2008 Subaru IMPREZA STI problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
33 owner complaints analyzed
0 distinct recall campaigns
30,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2008 model year. Data updated: . 29 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.
Owner-reported patterns
Most common problems
Power Train is the most frequently named component, appearing in 11 of 33 complaints (33.3%). A complaint can name multiple components.
Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic
Matching reports
Share of complaints
Braking behavior
9
27.3%
Transmission and shifting
1
3.0%
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
Power Train
11
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
8
Engine And Engine Cooling
6
Structure:Body
6
Service Brakes
5
Air Bags
3
Engine
2
Unknown Or Other
2
Component breakdown data
Category
Count
Power Train
11
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
8
Engine And Engine Cooling
6
Structure:Body
6
Service Brakes
5
Air Bags
3
Engine
2
Unknown Or Other
2
Power Train: 11; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine: 8; Engine And Engine Cooling: 6; Structure:Body: 6; Service Brakes: 5; Air Bags: 3; Engine: 2; Unknown Or Other: 2
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
Under 25,000
12
25,000 to 49,999
10
50,000 to 74,999
3
75,000 to 99,999
3
100,000 to 149,999
1
150,000 and above
0
Reported problems by failure mileage data
Category
Count
Under 25,000
12
25,000 to 49,999
10
50,000 to 74,999
3
75,000 to 99,999
3
100,000 to 149,999
1
150,000 and above
0
Under 25,000: 12; 25,000 to 49,999: 10; 50,000 to 74,999: 3; 75,000 to 99,999: 3; 100,000 to 149,999: 1; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (12). 4 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
Power Train leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 9 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
THE SUBARU STI SERIES KNOWN AS THE GR IS PRONE TO BREAKING PISTON RINGLANDS IF DETONATION EVER OCCURS, WHICH HAPPENS EASILY ON THIS ENGINE, WHICH IS NOW TUNED FOR MORE POWER YET FEWER EMISSIONS. THE RINGLAND BREAKAGE RESULTS IN POWER LOSS AND EXTREME OIL CONSUMPTION DUE TO BLOWBY AND IF NOT NOTICED IN TIME WILL LEAD TO ENGINE SEIZING. IF DRIVEN AGGRESSIVELY ENOUGH, THIS SEIZING DUE TO OIL LOSS CAN HAPPEN IN AS FEW AS 10 MINUTES. IT IS ALSO POSSIBLE FOR THE RINGLAND BREAKAGE TO BE SO SEVERE THAT THE ENGINE SPRAY-COATS A LARGE SECTION OF ROADW…
CAR HAS AN ENDEMIC PROBLEM WITH BREAKING PISTON RINGLANDS, RESULTING IN COPIOUS OIL CONSUMPTION AND EVENTUALLY A SEIZED ENGINE WHICH, IF IT HAPPENS ON THE HIGHWAY, CAN BE THE EQUIVALENT OF SLAMMING ON THE BRAKES IN TRAFFIC. ENDANGERING SURROUNDING VEHICLES AND THE VEHICLE'S DRIVER IF THE OIL FILM ON THE ROADWAY AND THE WINDSHIELDS OF FOLLOWING CARS DIDN'T ALREADY CAUSE THEM PROBLEMS. *TR
THERE IS A LOUD SQUEAK NOISE WHEN THE CLUTCH IS BEING PRESSED, AND AT TIMES WHEN THE STRUCTURE FLEXES,IT INTERFERES WITH CHANGING GEARS. NOT ONLY DOES IT INTERFERE WITH CHANGING GEARS BUT,IT ALSO CAUSES THE BREAK PEDAL ASSEMBLY MOVES WHEN PRESSING THE CLUTCH. I HAVE VERIFIED THAT SOME WELD SPOT HAVE BROKEN OFF AND HAVE BECOME LOOSE. THIS IS A BIG PROBLEM SEEING AS HOW IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE. WHEN IT COMPLETELY SEPARATES, DUE TO SHOTTY WELDING, NOT ONLY COULD THE CLUTCH GO OUT WHILE DRIVING BUT IT COULD CAUSE THE BREAKS TO GO OUT AS WELL. THIS IS …
Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.
Data completeness
33 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.
87.9%Usable mileage29 / 33 records
100.0%Valid incident date33 / 33 records
100.0%Valid filing date33 / 33 records
100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates33 / 33 records
Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.
Problems by model year
Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.
