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2009 Subaru WRX Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 41 complaints about the 2009 Subaru WRX with NHTSA, most often about the transmission & drivetrain (33) and the body, doors & structure (13). It is covered by 10 recalls, the latest in January 2020 for the inflator module. For comparison, the 2008 has 65 and the 2010 has 1.

NHTSA data checked

DMore problems than a typical WRX year, for its age

#143 most complained-about 2009 vehicle

Complaints
41
Recalls
10
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
0

Most common 2009 Subaru WRX problems

Share of all 41 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

2009 Subaru WRX recalls 10

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

Air bags: inflator module

20V003000111,562 vehicles affected

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.

Air bags: inflator module

20V002000127,547 vehicles affected

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.

Air bags: inflator module

20V001000258,813 vehicles affected

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.

Electrical system: switch

19V297000511 vehicles affected

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.

Exterior lighting: switch

19V1490001,303,530 vehicles affected

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.

Air bags: inflator module

18V01400072,150 vehicles affected

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.

Air bags: inflator module

18V01300093,209 vehicles affected

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.

Air bags: inflator module

18V01200064,179 vehicles affected

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.

Service brakes

14V830000200,064 vehicles affected

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.

Service brakes: hoses, lines / piping, and fittings

14V311000461,338 vehicles affected

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.

What owners say

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41 complaints about the 2009 Subaru WRX

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 2.

Acceleration & cruise control

Vehicle's gas pedal sticks in the accelerated position causing the car to speed up on it's own sometime not allowing me to remove it from gear(manual transmission). This has happened on the interstate and on city streets almost causing a accident every time. After having lost control of the car on multiple occasions it prompted me to look into the issue. I researched the issue online, paid the dealership to look at it, and also paid a independent mechanic to look at it. What I have researched and what I was told by...

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the mechanics are the same thing, the pedal assembly is broke from the firewall. After doing further research, the firewall and pedal assembly is a well known manufacturer defect and safety issue that subaru has never addressed. I just hope I am able to get the car fixed before it kills me. Absolutely ridiculous that subaru has not stepped up and offered to fix the issue as it's a widespread safety concern.

Filed Incident Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 11153208
Transmission & drivetrainBody, doors & structureBrakes

Failed welds connecting pedal panel to the firewall. Results in loud squeaking when clutch pedal is depressed/released and car is extremely difficult to get in or out of gear. Causes movement of brake pedal as well which could cause major issues. This happens moving and parked

Filed Incident Power train · Structure · Service brakesNHTSA 11062717
Transmission & drivetrainBody, doors & structureBrakes

The welds where the clutch pedal attaches to the firewall are breaking. The same bracket is attached to the brake pedal. The entire brake & clutch assembly could break off of the firewall. This could result in a loss of braking.

Filed Incident Power train · Structure · Service brakesNHTSA 10966672
Fuel system

Recall no 16v738 I had my car serviced today by the dealer for the identified recall for the secondary air injection pump relay which could cause the pump to overheat. Additionally, my check engine light has been on indicating an issue with the secondary air injection pump. While the dealer replaced the relay, they informed me that I would have to pay for them to check the pump and for any repairs on it even though the recall issue could cause the pump to fail and the check engine light was indicating an issue with it. The recall notice I received mentioned that pump replacement may be necessary. Can you explain why I would have to pay for a repair caused by a recall? Thank you.

Filed Incident Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 10956645
Body, doors & structure

The firewall on my subaru wrx hatchback is flexing so bad that my clutch will not fully engage nor disengage. I feel that it is a huge safety issues to myself and my family/friends that live in the vehicle due to the fact that my brake pedal or clutch pedal could penetrate the firewall due to the flexing/cracking. The firewall flex is preventing my car from getting routine service that is scheduled in the owners manual. I went to get my clutch looked at today (february 20 2017) at aamco transmissions in watertown,...

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ny as the clutch was not engaging nor disengaging fully and they notified me that they found the firewall was flexing to the point that the clutch pedal assembly moving and could not complete its required engagement and disengagement points.

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 10955642
Brakes

My car has been experiencing a loud squeaking and clicking when shifting and brake pedal moves when clutch is depressed. This is a know defect in the firewall in which the firewall is very thin and flexes when the clutch is depressed causing the spot welds that hold the clutch/brake bracket to separate frome the firewall. This causes the brake pedal to move. It also can potentially prevent the clutch from disengaging while driving. Subaru is not recalling this known defect but they did acknowledge the issue as it was the mechanic that informed me of this issue.

