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⚡ NHTSA Official DataUpdated: Jun 2026How we calculate this
Notable Issues

2009 Subaru Impreza: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict

Shopping for a used 2009 Subaru Impreza? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 112 complaints, with Transmission / Drivetrain as the top reported area.

112
Complaints
2
Crashes
3
Fires
2
Injuries
—
Deaths
15
Recalls

2009 Subaru Impreza Fuel Economy

✓ EPA Official Data

EPA-rated fuel economy across 8 2009 Subaru Impreza trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.

20
MPG City
18–20 range
26
MPG Hwy
24–27 range
22
MPG Combined
21–22 range
404
g CO₂/mile
Regular Gasoline
⚠️Costs $3,250 more than avg vehicle over 5 years

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 8 trims analysed.

2009 Subaru Impreza Safety Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2009 Subaru Impreza 4-DR Wagon w/SAB

Official crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.

Overall

Not Rated

10.3% rollover risk

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Side Crash

Not Rated

Rollover

4/5

10.3% probability

✓Stability Control: Standard○Forward Collision Warning: No○Lane Departure Warning: No

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.

Quick Answer

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2009 Subaru Impreza has 112 owner complaints, 2 crash-related complaints, and 15 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Transmission / Drivetrain. NHTSA reliability signal: Notable Issues.

2009 Subaru Impreza — key reliability facts
Make
Subaru
Model
Impreza
Model year
2009
NHTSA owner complaints
112
Crash-related complaints
2
Safety recall campaigns
15
Top reported component
Transmission / Drivetrain
Reliability signal
Notable Issues
EPA MPG combined
22
EPA MPG city / highway
20 / 26
Fuel type
Regular Gasoline
NHTSA rollover rating
4/5 stars
Electronic stability control
Standard
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Most Common 2009 Subaru Impreza Problems

Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.

#1
30
complaints

Transmission / Drivetrain

#2
28
complaints

Engine Problems

#3
22
complaints

Structural Problems

Crash-related:1

Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Engine Problems, Structural Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.

Should You Buy a Used 2009 Subaru Impreza?

The 2009 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 2009 Subaru Impreza

Inspection Focus

  • Inspect transmission/drivetrain for signs of failure or unusual behavior.
  • Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
  • Request service records for engine and transmission repairs.
  • Have a mechanic inspect structural components and brakes before purchase.

Before You Close the Deal

  • Inspect transmission/drivetrain for signs of failure or unusual behavior.
  • Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
  • Request service records for engine and transmission repairs.
  • Have a mechanic inspect structural components and brakes before purchase.

Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.

Before buying a used 2009 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 2009 Subaru Impreza are concentrated in the transmission/drivetrain and engine, with structural issues also notable. Crash-related complaints are very few, but the overall confidence in this data is low due to limited sample size.

Key Findings
  • Transmission/drivetrain complaints account for the largest share of reported issues.
  • Engine problems are the second most common complaint category.
  • Structural problems, brake system, and airbag malfunctions each have double-digit complaints.
Top Concerns
  • Transmission / Drivetrain issues are the most frequently reported component problem.
  • Engine Problems are a recurring theme in complaints.
  • Structural Problems, including body integrity, are also commonly cited.
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect. The low confidence level indicates the data may not be representative of all vehicles. Only 112 complaints for a single model year limits statistical reliability.

All 2009 Subaru Impreza Complaints by Category

Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2009 Subaru Impreza. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Transmission / Drivetrain30———
Engine Problems28———
Structural Problems221——
Brake System1521—
Airbag Malfunctions131——
Unintended Acceleration9———
Electrical Faults8—2—
Uncategorized Issues71——
Fuel/Propulsion System5———
Headlight/Taillight Failures3———
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)3———
Fuel System3———
Gasoline3———
Wheel Issues2———
Seat Belt Issues21——
Visibility/Wiper2———
Tire Issues2———
Seat-Related Issues1———
Steering Defects1———
Hydraulic1———
Equipment1———
Visibility1———

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 2009 Subaru Impreza. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

🔍

Showing 112 most recent complaints

Electrical FaultsNov 26, 2025

Odometer Fraud. The contact recently purchased a 2009 Subaru Impreza. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 189,822. The contact stated that the vehicle experience…

Transmission / DrivetrainJul 17, 2023

The contact owns a 2009 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the transmission failed to properly shift. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over on the side of the road and shut off the vehicle. Once the contact restarted the v…

