2009 Subaru Impreza Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 30about this part
- Share
- 29%of 104 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 63,382miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 30 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2009 Subaru Impreza, 29% of the 104 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 63,382 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My 2009 Subaru wrx has a broken clutch pedal bracket, this has LED to extremely hard shifting. I took my car to a clutch shop and they did not want to touch it, they suggested I take it to the dealer. They called the dealer for me and asked if there were any recalls, to which the dealer said no. I believe Subaru is being dishonest as I have found many consumers on online forums experiencing the same problem I am.”
NHTSA complaint #10503204, filed 2013-03, 80,000 miles“Was starting to have problems shifting into gear especially getting into reverse. Took my vehicle to a Subaru dealership for a cause. The tech wanted to replace the entire clutch assembly for 1800 bucks. I took my vehicle to another shop for a second answer, immediately was told it was the firewall.the welds have snapped. Because the welds have snapped the clutch can't engage properly causing one to have either terrible shifts or possibly grinding of gears!”
NHTSA complaint #10617772, filed 2014-07, 98,000 miles“For the second time the car stalled while in motion. After the first time we had reported to galles & davies Subaru in abq, nm on 9.17.09. They did the inspection and were not able to find the reason. Also we have still recurring problems with noises from air intake, which has been repaired 4 times(!).”
NHTSA complaint #10317492, filed 2010-03, 1,925 miles“My clutch started squeaking while driving on the highway. When depressing the clutch, the brake pedal moves toward the drivers side and down. Upon further inspection, I noticed the spot welds that hold the clutch and brake assembly to car were broken and starting to separate from the firewall. Eventually, the welds will fail and completely remove the assembly from the firewall. Thus, clutch and braking abilities will be gone and cause an accident.”
NHTSA complaint #10471317, filed 2012-08, 62,000 miles“The clutch pedal on my 2009 wrx constantly requires adjustment to enable the release of the clamp pressure on the driven plate of the clutch assembly when the clutch foot pedal is depressed. Upon investigating a creaking noise, I noticed that the entire clutch pedal bracket assembly (attached to the forward firewall) shifts approx 1/4 inch to the left and down each time the clutch pedal is activated. This clutch pedal bracket assembly has three broken spot welds securing the clutch pedal bracket to the forward firewall. …”
NHTSA complaint #10916656, filed 2016-10, 115,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11033056May 4, 2026This announcement provides information on the remanufactured CVT transmission program.
- 11032040Apr 24, 2026This bulletin announces the service manual correction regarding clutch master cylinder reservoir service procedures.
- 11022305Aug 11, 2025Subaru Service Technical Support Newsletter special edition.
- 11005624Jul 24, 2024This annoucement provides parts personnel information about remanufactured transmissions that will no longer be available.
- 10186364Jan 12, 2021This bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing.
- 10150949Oct 26, 2018This Service Information bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing used on the models as listed above. During assembly of the bearing, a different type of…
- 10150924Oct 26, 2018This Service Information bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing used on the models as listed above. During assembly of the bearing, a different type of…
- 10234910Sep 2, 2014Replacement AT Oil Cooler Piping
- 10092742Sep 2, 2014Replacement at oil cooler piping - this bulletin will provide information regarding a change to the automatic transmission (at) fluid cooler piping and an addition to the service…
- 10068350Sep 2, 2014Summary to be provided on a future date.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 40% |
| 2024 | 2 | 6% |
| 2022 | 4 | 29% |
| 2021 | 1 | 7% |
| 2019 | 4 | 2% |
| 2018 | 5 | 3% |
| 2017 | 5 | 4% |
| 2016 | 13 | 17% |
| 2015 | 11 | 14% |
| 2014 | 9 | 8% |
| 2013 | 23 | 9% |
| 2012 | 26 | 11% |
| 2011 | 6 | 10% |
| 2010 | 5 | 11% |
| 2009 | 30 | 29% |
| 2008 | 59 | 34% |
| 2007 | 8 | 12% |
| 2006 | 7 | 13% |
| 2005 | 5 | 7% |
| 2004 | 9 | 9% |
| 2003 | 1 | 2% |
| 2002 | 25 | 9% |
| 2000 | 10 | 24% |
| 1999 | 4 | 18% |
| 1998 | 9 | 30% |
| 1997 | 5 | 17% |
| 1995 | 1 | 2% |
| 1994 | 3 | 38% |
| 1993 | 3 | 9% |
Other parts of the 2009 Subaru Impreza
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 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 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