Filed Incident Service brakesNHTSA 10955555
Transmission & drivetrain

When I bought my car used at a dealership, it was the first time I had driven a subaru wrx. I thought that it was normal for the brake to move slightly when pressing down on the clutch. Then, recently, I started getting a clicking sound from underneath the car, towards the engine. After researching the wrx owner forums. I began to notice that many people were and are having the same problem with their wrx. And, that the source of their problems were the firewall welds for the clutch and brake would get loose and cause the clutch to not engage fully.

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 10875098
Transmission & drivetrain

**Clutch spot welds** after replacing 2 clutches and hearing a clicking noise I took it to a subaru shop. They informed me that the spot welds on the clutch and brake are starting to break loose from the firewall. I then received a safety bulletin from subaru about the spot welds. Subaru expects the owners to pay for this hazardous well known safety problem.

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 10745730
Transmission & drivetrainBrakes

The welds connecting the pedal assembly to the firewall have broken. Verified with photo proof.

Filed Incident Power train · Unknown or other · Service brakesNHTSA 10726306
Other & unknown

The clutch pedal on my 2009 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...

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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.

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 10724146
Transmission & drivetrain

When I depress the clutch pedal there is a very noticeable, audible, "clicking" noise, and a stiff clutch pedal. It appears to be broken spot welds and a defective clutch. Have had this issue repaired by subaru once but has returned multiple times. Is a major safety concern because clutch assemply is directly tied to brake and gas pedals, and when the welds fail completely it is a potential life threatening situation. If you do a simple goolge search for subaru clutch clicking it is a huge problem and many many people are experincing this issue with there clutch's. It appears a recall is needed to fix this.

Filed Incident Power train · Unknown or otherNHTSA 10716685
Transmission & drivetrain

About 6-8 months ago I had my wrx in for work and pointed out a loud clunk that was happening as I depressed the clutch pedal. I was told it was no concern but that they could diagnose it further for a cost. Thinking it was fine I continue use, and eventually the noise went away. Recently, my car was unable to shift into reverse and my clutch felt rather stiff. Having looked at it the spring behind my pedal was bending sideways and my entire firewall was flexing as I pushed in the clutch. I took this back to the...

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same dealership that told me there was no noticeable problem and they told me that I needed. To replace my clutch, they needed to r&r my dash to look for broken welds and possible replace the pedal assembly. To the price of $3500.00. I then came online to see quite a few posts in multiple places of the identical problem. *Tr

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 10704309
Transmission & drivetrainBody, doors & structure

I got off work and was on my way home, pushed the clutch in to hear a wonderful snap and I had zero control of my clutch causing me to not be able to shift into or out of any gear. Chassis fatigue and cracking resulting in damage/potential compromise of driver controls. Welds on the firewall are poor and its a manufacturer fault that many have brought to surface with the nhtsa and the soa (subaru of america) but there is not enough of the cars produced for anyone to take action or for subaru to care for the safety...

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of the owners of the vehicle. Losing complete operation of the clutch assembly due to the welds of the very poor spot welded firewall going out is a major concern and should be addressed as a high risk safety hazard for the operator and others on public roadways. I need subaru to fix the problem that they caused from the very beginning of the manufacture process of my vehicle. *Tr

Filed Incident Power train · StructureNHTSA 10692170
Transmission & drivetrainBody, doors & structure

This is the well known and documented firewall weld issue for the pedal bracket. The welds have broken and the pedal bracket now shifts when I press down on the clutch. It makes a loud popping noise as well as creaking and squeaking. If left unchecked, the issue will worsen and the entire bracket may break off while driving, causing a huge safety concern. Subaru needs to be forced to recall this and pay to fix all of them.

Filed Incident Power train · Structure · Unknown or otherNHTSA 10690565
Transmission & drivetrain

I purchased my wrx in 2009 from the local subaru dealer here in chicago. I am original owner of this vehicle. A year ago I first noticed a problem with the clutch pedal. When fully pressed it made a loud creaking noise. When I investigated the noise I noticed that the entire clutch + pedal bracket assembly moves and shifts approximately 1/4 inch. When I removed windshield wipers I noticed that 4 spot welds that secure the clutch pedal bracket to the forward firewall are broken. I can see holes in the firewall sheet...

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metal every time I press the clutch pedal. The entire clutch bracket assembly moves out of alignment causing this cracking noise. Finally two weeks ago the noise went away all by itself. I noticed that the entire assembly shifts even more to one side when clutch is pressed and I have extreme trouble shifting into a gear. I think that entire bracket separated from the mounting points. I fear that clutch may become inoperable. *Tr

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 10682224
Transmission & drivetrainBody, doors & structureBrakes

When I bought the car from the used car lot I noticed the clutch pedal when being pressed and depressed made a squeaking noise. I figured it was probably lack of lubrication so I went ahead and lubricated the pedal assembly and the noise stayed the same. Couple months go by and the noise got much louder and sometimes a loud pop would occur. Recently I did some research and found out that many other wrx owners have had the same issue. So I followed the procedures to check the cause of the noise and it seems to be...

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that the welds on the firewall have been broken and are causing the noise.I also noticed my brake pedal shifts every time I press the clutch pedal. As time progresses it feels as if its getting harder to shift. I'm afraid that this issue is causing premature wear of the transmission. Every time I press the clutch pedal I fear that the clutch pedal assembly is going to rip off the firewall. *Tr

Filed Incident Power train · Structure · Service brakesNHTSA 10654643
Transmission & drivetrain

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 subaru impreza wrx (n/a). The contact stated that while traveling approximately 70 mph, the vehicle had a loss of power as the speed reduced to 30 mph intermittently. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal but the vehicle failed to accelerate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the clutch and the fly wheel needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 77,000.

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 10609441
Transmission & drivetrain

I recently started having a creaking noise every time I would depress the clutch on my 2009 wrx sedan. When I push the clutch in I noticed that the brake pedal would also move approximately a of an inch. What really got me worried was seeing the firewall flexing and moving. The master cylinder brace was also moving around as the clutch was being pressed. I was able to see both by having the window cowl off and hood opened. After that happened I went online and saw that other 2008+ wrx owners are having this same problem and the diagnosis was failing/broken firewall spot welds. *Tr

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 10606250
Transmission & drivetrainBody, doors & structure

I am the only owner of a 2009 subaru impreza wrx sedan. I noticed my clutch squeaking about 10,000 miles ago. I brought it into a subaru dealer to have it check out at the time of occurrence and they told me nothing was wrong. About 3000 miles ago, the clutch started to "click" inside the vehicle. For my 50,000 mile service, I asked the service department to check out the noise. The service department came back to me and told me that my firewall has torn. They told me they have seen this before and that it...

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was a result of poor spot welds on the firewall done by the factory. As a result, the service department said my clutch will need replacing because the tear in the firewall has messed up the clutch alignment. The service department also told me that I am lucky I caught this problem early because in a similar case they saw it destroyed the transmission of a different wrx. Currently, subaru is trying to brush this under the rug offering to fix the firewall for free but wants to charge me $1000 to replace the clutch. I have called subaru of america to report the issued and to see if they will cover the repair. Subaru of america said they are aware of this being an issue with their vehicles and will investigate this specific case. I am an avid subaru enthusiast and have been reading about hundreds of other impreza owners facing the same issue as mine. *Tr

Filed Incident Power train · StructureNHTSA 10597713
Transmission & drivetrain

Clutch pedal starting squeaking and gears would not synch well during shifting which indicated the clutch would not fully disengage. Brought to dealer and diagnosed that the clutch pedal mounting bracket has broken free of the firewall, causing damage to the firewall and causing the vehicle to be inoperable. Subaru will not cover the repair and there is no recall on file. This is a common problem for this vehicle. *Tr

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 10597041
Transmission & drivetrain

Car was in the shop for another service when this issue was brought to my attention. The tech showed me how the pedal assembly would move when the clutch pedal was pressed, caused by the welds on the pedal assembly breaking and becoming disconnected from the firewall. He informed me that this was an issue that had started occurring on several same make and model cars. The issue has progressively gotten worse, there is an audible click and squeak/creak when pressing and releasing the clutch pedal. *Tr

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 10595695
Transmission & drivetrainBrakes

The clutch pedal on my 2009 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 spot welds securing the clutch pedal bracket to the forward firewall seem to be broken. This allows the entire clutch pedal bracket assembly to move, causing the creaking noise. I am afraid that if the problem gets worse the...

