Is the 2009 Subaru Impreza reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2009 Subaru Impreza is rated "worse than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2009 Subaru Impreza?

The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2009 Subaru Impreza have?

15 recalls on file for this model year.

2009 Subaru Impreza

◆ Worse than typical

2009 Subaru Impreza
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:34:56.569Z

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 103
Recalls: 15
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Power train

Complaints per year

2009: 103 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1990	1
1993	33
1994	8
1995	46
1996	20
1997	30
1998	30
1999	22
2000	41
2001	11
2002	292
2003	62
2004	96
2005	75
2006	56
2007	68
2008	176
2009	103
2010	46
2011	58
2012	243
2013	251
2014	108
2015	77
2016	75
2017	125
2018	152
2019	193
2020	85
2021	14
2022	14
2023	4
2024	30
2025	5
2026	1

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Power train

29% · 30 reports

Most commonly citing manual transmission and automatic transmission.

Structure

21% · 22 reports

Most commonly citing body.

CRASH

Show complaint excerpts

I called Subaru almost 5 months ago when I came across there was a recall on brakes since we were having the issue of the brakes flashing and the vehicle not shifting. Manufacturer recall #: WUE90 on 2-28-19. NHTSA recall #: 19V149000.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-09-06

Also filed under Service brakes

Service brakes

15% · 15 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Front end collision, vehicle totaled. Seat belt failure. Brake failure. Airbags failed to deploy. Multiple injuries sustained.

NHTSA ODI report, 2015-04-29

Also filed under Air bags

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, burning fumes were emitted into the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-07-21

Engine

13% · 13 reports

Air bags

12% · 12 reports

Most commonly citing frontal.

CRASHINJURY

Safety timeline

15 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

▮
2009Complaint volume 103 complaints filed for this model year.
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…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2014-07-23Service brakes, hydraulic14V311000 Subaru of America, Inc.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will test the brake system by depressing the brake pedal and inspecting for brake fluid leaks. If no brake fluid seepage is observed, the affected areas will be rustproofed with anti-corrosion wax.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2015-01-27Service brakes, hydraulic14V830000 Subaru of America, Inc.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will apply an anti-corrosion wax to the four-way joint connector area of the brake line system, free of charge. The recall began on January 27, 2015.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2016-07-22Air bags16V358000 Subaru of America, Inc.

Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 26, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-856-488-8500.

Check if this car was fixed →
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2016-12-16Electrical system16V738000 Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2008-2014 Impreza vehicles and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, all equipped with turbo-charged engines.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary air injection pump relay, free of charge. The recall began December 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTM-73.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2017-03-06Air bags17V026000 Subaru of America, Inc.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-17.

Check if this car was fixed →
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2017-03-06Air bags17V014000 Subaru of America, Inc.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-17.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2018-02-09Air bags18V012000 Subaru of America, Inc.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2018-02-09Air bags18V014000 Subaru of America, Inc.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began on February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2018-02-09Air bags18V013000 Subaru of America, Inc.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783.

Check if this car was fixed →
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2019-04-15Exterior lighting19V149000 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.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2019-05-10Electrical system19V297000 Subaru of America, Inc.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ignition switch, replacing the ignition switch, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 10, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2020-01-07Air bags20V002000 Subaru of America, Inc.

Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2020-01-07Air bags20V001000 Subaru of America, Inc.

Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators with alternate inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2020-01-07Air bags20V003000 Subaru of America, Inc.

Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2009 Subaru Impreza — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Power train: 30 reports on file for this year.
Structure: 22 reports on file for this year.
Service brakes: 15 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 09E011000 · Equipment
Recall 14V311000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Recall 14V830000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Recall 16V358000 · Air bags
Recall 16V738000 · Electrical system
Recall 17V026000 · Air bags
Recall 17V014000 · Air bags
Recall 18V012000 · Air bags
Recall 18V014000 · Air bags
Recall 18V013000 · Air bags
Recall 19V149000 · Exterior lighting
Recall 19V297000 · Electrical system
Recall 20V002000 · Air bags
Recall 20V001000 · Air bags
Recall 20V003000 · Air bags

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2009 Subaru Impreza reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2009 Subaru Impreza is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Subaru Impreza?: The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2009 Subaru Impreza have?: 15 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.