2008 Subaru WRX Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 48about this part
- Share
- 74%of 65 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 69,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 48 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2008 Subaru WRX, 74% of the 65 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 69,500 miles.
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 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.
- 10090413May 28, 2015Subaru of america, inc. Will be releasing a warranty extension to address cracks or breakage around spot welds where the clutch pedal assembly mounting bracket attaches to the…
- 10090409May 28, 2015If you receive a customer concern of a creak or popping-type sound heard when depressing the clutch pedal, there is a possibility the spot weld(s) attaching the clutch pedal…
- 10055441Feb 20, 2014Subaru: the custiomer may complain of the intermittent operation of the hill start assist warning lamp. Stored dtc c0076 with detail codes 2610h and/or 2620h.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 3 | 21% |
| 2023 | 1 | 11% |
| 2022 | 4 | 16% |
| 2021 | 6 | 46% |
| 2020 | 3 | 17% |
| 2019 | 2 | 7% |
| 2018 | 6 | 14% |
| 2017 | 11 | 21% |
| 2016 | 4 | 13% |
| 2015 | 18 | 35% |
| 2014 | 1 | 17% |
| 2013 | 6 | 86% |
| 2009 | 33 | 80% |
| 2008 | 48 | 74% |
| 2006 | 4 | 29% |
| 2005 | 2 | 11% |
| 2004 | 1 | 2% |
| 2003 | 4 | 7% |
| 2002 | 16 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2008 Subaru WRX
26 complaintsBrakes
25 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