Component complaint heatmap
Component
2008
2009
Power Train
1133.3%ODI 10348399 · 30,000 mi
MAIN ROD BEARING FAILED WHILE DRIVING DUE TO SUBARU REDESIGNING THEIR BEARINGS AND NOT USING COPPER. CAR HAS 30,000 MILES ON ENGINE. BETWEEN ALL THE PISTON FAILURES AND BEARING FAILURES SUBARU SHOULD OWN UP AND TAKE CARE OF ITS LOYAL CUSTOMERS AS I DON'T KNOW IF I WILL EVER BUY ONE AGAIN. *TR
I OWN A 2008 STI AND HAVE JUST UNDER 6,000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE NEW WITH JUST UNDER 200 MILES ON IT IN DECEMBER OF 2008. IN JANUARY OF 2009, I BEGAN TO SEE WHITE SMOKE COMING OUT OF MY EXHAUST ON STARTUP. I HAD JUST OVER 1,200 MILES AT THE TIME. MY ENGINE FAILED SUFFERED A FAILURE AT JUST UNDER 2,000 MILES. SUBARU REPLACED THE ENGINE UNDER WARRANTY AND SENT ME ON MY WAY. FAST FORWARD TO JUNE OF 2009 AND NOW I'M BEING TOLD MY ENGINE HAS AGAIN FAILED DUE TO THE PISTON RINGLANDS CRACKING AND BREAKING OFF. THIS IS A WID…
THE FIREWALL IS FLEXING UNDER CLUTCH PEDAL MOVEMENT OR BRAKING. UPON RESEARCH I HAVE FOUND NUMEROUS CLAIMS BY 08/09 IMPREZA OWNERS OF SOFT WELDS ON THE FIREWALL CRACKING AND CAUSING THE FIREWALL TO FLEX UNDER OPERATION OF THE BRAKES OR CLUTCH. FURTHER FAILURE OF THE WELDS COULD CAUSE SERIOUS ACCIDENT IF BRAKING OR CLUTCH OPERATION IS FURTHER DEGRADED. SUBARU OF AMERICA DENIES THAT THERE ARE CLAIMS TO THIS EFFECT THOUGH THERE IS DOCUMENTATION ON THE INTERNET TO THE CONTRARY. ISSUE SHOULD CAUSE A RECALL AS IT IS QUITE COMMON AND A SERIOUS SAFETY …
THE AIRBAG LIGHT ON THE DASH DOES NOT SAY THE AIRBAG IS ON WHEN MY WIFE IS SITTING IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. SHE IS 103 POUNDS AND SHOULD TURN THE AIRBAG LIGHT ON ACCORDING TO SUBARU. THE AIRBAG LIGHT GOES ON WHEN I SIT IN THE SEAT (160POUNDS) OR WHEN ANYONE OVER SAY 130 POUNDS SITS IN IT. *TR
1. HAS HAPPENED SINCE CAR WAS NEW 2. PASSENGER AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHT SHOWS OFF AND ON INTERMITTENTLY WHILE SOMEONE IS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. OCCURS RANDOMLY WHEN ANYONE IS SEATED IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. CONSEQUENCES COULD INCLUDE INJURY TO THE PASSENGER IF THE AIRBAG DOES NOT DEPLOY WHEN IT SHOULD. 3. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE AS THIS IS A NEW CAR. *TR
PASSENGER AIR BAG DOES NOT TURN ON WHEN PASSENGER SITS ON IT. THE PASSENGER WEIGHS 105 POUNDS BUT IF SOMEONE FROM 120 POUNDS AND UP IT TURNS ON. THE 105 POUND PASSENGER HAS TO BOUNCE UP AND DOWN TO GET THE AIR BAG TO TURN ON SOMETIMES IT WORKS AND SOMETIMES IT DOESN'T. *TR
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND THE ENGINE STOPPED PRODUCING POWER. AFTER PULLING IT OVER IT WOULDN'T START. DEALERSHIP SAYS THE ENGINE IS TOAST AND IT WILL COST 10K. I HAVE DONE ALL THE REGULAR MAINTENANCE AND OIL CHANGES. AN ENGINE SHOULD NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED AT 77K MILES. MY TOYOTAS HAVE LASTED FOREVER. *TR
Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.
Failure mileage by component
Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.
Component failure mileage distribution
Component
Mileage range (25th–75th percentile)
Median
Usable records
Examples
Power Train
32,575–64,215 mi
53,500 mi
10
ODI 10348399 · 30,000 mi
MAIN ROD BEARING FAILED WHILE DRIVING DUE TO SUBARU REDESIGNING THEIR BEARINGS AND NOT USING COPPER. CAR HAS 30,000 MILES ON ENGINE. BETWEEN ALL THE PISTON FAILURES AND BEARING FAILURES SUBARU SHOULD OWN UP AND TAKE CARE OF ITS LOYAL CUSTOMERS AS I DON'T KNOW IF I WILL EVER BUY ONE AGAIN. *TR
THE FIREWALL IS FLEXING UNDER CLUTCH PEDAL MOVEMENT OR BRAKING. UPON RESEARCH I HAVE FOUND NUMEROUS CLAIMS BY 08/09 IMPREZA OWNERS OF SOFT WELDS ON THE FIREWALL CRACKING AND CAUSING THE FIREWALL TO FLEX UNDER OPERATION OF THE BRAKES OR CLUTCH. FURTHER FAILURE OF THE WELDS COULD CAUSE SERIOUS ACCIDENT IF BRAKING OR CLUTCH OPERATION IS FURTHER DEGRADED. SUBARU OF AMERICA DENIES THAT THERE ARE CLAIMS TO THIS EFFECT THOUGH THERE IS DOCUMENTATION ON THE INTERNET TO THE CONTRARY. ISSUE SHOULD CAUSE A RECALL AS IT IS QUITE COMMON AND A SERIOUS SAFETY …
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT OFF, FLASHING CRUISE CONTROL, AND FLASHING DIFFERENTIAL SELECTION [S] CODE. BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE SHOP AND HAD IT CHECKED OUT. THE ERROR CODE IS P1410 WHICH TRANSLATES TO SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE SECONDARY AIR INJECTION SYSTEM. MOST LIKELY ONE OF THE VALVES (OR BOTH) THAT OPERATE WITH THIS SYSTEM IS RUSTED STUCK THE OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION (WORSE IF ITS STUCK OPEN). CHECKING MULTIPLE FORUMS THIS IS HAPPENING REGULARLY AND SUBARU IS CHOOSING NOT TO COVER IT UNDER WARRANTY AND/OR RECALL. THE PART WAS POORLY DESIGNED AND I…
