2008 Subaru Impreza: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2008 Subaru Impreza? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 209 complaints, with Transmission / Drivetrain as the top reported area.
2008 Subaru Impreza Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 8 2008 Subaru Impreza trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 8 trims analysed.
2008 Subaru Impreza Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2008 Subaru Impreza 4-DR Wagon w/SABOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated10.3% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
10.3% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2008 Subaru Impreza has 209 owner complaints, 10 crash-related complaints, and 15 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Transmission / Drivetrain. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Subaru
- Model
- Impreza
- Model year
- 2008
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 209
- Crash-related complaints
- 10
- Safety recall campaigns
- 15
- Top reported component
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 22
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 20 / 27
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Optional
Most Common 2008 Subaru Impreza Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Engine Problems
Airbag Malfunctions
Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Engine Problems, Airbag Malfunctions. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2008 Subaru Impreza?
The 2008 Subaru Impreza shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2008 Subaru Impreza
Inspection Focus
- Inspect transmission/drivetrain for known issues and request service records.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and airbag systems.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect transmission/drivetrain for known issues and request service records.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and airbag systems.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2008 Subaru Impreza, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2008 Subaru Impreza are concentrated in the transmission/drivetrain, engine, and airbag systems. The data suggests potential issues with these components, but the low confidence level and limited model year range mean patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Transmission/drivetrain complaints account for the largest share of reported issues.
- Engine problems and airbag malfunctions are also frequently reported.
- Crash-related complaints are relatively low at 10 out of 209 total complaints.
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Engine Problems
- Airbag Malfunctions
All 2008 Subaru Impreza Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2008 Subaru Impreza. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 70 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 42 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 41 | 6 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 30 | — | 1 | — | |
| Brake System | 27 | 2 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 24 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 9 | — | 4 | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 9 | 2 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 8 | 1 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 7 | 2 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | 1 | — | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electric | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2008 Subaru Impreza. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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 f…
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…
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.
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 …
FUEL PUMP CONNECTOR BURNT , GASOLINE IN CONNECTION AND PUMP STOPPED WORKING. NO START.
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 B…
SUBARU IS UNABLE TO REPAIR MY VEHICLE FOR ALMOST A MONTH, I USE MY VEHICLE FOR WORK AND THIS RECALL IS POTENTIALLY DEADLY.
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.
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…
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 FR…
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 SUPER…
3 OF 7 SPOT WELDS HAVE FAILED FOR PEDAL ASSEMBLY SUPPORT BRACKET. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM FAILED DUE TO THE DESIGN OF THE ENGINE VALVES. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE IN SNOWY WEATHER. AN INDEPENDENT MECH…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM FAILED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE IN SNOWY WEATHER. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE AIR VALV…
MY SONS VEHICLE STARTED OFF WITH A SQUEAKING NOISE WHEN HE DEPRESSED THE CLUTCH. THIS WENT ON FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS HE IS NOW HAVING DIFFICULTY SHIFTING THE CAR INTO GEAR AND IT NEARLY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT THE OTHER DAY. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY, AND THE CLUTCH IS TOTALLY…
FUEL LEAK , TANK NEED TO BE REPLACED. FIND THE LEAK IN MY GARAGE
THE FIRE WALL BROKE AND THE PISTONS HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS THEN IT BLEW THE CRANK
BOTH HEADLIGHTS GOING OUT AT THE SAME TIME. THIS HAS HAPPENED ABOUT TEN TIMES OVER THE LAST FOUR YEARS AND NOW I HAVE NO HEADLIGHTS. I HAVE TRIED THREE DIFFERENT HEADLIGHTS IN THE LAST MONTH, THE FIRST TWO WORKED BRIEFLY AND THE LAST ONE FROM SUBARU DID NOT WORK AT ALL. FROM 20…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUBARU IMPREZA. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED DURING THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED EVERY 20,000 MILES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER (GRAND PRIX…
PROBLEM BEGAN WITH A SQUEAKING SOUND AND WOULD CLICK WHEN DEPRESSING CLUTCH. THEN THE CLUTCH PEDAL WOULD STICK AND NOT COME BACK UP. CLUTCH PEDAL UNABLE TO COMPLETELY ENGAGE MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO GET THE CAR INTO GEAR. MOVEMENT IN CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL CAUSING HAZARD WHILE DRIVING …
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2008 Subaru Impreza.
2008 Subaru Impreza Recalls
15 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2008 Subaru Impreza. 15 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2008 Subaru Impreza Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2008 Subaru Impreza reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 209 owner complaints, 10 crash-related complaints, and 15 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2008 Subaru Impreza shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Subaru Impreza?▾
#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (70 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (42 complaints). #3: Airbag Malfunctions (41 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2008 Subaru Impreza?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2008 Subaru Impreza?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2008 Subaru Impreza, NHTSA complaints include 10 crash-related reports and 4 fire reports out of 209 total complaints. 9 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2008 Subaru Impreza have any recalls?▾
Yes. 15 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2008 Subaru Impreza. A major recall area is EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH. 15 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2008 Subaru Impreza?▾
The 2008 Subaru Impreza shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Transmission / Drivetrain during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Subaru Impreza reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2008 Subaru Impreza based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.