MileageCurve
  1. Home
  2. Subaru
  3. Impreza 2008–2011

Subaru Impreza 2008–2011 problems by year and mileage

3rd generation (GE/GH/GR/GV)

NHTSA data through 18 October 2026554 complaints, 442 with mileageMethod

Which year is yours? Tap it to see what breaks on it.

The 2008 Subaru Impreza

Close
Median failure report
58,000 mi
Complaints filed
281
Recalls naming this year
14

Most reported on the 2008

  1. Transmission and driveline119 reports · median 67,000 mi
  2. Body structure58 reports · median 70,000 mi
  3. Airbag system44 reports

Recall areas Air bags — frontal · Electrical system — ignition · Exterior lighting — brake lights
Check the VIN at NHTSA

When each system fails on this generation →

The 2009 Subaru Impreza

Close
Median failure report
64,000 mi
Complaints filed
162
Recalls naming this year
14

Most reported on the 2009

  1. Transmission and driveline66 reports · median 65,000 mi
  2. Body structure36 reports · median 78,000 mi
  3. Brakes25 reports

Recall areas Air bags — frontal · Electrical system — ignition · Exterior lighting — brake lights
Check the VIN at NHTSA

When each system fails on this generation →

The 2010 Subaru Impreza

Close
Median failure report
49,000 mi
Complaints filed
48
Recalls naming this year
15

Most reported on the 2010

  1. Problems owners could not categorise10 reports
  2. Engine7 reports
  3. Airbag system6 reports

Recall areas Air bags — frontal · Electrical system — ignition · Exterior lighting — brake lights
Check the VIN at NHTSA

When each system fails on this generation →

The 2011 Subaru Impreza

Close
Median failure report
38,000 mi
Complaints filed
63
Recalls naming this year
14

Most reported on the 2011

  1. Airbag system17 reports
  2. Electrical system9 reports
  3. Fuel and propulsion system7 reports

Recall areas Air bags — frontal · Electrical system — ignition · Exterior lighting — brake lights
Check the VIN at NHTSA

When each system fails on this generation →

Tiles: each year’s median failure mileage. Latest: the 2009; earliest: the 2011, and the 2009 is 2 years older (part of the gap is age).

The short answer

“Is the 2008–2011 Subaru Impreza reliable?”

Median of reported failures
58,000 mi
90% of reports came by
112,000 mi
Reports with mileage
442
Recalls
20

Most reported

  1. Transmission and driveline35.6% of complaints · median 65,000 mi
  2. Body structure17.7% of complaints · median 70,000 mi
  3. Airbag system14.8% of complaints · median 12,000 mi

When each system fails ↓

Documented problems

What each one is ↓

Owners filed 554 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008–2011 Subaru Impreza; the transmission and driveline leads with 35.6% of them, and half of the 442 that record an odometer reading came by 58,000 miles — complaints, not a failure rate.

No single peak: the middle half runs 28,000 to 85,000 miles.

Before-you-buy checklist ↓At your mileage ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗

How many miles does a 2008–2011 Subaru Impreza last?

On the 2008–2011 Subaru Impreza, half of the 442 complaints that record an odometer reading were filed by 58,000 miles and 90% by 112,000 miles (why that is not a lifespan).

10 reports came in past 150,000 miles and 2 past 200,000 — each one proof that an Impreza reached that mileage, not that it failed there.

