- The problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- The risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-20.
Vehicle safety record
2009 Subaru Impreza Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 113 complaints about the 2009 Subaru Impreza with NHTSA, most often about the transmission & drivetrain (30) and the engine & cooling (28). Those complaints describe 2 crashes, 3 fires and 2 injuries. It is covered by 15 recalls, the latest in January 2020 for the inflator module. For comparison, the 2008 has 209 and the 2010 has 46.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical Impreza year, for its age
#84 most complained-about 2009 vehicle
- Complaints
- 113
- Recalls
- 15
- Crashes
- 2
- Fires
- 3
- Injuries
- 2
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2009 Subaru Impreza problems
Share of all 113 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2009 Subaru Impreza recalls 15
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- The risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-20.
- The problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (STI included), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- The risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators with alternate inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-20.
- The problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, 2008-2011 Impreza vehicles, 2008-2014 WRX vehicles, 2005-2014 Legacy vehicles, 2005-2014 Outback vehicles and 2006-2008 Tribeca vehicles equipped with a mechanical key ignition switch installed as a replacement part. The ball spring inside the switch may break, reducing the strength of the ignition switch. If this occurs, the weight on the key ring and certain road conditions could cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position to the accessory position, turning off the engine.
- The risk
- The engine turning off unexpectedly can increase the risk of a crash. If a crash occurs under this condition, the air bag may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
- The fix
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ignition switch, replacing the ignition switch, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 10, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUF-91.
- The problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing the brake lights from illuminating and also preventing keyless ignition vehicles from starting and CVT/automatic transmissions from being able to be shifted out of Park.
- The risk
- Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.
- The fix
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90.
- The problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009 Tribeca, Impreza, Forester, WRX, Legacy, and Outback vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- The risk
- An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began on February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-18.
- The problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2010 Tribeca, Impreza, Forester, WRX, Legacy, and Outback vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- The risk
- An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-18.
- The problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Legacy, Forester, Tribeca, WRX and Outback vehicles, and 2009-2011 Impreza vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- The risk
- An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-18.
- The problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Baja, 2009 Forester, Legacy and Outback and 2006-2009 Impreza (including WRX and STI models) and Tribeca vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- The risk
- An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-17.
- The problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Subaru Baja, 2006-2011 Impreza (including WRX and STI models), 2006-2012 Tribeca, 2009-2012 Forester, Legacy, Outback, and 2012 WRX vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- The risk
- An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-17.
- The problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2008-2014 Impreza vehicles and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, all equipped with turbo-charged engines. The relay that controls the secondary air injection pump may fail, causing the pump to continuously operate and overheat.
- The risk
- If the air injection pump overheats, it may melt and increase the risk of a fire.
- The fix
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary air injection pump relay, free of charge. The recall began December 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTM-73.
- The problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy, Outback, 2009-2011 Legacy, Outback, Forester, 2006-2011 Impreza, Tribeca, 2003-2006 Baja, and 2006 Saab 9-2x vehicles originally sold or that have ever been registered in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." These vehicles may be equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- The risk
- An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 26, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-856-488-8500. Saab owners may contact GM at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-16.
- The problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Impreza, 2008-2014 WRX and STI, and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, currently, or formerly, registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia that were remedied under recall 14V-311 prior to December 23, 2014. The brake lines may experience brake line corrosion due to salt water splashing on the brake lines through a gap in the fuel tank protector.
- The risk
- Brake fluid may leak due to the brake line corrosion and may result in longer distances being required to slow or stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will apply an anti-corrosion wax to the four-way joint connector area of the brake line system, free of charge. The recall began on January 27, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQQ-52. Notes: This recall is specific to affected Forester, Impreza, WRX, and STI customers who had their car remedied under NHTSA recall no. 14V-311 prior to December 23, 2014. Subaru has determined that this remedy was inadequate due to incomplete repair instructions provided to dealers. Affected Forester, Impreza, WRX, and STI vehicles that were not repaired under NHTSA recall no. 14V-311 prior to December 23, 2014 will continue to be processed under NHTSA recall no. 14V-311. Affected vehicles not currently, or formerly, registered in the salt belt states identified in this recall are eligible for repair, at no cost to the customer, upon request.
- The problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Outback and Legacy, 2008-2011 Impreza and 2008-2014 Impreza WRX/STI, and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, currently, or formerly, registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Salt water could splash on the brake lines through a gap in the fuel tank protector, resulting in excessive corrosion of the brake lines. Note that affected vehicles not currently, or formerly registered, in the salt belt states identified above are eligible for repair, at no cost to the customer, upon request.