Electrical FaultsJan 14, 2023

There was a brake light switch failure which was under recall. The failure caused a short in my electrical system and wires in my bulk head wiring harness melted and fused together causing a ultimate failure of the vehicle being able to start. The vehicle was towed to subaru, the…

Engine ProblemsAug 23, 2022

The head gaskets have failed multiple times with this vehicle within a 6 month timeframe. The head gaskets have been a reported recall issue for other models of Subaru Impreza's except the non-turbo ones which this one is. The shop where is has been repaired at repairs several Su…

Headlight/Taillight FailuresJun 19, 2022

1. The weakness (dimness) of the low beams is a DANGEROUS situation. The assemblies are not dirty or oxidized; the low beam height was properly adjusted; Tested the power going to each light and it showed 14 volts; Bought some high power LED bulbs which didn't help. I am very hes…

Airbag MalfunctionsJun 9, 2021

The problem: like over 50% of adult Americans, I am female. I am 5' 3.5" tall (average for N. America, folks!) and weigh 109 lbs. I am also 66 years old and it's likely that despite my very active lifestyle (I'm a backpacker etc.), my bones are more brittle than a 25-y.o. man's…

Uncategorized IssuesNov 23, 2020

SEVERAL HOURS AFTER HAVING WORK PERFORMED ON MY CAR, I WAS TURNING LEFT FROM ONE ROAD TO ANOTHER, BOTH WITH SPEED LIMITS AROUND 40 MPH. WHILE TURNING LEFT AND SIMULTANEOUSLY SHIFTING FROM 4TH TO 2ND GEAR. WHILE TRAVELING ABOUT 15 MPH IN THE MIDDLE OF THE TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL …

Transmission / DrivetrainJul 25, 2020

THE FIREWALL PREVENTS THE VEHICLE FROM ENGAGING IN GEARS WHILE DRIVING

Transmission / DrivetrainJul 20, 2020

09 WRX HATCH, WHEN THE CLUTCH IS DEPRESSED IT WILL MAKE A CREAKING NOISE. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE FIREWALL FLEXES A LOT WHILE THE CLUTCH IS PRESSED IN. IT IS GETTING LOUDER AND IS STARTING TO AFFECT THE BRAKE PEDAL BY MOVING IT EVERYTIME THE CLUTCH IS DEPRESSED.

Electronic Stability Control (Esc)Jul 20, 2020

09 WRX HATCH, THE TRACTION CONTROL AND HILL ASSIST LIGHTS WILL ILLUMINATE SPORADICALLY. AFTER THE VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF AND THEN BACK ON , EVERYTHING WORKS FINE. I HAVEN'T FOUND ANY VARIABLES THAT ARE CONSISTENT. IT DOESN'T MATTER IF IT'S RAIN OR SHINE, HOT OR COLD, BOTH LIGHTS W…

Structural ProblemsApr 30, 2020

MY CAR JUST BROKE ON ME. THE SHOP SHOWED ME HOW THE FIREWALL WAS BUILT ON THESE MODELS AND HOW IT WAS CHANGED FROM PREVIOUS MODELS. I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO WORRRY ABOUT THE FIREWALL BREAKING ON ME WITH ONLY 100K MILES ON MY CAR. THIS IS DANGEROUS THE FIREWALL BROKE ON ME WHILE DRIVI…

Engine ProblemsFeb 10, 2020

HEAD GASKET FAILURE AT 80,000 MILES. LEAKED OUT 1.5 QUARTS OF OIL ON ROAD TRIP

Structural ProblemsJan 25, 2020

HAD A CLUTCH REPAIR DONE ON CAR AFTER THE REPAIR WAS FINISHED THE MECHANIC NOTED THAT THE FIREWALL ON CAR WAS CRACKED. THE CAR WAS STATIONARY AFTER LOOKING ON THE INTERNET AND NOTED THAT THE SUBARU WRX IMPRIZA FROM 2009-214 HAD A PROBLEM WITH FIRE WALL FATIGUE WHEN THE CLUTCH AND…

Transmission / DrivetrainJan 5, 2020

SUBARU OF AMERICA INC. SHOULD RECALL 2008-2014 IMPREZA, IMPREZA WRX, AND IMPREZA WRX STI. THESE VEHICLES JUST ABOVE THE DRIVERS FEET, USE 6 SPOTS WELDS TO HOLD A MOUNTING BRACKET FOR THE PEDAL ASSEMBLY TO THE INSIDE OF THE FIREWALL.THIS DESIGN FLAW, WHERE THE PEDAL MOUNTING BOX I…

Steering DefectsDec 21, 2019

MOTOR WENT OUT WITH 72000 MILES WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY DRIVING. TRANSFER CASE BEARINGS SHOT. POWER STEERING RACK DONE AND FIREWALL HAS CRACKED FOR A 2ND TIME. SUBARU ARE PROBABLY THE MOST UNSAFE VEHICLES ON THE ROAD.

Electrical FaultsOct 4, 2019

COMPRESSING CLUTCH PEDAL CLICKS 3 TIMES LOUDLY WHEN CAR IS ON OR OFF. SOUNDS LIKE UNDER DRIVERS DASHBOARD. *TR THE CONSUMER STATED AIR BAG LIGHT ON, HORN ISNT WORKING, AND STEERING WHEEL IS OFF CENTER. *TR

Structural Problems💥 CrashSep 6, 2019

I CALLED SUBARU ALMOST 5 MONTHS AGO WHEN I CAME ACROSS THERE WAS A RECALL ON BRAKES SINCE WE WERE HAVING THE ISSUE OF THE BRAKES FLASHING AND THE VEHICLE NOT SHIFTING. MANUFACTURER RECALL #: WUE90 ON 2-28-19. NHTSA RECALL #: 19V149000. WHEN I CALLED THEY SAID THEY DID NOT HAVE T…

Airbag MalfunctionsAug 16, 2019

TAKATA RECALL. I WENT TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY WOULD EITHER REQUIRE ME TO PAY TO HAVE AFTERMARKET GUAGES REMOVED PRIOR TO THEM PERFORMING THE RECALL, OR THEY WOULD NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGE THEY CAUSED TO MY AFTERMARKET GUAGES WHILE PERFORMING THE RECALL. THE…

Structural ProblemsJul 10, 2019

TODAY (JULY 10, 2019) I DISCOVERED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR DOOR OF MY 2009 IMPREZA WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE EVEN WHEN THE CHILD LOCK IS IN THE FREE POSITION. I HAVE A SIMILAR PROBLEM WITH THE SAME DOOR ON MY 2014 OUTBACK, IN THAT THE CHILD LOCK IS STUCK IN THE LOCKED POS…

Engine ProblemsJun 27, 2019

2009 SUBARU WITH LESS THAN 100,000 HAS A HEAD GASKET LINKING ONTO CATALITIC CONVERTER.HAD SAME PROBLEM WITH 2005 IMPREZA WITH 95,000 MILES .WHEN I BOUGHT 2009 I WAIT WAS TOLD PROBLEM HAD BEEN RESOLVED.OBVIOUSLY NOT ! NOW I HAVE TO PAY 1,600 DOLLARS TO HAVE IT REPAIRED.NOT HAPP…

Page 1 of 6

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2009 Subaru Impreza.

2009 Subaru Impreza Recalls

15 campaigns

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2009 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.

19V14900028/02/2019
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

20V003000Feb 1, 2020
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

20V001000Feb 1, 2020
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

20V002000Feb 1, 2020
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

19V297000Nov 4, 2019
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

18V014000Sep 1, 2018
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

18V013000Sep 1, 2018
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

18V012000Sep 1, 2018
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

17V014000Oct 1, 2017
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

17V026000Nov 1, 2017
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

16V73800013/10/2016
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

16V35800025/05/2016
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

14V311000Oct 6, 2014
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

14V83000031/12/2014
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

09E011000Feb 4, 2009
EQUIPMENT

Compare Subaru Impreza Model Years

Compare complaint and recall volume across years to see whether 2009 lands in a lower-risk or higher-risk part of the model timeline.

20252024202320222021202020192018201720162015201420132012201120102009200820072006200520042003200220012000

2009 Subaru Impreza Buying FAQ

Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.

Is the 2009 Subaru Impreza reliable?▾

Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 112 owner complaints, 2 crash-related complaints, and 15 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2009 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 2009 Subaru Impreza?▾

#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (30 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (28 complaints). #3: Structural Problems (22 complaints)

At what mileage do problems start on the 2009 Subaru Impreza?▾

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2009 Subaru Impreza?▾

Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2009 Subaru Impreza, NHTSA complaints include 2 crash-related reports and 3 fire reports out of 112 total complaints. 2 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2009 Subaru Impreza have any recalls?▾

Yes. 15 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2009 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 2009 Subaru Impreza?▾

The 2009 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 2009 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.