2008 Subaru Impreza Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 7%of 176 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 58,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the engine of the 2008 Subaru Impreza, 7% of the 176 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 58,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“According to the dealership the catalytic converter in my 2008 Subaru Impreza has prematurely failed. The vehicles check engine light came on and the car went into limp mode while driving, in conjunction with the check engine light my vehicle has been experiencing very poor gas mileage for the last month. The dealership has quoted me over $2000 for the repair of my car. It was brought to my attention that several other same model year Subaru's have recalls due to the catalytic converter not performing to emission standards. …”
NHTSA complaint #10619025, filed 2014-08, 57,000 miles“My clutch bracket broke on the welds. This is an oem product that has a defect and it is well known on the internet and forums. Subaru of newton nj refuses to fix the problem and was well aware. This was very dangerous for me since it happened on a highway at speeds of 65 MPH. The bracket is broken and the clutch will not engage. I have noticed the firewall is cracking also. The brake pedal moves inches to the side when the clutch is pressed. This is a very dangerous problem. I am very disappointed with Subaru and the car only has 73k miles on it. …”
NHTSA complaint #10493699, filed 2013-01, 62,000 miles“For at least 20,000 miles now (I'm at 55,000) I have had a very stiff clutch pedal and terrible squeak with every depression of the clutch. My clutch is slipping in 3rd, 4th and 5th. This was reported and diagnosed under warranty around 30,000 miles by the pembroke pines Subaru dealership. Subaru of america requested that the pressure plate and possibly the clutch be replaced (ignoring my statement that the tack welds holding the clutch assembly in place were snapped -- which they are, effecting engagement and likely damaging the clutch/pp/flywheel). …”
NHTSA complaint #10488956, filed 2012-12, 30,000 miles“A loud squeak is occurring when I press and release my clutch. I had my clutch replaced about 10k miles ago due to a seized throwout bearing. I brought it to the dealer, they lubed it all up but squeak is still there. The tech said the noise is actually coming from the bracket that is mounted to the firewall under the dash. After a few hours of research, I have found numerous posts about this issue and it lies with the welds holding the bracket being faulty and breaking. This causes the firewall to flex and your whole pedal assembly, clutch and brake, to move around while in operation.”
NHTSA complaint #10467548, filed 2012-07, 46,000 miles“Vehicle was not stationary, it was being tuned and the fire wall got to hot and started to smoke. In addition the third cylinder in the motor went bad as well and the motor was replaced due to a rod knock and the 3rd cylinder going bad. The vehicle has 80000 miles on the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10823237, filed 2016-01, 80,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11027982Jan 12, 2026This Bulletin provides the diagnostic procedure for the STARLINK® Remote Engine Start (RES).
- 11027083Dec 8, 2025This Service Information Bulletin provides the Service Manual Correction to the diagnostic procedure for DTC B2A16 (Immobilizer Key Collation Diagnosis).
- 11022305Aug 11, 2025Subaru Service Technical Support Newsletter special edition.
- 11017452Apr 22, 2025This Bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be followed when diagnosing engine oil leakage on FA and FB type engines.
- 11016224Mar 24, 2025The purpose of this bulletin is to advise of SOA’s revised Catalytic Converter Recycling Program shipping procedure.
- 11008282Sep 27, 2024This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
- 11008281Sep 26, 2024This Service Information Bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be followed when diagnosing engine oil leakage on FA and FB type engines.
- 11008267Sep 17, 2024This bulletin announces availability of the NEW genuine Subaru engine oil filter.
- 11006934Aug 5, 2024The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.
- 11005608Jul 11, 2024This thermo control valve video contains information on the replacement of thermo control valve.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 20% |
| 2024 | 2 | 6% |
| 2022 | 1 | 7% |
| 2021 | 1 | 7% |
| 2020 | 3 | 4% |
| 2019 | 8 | 4% |
| 2018 | 11 | 7% |
| 2017 | 14 | 11% |
| 2016 | 3 | 4% |
| 2015 | 10 | 13% |
| 2014 | 20 | 19% |
| 2013 | 75 | 30% |
| 2012 | 55 | 23% |
| 2011 | 3 | 5% |
| 2010 | 7 | 15% |
| 2009 | 13 | 13% |
| 2008 | 13 | 7% |
| 2007 | 8 | 12% |
| 2006 | 5 | 9% |
| 2005 | 5 | 7% |
| 2003 | 1 | 2% |
| 2002 | 3 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2008 Subaru Impreza
59 complaintsAir bags
37 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
25 complaintsBody and structure
24 complaintsBrakes
21 complaintsEngine cooling
14 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 27, 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