Figure 1 · Subaru Impreza 2008–2011 · 442 reports with mileage

Mileage at failure

10,000-mile bins, 0 to 200,000 miles, linear scale; tallest bar 59 complaints

Mileage at failure, Subaru Impreza 2008–2011Histogram of 442 owner-reported failures by mileage, in 10,000-mile bins from 0 to 200,000. The tallest bin is 0 to 10,000 miles with 59 complaints, 13.3 percent of the total. No single peak: the middle half runs 28,000 to 85,000 miles. A further 2 complaints, 0.5 percent, were reported above 200,000 miles and are shown as a separate detached bar. Median mileage at failure is 58,000.
  • Rest of the range
  • Median
  • 200,000+ — 2 complaints (0.5%), plotted separately
10%
5,500
25%
28,000
Median
58,000
75%
85,000
90%
112,000
Show the numbers
Complaints by mileage bin
MileageComplaintsShare
0–10,0005913.3%
10,000–20,000347.7%
20,000–30,000235.2%
30,000–40,000357.9%
40,000–50,0004410.0%
50,000–60,000306.8%
60,000–70,000439.7%
70,000–80,000409.0%
80,000–90,000296.6%
90,000–100,000388.6%
100,000–110,000173.8%
110,000–120,000184.1%
120,000–130,00092.0%
130,000–140,00092.0%
140,000–150,00040.9%
150,000–160,00040.9%
160,000–170,00020.5%
170,000–180,00010.2%
180,000–190,00010.2%
200,000+20.5%

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.

How to read these figures

Common Impreza problems, and when they happen

Figure 2 · Subaru Impreza 2008–2011

When each system fails

Bar: middle half of reports · notch: median · proportional (log) scale (how to read it)

  1. Engine and its cooling system48 reportsmedian 12,000middle half 5,000–28,000
  2. Airbag system82 reportsmedian 12,000middle half 500–60,000
  3. Transmission and driveline197 reportsmedian 65,000middle half 46,000–88,000
  4. Body structure98 reportsmedian 70,000middle half 52,000–100,000
  5. Brakes82 reportsmedian 72,000middle half 47,000–96,000
  6. Engine46 reportsmedian 74,000middle half 57,000–96,000
  7. Problems owners could not categorise48 reportsmedian 80,000middle half 60,000–113,000
  • Your odometer, once entered below

Ordered by median mileage, earliest first.

All systems in a table
Complaints by vehicle system
SystemComplaintsShareMedian25–75%
Transmission and driveline19735.6%65,00046,000–88,000
Body structure9817.7%70,00052,000–100,000
Airbag system8214.8%12,000500–60,000
Brakes8214.8%72,00047,000–96,000
Engine and its cooling system488.7%12,0005,000–28,000
Problems owners could not categorise488.7%80,00060,000–113,000
Engine468.3%74,00057,000–96,000
Electrical system336.0%81,00039,000–128,000
Throttle and speed control325.8%60,00028,000–85,000
Visibility equipment325.8%20,0006,000–37,000

Known problems with the 2008–2011 Impreza

Head Gaskets (EJ253) 2008–2011

Head gasket seepage remains a reported wear item on the naturally aspirated EJ 2.5L in the early years of this generation.

Before you buy a 2008–2011 Impreza: the 3-minute check

Generated from 442 mileage-tagged complaints, 20 recall campaigns, 1 documented problem area.

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 20 campaigns cover this generation.
  2. Ask for airbag system repair records. Reports on this area come at a median of 12,000 miles — on any car this age it already happened or never will; the question is whether it was fixed under warranty.
  3. Check head gaskets (EJ253) on 2008–2011 cars. What it looks like: Known problems.
  4. Years differ here: from 48 to 281 complaints a year — compare them by model year.
  5. End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car.

Impreza problems by mileage: where your car sits

Type your odometer, or read the table.

earlier past most reports · in window inside the middle half · later before most · reports, not your odds (how to read)

Where each system’s reports sit against common odometer readings
SystemMiddle half of reports, miAt 60k mi51% belowAt 90k mi76% belowAt 120k mi93% belowAt 150k mi98% belowAt 200k mi100% below
Transmission and driveline46,000–88,000in windowearlierearlierearlierearlier
Body structure52,000–100,000in windowin windowearlierearlierearlier
Airbag system500–60,000earlierearlierearlierearlierearlier
Brakes47,000–96,000in windowin windowearlierearlierearlier
Engine and its cooling system5,000–28,000earlierearlierearlierearlierearlier
Problems owners could not categorise60,000–113,000in windowin windowearlierearlierearlier
Engine57,000–96,000in windowin windowearlierearlierearlier

