2009 Subaru Impreza Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 3%of 104 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 39,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2009 Subaru Impreza, 3% of the 104 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 39,000 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.
“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 miles“1. The weakness (dimness) of the low beams is a DANGEROUS situation. The assemblies are not dirty or oxidized; the low beam height was properly adjusted; Tested the power going to each light and it showed 14 volts; Bought some high power LED bulbs which didn't help. I am very hesitant to spend up to $400 for new assemblies hoping that maybe it will fix the problem. I have adjusted the high beam level to the height of what the low beams were and now have to use the high beams as low beams to sufficiently see the road and now have no high beams if I need them. …”
NHTSA complaint #11469970, filed 2022-06“Is NHTSA aware of how nearly useless the low beam headlights are on some subarus? I just bought a new 2009 Impreza. Its low beams are so dim they're dangerous, and because of them I wish I hadn't bought the car. The first evening I drove it, I almost ran over a group of people -- and would have if I hadn't been stopped at a stop sign. The way the low beam headlights are configured, I couldn't see these people until they stepped off the curb. Subaru customer service advice? Keep the lights clean. …”
NHTSA complaint #10287211, filed 2009-10Related 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…
- 10093625Oct 12, 2015This 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…
- 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 2009 Subaru Impreza
30 complaintsBody and structure
22 complaintsBrakes
15 complaintsEngine
13 complaintsAir bags
12 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 complaintsElectrical system
8 complaintsFuel system
8 complaintsEngine cooling
7 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsElectronic stability control
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2009 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