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clutch will fail to disengage completely. If the bracket completely separates from the firewall, the clutch may become completely inoperative - especially dangerous while driving. It is especially disconcerting to watch the brake pedal move back and forth when the clutch pedal is depressed. *Tr

Filed Incident Power train · Service brakesNHTSA 10588125
AirbagsEngine & cooling

I purchased this vehicle about 100 miles from my residence. I drove it home from the dealership and within 2 hours of driving I heard a loud whipping noise from underneath the hood. Sounded like a belt snapped and I knew something was wrong. After the incident the following sensors and other issues occurred: -check engine light on -p0011 diagnostic reading: 'a camshaft position timing over ' advanced system performance bank 1' -turbo not working correctly -white smoke from exhaust -traction...

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control won't come off -says passenger air bag is off -sometimes has hard time starting -- I scheduled an appointment for april 10th at a authorized subaru dealership and the mechanics determined the turbo connected to the engine failed and will need to be replaced ($3000 dollar estimate). I called the dealership and left a message as did subaru. The dealership has not responded back and is ignoring my messages. I feel even though I bought the vehicle "as is", it was still under an implied warranty of being 'fit for a particular purpose', that is that it was drivable and operational as it is obviously not. Subaru told me there is no way the dealer could not have been aware of such an immense issue with the engine. *Js

Filed Incident Air bags · Traction control system · EngineNHTSA 10579242
Transmission & drivetrain

My clutch pedal has been creaking horribly the past 12 months. I've read numerous people talking about a faulty weld on the clutch assembly mounting to the firewall, but didn't think it could happen to my car. I took it to the dealership and they wanted to charge me $1500 just to pull out the transmission and look at the clutch when it's obvious the welds are faulty and have gone bad! I told him the thousands of people who have complained about the exact same issue and that subaru of america was aware of the "known...

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issue" but no dice. They insisted on a $1500 diagnostic check which didn't even include the price for an actual fix! Soa wasn't much help, the sent a tech down to the dealership and the mechanic had him convinced they should pull out the transmission before doing anything else. My break pedal and clutch pedal both move significantly more than before, almost 2-3 inches. I'm afraid one day I'll be driving and I'll find the whole assembly lying on the floor in my car and will not be able to brake. This is really poor design and I'm surprised a recall has not been given. There is a serious risk of safety here and subaru should be taking initiative to fix the problem before it's too late and folks start totaling cars and bringing risk to people around them. *Tr

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 10577290
Transmission & drivetrainBody, doors & structure

I have been having a strange noise coming from my clutch every time I would go to switch gears. I then called subaru of america and filed a case in there service department. They then told me to take it into a dealer to have it looked at. After taking my subaru to a local dealer and having my car looked at the mechanic in his service write up said "clutch pedal assembly loose and moving". I was also told that the reason for this issue was because the welds holding the assembly to the firewall had broken off and now...

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need to be re-welded back together so that they will work again. The dealer told me that they do not feel that it is that big of a safety issue and released me with the car to go back home in. However every time the pedal is pressed the entire assembly moves side to side making the welds even less strong. After looking this issue up online I noticed that I am not the only other person that has had this issue and many feel like it is a safety issue that subaru is failed to look into. *Tr

Filed Incident Power train · StructureNHTSA 10563479

Subaru WRX: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
201371110Transmission & drivetrainC
201221200Engine & coolingC
201141100BrakesC
201011200Body, doors & structureC
2009411000Transmission & drivetrainD
200865701Transmission & drivetrainD
20070300-A
200614400Engine & coolingB
200519500Fuel systemC
All WRX years

2009 Subaru WRX vs rivals

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.

Own a 2009 Subaru WRX? Share your experience.

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Questions about the 2009 Subaru WRX

Does the 2009 Subaru WRX have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 10 recalls for the 2009 Subaru WRX: 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 WRX?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the transmission & drivetrain (33), body, doors & structure (13), brakes (11).

How many complaints has the 2009 Subaru WRX had?

41 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on March 21, 2013 and the latest on November 22, 2018. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.

Is the 2009 Subaru WRX a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 31 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical Subaru WRX 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 WRX years have the most complaints?
What should I do if my 2009 Subaru WRX 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

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