2008 Subaru Impreza STI
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Subaru › Impreza STI › 2008
These records cover every 2008 Subaru Impreza STI. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 2008 Subaru Impreza STI. Newest first.
Thule, inc. IS recalling 2,323 owner-installed roof-mounted fit kits, models 3068 and 3069, manufactured between january 1, 2008 and february 28, 2009 that are used with thule podium foot packs, models 460 and 460R. these fit kits were sold as aftermarket equipment for use on the vehicles listed above. the bolt(s) used to secure the foot to the vehicle…
Risk and remedy
Risk
This may result in the bolt(s) snapping off during use or without a load. the unsecured rack and load can then come loose while driving creating a potential road hazard, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Thule will mail a retro fit kit along with repair instructions to owners free of charge. the safety recall IS expected to begin on or before april 13, 2009. owners may contact thule toll-free at 1-800-238-2388.
Owner complaints
33 complaints1 involved a crash
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
Both headlights going out at the same time. This has happened about ten times over the last four years and now I have no headlights. I have tried three different headlights in the last month, the first two worked briefly and the last one from subaru did not work at all. from 2005 - 20011 subaru has recalled other models for the same problem but as I was told, "the impreza IS the cheap car"
- Power train · Unknown or other
What IS the issue? basically the firewall IS so thin that it flexes terribly every time the clutch or brake pedal IS pressed. The big problem IS the way the clutch/brake assembly IS secured to the thin firewall. It only has 6 small spot welds that rip off the firewall after time. This makes it so…
What IS the issue? basically the firewall IS so thin that it flexes terribly every time the clutch or brake pedal IS pressed. The big problem IS the way the clutch/brake assembly IS secured to the thin firewall. It only has 6 small spot welds that rip off the firewall after time. This makes it so you can't get in and out of gear. Clutch becomes useless. who? 2008-2014 gh/gr impreza (2.5i/obs/wrx/sti). I don't think the issue can be linked to a certain batch of vehicles, certain climate/location, or certain year. This has happened all over the world, all years 08-14, and all models (within the gh/gr chassis).
- Air bags
We have not heard from the dealer about replacing the air bag we had an email in july 2016 called to make an appointment and they said they did not have the part in thats what they were waiting for this IS october 2016 and we have not heard anything yet. were scared to drive it but we need our car and we don't let anyone sit in the passenger seat.
- Unknown or other
The clutch pedal on my 2008 WRX makes a loud creaking noise every time it's depressed. When I investigated the noise, I noticed that the entire clutch pedal bracket assembly (attached to the forward firewall) shifts approx 1/4 inch every time the clutch pedal IS depressed. I found that the three…
The clutch pedal on my 2008 WRX makes a loud creaking noise every time it's depressed. When I investigated the noise, I noticed that the entire clutch pedal bracket assembly (attached to the forward firewall) shifts approx 1/4 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. From the outside of the firewall, just under the windshield wipers, I saw the spot welds pulling away from the firewall every time the clutch pedal was depressed. This allows the entire clutch pedal bracket assembly to move, causing the creaking noise. If the bracket completely separates from the firewall, the clutch may become completely inoperative - especially dangerous while driving.
- Structure › Body
Broken firewall welds/clutch squeak im having loud creaking noise with depression of clutchpedalover last few years which did not respond tolithiumgreaselubricationat pivot bolt whereclutch pedalhingeson bracket attached to firewall. According to my mechanic (subarucertified) there IS a failure…
Broken firewall welds/clutch squeak im having loud creaking noise with depression of clutchpedalover last few years which did not respond tolithiumgreaselubricationat pivot bolt whereclutch pedalhingeson bracket attached to firewall. According to my mechanic (subarucertified) there IS a failure of a weld on the firewall next to clutch bracket causing a bowing outward of a portion of the firewall and consequentially a loud creaking noise.
- Power train
Clutch squeaks when pedal IS pressed in. sound comes from inside the cabin or firewall area.
