Check a vehicle VIN check Latest recalls Latest complaints Common problems Rankings Compare vehicles Recall roundups All makes Guides Share your experience
Theme

Engine & cooling

2008 Subaru Impreza Engine problems

Owners have filed 42 complaints about the 2008 Subaru Impreza's engine & cooling with NHTSA - 20% of all its complaints, most recently on August 11, 2019. They describe 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury. Stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating, head gaskets, timing chains and engine failure.

Complaints
42
Recalls
1
Crashes
1
Fires
0
Injuries
1
Deaths
0

Engine recalls for the 2008 Subaru Impreza

Engine

08V46000016,715 vehicles affected

The problem
Subaru is recalling 16,715 my 2007-2008 legacy sedans and wagons, my 2008 impreza sedans and wagons, and my 2009 forester vehicles. Some vehicles may have the cylinder head-side oil supply pipe and turbocharger-side pipe improperly assembled.
The risk
Vibration would occur while driving and, over time, could eventually result in cracking the pipe which would allow oil to leak. If leaking oil contacts components operating at high temperatures, an engine compartment fire could occur.
The fix
Dealers will inspect for cracking or an oil leak at the oil supply pipe at the cylinder head-side. An additional bracket will be installed to increase rigidity of the pipe and the pipe assembly will be replaced with a modified part. The recall began on october 20, 2008. Owners may contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783.

Engine complaints

SuspensionBrakesEngine & cooling

Blew 3 valve gaskets within two weeks after buying car. Blew 2 tires within 2 months of having the car. They 'fixed' an oil control valve and then it needed another. Sway bar links needed replaced, cv joints need replaced, brake pads are extremely low. Ac doesn't work. Had to buy all new tires.

Filed Incident Suspension · Service brakes · EngineNHTSA 11243155
Engine & cooling

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 subaru impreza. The contact stated that the check engine indicator illuminated and the traction control system failed due to the design of the engine valves. As a result, the contact was unable to drive the vehicle in snowy weather. An independent mechanic diagnosed that the engine air valves failed. The contact replaced the engine air valves himself, but it did not correct the traction control system failure. The vehicle was also taken to an unknown dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine valves needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 58,000.

Filed Incident Traction control system · EngineNHTSA 11164729
Engine & cooling

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 subaru impreza. The contact stated that the check engine indicator illuminated and the traction control system failed. As a result, the contact was unable to drive the vehicle in snowy weather. An independent mechanic diagnosed that the engine air valve failed. The contact replaced the engine air valves himself, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was also taken to an unknown dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine valves needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the engine valve design caused the traction control system to fail. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 58,000.

Filed Incident Traction control system · EngineNHTSA 11164604
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

The fire wall broke and the pistons had nothing but problems then it blew the crank

Filed Incident Power train · EngineNHTSA 11133481
Engine & cooling

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 subaru impreza. While driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle lost power. There were no warning indicators illuminated during the failure. The contact stated that the failure occurred every 20,000 miles. The vehicle was towed to the dealer (grand prix subaru, 500 s broadway, hicksville, ny 11801) and the engine block was replaced. The manufacturer was notified and informed the contact to purchase a new vehicle. The failure mileage was 79,000.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11102175
Body, doors & structureEngine & cooling

Vehicle was not stationary, it was being tuned and the fire wall got to hot and started to smoke. In addition the third cylinder in the motor went bad as well and the motor was replaced due to a rod knock and the 3rd cylinder going bad. The vehicle has 80000 miles on the vehicle.

Filed Incident Structure · EngineNHTSA 10823237
Engine & cooling

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 subaru impreza. While driving at 35 mph, there was smoke coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact noticed oil leaking from the engine. The contact was an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the valve covers needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The contact then replaced the clamps on the oil return line however the failure persisted. The contact then diagnosed that the oil feed line needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to a...

