3.6

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
36,050 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2008 Subaru Impreza engine problems

engine problem

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2008 Subaru Impreza Owner Comments

problem #8

Mar 202015

Impreza 4-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 119,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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 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

- New Albany , IN, USA

problem #7

Nov 042013

Impreza

  • 62,000 miles
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 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.

- Rancho Cordova, CA, USA

problem #6

May 302013

Impreza

  • 62,000 miles
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 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.

- Diamond Bar, CA, USA

problem #5

Feb 012013

Impreza

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

2008 Subaru Impreza. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle engine shuts down after pressing down on accelerator. 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.

- Weaverville, NC, USA

problem #4

Feb 012012

Impreza 4-cyl

  • 32,000 miles
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.

- Palm Desert, CA, USA

problem #3

Jul 082010

Impreza 4-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
2008 Subaru Impreza. Consumer states problem with vehicle clutch 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.

- Lake Zurich, IL, USA

problem #2

Jun 102008

Impreza

  • 13,000 miles
I own a 2008 Subaru Impreza sti which I purchased in Feb. Of 08'. 2 months ago the car went into limp mode when I was driving home. I took it to the dealership to have it checked and they said it only had 1 1/2 quarts of oil in it. I had checked the oil the previous week and it had shown full. They requested that I give them record of my previous oil change so I did. Unfortunately, it did not have mileage documented because it was a small shop that did it for me. They refused my claim on the grounds that I did not maintain the car. They then sent me a re-call form in which it stated that the ECU was causing the car to run dangerously lean and was causing ring failures. I told my lawyer about this and sent him a copy of the letter. When he called the dealership, they told him that they were unable to make any repairs necessary and that it was my issue.

- Grants Pass, OR, USA

problem #1

May 282008

Impreza

  • Manual transmission
  • 400 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Subaru Impreza. While driving between 5-10 mph and depressing the brake pedal, the engine revved up to 2,500 RPM's. the failure occurred soon after the vehicle was purchased. The vehicle has been taken to the dealer three times for this failure. It has since improved, but the engine still revs from 1,500 to 2,000 RPM's. the contact is concerned that the failure will worsen in the winter. She filed case number 1121875 with Subaru. The current mileage was 1,107 and failure mileage was 400. Updated 07/17/08

- Aurora, CO, USA

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