- The risk
- Brake line corrosion may result in brake fluid leakage. Fluid leakage may result in longer distances being required to slow or stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will test the brake system by depressing the brake pedal and inspecting for brake fluid leaks. If no brake fluid seepage is observed, the affected areas will be rustproofed with anti-corrosion wax. If brake fluid seepage is observed, the brake lines will be replaced followed by rustproofing with anti-corrosion wax. These services will be performed free of charge. The recall began July 2014 and second notifications will run through November 2014. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's recall campaign number is WQK-47. Note: This recall supersedes recall 13V-110 which applied to certain 2005-2009 Legacy/Outback vehicles. Vehicles that were remedied under the previous campaign still need additional areas rust-proofed.
- The problem
- 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 was manufactured to a hardness that may cause the bolt(s) to be brittle and potentially break under stress.
- The 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.
- The fix
- 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.
What owners say
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113 complaints about the 2009 Subaru Impreza
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 5.
The contact owns a 2009 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that on two separate occasions while driving at various speeds, the rear-view mirror detached from the windshield. The smart rear-view mirror was attached to the mirror by a cord and was swinging back and forth after detaching. The contact was severely traumatized after the failure, and the mirror became a distraction while driving. After the first failure, the vehicle was taken to the dealer and repaired under warranty. After the second failure, the vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 36,560.
Odometer Fraud. The contact recently purchased a 2009 Subaru Impreza. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 189,822. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced failures and was taken to AutoZone, where it was discovered that the mileage on the title of the vehicle was 202,000.
The contact owns a 2009 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the transmission failed to properly shift. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over on the side of the road and shut off the vehicle. Once the contact restarted the vehicle, the vehicle started operating normally; however, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the clutch pedal bracket had fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not...
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repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was under recall however, the recall had expired. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 54,000.
There was a brake light switch failure which was under recall. The failure caused a short in my electrical system and wires in my bulk head wiring harness melted and fused together causing a ultimate failure of the vehicle being able to start. The vehicle was towed to subaru, the brake light switch was fixed per the recall but the wiring harness is no longer made by subaru so my vehicle could not be repaired. Ultimately my vehicle was ruined. The brake switch failure is the cause of the short that ruined this vehicle valued at 4800$ and subaru wont fix it because they cant find the parts needed
The head gaskets have failed multiple times with this vehicle within a 6 month timeframe. The head gaskets have been a reported recall issue for other models of Subaru Impreza's except the non-turbo ones which this one is. The shop where is has been repaired at repairs several Subaru's that are non-turbo models monthly due to blown head gaskets. The head gasket failure in my vehicle has caused other components to fail, i.e. the radiator, power steering rack and 2 catalytic converters. I have all of my receipts for the repairs that where a direct result of the head gaskets being blown twice within 6 months and the total spent was $4,558.53 the car cost $5750.00 to buy.
1. The weakness (dimness) of the low beams is a DANGEROUS situation. The assemblies are not dirty or oxidized; the low beam height was properly adjusted; Tested the power going to each light and it showed 14 volts; Bought some high power LED bulbs which didn't help. I am very hesitant to spend up to $400 for new assemblies hoping that maybe it will fix the problem. I have adjusted the high beam level to the height of what the low beams were and now have to use the high beams as low beams to sufficiently see the...
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road and now have no high beams if I need them. Subaru should be recalling and replacing these faulty assemblies immediately. 2. Wheel lugs shear off when being removed. When the lug nuts were put on, they were tightened with a torque wrench to manufacturer specifications. This is the only vehicle (out of the 13 I have owned) I have ever had this problem with. Subaru should be recalling and replacing lugs immediately with lugs of proper materials immediately.
The problem: like over 50% of adult Americans, I am female. I am 5' 3.5" tall (average for N. America, folks!) and weigh 109 lbs. I am also 66 years old and it's likely that despite my very active lifestyle (I'm a backpacker etc.), my bones are more brittle than a 25-y.o. man's. Your agency has failed in its duty to ensure the safety of ALL Americans. not just men and fat women. In order to reach the accelerator and see over the dashboard, i.e. in order to drive these vehicles which have passed your safety...
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requirements, I sit in the death zone of the driver airbags and steering wheel column in all three vehicles I own: this 2009 Impreza, my 2000 Outback station wagon, and my 2012 Ford F350 Winnebago RV. Please don't tell me that I should buy one of the very few vehicles that might fit me better. I live on a mountainside in Alaska and need winter traction and handling. Why should my vehicle choices be narrowed because you have failed to recognizew that I exist? As a retired federal scientist and policy wonk with a law degree, I am appalled at your agency's callousness towards me and other average height drivers. How long will it take my government, staffed by people whose salaries I pay, to recognize that the male body is not the default for all humans? I am letting my Senator, Lisa Murkowshi, know that it's well past time for the NHTSA to protect me as well as it protects my husband.
