NHTSA vehicle safety data

2008 Subaru Impreza Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2008 Subaru Impreza has 15 NHTSA recall campaigns and 176 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Subaru dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2008 Subaru Impreza, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

Pre-purchase inspection checklist → Reliability & 5-year cost forecast →

2008 Subaru Impreza owner complaints

Owners have filed 176 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 Subaru Impreza, describing incidents dated September 11, 2007 to April 15, 2024.

Most-cited components

Power Train 59 complaints
Air Bags 37 complaints
Engine 27 complaints
Visibility/Wiper 25 complaints
Structure 24 complaints
Service Brakes 21 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).

Newest complaints

ODI #11589791 · Filed May 20, 2024
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…
ODI #11544256 · Filed September 13, 2023
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…
ODI #11542030 · Filed September 1, 2023
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.

Read all 176 complaints

Owner-reported

2008 Subaru Impreza mileage at failure

134 of the 176 complaints on file for the 2008 Subaru Impreza give the vehicle's mileage when the problem happened.

Mileage at failure by component, from owners' complaints to NHTSA
Component	Median	Middle half	Based on
Power Train	Median 70,000 miles	Middle half 45,000–90,000 miles	Based on 53 complaints

A component's median is its 50th percentile, and its middle half runs from its 25th to its 75th percentile.

Owners give the mileage themselves, often as a round number, and NHTSA doesn't check it. A complaint that names several components counts under each one, and mileages that can't be right, such as 999,999, or 50 miles on a five-year-old car, are left out.

These figures describe the complaints owners filed. They don't predict when a particular vehicle will have a problem, and vehicles that never had one aren't counted.

Mileage from NHTSA's complaints file of October 31, 2026. How these figures are worked out

Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode

NHTSA #20V001000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Passenger Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice

Reported January 2, 2020 · Subaru of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 258,813 vehicles

Repair completion: 89.22% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Subaru campaign TKA-20 · Owners notified January 7, 2020 · Vehicles built November 5, 2002 – July 17, 2011 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Recall group: Takata airbag inflators

Defect description

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (STI included), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Safety consequence

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Manufacturer remedy

Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators with alternate inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-20.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode

NHTSA #20V002000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Passenger Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice

Reported January 2, 2020 · Subaru of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 127,547 vehicles

Repair completion: 83.87% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Subaru campaign TKB-20 · Owners notified January 7, 2020 · Vehicles built January 10, 2003 – June 27, 2011 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Recall group: Takata airbag inflators

Defect description

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Safety consequence

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Manufacturer remedy

Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-20.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode

NHTSA #20V003000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Passenger Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice

Reported January 2, 2020 · Subaru of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 111,562 vehicles

Repair completion: 82.31% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Subaru campaign TKC-20 · Owners notified January 7, 2020 · Vehicles built January 9, 2003 – June 20, 2011 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Recall group: Takata airbag inflators

Defect description

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Safety consequence

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Manufacturer remedy

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Ignition Switch may Turn Off

NHTSA #19V297000 · Electrical System — Ignition — Switch · NHTSA notice

Reported April 11, 2019 · Subaru of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 511 vehicles

Repair completion: 63.93% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Subaru campaign WUF-91 · Owners notified May 10, 2019 · Vehicles built July 3, 2007 – May 11, 2011 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, 2008-2011 Impreza vehicles, 2008-2014 WRX vehicles, 2005-2014 Legacy vehicles, 2005-2014 Outback vehicles and 2006-2008 Tribeca vehicles equipped with a mechanical key ignition switch installed as a replacement part. The ball spring inside the switch may break, reducing the strength of the ignition switch. If this occurs, the weight on the key ring and certain road conditions could cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position to the accessory position, turning off the engine.

Safety consequence

The engine turning off unexpectedly can increase the risk of a crash. If a crash occurs under this condition, the air bag may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.

Manufacturer remedy

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ignition switch, replacing the ignition switch, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 10, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUF-91.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Brake Lights May Not Illuminate

NHTSA #19V149000 · Exterior Lighting — Brake Lights — Switch · NHTSA notice

Reported February 28, 2019 · Subaru of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 1,303,530 vehicles

Repair completion: 78.3% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Subaru campaign WUE-90 · Owners notified April 15, 2019 · Vehicles built April 26, 2007 – October 28, 2016 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing the brake lights from illuminating and also preventing keyless ignition vehicles from starting and CVT/automatic transmissions from being able to be shifted out of Park.

Safety consequence

Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture

NHTSA #17V026000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Passenger Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice

Reported January 11, 2017 · Subaru of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 69,529 vehicles

Repair completion: 93.64% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Subaru campaign TKB-17 · Owners notified March 6, 2017 · Vehicles built June 16, 2005 – May 28, 2009 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Recall group: Takata airbag inflators

Defect description

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Baja, 2009 Forester, Legacy and Outback and 2006-2009 Impreza (including WRX and STI models) and Tribeca vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Safety consequence

An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Manufacturer remedy

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-17.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture

NHTSA #17V014000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Passenger Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice

Reported January 10, 2017 · Subaru of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 53,480 vehicles

Repair completion: 97.17% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Subaru campaign TKA-17 · Owners notified March 6, 2017 · Vehicles built July 4, 2005 – August 30, 2011 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Recall group: Takata airbag inflators

Defect description

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Subaru Baja, 2006-2011 Impreza (including WRX and STI models), 2006-2012 Tribeca, 2009-2012 Forester, Legacy, Outback, and 2012 WRX vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Safety consequence

An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Manufacturer remedy

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-17.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture

NHTSA #17V016000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Passenger Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice

Reported January 10, 2017 · Subaru of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 62,764 vehicles

Repair completion: 88.97% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Subaru campaign TKC-17 · Owners notified March 8, 2017 · Vehicles built May 31, 2005 – July 3, 2008 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Recall group: Takata airbag inflators

Defect description

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Baja, 2006-2008 Impreza (including WRX and STI models), Tribeca, and 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles, originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Safety consequence

An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Manufacturer remedy

Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 8, 2017. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-17.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Power Relay may Fail Allowing Air Pump to Overheat

NHTSA #16V738000 · Electrical System · NHTSA notice

Reported October 13, 2016 · Subaru of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 100,127 vehicles

Repair completion: 60.9% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Subaru campaign WTM-73 · Owners notified December 16, 2016 · Vehicles built April 26, 2007 – September 13, 2013 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2008-2014 Impreza vehicles and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, all equipped with turbo-charged engines. The relay that controls the secondary air injection pump may fail, causing the pump to continuously operate and overheat.

Safety consequence

If the air injection pump overheats, it may melt and increase the risk of a fire.

Manufacturer remedy

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary air injection pump relay, free of charge. The recall began December 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTM-73.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture

NHTSA #16V359000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Passenger Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice

Reported May 25, 2016 · Subaru of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 146,010 vehicles

Repair completion: 88.01% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Subaru campaign TKB-16 · Owners notified August 24, 2016 · Vehicles built May 27, 2005 – July 3, 2008 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Recall group: Takata airbag inflators

Defect description

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy, Outback, 2006-2008 Impreza, Tribeca, 2006 Saab 9-2x, and 2003-2006 Baja vehicles originally sold or that have ever been registered in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." These vehicles may be equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Safety consequence

An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Manufacturer remedy

Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 24, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-856-488-8500. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-16. Note: This notice is only for vehicles that were not covered by 16V-358 for Zone A.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture

NHTSA #16V358000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Passenger Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice

Reported May 25, 2016 · Subaru of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 302,127 vehicles

Repair completion: 94.44% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Subaru campaign TKA-16 · Owners notified July 22, 2016 · Vehicles built May 27, 2005 – July 20, 2011 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Recall group: Takata airbag inflators