I OWN A 2008 STI AND HAVE JUST UNDER 6,000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE NEW WITH JUST UNDER 200 MILES ON IT IN DECEMBER OF 2008. IN JANUARY OF 2009, I BEGAN TO SEE WHITE SMOKE COMING OUT OF MY EXHAUST ON STARTUP. I HAD JUST OVER 1,200 MILES AT THE TIME. MY ENGINE FAILED SUFFERED A FAILURE AT JUST UNDER 2,000 MILES. SUBARU REPLACED THE ENGINE UNDER WARRANTY AND SENT ME ON MY WAY. FAST FORWARD TO JUNE OF 2009 AND NOW I'M BEING TOLD MY ENGINE HAS AGAIN FAILED DUE TO THE PISTON RINGLANDS CRACKING AND BREAKING OFF. THIS IS A WID…
AT 15,500 MILES, MY 2008 SUBARU STI EXPERIENCED A RINGLAND FAILURE ON THE #4 PISTON. THIS WAS VERIFIED VIA A COMPRESSION/LEAKDOWN TEST. A LONGBLOCK REPLACEMENT WAS APPROVED BY SUBARU OF AMERICA. MY MAIN CONCERN, WITHOUT TAKING ENGINE COMPONENTS OFF, THIS MILD CRACKED RINGLAND WAS ALMOST UN-DETECTABLE. THERE WAS VERY LITTLE DEGRADATION IN PERFORMANCE, FOR RUNNING ON 3.5 OF 4 CYLINDERS. IN ADDITION, MY MECHANIC ALSO FOUND FUEL IN THE OIL PAN. *TR
MY 2008 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX STI HAD A NUMBER FOUR PISTON FAILURE WITH ONLY 28,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS IMMEDIATELY TAKEN TO A LOCAL AUTO SHOP WHEN A PROBLEM WAS NOTICED. THE SHOP DID A COMPRESSION TEST AND FOUND THE NUMBER FOUR PISTON TO BE AT FAULT. DUE TO THE POSSIBILITY OF DAMAGE TO THE CYLINDER WALLS THE BLOCK AND ALL ASSOCIATED INTERNALS WERE REPLACED. AFTER REMOVING THE HEADS THE SHOP OWNER SAID THERE WERE NO SIGNS OF DETONATION ON THE CYLINDER AND THAT THE FAILURE MOST LIKELY WAS DUE TO POOR BUILD QUALITY. *TR
THE SUBARU STI SERIES KNOWN AS THE GR IS PRONE TO BREAKING PISTON RINGLANDS IF DETONATION EVER OCCURS, WHICH HAPPENS EASILY ON THIS ENGINE, WHICH IS NOW TUNED FOR MORE POWER YET FEWER EMISSIONS. THE RINGLAND BREAKAGE RESULTS IN POWER LOSS AND EXTREME OIL CONSUMPTION DUE TO BLOWBY AND IF NOT NOTICED IN TIME WILL LEAD TO ENGINE SEIZING. IF DRIVEN AGGRESSIVELY ENOUGH, THIS SEIZING DUE TO OIL LOSS CAN HAPPEN IN AS FEW AS 10 MINUTES. IT IS ALSO POSSIBLE FOR THE RINGLAND BREAKAGE TO BE SO SEVERE THAT THE ENGINE SPRAY-COATS A LARGE SECTION OF ROADW…
DRIVING THE CAR ON A WINDY ROAD, ACCELERATED OUT OF A CORNER IN 3RD GEAR. CAR STARTED SHAKING, CLICKING, AND RUNNING POORLY. FAILURE OF CONNECTING ROD BEARINGS ON THE CRANK SHAFT. ENGINE LONG BLOCK NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. *TR
MY CLUTCH PEDAL BEGAN CLICKING AND CREAKING THIS SUMMER. I FINALLY FOUND OUT THAT THE WELDS THAT HELD THE CLUTCH TO THE FIREWALL WERE BROKEN. THE CLUTCH BRACKET HAS ONLY A COUPLE OF SPOT WELDS THAT ATTACH IT TO THE FIREWALL, AND THE FIREWALL IS VERY FLIMSY. THE WELDS TORE AWAY AND ALLOWED THE FIREWALL, CLUTCH ASSEMBLY,. BRAKE ASSEMBLY, AND DASH TO MOVE AND SHIFT WHENEVER I CLUTCHED IN, CAUSING PREMATURE CLUTCH FAILURE AND A VERY DANGEROUS DRIVING CONDITION. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO MANY GR/GV CHASSIS. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND SUBARU NEEDS TO INSTI…
FIREWALL SPOT WELDS BROKE, RESULTING IN MOVEMENT OF THE BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY AND CLUTCH ASSEMBLY. THIS IS CAUSING THE CLUTCH TO NOT DISENGAGE FULLY AND ALSO MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO SHIFT DUE TO THE FLEX. AS THIS HAS THE POTENTIAL TO BE DANGEROUS AND IS MOST DEFINITELY A MANUFACTURING DEFECT, IT SHOULD BE SUBJECT TO A RECALL. *TR
THE FIREWALL IS FLEXING UNDER CLUTCH PEDAL MOVEMENT OR BRAKING. UPON RESEARCH I HAVE FOUND NUMEROUS CLAIMS BY 08/09 IMPREZA OWNERS OF SOFT WELDS ON THE FIREWALL CRACKING AND CAUSING THE FIREWALL TO FLEX UNDER OPERATION OF THE BRAKES OR CLUTCH. FURTHER FAILURE OF THE WELDS COULD CAUSE SERIOUS ACCIDENT IF BRAKING OR CLUTCH OPERATION IS FURTHER DEGRADED. SUBARU OF AMERICA DENIES THAT THERE ARE CLAIMS TO THIS EFFECT THOUGH THERE IS DOCUMENTATION ON THE INTERNET TO THE CONTRARY. ISSUE SHOULD CAUSE A RECALL AS IT IS QUITE COMMON AND A SERIOUS SAFETY …
FIREWALL SPOT WELDS BROKE, RESULTING IN MOVEMENT OF THE BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY AND CLUTCH ASSEMBLY. THIS IS CAUSING THE CLUTCH TO NOT DISENGAGE FULLY AND ALSO MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO SHIFT DUE TO THE FLEX. AS THIS HAS THE POTENTIAL TO BE DANGEROUS AND IS MOST DEFINITELY A MANUFACTURING DEFECT, IT SHOULD BE SUBJECT TO A RECALL. *TR
