2008 Subaru Impreza: common problems and reliability

The 2008 Subaru Impreza has 209 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 15 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and air bags. Owners most often flag cvt transmission problems: jerky, hesitant behavior in stop-and-go traffic (10-30 mph / 16-48 km/h); pronounced concerns about long-term reliability and high replacement costs; fluid leaks indicative of failure. frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 2008 model year

209
Owner complaints
15
Recalls
10
Crash reports
4
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2008 Subaru Impreza vehicles (US, public record).

Is 2008 a good year for the Impreza?

Across the 13 Impreza model years we track, complaint volume runs from 4 (2023) to 300 (2002). With 209 complaints, the 2008 Impreza sits abovethe model's median of 68.

These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.

Where owners report problems

power train
70
air bags
41
structure
30
service brakes
27
engine and engine cooling
27

Recalls affecting the 2008 Impreza

exterior lighting:brake lights:switch

Campaign 19V149000

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 ce

air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module

Campaign 20V001000

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, o

air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module

Campaign 20V002000

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 ev

air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module

Campaign 20V003000

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,

What owners say across generations

Mixed sentiment with a clear generational divide. Long-term owners of older models (circa 2005-2013) with naturally aspirated engines and manual transmissions frequently praise the vehicles for their practicality, spacious interiors…

  • CVT transmission problems: Jerky, hesitant behavior in stop-and-go traffic (10-30 mph / 16-48 km/h); pronounced concerns about long-term reliability and high replacement costs; fluid leaks indicative of failure. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Excessive oil consumption: Primarily noted on older models (pre-2014) with EJ-series engines, requiring frequent top-ups. Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Impreza. See the full Impreza owner picture and every model year.

Typical used price

Used Impreza listings typically run $12,499–$26,251 across 2012 to 2026 model years.

Other Impreza model years

Compare every Impreza year side by side to see how 2008 ranks against the rest.

Compare the Impreza against its rivals