Defect description

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy, Outback, 2009-2011 Legacy, Outback, Forester, 2006-2011 Impreza, Tribeca, 2003-2006 Baja, and 2006 Saab 9-2x vehicles originally sold or that have ever been registered in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." These vehicles may be equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Safety consequence

An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Manufacturer remedy

Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 26, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-856-488-8500. Saab owners may contact GM at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-16.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Brake Line Corrosion at Four-Way Connector

NHTSA #14V830000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · NHTSA notice

Reported December 31, 2014 · Subaru of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 200,064 vehicles

Repair completion: 79.36% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Subaru campaign WQQ-52 · Owners notified January 27, 2015 · Vehicles built April 23, 2007 – June 30, 2008 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Impreza, 2008-2014 WRX and STI, and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, currently, or formerly, registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia that were remedied under recall 14V-311 prior to December 23, 2014. The brake lines may experience brake line corrosion due to salt water splashing on the brake lines through a gap in the fuel tank protector.

Safety consequence

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 crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will apply an anti-corrosion wax to the four-way joint connector area of the brake line system, free of charge. The recall began on January 27, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQQ-52. Notes: This recall is specific to affected Forester, Impreza, WRX, and STI customers who had their car remedied under NHTSA recall no. 14V-311 prior to December 23, 2014. Subaru has determined that this remedy was inadequate due to incomplete repair instructions provided to dealers. Affected Forester, Impreza, WRX, and STI vehicles that were not repaired under NHTSA recall no. 14V-311 prior to December 23, 2014 will continue to be processed under NHTSA recall no. 14V-311. Affected vehicles not currently, or formerly, registered in the salt belt states identified in this recall are eligible for repair, at no cost to the customer, upon request.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Brake Lines may Fail due to Corrosion

NHTSA #14V311000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Foundation Components — Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings · NHTSA notice

Reported June 10, 2014 · Subaru of America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 461,338 vehicles

Repair completion: 44.84% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Subaru campaign WQK-47 · Owners notified July 23, 2014 · Vehicles built April 1, 2007 – July 30, 2008 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Outback and Legacy, 2008-2011 Impreza and 2008-2014 Impreza WRX/STI, and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, currently, or formerly, registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Salt water could splash on the brake lines through a gap in the fuel tank protector, resulting in excessive corrosion of the brake lines. Note that affected vehicles not currently, or formerly registered, in the salt belt states identified above are eligible for repair, at no cost to the customer, upon request.

Safety consequence

Brake line corrosion may result in brake fluid leakage. Fluid leakage may result in longer distances being required to slow or stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will test the brake system by depressing the brake pedal and inspecting for brake fluid leaks. If no brake fluid seepage is observed, the affected areas will be rustproofed with anti-corrosion wax. If brake fluid seepage is observed, the brake lines will be replaced followed by rustproofing with anti-corrosion wax. These services will be performed free of charge. The recall began July 2014 and second notifications will run through November 2014. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's recall campaign number is WQK-47. Note: This recall supersedes recall 13V-110 which applied to certain 2005-2009 Legacy/Outback vehicles. Vehicles that were remedied under the previous campaign still need additional areas rust-proofed.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

AFTERMARKET ROOF MOUNTED LOAD CARRIERS

NHTSA #09E011000 · Equipment · NHTSA notice

Reported April 2, 2009 · THULE, INC.

Potentially affected: 2,323 vehicles

Owners notified April 17, 2009

Defect description

THULE, INC. IS RECALLING 2,323 OWNER-INSTALLED ROOF-MOUNTED FIT KITS, MODELS 3068 AND 3069, MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 2008 AND FEBRUARY 28, 2009 THAT ARE USED WITH THULE PODIUM FOOT PACKS, MODELS 460 AND 460R. THESE FIT KITS WERE SOLD AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE BOLT(S) USED TO SECURE THE FOOT TO THE VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED TO A HARDNESS THAT MAY CAUSE THE BOLT(S) TO BE BRITTLE AND POTENTIALLY BREAK UNDER STRESS.