THERE IS A LOUD SQUEAK NOISE WHEN THE CLUTCH IS BEING PRESSED, AND AT TIMES WHEN THE STRUCTURE FLEXES,IT INTERFERES WITH CHANGING GEARS. NOT ONLY DOES IT INTERFERE WITH CHANGING GEARS BUT,IT ALSO CAUSES THE BREAK PEDAL ASSEMBLY MOVES WHEN PRESSING THE CLUTCH. I HAVE VERIFIED THAT SOME WELD SPOT HAVE BROKEN OFF AND HAVE BECOME LOOSE. THIS IS A BIG PROBLEM SEEING AS HOW IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE. WHEN IT COMPLETELY SEPARATES, DUE TO SHOTTY WELDING, NOT ONLY COULD THE CLUTCH GO OUT WHILE DRIVING BUT IT COULD CAUSE THE BREAKS TO GO OUT AS WELL. THIS IS …
THE AIRBAG LIGHT ON THE DASH DOES NOT SAY THE AIRBAG IS ON WHEN MY WIFE IS SITTING IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. SHE IS 103 POUNDS AND SHOULD TURN THE AIRBAG LIGHT ON ACCORDING TO SUBARU. THE AIRBAG LIGHT GOES ON WHEN I SIT IN THE SEAT (160POUNDS) OR WHEN ANYONE OVER SAY 130 POUNDS SITS IN IT. *TR
ON THE MORNING OF NOVEMBER 4, 2011 , I PULLED INTO THE PARKING AREA BEHIND A MIDDLE SCHOOL AND MY CAR WOULD NOT STOP. I APPLIED MY BRAKES, THE CAR STILL CONTINUED TO GO FORWARD OVER THE CEMENT BUMPER AND INTO THE BUILDING. THE ONLY THING TO STOP MY CAR WAS PULLING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. I WENT TWO FEET INTO THE MIDDLE SCHOOL BUILDING. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CAR AND THE BUILDING RECEIVED EXTENSIVE DAMAGE. *TR
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND THE ENGINE STOPPED PRODUCING POWER. AFTER PULLING IT OVER IT WOULDN'T START. DEALERSHIP SAYS THE ENGINE IS TOAST AND IT WILL COST 10K. I HAVE DONE ALL THE REGULAR MAINTENANCE AND OIL CHANGES. AN ENGINE SHOULD NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED AT 77K MILES. MY TOYOTAS HAVE LASTED FOREVER. *TR
THE CLUTCH BRACKET ON THE FIREWALL HAS ONLY 4 SMALL TACK WELDS FROM THE FACTORY. THIS BRACKET TAKES ALL THE FORCE OF YOUR LEG PUSHING IN THE CLUTCH EVERY TIME YOU CHANGE A GEAR. IT APPEARS TO BE VERY COMMON ON THE SUBARU WRX STI FOR THESE SMALL TACKS TO BREAK AWAY FROM THE FIREWALL AND CAUSE ACCELERATED CLUTCH WEAR AND EVENTUALLY CLUTCH FAILURE. MY CLUTCH FAILED AND THE DEALER IS NOW TELLING ME THAT THERE IS NO KNOWLEDGE OF THE PROBLEM AND THE REPAIR FOR THIS MANUFACTURING DEFECT WILL NOT BE COVERED BY SUBARU. TALKING TO OTHER PEOPLE AND CHECKI…
Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.
Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.
Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
Month
Complaints
Campaigns announced
Examples
2024-10
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2024-11
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2024-12
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-01
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-02
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-03
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-04
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-05
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-06
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-07
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-08
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-09
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-10
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-11
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2025-12
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2026-01
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2026-02
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2026-03
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2026-04
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2026-05
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2026-06
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2026-07
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2026-08
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
2026-09 (partial)
0
None
No examples available for this selection.
Emerging complaint spikes
Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.
This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.
No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.
Equal-age model-year comparison
Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.
2008: 14 complaints · 2009: 3 complaints
Equal observation windows
Model year
Through age 0
Through age 1
Through age 2
2008
2
8
14
2009
2
2
3
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year
Incident dates used
Filing date fallbacks
Excluded dates
2008
33
0
0
2009
3
0
0
Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.
Components reported together
Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.