- Engine · Power train
The clutch bracket on the firewall has only 4 small tack welds from the factory. This bracket takes all the force of your leg pushing in the clutch every time you change a gear. It appears to be very common on the subaru WRX STI for these small tacks to break away from the firewall and cause…
The clutch bracket on the firewall has only 4 small tack welds from the factory. This bracket takes all the force of your leg pushing in the clutch every time you change a gear. It appears to be very common on the subaru WRX STI for these small tacks to break away from the firewall and cause accelerated clutch wear and eventually clutch failure. My clutch failed and the dealer IS now telling me that there IS no knowledge of the problem and the repair for this manufacturing defect will not be covered by subaru. Talking to other people and checking the STI forums this IS a common problem that subaru has paid for for some people. They are refusing to cover this for me. *js
- Power train · Service brakes · Structure › Body · Vehicle speed control
Welds on bracket that holds clutch and brake pedal to firewall failing. Causing clutch pedal inconsistency along with brake pedal movement upon clutch pedal depression. *tr
- Power train · Service brakes
Clutch and brake master cylinders have poor design. My clutch pedal currently squeeze and wobbles while my brake pedal IS wobbley. The minimal/poor spot welds for the master cylinders on the firewall have cracked. *tr
- Power train · Service brakes · Structure › Body
There IS a loud squeak noise when the clutch IS being pressed, and at times when the structure flexes,it interferes with changing gears. Not only does it interfere with changing gears but,it also causes the break pedal assembly moves when pressing the clutch. I have verified that some weld spot…
There IS a loud squeak noise when the clutch IS being pressed, and at times when the structure flexes,it interferes with changing gears. Not only does it interfere with changing gears but,it also causes the break pedal assembly moves when pressing the clutch. I have verified that some weld spot have broken off and have become loose. This IS a big problem seeing as how it IS a safety issue. When it completely separates, due to shotty welding, not only could the clutch go out while driving but it could cause the breaks to go out as well. This IS not wear and tear, I've only had the car for about a 1.5 years. Welds should not bust that quickly. I have verified in the subaru community that this IS a common problem manual transmission imprezas. *tr
- Power train · Service brakes · Structure › Body
Firewall spot welds broke, resulting in movement of the brake pedal assembly and clutch assembly. This IS causing the clutch to not disengage fully and also making it very difficult to shift due to the flex. As this has the potential to be dangerous and IS most definitely a manufacturing defect, it should be subject to a recall. *tr
- Engine
I was driving down the road and the engine stopped producing power. after pulling it over it wouldn't start. dealership says the engine IS toast and it will cost 10K. I have done all the regular maintenance and oil changes. an engine should not need to be replaced at 77K miles. my toyotas have lasted forever. *tr
- Power train · Structure › Body
My clutch pedal began clicking and creaking this summer. I finally found out that the welds that held the clutch to the firewall were broken. The clutch bracket has only a couple of spot welds that attach it to the firewall, and the firewall IS very flimsy. The welds tore away and allowed the…
My clutch pedal began clicking and creaking this summer. I finally found out that the welds that held the clutch to the firewall were broken. The clutch bracket has only a couple of spot welds that attach it to the firewall, and the firewall IS very flimsy. The welds tore away and allowed the firewall, clutch assembly,. Brake assembly, and dash to move and shift whenever I clutched in, causing premature clutch failure and a very dangerous driving condition. This has happened to many gr/gv chassis. This IS a known issue and subaru needs to institute a recall about this dangerous issue. *tr
- Power train
Check engine light went off, flashing cruise control, and flashing differential selection [s] code. Brought the car to the shop and had it checked out. The error code IS p1410 which translates to something wrong with the secondary air injection system. Most likely one of the valves (or both) that…
Check engine light went off, flashing cruise control, and flashing differential selection [s] code. Brought the car to the shop and had it checked out. The error code IS p1410 which translates to something wrong with the secondary air injection system. Most likely one of the valves (or both) that operate with this system IS rusted stuck the open or closed position (worse if its stuck open). Checking multiple forums this IS happening regularly and subaru IS choosing not to cover it under warranty and/or recall. The part was poorly designed and IS subject to rust/failure in humid, rainy, or snowy environments. This can be dangerous when driving as it puts your car in a limp mode turning off the cruise control unexpectedly and possibly forcing your car out of its multiple driving modes (via selector in the center console near the armrest below the shifter). I am not sure how damaging that could be to hard switch the mode while running at high speeds but there IS the potential. With the amount of people complaining about this known problem with the subaru WRX STI (which IS their top dog sports car) there IS no reason for there not to be some kind of resolution/recall for this faulty part/design. To top it off, the repair costs for this IS astronomical in the $1000+ range from the estimates I am getting. *Tr
- Power train · Service brakes
The firewall IS flexing under clutch pedal movement or braking. Upon research I have found numerous claims by 08/09 impreza owners of soft welds on the firewall cracking and causing the firewall to flex under operation of the brakes or clutch. Further failure of the welds could cause serious…
The firewall IS flexing under clutch pedal movement or braking. Upon research I have found numerous claims by 08/09 impreza owners of soft welds on the firewall cracking and causing the firewall to flex under operation of the brakes or clutch. Further failure of the welds could cause serious accident if braking or clutch operation IS further degraded. Subaru of america denies that there are claims to this effect though there IS documentation on the internet to the contrary. Issue should cause a recall as it IS quite common and a serious safety issue. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
Vehicle began smoking on cold start up. Compression test was performed and cyl 4 resulted in ~50-70 psi, which IS less than half the subaru specification. shortbock had to be replaced under warranty at approx 20,000 miles. No root cause for the failure was determined. *tt
- Air bags · Service brakes, hydraulic · Vehicle speed control
On the morning of november 4, 2011 , I pulled into the parking area behind a middle school and my car would not stop. I applied my brakes, the car still continued to go forward over the cement bumper and into the building. The only thing to stop my car was pulling the emergency brake. I went two feet into the middle school building. The airbags did not deploy. The car and the building received extensive damage. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
Engine started knocking. set up an appointment with the dealer for the next day. On the way to the dealer the knocking got worse and the engine started squealing and losing power. engine seized up and would not start again. the engine had to be replaced with a new one. *tr
- Structure › Body
Broken spot welds on rear hatch opening. *kb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
The car was smoking on cold starts only. Piston # 4 ringland cracked at 33,000 miles on the car. Shortblock had to be replaced. *kb
- Engine and engine cooling
Car has an endemic problem with breaking piston ringlands, resulting in copious oil consumption and eventually a seized engine which, if it happens on the highway, can be the equivalent of slamming on the brakes in traffic. endangering surrounding vehicles and the vehicle's driver if the oil film on the roadway and the windshields of following cars didn't already cause them problems. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
1. I was driving the car on a road trip to nc when the issue arose. 2. The failure to the car was cracked ringlands on the # 2 and 4 pistons. This caused the car to produce a white smoke cloud on start up. Before I purchased this car subaru issued a stop sale on all 2008 wrx's. The car was…
1. I was driving the car on a road trip to nc when the issue arose. 2. The failure to the car was cracked ringlands on the # 2 and 4 pistons. This caused the car to produce a white smoke cloud on start up. Before I purchased this car subaru issued a stop sale on all 2008 wrx's. The car was repaired at a local dealership under a goodwill repair. To which I was responsible for part of the cost. This repair was conducted in mar 2010. Since then the car has been operating very well until recently to which the engine has developed a knock. I had the car towed to the dealership to determine what the issue was. The dealership contacted me the next day to inform me that the rod bearing on cyl #4 had failed. This IS the same issue that prompted subaru to place a stop sale on the vehicles. During the initial stop sale they had a range of vin's that could have been affected, mine was not in that list. I think subaru had mis-calculated the number of cars that were affected on this stop sale. 3. My car IS currently at the dealership awaiting a re-manufactured engine, to which I have to disagree with. I purchased this car new with no re-manufactured on it from the factory. So why can a car maker place re-manufactured parts in a car for a repair? *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
While passing a tractor-trailer on a two lane highway in fifth gear at approx 70mph, the engine experienced detonation and went into limp mode. after incident, car runs rough, burns oil, smokes on startup, billows smoke out of the oil filler cap, and exhibits power loss. issue was first diagnosed…
While passing a tractor-trailer on a two lane highway in fifth gear at approx 70mph, the engine experienced detonation and went into limp mode. after incident, car runs rough, burns oil, smokes on startup, billows smoke out of the oil filler cap, and exhibits power loss. issue was first diagnosed by compression test. if engine fails while driving on highway during normal commute, may cause serious accident and/or fire resulting in injury or death. subaru of america has not yet corrected the issue, as they claim the car IS running as designed. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling
Driving the car on a windy road, accelerated out of a corner in 3RD gear. Car started shaking, clicking, and running poorly. Failure of connecting rod bearings on the crank shaft. Engine long block needs to be replaced. *Tr
- Power train
Main rod bearing failed while driving due to subaru redesigning their bearings and not using copper. Car has 30,000 miles on engine. between all the piston failures and bearing failures subaru should own up and take care of its loyal customers as I don't know if I will ever buy one again. *Tr
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11010925This annocement is to inform dealers to the Gen 3.1 Head Unit OTA will be available via Wi-Fi. The update will take place in multiple batches with the first beginneing November 15th and the last being Decemeber 3rd. This update is for approximatelt 714,000 VINs.