Several hours after having work performed on my car, I was turning left from one road to another, both with speed limits around 40 mph. While turning left and simultaneously shifting from 4th to 2nd gear. While traveling about 15 mph in the middle of the turn, the steering wheel locked and I became aware that the car had stalled. I had to pull the emergency brake to stop the car and skidded off the road, which caused the car behind me to brake suddenly in the middle of an intersection. I was able to restart the car...
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immediately. Immediately after the incident, I had the car thoroughly inspected and no mechanical issues were found. The reason suspected for this was due to a design flaw in the throttle position sensor, which in certain subarus can reset after the car's battery has been disconnected (to perform service on the car, in this case). When the sensor is reset, the car will tend to stall when the rpms drop, either when coming to a stop light or downshifting in manual transmission cars. This is a known issue reported by many owners and mechanics. I was advised by a subaru dealer that the subaru relearn idle procedure needs to be performed to restore proper idle performance after the battery has been disconnected. I have experienced my car stalling several times over the years due to this issue, but never before while the car was in motion. It has been inspected multiple times and no mechanical issues related to this issue have been found. I believe this is extremely dangerous, in particular in cases where the car can stall while in motion and especially while turning, as it can easily cause a serious accident. Further, this is not a highly predictable issue and it's not always clear to me as the owner of the car when the relearn idle procedure needs to be performed.
The firewall prevents the vehicle from engaging in gears while driving
09 Wrx hatch, the traction control and hill assist lights will illuminate sporadically. After the vehicle is turned off and then back on , everything works fine. I haven't found any variables that are consistent. It doesn't matter if it's rain or shine, hot or cold, both lights will just randomly come on.
09 Wrx hatch, when the clutch is depressed it will make a creaking noise. Upon further inspection, the firewall flexes a lot while the clutch is pressed in. It is getting louder and is starting to affect the brake pedal by moving it everytime the clutch is depressed.
My car just broke on me. The shop showed me how the firewall was built on these models and how it was changed from previous models. I shouldn't have to worrry about the firewall breaking on me with only 100k miles on my car. This is dangerous the firewall broke on me while driving and rendered the car undriveable. Luckily I was able to get off the road before potentially causing a major accident. This is a hazard for anyone who buys these cars because the firewall can break anytime really depending on how hard the car is driven although it should realistically never break.
Head gasket failure at 80,000 miles. Leaked out 1.5 Quarts of oil on road trip
Had a clutch repair done on car after the repair was finished the mechanic noted that the firewall on car was cracked. The car was stationary after looking on the internet and noted that the subaru wrx impriza from 2009-214 had a problem with fire wall fatigue when the clutch and brake were being used under normal operation condition.
Subaru of america inc. Should recall 2008-2014 impreza, impreza wrx, and impreza wrx sti. These vehicles just above the drivers feet, use 6 spots welds to hold a mounting bracket for the pedal assembly to the inside of the firewall.This design flaw, where the pedal mounting box is spot-welded to the firewall using only a handful of tiny spot welds is dangerous. The firewall itself is of a weak design and inherently has quite a bit of flex and over time and normal use these spot welds fail from too much stress and...
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the pedals will begin to squeak, creak, pop and eventually the pedals will move away from the firewall when depressed. Once this happens the clutch and other pedals will no longer properly engage or disengage and the car will no longer be drivable. In the event of this failure at highway speeds potentially catastrophic loss of life and endangering the public. Safety risk firewall failure potential result in loss of vehicle control. The sudden loss of function of pedal assembly including clutch, brake, and acceleration pedals. Loss of vehicle control may lead to occupants having serious injury or death especially at highway speeds. Remedy subaru will notify their owners. Dealers will facilitate the, permanent solution which involves properly welding the pedal assembly box to the firewall with a continuous seam weld along the circumference of the mounting tab, free of charge. Sources: http://www.Circuitmotorsports-blog.Com/2015/04/the-2008-2014-subaru-impreza-clutch.Html https://www.5250Performance.Com/blog/subaru-firewall-repairs-less-money-better-repair https://forums.Nasioc.Com/forums/showthread.Php?S=745c2ff65d52924b49418232894051cd&t=2700583 https://bit.Ly/2ssk3ij https://bit.Ly/37flmp4 https://www.Youtube.Com/results?Search_query=2008+subaru+wrx+firewall *tr
Motor went out with 72000 miles while on the highway driving. Transfer case bearings shot. Power steering rack done and firewall has cracked for a 2nd time. Subaru are probably the most unsafe vehicles on the road.
Compressing clutch pedal clicks 3 times loudly when car is on or off. Sounds like under drivers dashboard. *Tr the consumer stated air bag light on, horn isnt working, and steering wheel is off center. *Tr
I called subaru almost 5 months ago when I came across there was a recall on brakes since we were having the issue of the brakes flashing and the vehicle not shifting. Manufacturer recall #: wue90 on 2-28-19. Nhtsa recall #: 19v149000. When I called they said they did not have the parts yet to fix. On 8-29-19 the car was in an accident and brakes light was chiming and flashing earlier and may be related to why it did not stop in time and was involced in a rear end crash when driver in front slammed on brakes. A...
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auto shop then tells me after the car was reported in the accident sommers subaru called them on 9-4-19 to tell the car had a brake safety recall. I have made a previous complaint about this vehicle on 4-19-19. Complaint # 11197303
Takata recall. I went to the dealer and was told that they would either require me to pay to have aftermarket guages removed prior to them performing the recall, or they would not be responsible for any damage they caused to my aftermarket guages while performing the recall. The free recall is going to cost me money that I shouldn't have to pay.
Today (july 10, 2019) I discovered that the driver's side rear door of my 2009 impreza will not open from the inside even when the child lock is in the free position. I have a similar problem with the same door on my 2014 outback, in that the child lock is stuck in the locked position and the door cannot be opened from the inside. I don't think it's a coincidence that both of my subarus are having a problem with the child safety locks and I would like this investigated.
2009 Subaru with less than 100,000 has a head gasket linking onto catalitic converter.Had same problem with 2005 impreza with 95,000 miles .When I bought 2009 I wait was told problem had been resolved.Obviously not ! Now I have to pay 1,600 dollars to have it repaired.Not happy with subaru,will not buy another one.
When trying to put fuel in my car at the pump, the fuel instantly starting spewing out even though I know I have an empty tank. Based on research, subaru has a valve in the tank that is defective and causes this. There is no way I can fill my tank up and I am covered in fuel.
The o2 sensor was replaced by resale dealer, after filling car with gas the check engine, traction control, and flashing cruise control light came on. Sensor was rechecked by dealer, and it is okay, codes wiped and reset. Car was filled with gas, lights came back on after commuting back home. Drove until there was 1/4 tank left, lights went off, filled back up with gas all the lights came back on. Sensor still tests back as the problem, but the sensor is okay.
2009 Subaru impreza. Consumer writes in regards to failed head gasket. *Ld *js
Takata recall and safety recall wue90 nhtsa campaign: 19v149000 brake lamp switch. On april 4th, 2019 I called multiple dealers for this recall and the takata recall and they could not get me in until may 11th for airbag and the brake recall they do not have parts yet for it and the cars brake light is on. The last week and a half the brakes have been goofy and light illuminated which is part of the recall. Monday while driving on the highway at 55mph the rear passenger tire blew. Car has been towed because it appears part of the abs system has broke and pierced the brand new tire!
Subaru Impreza: every year compared
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 251 | 4 | F |
| 2012 | 243 | 6 | F |
| 2011 | 58 | 14 | C |
| 2010 | 46 | 15 | C |
| 2009 | 113 | 15 | D |
| 2008 | 209 | 15 | F |
| 2007 | 68 | 9 | C |
| 2006 | 56 | 10 | C |
| 2005 | 75 | 6 | C |
2009 Subaru Impreza vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 Subaru Impreza | 113 | 15 | D | |
| 2009 Toyota Corolla | 1,533 | 13 | F | Compare |
| 2009 Volkswagen Jetta | 905 | 7 | F | Compare |
| 2009 Toyota Prius | 502 | 6 | F | Compare |
| 2009 Honda Civic | 396 | 8 | D | Compare |
| 2009 Hyundai Elantra | 287 | 4 | C | Compare |
| 2009 Mazda MAZDA3 | 119 | 4 | C | Compare |
| 2009 Nissan Sentra | 55 | 1 | D | Compare |
| 2009 Volkswagen Golf | 3 | 0 | A | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2009 Subaru Impreza
Does the 2009 Subaru Impreza have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 15 recalls for the 2009 Subaru Impreza: inflator module (January 2020); inflator module (January 2020); inflator module (January 2020); switch (April 2019) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Subaru Impreza?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the transmission & drivetrain (30), engine & cooling (28), body, doors & structure (22).
How many complaints has the 2009 Subaru Impreza had?
113 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on April 30, 2009 and the latest on September 30, 2026. Of these, 2 describe a crash and 3 a fire, and together they report 2 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2009 Subaru Impreza a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 32 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical Subaru Impreza year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Subaru Impreza years have the most complaints?
2002 (296), 2013 (251), 2012 (243). See every Subaru Impreza year compared.
What should I do if my 2009 Subaru Impreza has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
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