repaired · 2023 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
2008 Subaru ImprezaProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 176 owner complaints about the 2008 Subaru Impreza, most often about the power train. It is covered by 14 safety recalls, and for recall 14V-311 the manufacturer reports only 45% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through May 20, 2024. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2008 Subaru Impreza has problems
176 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
59Power train
37Air bags5 crash/fire/injury
24Visibility
24Structure1 crash/fire/injury
14Engine and engine cooling
14Service brakes
13Engine
8Electrical system
7Vehicle speed control
3416 other systems7 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 59 | 0 |
| Air bags | 37 | 5 |
| Visibility | 24 | 0 |
| Structure | 24 | 1 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 14 | 2 |
| Service brakes | 14 | 0 |
| Engine | 13 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 8 | 4 |
| Vehicle speed control | 7 | 1 |
| 16 other systems | 34 | 7 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
14 recalls
2008 Subaru Impreza recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2023 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2023 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2020 Q3
Ignition: switch
Risk. The engine turning off unexpectedly can increase the risk of a crash.
Show 10 more recalls
repaired · 2020 Q3
Brake lights: switch
Risk. Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.
repaired · 2023 Q1
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2023 Q1
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2023 Q1
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2018 Q1
Electrical system
Risk. If the air injection pump overheats, it may melt and increase the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2023 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2023 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2016 Q2
Service brakes, hydraulic
Risk. Brake fluid may leak due to the brake line corrosion and may result in longer distances being required to slow or stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a…
repaired · 2015 Q4
Foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Risk. Brake line corrosion may result in brake fluid leakage.
no report yet
Engine and engine cooling: engine
Risk. VIBRATION WOULD OCCUR WHILE DRIVING AND, OVER TIME, COULD EVENTUALLY RESULT IN CRACKING THE PIPE WHICH WOULD ALLOW OIL TO LEAK.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Subaru.
Mileage at failure
When do power train problems start?
69kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 53 power train complaints. 79% were reported before 100,000 miles.
4under 30k miles42under 100k miles11100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2008 vs. every other Impreza year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Impreza median. How we score
'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2008 Subaru Impreza safety ratings
2008 Subaru Impreza 4-DR Wagon w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Rollover: 4 stars (10.3% risk)
- Stability control: Optional
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What Impreza owners report
Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
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…
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,…
Own a 2008 Impreza?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.