2008 Subaru Impreza Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 37about this part
- Share
- 21%of 176 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 750miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 37 complaints about the air bags of the 2008 Subaru Impreza, 21% of the 176 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 750 miles. 5 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 8 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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). …”
NHTSA complaint #11221633, filed 2019-06, 157,155 miles“The passenger air bag on my new 2008 Subaru Impreza hatchback which I purchased july 27, 2008 is set for a 125 pound person according to the dealer. My wife weighs between 120 and 130 pounds so the bag goes on and off intermittently and randomly.”
NHTSA complaint #10245216, filed 2008-10, 3,856 miles“The front passenger airbag off light turns on and off randomly when my wife is in the seat....she is 5ft 2in and 119lbs. Often as we are traveling down the road with her in the front seat the airbag is off. This failure occurs frequently and despite the fact that she is restrained and seated as outlined in the owner's manual. After multiple discussions with the dealer and Subaru customer service we are advised that there is nothing they can do as the car is designed this way. …”
NHTSA complaint #10241758, filed 2008-09, 500 miles“Immediately after purchasing a new 08 Subaru Impreza, I noticed that the passenger airbag on/off warning light will intermittently switch back and forth from on to off when a person 5'11' and 160 lb was sitting on the passenger seat. I went to the dealer and they recalibrated the cushion seat weight sensor. This did not solve the problem. I went back and, according to the dealer, following Subaru's instructions, they replaced the seat cushion (including all the sensors in it). This again did not solve the problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10241674, filed 2008-09, 500 miles“Passenger air bag light goes on and off. My wife weights 120 and it some time goes on and stays on then the next minute it goes off. I have had the dealer address this issue twice now and same response. Don't worry it will deploy regardless if the light goes on or off . Honestly can't believe that. They also said (sherman oaks Subaru that they have addressed the problem to Subaru and they said its a light issue and don't worry about it. That is not a good answer since this is a safety issue. Plus they say they can't duplicate the problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10240279, filed 2008-08, 15 milesRelated recalls
- 20V001000Jan 2, 2020Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (STI included), 2003-2014 Legacy…Covers: Subaru Impreza 2004–2011, Outback 2003–2014, Legacy 2003–2014 +4 more
- 20V002000Jan 2, 2020Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy…Covers: Subaru Impreza 2004–2011, Outback 2003–2014, Legacy 2003–2014 +4 more
- 20V003000Jan 2, 2020Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy…Covers: Subaru Impreza 2004–2011, Outback 2003–2014, Legacy 2003–2014 +4 more
- 17V026000Jan 11, 2017Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Baja, 2009 Forester, Legacy and Outback and 2006-2009 Impreza (including WRX and STI models)…Covers: Subaru Impreza 2006–2009, Tribeca 2006–2009, Baja 2005–2006 +3 more
- 17V014000Jan 10, 2017Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Subaru Baja, 2006-2011 Impreza (including WRX and STI models), 2006-2012 Tribeca, 2009-2012…Covers: Subaru Impreza 2006–2011, Tribeca 2006–2011, Forester 2009–2012 +5 more
- 17V016000Jan 10, 2017Subaru 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…Covers: Subaru Impreza 2006–2008, Tribeca 2006–2008, Baja 2005–2006 +1 more
- 16V358000May 25, 2016Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy, Outback, 2009-2011 Legacy, Outback, Forester, 2006-2011 Impreza, Tribeca…Covers: Subaru Impreza 2006–2011, Tribeca 2006–2011, Outback 2003–2004, 2009–2011 +4 more
- 16V359000May 25, 2016Subaru 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…Covers: Subaru Impreza 2006–2008, Baja 2003–2006, Tribeca 2006–2008 +3 more
Related service bulletins
- 11005609Jul 15, 2024This announcement provides information on Takata Recall Escalated Towing Program.
- 10248223Dec 28, 2023SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. has determined that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain 2003-2014 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2003-2006 model…
- 10244915Oct 30, 2023SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. has determined that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain 2003-2014 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2003-2006 model…
- 10237234May 2, 2023Takata Front Passenger Airbag Module / Inflator âLike for Likeâ Recall
- 10235277Apr 4, 2023Takata Front Passenger Airbag Module / Inflator âLike for Likeâ Recall
- 10171869Feb 4, 2020SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. has determined that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain 2003-2014 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2003-2006 model…
- 10171076Jan 15, 2020SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. has determined that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain 2003-2014 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2003-2006 model…
- 10171075Jan 6, 2020Takata Like for Like recalls- TKA20 (Zone A), TKB20 (Zone B), TKC20 (Zone C).
- 10139471May 4, 2016NHTSA announced in a press conference today, the planned expansion of the airbag inflator recall to an additional 35 to 40 million vehicles from various manufacturers nationwide…
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 | 3% |
| 2021 | 1 | 7% |
| 2020 | 3 | 4% |
| 2019 | 4 | 2% |
| 2018 | 2 | 1% |
| 2017 | 11 | 9% |
| 2016 | 8 | 11% |
| 2015 | 7 | 9% |
| 2014 | 38 | 35% |
| 2013 | 79 | 31% |
| 2012 | 105 | 43% |
| 2011 | 17 | 29% |
| 2010 | 6 | 13% |
| 2009 | 12 | 12% |
| 2008 | 37 | 21% |
| 2007 | 27 | 40% |
| 2006 | 20 | 36% |
| 2005 | 12 | 16% |
| 2004 | 14 | 15% |
| 2003 | 4 | 6% |
| 2002 | 1 | 0% |
| 2001 | 2 | 18% |
| 2000 | 2 | 5% |
| 1999 | 2 | 9% |
| 1998 | 3 | 10% |
| 1997 | 6 | 20% |
| 1996 | 5 | 25% |
| 1995 | 20 | 43% |
| 1993 | 11 | 33% |
Other parts of the 2008 Subaru Impreza
59 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
25 complaintsBody and structure
24 complaintsBrakes
21 complaintsEngine cooling
14 complaintsEngine
13 complaintsElectrical system
8 complaintsOther or unknown
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsEquipment
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Subaru Impreza
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology