2009 Subaru Impreza STI
Only 3 complaints on file — too few 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.
Only 3 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 3
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2009
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2009: 3 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2008 | 33 |
| 2009 | 3 |
Known problem areas
Only 3 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Engine and engine cooling
3 of 3 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine.
Show complaint excerpts
White smoke when start up, and smoke in the oil when car is running, possible blown ring land due to weak design, compression test needed to tell.
NHTSA ODI report, 2011-08-17
Piston ringland failure after 10K miles on brand new 2009 Subaru Impreza STI. Entire engine being replaced by Subaru under warranty.
NHTSA ODI report, 2009-11-03
Air bags
1 of 3 total reports mentions: air bags, most commonly citing frontal.
Show complaint excerpts
Passenger air bag does not turn on when passenger sits on it. The passenger weighs 105 pounds but if someone from 120 pounds and up it turns on.
NHTSA ODI report, 2010-06-23
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2009-04-17Equipment09E011000 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…
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…
Buy-smart checklist
2009 Subaru Impreza STI — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 09E011000 · Equipment
FAQ
- Is the 2009 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 2009 Subaru Impreza STI?
- The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 100% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2009 Subaru Impreza STI have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.