2008 Subaru WRX
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.
- Complaints
- 65
- Recalls
- 7
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Power train
Campaigns on file for 2008
None on file
75% of complaints
Complaints per year
2008: 65 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2002 | 427 |
| 2003 | 60 |
| 2004 | 42 |
| 2005 | 19 |
| 2006 | 14 |
| 2007 | 0 |
| 2008 | 65 |
| 2009 | 41 |
| 2010 | 1 |
| 2011 | 4 |
| 2012 | 2 |
| 2013 | 7 |
| 2014 | 6 |
| 2015 | 52 |
| 2016 | 31 |
| 2017 | 53 |
| 2018 | 43 |
| 2019 | 30 |
| 2020 | 18 |
| 2021 | 13 |
| 2022 | 25 |
| 2023 | 9 |
| 2024 | 14 |
| 2025 | 3 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Power train
75% · 49 reportsMost commonly citing clutch assembly and pedal/hand lever(motorcycle).
Show complaint excerpts
I purchased a 2008 Subaru impreza WRX. Every time the clutch is engaged or disengaged a creak/pop noise can be heard. You can also see the clutch and brake pedal move significantly.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-02-19
Structure
40% · 26 reportsMost commonly citing body.
Show complaint excerpts
Creaking clutch pedal really is the firewall pedal mounting bracket that is factory spot welded onto the drivers side dash section of the firewall under the dash board has its weak factory spot welds broken.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-06-02
The firewall is cracking which can cause the clutch pedal to become inoperable. After I had work done on my car the mechanic told me that the firewall was cracking and that I would need to contact Subaru of america for possible coverage.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-02-06
Service brakes
38% · 25 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Vehicle speed control
6% · 4 reportsFuel/propulsion system
3% · 2 reportsShow complaint excerpts
For the last month or so I had smelled gas fumes periodically when the my car was idling. A few days ago the car went into limp mode.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-02-06
Safety timeline
7 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2008Complaint volume 65 complaints filed for this model year.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Buy-smart checklist
2008 Subaru WRX — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 49 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 26 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 25 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 14V311000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 14V830000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- 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 →FAQ
- Is the 2008 Subaru WRX reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Subaru WRX is rated "worse than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2008 Subaru WRX?
- The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 75% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2008 Subaru WRX have?
- 7 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.