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).

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 (especially hatchbacks), an

  • 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.
  • Head gasket failures — A historical issue strongly associated with pre-2012 models equipped with the EJ25 engine, particularly in North America. Frequency: recurrent (for older generations).
  • Rust — Severe corrosion, especially on rear wheel arches and undercarriage, noted as a major issue for older models (e.g., 2008) in regions using road salt. Frequency: recurrent (for older generations).
  • Weak air conditioning — Inadequate cooling performance, particularly in temperatures above 90°F (32°C). Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Impreza.

Typical used price

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

Other Impreza model years

2023 Impreza2020 Impreza2016 Impreza2015 Impreza2011 Impreza2007 Impreza2006 Impreza2005 Impreza2002 Impreza2000 Impreza1998 Impreza1996 Impreza
Full Subaru Impreza owner reportCompare against another car