Read the full complaint

dealer where it was repaired under nhtsa campaign number: 08v460000 (engine and engine cooling). The contact stated that two weeks after the repairs, while driving at 60 mph, there was a noise coming from the engine. In addition, the contact noticed smoke in the vehicle. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 119,000. Updated 7/1/15*cn

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10716298
Engine & cooling

Oil leaking from premature head gasket failure. Oil leaking on a hot engine can cause a fire. This is common for this make, model and year, due to incorrect sizing of the gasket. It is defective from the factory and may result in a fire. *Tr

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 10712979
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

Head gasket prematurely leaking oil. Leak finds itself near exhaust. A little bit of research finds that this problem is very common up until 2010 and the introduction of the newest engine. An improved gasket is available, but replacement is very expensive. This is clearly a defective part and the affected cars should be recalled. *Tr

Filed Incident Power train · EngineNHTSA 10702755
Engine & cooling

The head gasket is leaking. This will cost over $2000 to fix. This should not be occurring. *Tr

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 10680256
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

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

Filed Incident Power train · EngineNHTSA 10669278
Engine & cooling

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

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 10639942
Fuel systemElectrical systemEngine & cooling

According to the dealership the catalytic converter in my 2008 subaru impreza has prematurely failed. The vehicles check engine light came on and the car went into "limp" mode while driving, in conjunction with the check engine light my vehicle has been experiencing very poor gas mileage for the last month. The dealership has quoted me over $2000 for the repair of my car. It was brought to my attention that several other same model year subaru's have recalls due to the catalytic converter not performing to emission standards. Some of these cars have the exact catalytic converter part number as my car, I do not understand why car would not be recalled also. *Tr

Filed Incident Fuel system, gasoline · Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 10619025
Engine & coolingTransmission & drivetrainBody, doors & structureBrakes

This 2008 subaru impreza has been plagued as have many others by a manufacturer chassis defect. The firewall/bulkhead between the driver and engine has 5 spot welds broken which initially are meant to secure the clutch and brake assembly. These weld breaks are a serious safety issue as they are causing difficulty in engaging clutch and brakes, as well as a squeak noise every time the clutch is depressed. As this is not an insignificant wear item but part of the chassis/frame which is a dangerous defect as complete...

Read the full complaint

failure during operation of the vehicle can cause catastrophic accidents, further investigation and action on this matter should be taken by the nhtsa. This is certainly a recall issue. *Tr

Filed Incident Engine and engine cooling · Power train · Structure · Service brakesNHTSA 10553101
Engine & coolingTransmission & drivetrainBody, doors & structureBrakes

This 2008 subaru impreza has been plagued as have many others by a manufacturer chassis defect. The firewall/bulkhead between the driver and engine has 5 spot welds broken which initially are meant to secure the clutch and brake assembly. These weld breaks are a serious safety issue as they are causing difficulty in engaging clutch and brakes, as well as a squeak noise every time the clutch is depressed. As this is not an insignificant wear item but part of the chassis/frame which is a dangerous defect as...

Read the full complaint

complete failure during operation of the vehicle can cause catastrophic accidents, further investigation and action on this matter should be taken by the nhtsa. This is certainly a recall issue. *Tr

Filed Incident Engine and engine cooling · Power train · Structure · Service brakesNHTSA 10552586
Engine & cooling

2008 Subaru impreza. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle engine shuts down after pressing down on accelerator. *Smd the consumer stated when her husband adjusted his pant leg, it caused him to press down on the accelerator. When that happened, the vehicle let out a loud shuddering and immediately shut the engine down. All the lights stayed on and the vehicle started right back up. The consumer stated the incident happened twice. The dealer was unable to duplicate the problem. However, they did find a valve was leaking oil, which was covered under warranty.

