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.
2009 Subaru WRXProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 41 owner complaints about the 2009 Subaru WRX, most often about the power train. It is covered by 10 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 January 2, 2020. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2009 Subaru WRX has problems
41 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
33Power train
13Structure
11Service brakes
4Engine
3Vehicle speed control
1Traction control system
1Fuel/propulsion system
1Air bags
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 33 | 0 |
| Structure | 13 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 11 | 0 |
| Engine | 4 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 3 | 0 |
| Traction control system | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 1 | 0 |
| Air bags | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
10 recalls
2009 Subaru WRX 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 6 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 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other…
repaired · 2023 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other…
repaired · 2023 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other…
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.
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?
66kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 32 power train complaints. 94% were reported before 100,000 miles.
1under 30k miles30under 100k miles2100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2009 vs. every other WRX 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 WRX median. How we score
'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
In owners' words
What WRX owners report
Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
FAILED WELDS CONNECTING PEDAL PANEL TO THE FIREWALL. RESULTS IN LOUD SQUEAKING WHEN CLUTCH PEDAL IS DEPRESSED/RELEASED AND CAR IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO GET IN OR OUT OF GEAR. CAUSES MOVEMENT OF BRAKE PEDAL AS WELL WHICH COULD CAUSE MAJOR ISSUES. THIS HAPPENS MOVING AND PARKED
THE WELDS WHERE THE CLUTCH PEDAL ATTACHES TO THE FIREWALL ARE BREAKING. THE SAME BRACKET IS ATTACHED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE ENTIRE BRAKE & CLUTCH ASSEMBLY COULD BREAK OFF OF THE FIREWALL. THIS COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF BRAKING.
WHEN I BOUGHT MY CAR USED AT A DEALERSHIP, IT WAS THE FIRST TIME I HAD DRIVEN A SUBARU WRX. I THOUGHT THAT IT WAS NORMAL FOR THE BRAKE TO MOVE SLIGHTLY WHEN PRESSING DOWN ON THE CLUTCH. THEN, RECENTLY, I STARTED GETTING A CLICKING SOUND FROM UNDERNEATH THE CAR, TOWARDS THE ENGINE. AFTER RESEARCHING…
Own a 2009 WRX?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.