2008 Subaru Impreza Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 2%of 176 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 40,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2008 Subaru Impreza, 2% of the 176 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 40,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“For the last few years, the reverse lights would intermittently work when the six-speed manual transmission was put into reverse. Lately, the lights fail to work more often than actually work. I have read other Subarus have a common reverse light switch failure and I think more of the older cars use a similar switch and design to recalled models.”
NHTSA complaint #11490792, filed 2022-10“Submission from Subaru of america, inc. Re consumer complaint- 2008 Subaru Impreza. The consumer stated on january 24, 2014, the high beam lights would not come on. However, she did smell a burnt plastic smell coming from her vehicle. She purchased a replacement bulb from an auto parts store. The consumer later went to a lube establishment, to have the driver's side replaced. But, when the hood was opened, it was discovered both headlight plastic covers had melted . The mechanic informed the her, the headlight assemblies needed to be replaced. …”
NHTSA complaint #10574572, filed 2014-03Related recalls
- 19V149000Feb 28, 2019Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans…Covers: Subaru Impreza 2008–2016, WRX 2008–2014, Crosstrek 2013–2017 +1 more
Related service bulletins
- 11012260Dec 13, 2024This bulletin is for information purposes only.The bulletin adresses design changes of the headlamps and rear combination lamps, where moisture and or condensation may develop on…
- 10163520Jul 9, 2019SOA has received multiple requests for additional 83399Fj000rt BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH tools and now has sufficient stock to allow retailers to place orders for single tools.
- 10160204Apr 24, 2019Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain Crosstrek, Forester, Impreza, and WRX vehicles to replace the brake lamp switch. A total of 1,303,530 U.S. vehicles will be…
- 10160512Mar 1, 2019Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain Crosstrek, Forester, Impreza, and WRX vehicles to replace the brake lamp switch. A total of 1,303,530 U.S. vehicles will be…
- 10146480Sep 18, 2018This Service Information bulletin provides a measurement and adjustment procedure for the stop lamp switch. An improperly adjusted (or faulty) stop lamp switch can cause any of…
- 10130270Jan 24, 2018This Service Information bulletin provides a measurement and adjustment procedure for the stop lamp switch. An improperly adjusted (or faulty) stop lamp switch can cause any of…
- 10120977Jun 24, 2016(ALL EXCEPT Hybrid Models) REVISED This bulletin announces a design change to the brake light switch (BLS) to reduce the possibility of improper illumination of the ABS and/or…
- 10233428Apr 22, 2014This bulletin provides a revised adjustment procedure to be used when diagnosing Brake Light Switch (BLS) -related DTCs C1531 and/or C0054. If the BLS is out of adjustment, the…
- 10084463Apr 22, 2014Revised brake light switch adjustment procedure for dtcs c1531 and c0054
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 20% |
| 2024 | 2 | 6% |
| 2022 | 1 | 7% |
| 2020 | 1 | 1% |
| 2019 | 63 | 32% |
| 2018 | 64 | 42% |
| 2017 | 32 | 26% |
| 2016 | 4 | 5% |
| 2015 | 1 | 1% |
| 2014 | 1 | 1% |
| 2013 | 7 | 3% |
| 2012 | 4 | 2% |
| 2009 | 3 | 3% |
| 2008 | 4 | 2% |
| 2007 | 1 | 1% |
| 2006 | 2 | 4% |
| 2004 | 1 | 1% |
| 2003 | 1 | 2% |
| 2002 | 2 | 1% |
| 2000 | 2 | 5% |
| 1998 | 2 | 7% |
| 1997 | 1 | 3% |
| 1995 | 2 | 4% |
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 complaintsEngine
13 complaintsElectrical system
8 complaintsOther or unknown
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsFuel system
5 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