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10497341
Transmission & drivetrainBody, doors & structureEngine & cooling

My clutch bracket broke on the welds. This is an oem product that has a defect and it is well known on the internet and forums. Subaru of newton nj refuses to fix the problem and was well aware. This was very dangerous for me since it happened on a highway at speeds of 65 mph. The bracket is broken and the clutch will not engage. I have noticed the firewall is cracking also. The brake pedal moves inches to the side when the clutch is pressed. This is a very dangerous problem. I am very disappointed with subaru and the car only has 73k miles on it. I also filled with subaru and I am awaiting answers. *Tr

Filed Incident Power train · Structure · EngineNHTSA 10493699
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

For at least 20,000 miles now (i'm at 55,000) I have had a very stiff clutch pedal and terrible squeak with every depression of the clutch. My clutch is slipping in 3rd, 4th and 5th. This was reported and diagnosed under warranty around 30,000 miles by the pembroke pines subaru dealership. Subaru of america requested that the pressure plate and possibly the clutch be replaced (ignoring my statement that the tack welds holding the clutch assembly in place were snapped -- which they are, effecting engagement...

Read the full complaint

and likely damaging the clutch/pp/flywheel). After moving to asheville, nc right at the time of soa making this request, the subaru dealership (prestige) refused to honor soa's request stating they were a franchise dealership and did not have to listen. I expect the pressure plate & clutch, along with the firewall welds, to be repaired under soa warranty. *Tr

Filed Incident Power train · EngineNHTSA 10488956
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

A loud squeak is occurring when I press and release my clutch. I had my clutch replaced about 10k miles ago due to a seized throwout bearing. I brought it to the dealer, they lubed it all up but squeak is still there. The tech said the noise is actually coming from the bracket that is mounted to the firewall under the dash. After a few hours of research, I have found numerous posts about this issue and it lies with the welds holding the bracket being faulty and breaking. This causes the firewall to flex and your whole pedal assembly, clutch and brake, to move around while in operation. *Tr

Filed Incident Power train · EngineNHTSA 10467548
Engine & cooling

Car began 'stumbling' at 3k rpm under very light load/throttle. Had substantially less power at highway speeds. Small trace of white smoke during startup, only happened once. Compression/leakdown results; cyl1 = 115 / 10%, cyl2 = 125 / 10%, cyl3 = 117 / 18%, cyl4 = 100 / 23%. Driving habits are mild, i-mode 90% of the time, shifting at 2800-3200 rpm... Car is currently at dealer, they have confirmed an issue and we're awaiting response from subaru of america on whether or not this will be warrantied. *Tr

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10448881
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

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10445947
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

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10420784
Engine & cooling

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

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10416892
SteeringEngine & coolingTransmission & drivetrainElectrical systemVisibility & wipersAirbagsBody, doors & structureWheels & tires

2008 Subaru impreza. Consumer states problem with vehicle clutch *tgw the consumer stated there was a screeching/rubbing noise when the clutch was applied and a loud pop noise from neutral to 1st gear. The vehicle would pop out of 6th gear at high speeds. The engine made a loud rattle noise on cold starts, the right rear window washer was inoperable, the passenger air bag occasionally did not recognize a passenger in the seat. The hood was loose and rattled, the right rear door was difficult to close, the left rear wheel studs would not secure the lug nut, the battery and power steering pump was pumping. *Jb

Filed Incident Steering · Engine and engine cooling · Power train · Electrical system · Visibility · Air bags · Latches / locks / linkages · WheelsNHTSA 10405092
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

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10394484

Subaru Impreza engine complaints by year

Impreza engine problems, every year

Had a engine problem with your 2008 Impreza? Tell other owners.

Your experience goes live straight away and helps every owner and buyer who checks this vehicle. Anonymous, free, no account.

Overall, how would you rate it? *

0/4000 · Please leave out names, phone numbers and your full VIN.

By posting you confirm it's your own, honest experience and agree to the rules. Safety defect? Also report it to NHTSA - that's how recalls start.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

Owners helping owners

Know before you drive.

Every experience you share - good or bad - shows on that vehicle's page and helps the next owner and buyer. Two minutes, anonymous.

Share your experience