Figure 3 · Subaru Impreza 2008–2011 · 442 reports with mileage

Share of reports below each mileage

Steps at bin edges (how to read it)

Cumulative share of reports by mileage, Subaru Impreza 2008–2011Of 442 reports that record mileage, the share filed below each odometer reading, rising in steps at each 10,000-mile bin edge. 51 percent below 60,000 miles. 76 percent below 90,000 miles. 93 percent below 120,000 miles. 98 percent below 150,000 miles. 100 percent below 200,000 miles. Median 58,000 miles.
  • 60,000 mi — 51% of reports below
  • 90,000 mi — 76% of reports below
  • 120,000 mi — 93% of reports below
  • 150,000 mi — 98% of reports below
  • 200,000 mi — 100% of reports below
  • Median (the 50% line)
  • Your odometer, once entered

Linear axis, same as Figure 1.

2008–2011 Subaru Impreza recalls (20)

NHTSA records 20 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation (what a recall is).

The campaigns cluster around the airbag system (14), the electrical system (2), the hydraulic brake circuit (2) (why one area can repeat).

Summaries below shorten NHTSA’s own wording.

  1. Jan 2020 · 2008–2011 · Air BagsAn inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in…

    The defect. 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…

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

    The free fix. 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…

    NHTSA campaign 20V-003 (2020-01-02).

  2. Jan 2020 · 2008–2011 · Air BagsAn inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in…

    The defect. 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…

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

    The free fix. 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…

    NHTSA campaign 20V-002 (2020-01-02).

  3. Jan 2020 · 2008–2011 · Air BagsAn inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in…

    The defect. 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…

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

    The free fix. 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…

    NHTSA campaign 20V-001 (2020-01-02).

  4. Apr 2019 · 2008–2011 · Electrical SystemThe engine turning off unexpectedly can increase the risk of a crash.

    The defect. 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…

    What can happen. 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.

    The free fix. 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…

    NHTSA campaign 19V-297 (2019-04-11).

  5. Feb 2019 · 2008–2011 · Exterior LightingBrake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or…

    The defect. 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…

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

    The free fix. 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…

    NHTSA campaign 19V-149 (2019-02-28).

  6. Jan 2019 · 2010–2011 · Air BagsAn explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments…

    The defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles and 2010-2013 Forester vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine…

    What can happen. An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or…

    The free fix. Subaru is notifying owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at…

    NHTSA campaign 19V-009 (2019-01-09).

  7. Jan 2019 · 2010–2011 · Air BagsAn explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments…

    The defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Outback, and Legacy vehicles, 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles and 2010-2013 Forester vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of…

    What can happen. An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or…

    The free fix. Subaru is notifying owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at…

    NHTSA campaign 19V-008 (2019-01-09).

  8. Jan 2019 · 2010–2011 · Air BagsAn explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments…

    The defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Forester, 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Outback, Legacy, and 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi…

    What can happen. An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or…

    The free fix. Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at…

    NHTSA campaign 19V-007 (2019-01-09).

  9. Jan 2018 · 2009 · Air BagsAn explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments…

    The defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009 Tribeca, Impreza, Forester, WRX, Legacy, and Outback vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana…

    What can happen. An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or…

    The free fix. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began on February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at…

    NHTSA campaign 18V-014 (2018-01-09).

  10. Jan 2018 · 2009–2010 · Air BagsAn explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments…

    The defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2010 Tribeca, Impreza, Forester, WRX, Legacy, and Outback vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky…

    What can happen. An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or…

    The free fix. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at…

    NHTSA campaign 18V-013 (2018-01-09).

  11. Jan 2018 · 2009–2011 · Air BagsAn explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments…

    The defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Legacy, Forester, Tribeca, WRX and Outback vehicles, and 2009-2011 Impreza vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana…

    What can happen. An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or…

    The free fix. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at…

    NHTSA campaign 18V-012 (2018-01-09).

  12. Jan 2017 · 2008–2009 · Air BagsAn inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury…

    The defect. 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…

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

    The free fix. 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.…

    NHTSA campaign 17V-026 (2017-01-11).

  13. Jan 2017 · 2008 · Air BagsAn inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury…

    The defect. 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…

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

    The free fix. 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…

    NHTSA campaign 17V-016 (2017-01-10).

  14. Jan 2017 · 2008–2011 · Air BagsAn inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury…

    The defect. 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…

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

    The free fix. 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.…

    NHTSA campaign 17V-014 (2017-01-10).

  15. Oct 2016 · 2008–2011 · Electrical SystemIf the air injection pump overheats, it may melt and increase the risk of a fire.

    The defect. 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…

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

    The free fix. 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…

    NHTSA campaign 16V-738 (2016-10-13).

  16. May 2016 · 2008 · Air BagsAn inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury…

    The defect. 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…

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

    The free fix. 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…

    NHTSA campaign 16V-359 (2016-05-25).

  17. May 2016 · 2008–2011 · Air BagsAn inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury…

    The defect. 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…

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

    The free fix. 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…

    NHTSA campaign 16V-358 (2016-05-25).

  18. Dec 2014 · 2008–2011 · Service Brakes, HydraulicBrake fluid may leak due to the brake line corrosion and may result in longer distances being required to…

    The defect. 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…

    What can happen. 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.

    The free fix. 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…

    NHTSA campaign 14V-830 (2014-12-31).

  19. Jun 2014 · 2008–2011 · Service Brakes, HydraulicBrake line corrosion may result in brake fluid leakage.

    The defect. 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…

    What can happen. 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.

    The free fix. 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…

    NHTSA campaign 14V-311 (2014-06-10).

  20. Sep 2008 · 2008 · Engine and Engine CoolingVibration would occur while driving and, over time, could eventually result in cracking the pipe which would…

    The defect. 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.

    What can happen. 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…

    The free fix. 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…

    NHTSA campaign 08V-460 (2008-09-11).

Some of these 20 campaigns also cover Subaru Forester 2009–2013 (17 of them), Subaru Outback 2005–2009 (12 of them), Subaru Outback 2010–2014 (11 of them) and Subaru Impreza 2002–2007 (8 of them): the same campaign number appears in NHTSA’s file against both, which means the same defect and the same free repair.

Crashes, fires and injuries owners reported

Out of 554 complaints against this generation, owners also reported:

Crashes
20 (3.6%)
Fires
13
Injury reports
15
Fatality reports
0

Self-reported and overlapping (how to read these).

Impreza problems by model year

The 2008 drew the most complaints of this generation, 281, most of them about the transmission and driveline, and the 2010 the fewest, 48. A typical year drew about 112.

That makes the 2008 stand out at roughly 2.5 times a typical year (what a yearly count can and cannot say).

Complaints by model year
YearComplaintsWith mileageMedian milesMost reportedRecalls
200828122858,000Transmission and driveline (119)14
200916213764,000Transmission and driveline (66)14
2010483649,000Problems owners could not categorise (10)15
2011634138,000Airbag system (17)14

What Impreza owners reported

The contact owns a 2009 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that on two separate occasions while driving at various speeds, the rear-view mirror detached from the windshield. The smart rear-view mirror was attached to the mirror by a cord and was swinging back and forth after detaching. The contact was severely…

2009 · 37,000 miles · Visibility equipment

The contact owns a 2010 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle would not start. The contact was able to jumpstart the vehicle and the vehicle was able to start. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact replaced the battery, and the vehicle was taken to the…

2010 · 90,000 miles · Electrical system

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 vehicle, the vehicle started operating…

2009 · 54,000 miles · Transmission and driveline

The contact owns a 2011 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V738000 (Electrical System). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and…

2011 · 84,000 miles · Electrical system

Built from 442 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-10-20 · open data · how it is built

Other Impreza generations

Other compact cars from the same years