- 11009701This bulletin details an important regulation issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which impacts the way some vehicles with accessories are sold. This regulation applies to any automobile retailer installing accessories on a vehicle prior to its first sale.
- 11009685This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
- 11008283This Service Information Bulletin announces the preferred practices to be used when handling vehicles equipped with Gen2 Telematics which are enrolled in the Subaru STARLINK Security Plus Service featuring Stolen Vehicle Recovery Plus with Immobilizer.
- 11008282This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
- 11008281This Service Information Bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be followed when diagnosing engine oil leakage on FA and FB type engines.
- 11008280This Service Information bulletin is being released as guidance for proper testing and charging of vehicle batteries.
- 11008279This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.
- 11008276The CP1.5 RCs OTA is available for all mid and high grade CP1.5 head units.
- 11008267This bulletin announces availability of the NEW genuine Subaru engine oil filter.
- 11008259This bulletin outlines the judgment criteria to be used when inspecting front transverse link bushings to reduce unnecessary bushing replacement.
- 11006935This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure for 2025MY vehicles.
- 11006934The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.
- 11006932This Service Information Bulletin announces important diagnostic information to utilize when the Data Communication Module (DCM) is being tested as a dark current/standby current source.
- 11006931This Bulletin provides additional diagnostics to follow when addressing a Telematics-related DTC B2A16.
- 11005624This annoucement provides parts personnel information about remanufactured transmissions that will no longer be available.
- 11005615This announcement provides information for retailers to install the latest infotainment system software for Denso CP 1.5.
- 11005614This bulletin announces important diagnostic information to utilize when testing the Data Communication Module (DCM) as a dark current/standby current source. All models equipped with Telematics except Solterra.
- 11005609This announcement provides information on Takata Recall Escalated Towing Program.
- 11005608This thermo control valve video contains information on the replacement of thermo control valve.
- 11005599This Bulletin provides SOA paint codes to help eliminate possible confusion for 2025 MY vehicles.
- 11005595This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
- 11005593This Bulletin provides guidance for diagnosing a leaking front or rear suspension strut.
- 11002730This information announces reprograming file availability for Gen 4.5 Denso CP1.5 Audio and Navigation systems. Inprovement for CarPlay concerns with hands-free calls when the receiving party is not able to hear the caller.
- 11002725This bulletin provides diagnosis and procedure information to be applied when diagnosing potential fluid leaks on front and rear brake calipers. This information has been developed to reduce unnecessary brake caliper replacement.
- 10241801The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.
- 10240110This bulletin announces the recommended cleaning procedures to followed when encountering vehicles with long time exposure to pollen on painted surfaces on vehicles imported from Japan. This bulletin does not apply to SIA built vehicles.
- 10235830Repair Procedure for High-Pitched Sound
- 10234861Service Manual Corrections
- 10234828This Bulletin provides production change, repair procedure and parts information to address a customer concern of a high-pitched sound coming from the transmission extension housing area.
- 10234827New Subaru Recall Campaign: Brake Line Corrosion WQK?47
- 10234292Revised Packing Material for the License Plate Lamp.
- 10234261Remanufactured Automatic Transaxle Program
- 10232879Replacement Key and Immobilizer info
- 10232873Hill Start Assist (HSA) Warning Light, DTC C0076
- 10232535Replacement Key and Immobilizer Info
- 10219492This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
- 10219491This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.
- 10209915This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic essential information during diagnosis and repair of the Infotainment concerns. (Applicable to all models with Harman or Denso CP1 Infotainment).
- 10198758This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models
Every Subaru Impreza STI model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.