2008 Subaru Impreza STI
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2008 | 33 |
| 2009 | 3 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
42% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 14 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine.
33% of complaints: power train — 11 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT OFF, FLASHING CRUISE CONTROL, AND FLASHING DIFFERENTIAL SELECTION [S] CODE. BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE SHOP AND HAD IT CHECKED OUT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130501
THE FIREWALL IS FLEXING UNDER CLUTCH PEDAL MOVEMENT OR BRAKING. UPON RESEARCH I HAVE FOUND NUMEROUS CLAIMS BY 08/09 IMPREZA OWNERS OF SOFT WELDS ON THE FIREWALL CRACKING AND CAUSING THE FIREWALL TO FLEX UNDER OPERATION OF THE BRAKES OR CLUTCH.
NHTSA ODI report, 20121228
Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES
18% of complaints: structure — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body.
18% of complaints: service brakes — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
CRASH12% of complaints: air bags — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
ON THE MORNING OF NOVEMBER 4, 2011 , I PULLED INTO THE PARKING AREA BEHIND A MIDDLE SCHOOL AND MY CAR WOULD NOT STOP. I APPLIED MY BRAKES, THE CAR STILL CONTINUED TO GO FORWARD OVER THE CEMENT BUMPER AND INTO THE BUILDING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20111104
Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC and VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
SAFETY TIMELINE
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, MODEL
Remedy: 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 1-8
Campaign 09E011000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2008 Subaru Impreza STI — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (14 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 09E011000 (equipment) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2008 Subaru Impreza STI reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Subaru Impreza STI?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 42% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Subaru Impreza STI have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.