Component co-occurrence matrix
Component
Power Train
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
Engine And Engine Cooling
Structure:Body
Service Brakes
Air Bags
Engine
Unknown Or Other
Power Train
—
0
0
4ODI 10566217 · 40,000 mi
MY CLUTCH PEDAL BEGAN CLICKING AND CREAKING THIS SUMMER. I FINALLY FOUND OUT THAT THE WELDS THAT HELD THE CLUTCH TO THE FIREWALL WERE BROKEN. THE CLUTCH BRACKET HAS ONLY A COUPLE OF SPOT WELDS THAT ATTACH IT TO THE FIREWALL, AND THE FIREWALL IS VERY FLIMSY. THE WELDS TORE AWAY AND ALLOWED THE FIREWALL, CLUTCH ASSEMBLY,. BRAKE ASSEMBLY, AND DASH TO MOVE AND SHIFT WHENEVER I CLUTCHED IN, CAUSING PREMATURE CLUTCH FAILURE AND A VERY DANGEROUS DRIVING CONDITION. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO MANY GR/GV CHASSIS. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND SUBARU NEEDS TO INSTI…
FIREWALL SPOT WELDS BROKE, RESULTING IN MOVEMENT OF THE BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY AND CLUTCH ASSEMBLY. THIS IS CAUSING THE CLUTCH TO NOT DISENGAGE FULLY AND ALSO MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO SHIFT DUE TO THE FLEX. AS THIS HAS THE POTENTIAL TO BE DANGEROUS AND IS MOST DEFINITELY A MANUFACTURING DEFECT, IT SHOULD BE SUBJECT TO A RECALL. *TR
THERE IS A LOUD SQUEAK NOISE WHEN THE CLUTCH IS BEING PRESSED, AND AT TIMES WHEN THE STRUCTURE FLEXES,IT INTERFERES WITH CHANGING GEARS. NOT ONLY DOES IT INTERFERE WITH CHANGING GEARS BUT,IT ALSO CAUSES THE BREAK PEDAL ASSEMBLY MOVES WHEN PRESSING THE CLUTCH. I HAVE VERIFIED THAT SOME WELD SPOT HAVE BROKEN OFF AND HAVE BECOME LOOSE. THIS IS A BIG PROBLEM SEEING AS HOW IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE. WHEN IT COMPLETELY SEPARATES, DUE TO SHOTTY WELDING, NOT ONLY COULD THE CLUTCH GO OUT WHILE DRIVING BUT IT COULD CAUSE THE BREAKS TO GO OUT AS WELL. THIS IS …
THE FIREWALL IS FLEXING UNDER CLUTCH PEDAL MOVEMENT OR BRAKING. UPON RESEARCH I HAVE FOUND NUMEROUS CLAIMS BY 08/09 IMPREZA OWNERS OF SOFT WELDS ON THE FIREWALL CRACKING AND CAUSING THE FIREWALL TO FLEX UNDER OPERATION OF THE BRAKES OR CLUTCH. FURTHER FAILURE OF THE WELDS COULD CAUSE SERIOUS ACCIDENT IF BRAKING OR CLUTCH OPERATION IS FURTHER DEGRADED. SUBARU OF AMERICA DENIES THAT THERE ARE CLAIMS TO THIS EFFECT THOUGH THERE IS DOCUMENTATION ON THE INTERNET TO THE CONTRARY. ISSUE SHOULD CAUSE A RECALL AS IT IS QUITE COMMON AND A SERIOUS SAFETY …
FIREWALL SPOT WELDS BROKE, RESULTING IN MOVEMENT OF THE BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY AND CLUTCH ASSEMBLY. THIS IS CAUSING THE CLUTCH TO NOT DISENGAGE FULLY AND ALSO MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO SHIFT DUE TO THE FLEX. AS THIS HAS THE POTENTIAL TO BE DANGEROUS AND IS MOST DEFINITELY A MANUFACTURING DEFECT, IT SHOULD BE SUBJECT TO A RECALL. *TR
THERE IS A LOUD SQUEAK NOISE WHEN THE CLUTCH IS BEING PRESSED, AND AT TIMES WHEN THE STRUCTURE FLEXES,IT INTERFERES WITH CHANGING GEARS. NOT ONLY DOES IT INTERFERE WITH CHANGING GEARS BUT,IT ALSO CAUSES THE BREAK PEDAL ASSEMBLY MOVES WHEN PRESSING THE CLUTCH. I HAVE VERIFIED THAT SOME WELD SPOT HAVE BROKEN OFF AND HAVE BECOME LOOSE. THIS IS A BIG PROBLEM SEEING AS HOW IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE. WHEN IT COMPLETELY SEPARATES, DUE TO SHOTTY WELDING, NOT ONLY COULD THE CLUTCH GO OUT WHILE DRIVING BUT IT COULD CAUSE THE BREAKS TO GO OUT AS WELL. THIS IS …
THE CLUTCH BRACKET ON THE FIREWALL HAS ONLY 4 SMALL TACK WELDS FROM THE FACTORY. THIS BRACKET TAKES ALL THE FORCE OF YOUR LEG PUSHING IN THE CLUTCH EVERY TIME YOU CHANGE A GEAR. IT APPEARS TO BE VERY COMMON ON THE SUBARU WRX STI FOR THESE SMALL TACKS TO BREAK AWAY FROM THE FIREWALL AND CAUSE ACCELERATED CLUTCH WEAR AND EVENTUALLY CLUTCH FAILURE. MY CLUTCH FAILED AND THE DEALER IS NOW TELLING ME THAT THERE IS NO KNOWLEDGE OF THE PROBLEM AND THE REPAIR FOR THIS MANUFACTURING DEFECT WILL NOT BE COVERED BY SUBARU. TALKING TO OTHER PEOPLE AND CHECKI…
