Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2009 Subaru Impreza
The 2009 Subaru Impreza has notable issues with airbag inflators and ignition switches, with several recalls addressing these components. Prospective buyers should inspect for electrical problems and be wary of engine and transmission complaints. Ensuring past recall repairs were completed is crucial.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2009 Subaru Impreza has 15 NHTSA recall campaigns and 104 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #20V003000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V001000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V002000 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 #18V014000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V013000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V012000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode 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 #16V738000 Power Relay may Fail Allowing Air Pump to Overheat 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
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Power Train 30 complaints
- Structure 22 complaints
- Service Brakes 14 complaints
- Engine 13 complaints
- Air Bags 12 complaints
- Vehicle Speed Control 9 complaints
Of the 104 complaints on file, 2 report a crash and 3 a fire; across all 104 complaints, owners report 2 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Passenger airbag inflator risk
How to check: Confirm airbag recall repairs were completed
Faulty ignition switch
How to check: Check if ignition turns smoothly; test multiple starts
Service brake hydraulic issues
How to check: Look for brake fluid leaks under the vehicle
Engine complaints reported
How to check: Check for irregular noises or smoke while idling
Power train complaints
How to check: Test for smooth gear shifts during driving
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises or smoke
Red flag: Persistent loud noises or noticeable smoke
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Observe dashboard warning lights
Red flag: Any warning lights remain on
- 03
City driving
What to check: Check smoothness of gear shifts
Red flag: Rough or delayed shifting
- 04
Braking at low speed
What to check: Ensure brakes respond quickly and smoothly
Red flag: Grinding or delayed braking
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Monitor acceleration for hesitation
Red flag: Sluggish or jerky acceleration
- 06
Sharp turn
What to check: Listen for suspension noise or steering issues
Red flag: Clunking sounds or resistance
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the airbag recall been addressed?
- Do you have records of past recall repairs?
- Any issues with the ignition switch?
- Has the braking system been serviced?
- Are there any known transmission problems?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall repair records
- Maintenance records
- Vehicle history report
- Title and registration
- Warranty documents, if applicable
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2009 Subaru Impreza at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
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