Is the 2009 Subaru WRX reliable?

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

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

The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 83% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2009 Subaru WRX have?

10 recalls on file for this model year.

2009 Subaru WRX

● Typical for this model

2009 Subaru WRX
RENDERED 2026-11-01T11:36:44.647Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of 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: 41
Recalls: 10
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Power train

Complaints per year

2009: 41 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

83% · 34 reports

Most commonly citing clutch assembly.

Show complaint excerpts

Failed welds connecting pedal panel to the firewall. Results in loud squeaking when clutch pedal is depressed/released and car is extremely difficult to get in or out of gear. Causes movement of brake pedal as well which could cause major issues.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-01-14

Also filed under Structure and service brakes

The clutch pedal makes a loud pop or click sound accompanied by a creaking sound every time the clutch pedal is depressed. Upon further inspection the brake pedal moves to the left at the same time the clutch pedal is depressed.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-04-30

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Subaru WRX. The contact stated that while stopped, he noticed a popping and creaking sound coming from the clutch assembly bracket. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-04-30

Structure

32% · 13 reports

Most commonly citing body.

Service brakes

27% · 11 reports

Engine

10% · 4 reports

Vehicle speed control

7% · 3 reports

Safety timeline

10 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

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

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

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 →
R

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 WRX — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Power train: 34 reports on file for this year.
Structure: 13 reports on file for this year.
Service brakes: 11 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 14V311000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Recall 14V830000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
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 years2 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2009 Subaru WRX reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2009 Subaru WRX is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Subaru WRX?: The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 83% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2009 Subaru WRX have?: 10 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.