2008 Subaru WRX Problems

What owners report

Owners of this model year most often report a creaking or popping clutch pedal that turns out to be broken spot welds where the clutch and brake pedal bracket attaches to the firewall. It usually starts as a noise within the first several years and gets worse, with shifting becoming difficult. Complaints also mention the brake pedal moving sideways when the clutch is pressed, and a smaller number report brake-line and fuel-line concerns.

1. 1
   Body and structure

   Clutch/brake pedal bracket spot welds breaking at firewall

   • 62 complaints (95%)
   • median 80,000 mi at 6.5 yrs old (59 state mileage)
   • owner-quoted repair $1,200 (median of 6 quotes)
   • filed 2013–2019

   Owners describe a creaking, clicking or popping noise from the clutch pedal that worsens over time, and the pedal bracket shifting sideways, sometimes by a quarter to half an inch, each time the clutch is pressed. Many say the brake pedal moves along with it, and shifting becomes hard or the car is difficult to get into first or reverse. According to the complaints, dealers often identified broken spot welds on the firewall and referred owners to a body shop to re-weld the bracket, sometimes removing the dash, and some owners report repeat failures after a repair. Reported across a wide mileage range, with many complaints between roughly 40,000 and 100,000 miles, often appearing years after purchase and worsening gradually.

   What to check: Press the clutch pedal while watching the brake pedal and the firewall area under the dash for sideways movement, and listen for creaks or pops. Ask whether the bracket welds have ever been inspected or repaired, and have a shop look at the firewall under the wiper cowl before buying.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “The firewall is cracking which can cause the clutch pedal to become inoperable. After I had work done on my car the mechanic told me that the firewall was cracking and that I would need to contact Subaru of america for possible coverage. They denied me coverage because it would be too costly despite the firewall being a known issue on the WRX from 2008-2014”

   NHTSA complaint #11067358, filed 2018-02, 80,000 miles

   “Problem started with a squeaking/clicking when the clutch was depressed. Recently the whole clutch/brake assembly shifts down and to the left about 1/4-1/2 when the clutch is depressed. Looking up the problem, I see I have the same issue as many owners, the welds that hold the assembly to the firewall have broken free. Now it is difficult to shift at times.”

   NHTSA complaint #10507124, filed 2013-04, 92,000 miles
2. 2
   Brakes

   Brake pedal moves or feels soft when clutch is pressed

   • 26 complaints (40%)
   • median 82,072 mi at 6.4 yrs old (26 state mileage)
   • filed 2013–2019

   Several owners link the same pedal-bracket movement to braking changes, describing the brake pedal drifting left when the clutch is depressed, a mushy feel, or in one case the brake pedal going to the floor. Complaints say dealers or independent shops traced this to the broken firewall welds holding the brake and clutch assembly. Some owners also mention brake-line concerns and recall service on the brake lines. Usually described alongside the pedal-bracket noise at moderate to high mileage, typically above 60,000 miles.

   Recall 14V830000Recall 14V3110001 related service bulletin

   What to check: Watch the brake pedal while an assistant presses the clutch, and test the brake pedal for a firm feel. Ask whether the hydraulic brake line recalls were completed and whether the lines have been inspected for corrosion.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “When driving home I was exiting the highway when my brake pedal when to the floor with no pressure. I used the emergency brake and clutch to get out of gear to slow down. I was able to slow down to a stop and when I stopped my brakes continued to work. I took my car into a Subaru dealership and was told that the welds on my firewall were broken that hold on my clutch and brake pedal assembly.”

   NHTSA complaint #10649481, filed 2014-10, 70,236 miles

   “After having the car for a few weeks I noticed the clutch pedal started making noises. I investigated and found that the clutch master cylinder was moving a lot for a part that should not move. I did a little research online and on forums and found that many other owners of the vehicle had similar problems. The welds on the firewall have cracked. It cause my brake pedal to shift whenever I depress the clutch pedal. …”

   NHTSA complaint #10538638, filed 2013-09, 69,000 miles
3. 3
   Transmission and drivetrain

   Hard shifting and difficulty engaging gears

   • 14 complaints (22%)
   • median 79,250 mi at 6.3 yrs old (13 state mileage)
   • filed 2013–2019

   Owners describe shifting becoming progressively harder, with gears scratching, difficulty matching revs, and trouble getting into first or reverse. Complaints commonly attribute this to the clutch not fully disengaging because the pedal bracket and master cylinder move with the cracked firewall. Some owners had the clutch replaced first, only to find the noise and shifting trouble returned until the bracket was repaired. Often reported after the pedal noise has been present for months, mostly in the 45,000 to 120,000 mile range.

   What to check: Drive the car and shift through all gears, including first and reverse from a stop, and note any grinding or resistance. Ask whether a clutch replacement was done and whether the firewall bracket was checked at the same time.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “Firewall spot welds have failed, causing significant lateral play in the clutch pedal. I have had some significant trouble trying to get it into gear. So I have had trouble shifting gears while at highway speeds and have had trouble getting it in reverse in order to pull out of a parking spot. The brake pedal is next in-line to be affected by the sheet metal tear. I keep hearing that this problem is not covered under any recall. Nor is it a warranty item at this year and mileage (105,000). …”

   NHTSA complaint #11162027, filed 2018-12, 100,000 miles

   “The clutch pedal on my 2008 WRX would make a loud creaking noise every time it's depressed. Recently, the creaking went away, but it began to become increasingly difficult to get into gear and shift gears. I investigated the noise and noticed that the entire clutch pedal bracket assembly (attached to the forward firewall) shifts approx. One half inch every time the clutch pedal is depressed. I found that the three spot welds securing the clutch pedal bracket to the forward firewall were broken. …”

   NHTSA complaint #10546770, filed 2013-10, 60,000 miles

Buying note. Have a shop inspect the firewall area around the clutch and brake pedal bracket for cracked or broken spot welds before buying, since repairs can be labor-intensive and recur. Also check whether the open recall work on the brake lines and ignition switch has been completed for this vehicle.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.