Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2008 Subaru Impreza
The 2008 Subaru Impreza has several recalls related to airbag inflator modules, ignition switches, brake light switches, and hydraulic brakes. Complaints emphasize issues with the powertrain, airbags, and structure. Consider checking these areas thoroughly or confirming recall repairs were completed before purchase.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2008 Subaru Impreza has 15 NHTSA recall campaigns and 176 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #20V001000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V002000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V003000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V297000 Ignition Switch may Turn Off NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V149000 Brake Lights May Not Illuminate NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V026000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V014000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V016000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V738000 Power Relay may Fail Allowing Air Pump to Overheat NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V359000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V358000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V830000 Brake Line Corrosion at Four-Way Connector NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V311000 Brake Lines may Fail due to Corrosion NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #09E011000 AFTERMARKET ROOF MOUNTED LOAD CARRIERS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #08V460000 ENGINE OIL SUPPLY PIPE NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Power Train 59 complaints
- Air Bags 37 complaints
- Structure 24 complaints
- Visibility 24 complaints
- Engine and Engine Cooling 14 complaints
- Service Brakes 14 complaints
Of the 176 complaints on file, 9 report a crash and 4 a fire; across all 176 complaints, owners report 9 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Airbag inflator may fail
How to check: Verify if recall service on airbags was done.
Ignition switch can break
How to check: Test ignition for smooth key operation.
Brake light switch malfunction
How to check: Ensure brake lights illuminate properly.
Hydraulic brake line corrosion
How to check: Check brake lines for rust or corrosion.
Turbo oil supply pipe assembly issue
How to check: Inspect for oil leaks around turbo area.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual noises or hesitations.
Red flag: Loud knocking or hesitation
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check dashboard warning lights.
Red flag: Persistent warning lights on
- 03
Initial acceleration
What to check: Ensure smooth gear shifts without clunks.
Red flag: Jerking or noise during shifts
- 04
City driving
What to check: Test brakes for responsiveness.
Red flag: Spongy brake response
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Listen for engine strain or misfire.
Red flag: Noticeable engine misfire
- 06
Cruising at speed
What to check: Check for steering wheel vibration.
Red flag: Excessive vibration
- 07
Parking maneuvers
What to check: Feel for clutch engagement (if manual).
Red flag: Clutch slips or jerks
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the airbag recall been completed?
- Any recent issues with the ignition switch?
- Have the brake lines been replaced or serviced?
- Has the turbo oil pipe assembly been updated?
- Were any dashboard warning lights ever persistent?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall repair completion documentation
- Full vehicle maintenance records
- Detailed repair invoices
- Vehicle title and registration
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2008 Subaru Impreza at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
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This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.