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BrakesPart report

2008 Subaru WRX Brakes Problems

Complaints
25about this part
Share
38%of 65 total for the year
Median mileage
77,618miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 25 complaints about the brakes of the 2008 Subaru WRX, 38% of the 65 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 77,618 miles. 3 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“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

“While driving the vehicle I noticed while depressing my brakes or clutch, I would hear a popping sound. Also I noticed the clutch pedal and the brake pedal would move towards the left together (oppose to just up and down) when depressing the clutch pedal. It seems like the whole firewall where the clutch and brake pedals are attached too is moving when depressed. This happens all the time now when clutch pedal is depressed.”

NHTSA complaint #10925474, filed 2016-11, 115,000 miles

“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

“Every time I press it the clutch I hear a crackling noise from the broken welds that hold up the brake and clutch assembly to the firewall. Fear for my safety and other because if the other welds break I may be in or cause an accident due not being able to brake my vehicle .”

NHTSA complaint #10621164, filed 2014-08, 62,000 miles

“A couple years ago my clutch started to creak. I asked the local Subaru dealer to check it when I took it in for a scheduled oil change. I got told they couldn't find a problem. So I thought nothing of it. I just took it back to the dealer and got told the spot welds on the firewall. Subaru offered to fix the welds but I have to pay for a new clutch assembly. If the welds totally fail this could become a serious safety issue as it will affect the brake motion also.”

NHTSA complaint #10851681, filed 2016-03, 115,000 miles

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Brakes: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202417%
2023222%
202214%
2020211%
201812%
201724%
201626%
2014350%
2013229%
20091127%
20082538%
200412%
20032033%
20028019%

Other parts of the 2008 Subaru WRX

Transmission and drivetrain
48 complaintsBody and structure
26 complaintsOther or unknown
10 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsEngine
2 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsElectrical system
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2008 Subaru WRX

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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