTIVATED THE VEHICLE LOSES POWER IN ALL OF VEHICLE, HAS A LOUD NOISE COMING FORM THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE CAR WHEN THE SYSTEM IS ENGAGED; NAV SYSTEM WHEN ITS TURNED ON WILL GO TO BLANK WHITE SCREEN,WILL ALSO NOT RESPOND SOMETIMES; NEED SEAT BELT SYSTEM REPLACED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, WAS RETRACTING WHEN NOT NEEDED; ISSUES STARTING- HARD CRANK OVER, SOMETIMES HAD TO REPEAT TO START,OR TURN KEY OVER FOR LONG PERIOD OF TIME. I AM NOW HAVING HEALTH ISSUES AS I DRIVE THE CAR EVERYDAY FOR HOURS. I HAVE ALMOST BEEN IN MANY ACCIDENTS DUE TO THIS ISSUE. WIPING OFF DON'T HELP. *TR
Jan 15, 2008
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 2008 SUBARU Impreza have?
The 2008 SUBARU Impreza currently has 209 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.
What are the most common problems with 2008 SUBARU Impreza?
The most common problems reported for the 2008 SUBARU Impreza are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.
Where does this 2008 SUBARU Impreza problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 2008 SUBARU Impreza comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
Other Years - SUBARU Impreza
2025 Problems
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2018 Problems
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2016 Problems
2015 Problems
2014 Problems
2013 Problems
2012 Problems
2011 Problems
2010 Problems
2009 Problems
2007 Problems
2006 Problems
2005 Problems
2004 Problems
2003 Problems
2002 Problems
2001 Problems
2000 Problems
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