WHAT IS THE ISSUE? BASICALLY THE FIREWALL IS SO THIN THAT IT FLEXES TERRIBLY EVERY TIME THE CLUTCH OR BRAKE PEDAL IS PRESSED. THE BIG PROBLEM IS THE WAY THE CLUTCH/BRAKE ASSEMBLY IS SECURED TO THE THIN FIREWALL. IT ONLY HAS 6 SMALL SPOT WELDS THAT RIP OFF THE FIREWALL AFTER TIME. THIS MAKES IT SO YOU CAN'T GET IN AND OUT OF GEAR. CLUTCH BECOMES USELESS. WHO? 2008-2014 GH/GR IMPREZA (2.5I/OBS/WRX/STI). I DON'T THINK THE ISSUE CAN BE LINKED TO A CERTAIN BATCH OF VEHICLES, CERTAIN CLIMATE/LOCATION, OR CERTAIN YEAR. THIS HAS HAPPENED ALL OVER…
MY CLUTCH PEDAL BEGAN CLICKING AND CREAKING THIS SUMMER. I FINALLY FOUND OUT THAT THE WELDS THAT HELD THE CLUTCH TO THE FIREWALL WERE BROKEN. THE CLUTCH BRACKET HAS ONLY A COUPLE OF SPOT WELDS THAT ATTACH IT TO THE FIREWALL, AND THE FIREWALL IS VERY FLIMSY. THE WELDS TORE AWAY AND ALLOWED THE FIREWALL, CLUTCH ASSEMBLY,. BRAKE ASSEMBLY, AND DASH TO MOVE AND SHIFT WHENEVER I CLUTCHED IN, CAUSING PREMATURE CLUTCH FAILURE AND A VERY DANGEROUS DRIVING CONDITION. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO MANY GR/GV CHASSIS. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND SUBARU NEEDS TO INSTI…
FIREWALL SPOT WELDS BROKE, RESULTING IN MOVEMENT OF THE BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY AND CLUTCH ASSEMBLY. THIS IS CAUSING THE CLUTCH TO NOT DISENGAGE FULLY AND ALSO MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO SHIFT DUE TO THE FLEX. AS THIS HAS THE POTENTIAL TO BE DANGEROUS AND IS MOST DEFINITELY A MANUFACTURING DEFECT, IT SHOULD BE SUBJECT TO A RECALL. *TR
THERE IS A LOUD SQUEAK NOISE WHEN THE CLUTCH IS BEING PRESSED, AND AT TIMES WHEN THE STRUCTURE FLEXES,IT INTERFERES WITH CHANGING GEARS. NOT ONLY DOES IT INTERFERE WITH CHANGING GEARS BUT,IT ALSO CAUSES THE BREAK PEDAL ASSEMBLY MOVES WHEN PRESSING THE CLUTCH. I HAVE VERIFIED THAT SOME WELD SPOT HAVE BROKEN OFF AND HAVE BECOME LOOSE. THIS IS A BIG PROBLEM SEEING AS HOW IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE. WHEN IT COMPLETELY SEPARATES, DUE TO SHOTTY WELDING, NOT ONLY COULD THE CLUTCH GO OUT WHILE DRIVING BUT IT COULD CAUSE THE BREAKS TO GO OUT AS WELL. THIS IS …
FIREWALL SPOT WELDS BROKE, RESULTING IN MOVEMENT OF THE BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY AND CLUTCH ASSEMBLY. THIS IS CAUSING THE CLUTCH TO NOT DISENGAGE FULLY AND ALSO MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO SHIFT DUE TO THE FLEX. AS THIS HAS THE POTENTIAL TO BE DANGEROUS AND IS MOST DEFINITELY A MANUFACTURING DEFECT, IT SHOULD BE SUBJECT TO A RECALL. *TR
THERE IS A LOUD SQUEAK NOISE WHEN THE CLUTCH IS BEING PRESSED, AND AT TIMES WHEN THE STRUCTURE FLEXES,IT INTERFERES WITH CHANGING GEARS. NOT ONLY DOES IT INTERFERE WITH CHANGING GEARS BUT,IT ALSO CAUSES THE BREAK PEDAL ASSEMBLY MOVES WHEN PRESSING THE CLUTCH. I HAVE VERIFIED THAT SOME WELD SPOT HAVE BROKEN OFF AND HAVE BECOME LOOSE. THIS IS A BIG PROBLEM SEEING AS HOW IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE. WHEN IT COMPLETELY SEPARATES, DUE TO SHOTTY WELDING, NOT ONLY COULD THE CLUTCH GO OUT WHILE DRIVING BUT IT COULD CAUSE THE BREAKS TO GO OUT AS WELL. THIS IS …
WELDS ON BRACKET THAT HOLDS CLUTCH AND BRAKE PEDAL TO FIREWALL FAILING. CAUSING CLUTCH PEDAL INCONSISTENCY ALONG WITH BRAKE PEDAL MOVEMENT UPON CLUTCH PEDAL DEPRESSION. *TR
THE FIREWALL IS FLEXING UNDER CLUTCH PEDAL MOVEMENT OR BRAKING. UPON RESEARCH I HAVE FOUND NUMEROUS CLAIMS BY 08/09 IMPREZA OWNERS OF SOFT WELDS ON THE FIREWALL CRACKING AND CAUSING THE FIREWALL TO FLEX UNDER OPERATION OF THE BRAKES OR CLUTCH. FURTHER FAILURE OF THE WELDS COULD CAUSE SERIOUS ACCIDENT IF BRAKING OR CLUTCH OPERATION IS FURTHER DEGRADED. SUBARU OF AMERICA DENIES THAT THERE ARE CLAIMS TO THIS EFFECT THOUGH THERE IS DOCUMENTATION ON THE INTERNET TO THE CONTRARY. ISSUE SHOULD CAUSE A RECALL AS IT IS QUITE COMMON AND A SERIOUS SAFETY …
