2009 Subaru Impreza Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 8%of 104 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the electrical system of the 2009 Subaru Impreza, 8% of the 104 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,000 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are 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.
“As I was pulling into a parking space at work the hill assist light, vdc light, and ABS light all illuminated. I turned the vehicle off and later turned it on and the lights were off. I drove the vehicle home and as I got off the highway the lights illumintated again.”
NHTSA complaint #10485322, filed 2012-11, 38,400 miles“When I brought my 2009 Subaru Impreza into colonial Subaru (in va) 2 weeks ago, there were many issues, but I didn't know the cause or if they were related. The strangest thing was all the issues started occurring out of nowhere over the past 4 months. My uncle is a certified Subaru mechanic in nj and has been servicing my car since I bought it in 2013. I also took meticulous care of it for the past 5 years, and it was running perfectly until now. There was nothing wrong with it when he looked at it in sept. And it passed nj inspection in oct. …”
NHTSA complaint #11186642, filed 2019-03, 128,060 miles“Wtm-73 recall. The recall was performed at webster grove Subaru in st. Louis on jan 12, 2017. On february 10, 2017 the car was traveling at highway speeds along I-74 near champaign urbana il. The traction control, engine light and oil light came on, then the and smoke began to bellow from under the hood. The car was guided to the side of the road and the drive and occupant exited the vehicle. The vehicle was shortly engulfed in flames after that. I took photos of the remains on feb 13, 2017 at reynolds tow service in champaign il. …”
NHTSA complaint #10954468, filed 2017-02, 145,000 miles“Odometer Fraud. The contact recently purchased a 2009 Subaru Impreza. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 189,822. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced failures and was taken to AutoZone, where it was discovered that the mileage on the title of the vehicle was 202,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11701746, filed 2025-11, 202,000 miles“Wiring in fuse box under high beam relay corrodes creating an electrical fire hazard and stop high beam headlights from functioning correctly. This is cause for concern due to exposed wires in fuse box and lighting issues at night. After speaking to several other 2008 to 2010 Subaru Impreza owners I have found this is a common issue that the dealer refuses to correct.”
NHTSA complaint #10537522, filed 2013-08, 39,000 milesRelated recalls
- 19V297000Apr 11, 2019Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, 2008-2011 Impreza vehicles, 2008-2014 WRX vehicles, 2005-2014 Legacy…Covers: Subaru Impreza 2008–2011, Legacy 2005–2014, Outback 2005–2014 +3 more
- 16V738000Oct 13, 2016Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2008-2014 Impreza vehicles and 2009-2013…Covers: Subaru Impreza 2008–2014, Forester 2009–2013, Outback 2007–2009 +1 more
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Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 3 | 9% |
| 2022 | 1 | 7% |
| 2020 | 4 | 5% |
| 2019 | 19 | 10% |
| 2018 | 12 | 8% |
| 2017 | 21 | 17% |
| 2016 | 14 | 19% |
| 2015 | 20 | 26% |
| 2014 | 17 | 16% |
| 2013 | 34 | 14% |
| 2012 | 30 | 12% |
| 2011 | 9 | 16% |
| 2010 | 5 | 11% |
| 2009 | 8 | 8% |
| 2008 | 8 | 5% |
| 2007 | 7 | 10% |
| 2005 | 2 | 3% |
| 2004 | 1 | 1% |
| 2002 | 6 | 2% |
| 2001 | 1 | 9% |
| 1998 | 3 | 10% |
| 1997 | 2 | 7% |
| 1995 | 4 | 9% |
| 1993 | 2 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2009 Subaru Impreza
30 complaintsBody and structure
22 complaintsBrakes
15 complaintsEngine
13 complaintsAir bags
12 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 complaintsFuel system
8 complaintsEngine cooling
7 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsElectronic stability control
3 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2009 Subaru Impreza
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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