Safety consequence

THIS MAY RESULT IN THE BOLT(S) SNAPPING OFF DURING USE OR WITHOUT A LOAD. THE UNSECURED RACK AND LOAD CAN THEN COME LOOSE WHILE DRIVING CREATING A POTENTIAL ROAD HAZARD, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

THULE WILL MAIL A RETRO FIT KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS TO OWNERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE APRIL 13, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THULE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-238-2388.

Notes

THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO THULE AFTERMARKET ROOF MOUNTED LOAD CARRIERS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON THE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

ENGINE OIL SUPPLY PIPE

NHTSA #08V460000 · Engine and Engine Cooling — Engine · NHTSA notice

Reported September 11, 2008 · SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

Potentially affected: 16,715 vehicles

Subaru campaign WVF-16 · Owners notified October 20, 2008 · Vehicles built June 12, 2006 – January 17, 2008 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

SUBARU IS RECALLING 16,715 MY 2007-2008 LEGACY SEDANS AND WAGONS, MY 2008 IMPREZA SEDANS AND WAGONS, AND MY 2009 FORESTER VEHICLES. SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE THE CYLINDER HEAD-SIDE OIL SUPPLY PIPE AND TURBOCHARGER-SIDE PIPE IMPROPERLY ASSEMBLED.

Safety consequence

VIBRATION WOULD OCCUR WHILE DRIVING AND, OVER TIME, COULD EVENTUALLY RESULT IN CRACKING THE PIPE WHICH WOULD ALLOW OIL TO LEAK. IF LEAKING OIL CONTACTS COMPONENTS OPERATING AT HIGH TEMPERATURES, AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR CRACKING OR AN OIL LEAK AT THE OIL SUPPLY PIPE AT THE CYLINDER HEAD-SIDE. AN ADDITIONAL BRACKET WILL BE INSTALLED TO INCREASE RIGIDITY OF THE PIPE AND THE PIPE ASSEMBLY WILL BE REPLACED WITH A MODIFIED PART. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 20, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.

Notes

SUBARU RECALL NO. WVF-16.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

2008 Subaru Impreza 4-DR w/SAB

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 5, Passenger: 5

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 5, Passenger: 4

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

10% rollover risk

Safety Technology

2008 Subaru Impreza 4-DR Wagon w/SAB

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 5, Passenger: 5

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 5, Passenger: 4

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

10% rollover risk

Safety Technology

176 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2008 Subaru Impreza.

Unknown or Other

ODI #11589791

Incident: April 15, 2024 · Filed: May 20, 2024

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!!

Power Train

ODI #11544256

Incident: July 13, 2019 · Filed: September 13, 2023

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.

Electrical System

ODI #11542030

Fire

Incident: August 31, 2023 · Filed: September 1, 2023

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.

Exterior Lighting

ODI #11490792

Incident: October 25, 2022 · Filed: October 25, 2022

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.

Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11316936

Incident: March 9, 2020 · Filed: March 9, 2020

FUEL PUMP CONNECTOR BURNT , GASOLINE IN CONNECTION AND PUMP STOPPED WORKING. NO START.

Power Train; Structure

ODI #11310395

Incident: January 24, 2020 · Filed: February 20, 2020

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.

Air Bags

ODI #11307107

Incident: February 4, 2020 · Filed: February 4, 2020

SUBARU IS UNABLE TO REPAIR MY VEHICLE FOR ALMOST A MONTH, I USE MY VEHICLE FOR WORK AND THIS RECALL IS POTENTIALLY DEADLY.

Structure; Service Brakes

ODI #11287844

Incident: November 19, 2019 · Filed: December 9, 2019

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.

Suspension; Service Brakes; Engine

ODI #11243155

Incident: November 22, 2018 · Filed: August 11, 2019

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.

Air Bags; Unknown or Other

ODI #11221633

Crash 1 injury

Incident: June 17, 2019 · Filed: June 21, 2019

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?

Other Subaru Impreza model years

Check your 2008 Subaru Impreza VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Subaru Impreza at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

Check a Subaru VIN