FIREWALL SPOT WELDS BROKE, RESULTING IN MOVEMENT OF THE BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY AND CLUTCH ASSEMBLY. THIS IS CAUSING THE CLUTCH TO NOT DISENGAGE FULLY AND ALSO MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO SHIFT DUE TO THE FLEX. AS THIS HAS THE POTENTIAL TO BE DANGEROUS AND IS MOST DEFINITELY A MANUFACTURING DEFECT, IT SHOULD BE SUBJECT TO A RECALL. *TR
THERE IS A LOUD SQUEAK NOISE WHEN THE CLUTCH IS BEING PRESSED, AND AT TIMES WHEN THE STRUCTURE FLEXES,IT INTERFERES WITH CHANGING GEARS. NOT ONLY DOES IT INTERFERE WITH CHANGING GEARS BUT,IT ALSO CAUSES THE BREAK PEDAL ASSEMBLY MOVES WHEN PRESSING THE CLUTCH. I HAVE VERIFIED THAT SOME WELD SPOT HAVE BROKEN OFF AND HAVE BECOME LOOSE. THIS IS A BIG PROBLEM SEEING AS HOW IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE. WHEN IT COMPLETELY SEPARATES, DUE TO SHOTTY WELDING, NOT ONLY COULD THE CLUTCH GO OUT WHILE DRIVING BUT IT COULD CAUSE THE BREAKS TO GO OUT AS WELL. THIS IS …
FIREWALL SPOT WELDS BROKE, RESULTING IN MOVEMENT OF THE BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY AND CLUTCH ASSEMBLY. THIS IS CAUSING THE CLUTCH TO NOT DISENGAGE FULLY AND ALSO MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO SHIFT DUE TO THE FLEX. AS THIS HAS THE POTENTIAL TO BE DANGEROUS AND IS MOST DEFINITELY A MANUFACTURING DEFECT, IT SHOULD BE SUBJECT TO A RECALL. *TR
THERE IS A LOUD SQUEAK NOISE WHEN THE CLUTCH IS BEING PRESSED, AND AT TIMES WHEN THE STRUCTURE FLEXES,IT INTERFERES WITH CHANGING GEARS. NOT ONLY DOES IT INTERFERE WITH CHANGING GEARS BUT,IT ALSO CAUSES THE BREAK PEDAL ASSEMBLY MOVES WHEN PRESSING THE CLUTCH. I HAVE VERIFIED THAT SOME WELD SPOT HAVE BROKEN OFF AND HAVE BECOME LOOSE. THIS IS A BIG PROBLEM SEEING AS HOW IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE. WHEN IT COMPLETELY SEPARATES, DUE TO SHOTTY WELDING, NOT ONLY COULD THE CLUTCH GO OUT WHILE DRIVING BUT IT COULD CAUSE THE BREAKS TO GO OUT AS WELL. THIS IS …
WELDS ON BRACKET THAT HOLDS CLUTCH AND BRAKE PEDAL TO FIREWALL FAILING. CAUSING CLUTCH PEDAL INCONSISTENCY ALONG WITH BRAKE PEDAL MOVEMENT UPON CLUTCH PEDAL DEPRESSION. *TR
THE CLUTCH BRACKET ON THE FIREWALL HAS ONLY 4 SMALL TACK WELDS FROM THE FACTORY. THIS BRACKET TAKES ALL THE FORCE OF YOUR LEG PUSHING IN THE CLUTCH EVERY TIME YOU CHANGE A GEAR. IT APPEARS TO BE VERY COMMON ON THE SUBARU WRX STI FOR THESE SMALL TACKS TO BREAK AWAY FROM THE FIREWALL AND CAUSE ACCELERATED CLUTCH WEAR AND EVENTUALLY CLUTCH FAILURE. MY CLUTCH FAILED AND THE DEALER IS NOW TELLING ME THAT THERE IS NO KNOWLEDGE OF THE PROBLEM AND THE REPAIR FOR THIS MANUFACTURING DEFECT WILL NOT BE COVERED BY SUBARU. TALKING TO OTHER PEOPLE AND CHECKI…
WHAT IS THE ISSUE? BASICALLY THE FIREWALL IS SO THIN THAT IT FLEXES TERRIBLY EVERY TIME THE CLUTCH OR BRAKE PEDAL IS PRESSED. THE BIG PROBLEM IS THE WAY THE CLUTCH/BRAKE ASSEMBLY IS SECURED TO THE THIN FIREWALL. IT ONLY HAS 6 SMALL SPOT WELDS THAT RIP OFF THE FIREWALL AFTER TIME. THIS MAKES IT SO YOU CAN'T GET IN AND OUT OF GEAR. CLUTCH BECOMES USELESS. WHO? 2008-2014 GH/GR IMPREZA (2.5I/OBS/WRX/STI). I DON'T THINK THE ISSUE CAN BE LINKED TO A CERTAIN BATCH OF VEHICLES, CERTAIN CLIMATE/LOCATION, OR CERTAIN YEAR. THIS HAS HAPPENED ALL OVER…
Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.
Recurring narrative patterns
Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.
4 patterns with matching reports.
Brake response concerns
4 mentions · 12.1% of complaints
Median mileage: 65,453 mi (3 usable records).
ODI 10651518 · 65,453 mi
FIREWALL SPOT WELDS BROKE, RESULTING IN MOVEMENT OF THE BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY AND CLUTCH ASSEMBLY. THIS IS CAUSING THE CLUTCH TO NOT DISENGAGE FULLY AND ALSO MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO SHIFT DUE TO THE FLEX. AS THIS HAS THE POTENTIAL TO BE DANGEROUS AND IS MOST DEFINITELY A MANUFACTURING DEFECT, IT SHOULD BE SUBJECT TO A RECALL. *TR
CLUTCH AND BRAKE MASTER CYLINDERS HAVE POOR DESIGN. MY CLUTCH PEDAL CURRENTLY SQUEEZE AND WOBBLES WHILE MY BRAKE PEDAL IS WOBBLEY. THE MINIMAL/POOR SPOT WELDS FOR THE MASTER CYLINDERS ON THE FIREWALL HAVE CRACKED. *TR
WELDS ON BRACKET THAT HOLDS CLUTCH AND BRAKE PEDAL TO FIREWALL FAILING. CAUSING CLUTCH PEDAL INCONSISTENCY ALONG WITH BRAKE PEDAL MOVEMENT UPON CLUTCH PEDAL DEPRESSION. *TR
THE SUBARU STI SERIES KNOWN AS THE GR IS PRONE TO BREAKING PISTON RINGLANDS IF DETONATION EVER OCCURS, WHICH HAPPENS EASILY ON THIS ENGINE, WHICH IS NOW TUNED FOR MORE POWER YET FEWER EMISSIONS. THE RINGLAND BREAKAGE RESULTS IN POWER LOSS AND EXTREME OIL CONSUMPTION DUE TO BLOWBY AND IF NOT NOTICED IN TIME WILL LEAD TO ENGINE SEIZING. IF DRIVEN AGGRESSIVELY ENOUGH, THIS SEIZING DUE TO OIL LOSS CAN HAPPEN IN AS FEW AS 10 MINUTES. IT IS ALSO POSSIBLE FOR THE RINGLAND BREAKAGE TO BE SO SEVERE THAT THE ENGINE SPRAY-COATS A LARGE SECTION OF ROADW…
WHILE PASSING A TRACTOR-TRAILER ON A TWO LANE HIGHWAY IN FIFTH GEAR AT APPROX 70MPH, THE ENGINE EXPERIENCED DETONATION AND WENT INTO LIMP MODE. AFTER INCIDENT, CAR RUNS ROUGH, BURNS OIL, SMOKES ON STARTUP, BILLOWS SMOKE OUT OF THE OIL FILLER CAP, AND EXHIBITS POWER LOSS. ISSUE WAS FIRST DIAGNOSED BY COMPRESSION TEST. IF ENGINE FAILS WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY DURING NORMAL COMMUTE, MAY CAUSE SERIOUS ACCIDENT AND/OR FIRE RESULTING IN INJURY OR DEATH. SUBARU OF AMERICA HAS NOT YET CORRECTED THE ISSUE, AS THEY CLAIM THE CAR IS RUNNING AS DESIGNE…
CAR HAS AN ENDEMIC PROBLEM WITH BREAKING PISTON RINGLANDS, RESULTING IN COPIOUS OIL CONSUMPTION AND EVENTUALLY A SEIZED ENGINE WHICH, IF IT HAPPENS ON THE HIGHWAY, CAN BE THE EQUIVALENT OF SLAMMING ON THE BRAKES IN TRAFFIC. ENDANGERING SURROUNDING VEHICLES AND THE VEHICLE'S DRIVER IF THE OIL FILM ON THE ROADWAY AND THE WINDSHIELDS OF FOLLOWING CARS DIDN'T ALREADY CAUSE THEM PROBLEMS. *TR
Matching rule\b(oil consumption|burn\w* oil|consum\w* oil|oil dilution|gas(?:oline)? in (?:the )?oil)\b
Battery drain and no-start mentions
1 mentions · 3.0% of complaints
Median mileage: 45,000 mi (1 usable records).
ODI 10420784 · 45,000 mi
ENGINE STARTED KNOCKING. SET UP AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALER FOR THE NEXT DAY. ON THE WAY TO THE DEALER THE KNOCKING GOT WORSE AND THE ENGINE STARTED SQUEALING AND LOSING POWER. ENGINE SEIZED UP AND WOULD NOT START AGAIN. THE ENGINE HAD TO BE REPLACED WITH A NEW ONE. *TR
Matching rule\b(parasitic drain|battery drain\w*|dead battery|won.t start|would not start|no.start)\b
Warning lights and dashboard alerts
1 mentions · 3.0% of complaints
Median mileage: 30,100 mi (1 usable records).
ODI 10510201 · 30,100 mi
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT OFF, FLASHING CRUISE CONTROL, AND FLASHING DIFFERENTIAL SELECTION [S] CODE. BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE SHOP AND HAD IT CHECKED OUT. THE ERROR CODE IS P1410 WHICH TRANSLATES TO SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE SECONDARY AIR INJECTION SYSTEM. MOST LIKELY ONE OF THE VALVES (OR BOTH) THAT OPERATE WITH THIS SYSTEM IS RUSTED STUCK THE OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION (WORSE IF ITS STUCK OPEN). CHECKING MULTIPLE FORUMS THIS IS HAPPENING REGULARLY AND SUBARU IS CHOOSING NOT TO COVER IT UNDER WARRANTY AND/OR RECALL. THE PART WAS POORLY DESIGNED AND I…