2009 Subaru Impreza

104 complaints on file, page 1 of 6.

1. Filed Sep 30, 2026Failure Aug 6, 202536,560 milesCuyahoga Falls, OHRearview mirrors/devices

   The contact owns a 2009 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that on two separate occasions while driving at various speeds, the rear-view mirror detached from the windshield. The smart rear-view mirror was attached to the mirror by a cord and was swinging back and forth after detaching. The contact was severely traumatized after the failure, and the mirror became a distraction while driving. After the first failure, the vehicle was taken to the dealer and repaired under warranty. After the second failure, the vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 36,560.

   NHTSA complaint 11767984
2. Filed Nov 26, 2025Failure Nov 24, 2025202,000 milesSpanaway, WASpeedometer/odometer

   Odometer Fraud. The contact recently purchased a 2009 Subaru Impreza. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 189,822. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced failures and was taken to AutoZone, where it was discovered that the mileage on the title of the vehicle was 202,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11701746
3. Filed Jul 17, 2023Failure Jul 2, 202354,000 milesWorcester, MAPower train

   The contact owns a 2009 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the transmission failed to properly shift. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over on the side of the road and shut off the vehicle. Once the contact restarted the vehicle, the vehicle started operating normally; however, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the clutch pedal bracket had fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was under recall however, the recall had expired. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 54,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11532736
4. Filed Jan 14, 2023Failure Dec 6, 2022Middletown, CTElectrical system

   There was a brake light switch failure which was under recall. The failure caused a short in my electrical system and wires in my bulk head wiring harness melted and fused together causing a ultimate failure of the vehicle being able to start. The vehicle was towed to subaru, the brake light switch was fixed per the recall but the wiring harness is no longer made by subaru so my vehicle could not be repaired. Ultimately my vehicle was ruined. The brake switch failure is the cause of the short that ruined this vehicle valued at 4800$ and subaru wont fix it because they cant find the parts needed

   NHTSA complaint 11501795
5. Filed Aug 23, 2022Failure Jan 2, 2022Harrisville, RIEngine

   The head gaskets have failed multiple times with this vehicle within a 6 month timeframe. The head gaskets have been a reported recall issue for other models of Subaru Impreza's except the non-turbo ones which this one is. The shop where is has been repaired at repairs several Subaru's that are non-turbo models monthly due to blown head gaskets. The head gasket failure in my vehicle has caused other components to fail, i.e. the radiator, power steering rack and 2 catalytic converters. I have all of my receipts for the repairs that where a direct result of the head gaskets being blown twice within 6 months and the total spent was $4,558.53 the car cost $5750.00 to buy.

   NHTSA complaint 11480692
6. Filed Jun 19, 2022Failure Nov 1, 2010Palmer, AKExterior lighting, Wheels

   1. The weakness (dimness) of the low beams is a DANGEROUS situation. The assemblies are not dirty or oxidized; the low beam height was properly adjusted; Tested the power going to each light and it showed 14 volts; Bought some high power LED bulbs which didn't help. I am very hesitant to spend up to $400 for new assemblies hoping that maybe it will fix the problem. I have adjusted the high beam level to the height of what the low beams were and now have to use the high beams as low beams to sufficiently see the road and now have no high beams if I need them. Subaru should be recalling and replacing these faulty assemblies immediately. 2. Wheel lugs shear off when being removed. When the lug nuts were put on, they were tightened with a torque wrench to manufacturer specifications. This is the only vehicle (out of the 13 I have owned) I have ever had this problem with. Subaru should be recalling and replacing lugs immediately with lugs of proper materials immediately.

   NHTSA complaint 11469970
7. Filed Jun 9, 2021Failure Jun 9, 2021Anchorage, AKAir bags, Seat belts, Seats

   The problem: like over 50% of adult Americans, I am female. I am 5' 3.5" tall (average for N. America, folks!) and weigh 109 lbs. I am also 66 years old and it's likely that despite my very active lifestyle (I'm a backpacker etc.), my bones are more brittle than a 25-y.o. man's. Your agency has failed in its duty to ensure the safety of ALL Americans. not just men and fat women. In order to reach the accelerator and see over the dashboard, i.e. in order to drive these vehicles which have passed your safety requirements, I sit in the death zone of the driver airbags and steering wheel column in all three vehicles I own: this 2009 Impreza, my 2000 Outback station wagon, and my 2012 Ford F350 Winnebago RV. Please don't tell me that I should buy one of the very few vehicles that might fit me better. I live on a mountainside in Alaska and need winter traction and handling. Why should my vehicle choices be narrowed because you have failed to recognizew that I exist? As a retired federal scientist and policy wonk with a law degree, I am appalled at your agency's callousness towards me and other average height drivers. How long will it take my government, staffed by people whose salaries I pay, to recognize that the male body is not the default for all humans? I am letting my Senator, Lisa Murkowshi, know that it's well past time for the NHTSA to protect me as well as it protects my husband.

   NHTSA complaint 11420322
8. Filed Nov 23, 2020Failure Aug 26, 2020101,000 milesLeesburg, VAUnknown or other

   SEVERAL HOURS AFTER HAVING WORK PERFORMED ON MY CAR, I WAS TURNING LEFT FROM ONE ROAD TO ANOTHER, BOTH WITH SPEED LIMITS AROUND 40 MPH. WHILE TURNING LEFT AND SIMULTANEOUSLY SHIFTING FROM 4TH TO 2ND GEAR. WHILE TRAVELING ABOUT 15 MPH IN THE MIDDLE OF THE TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND I BECAME AWARE THAT THE CAR HAD STALLED. I HAD TO PULL THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE CAR AND SKIDDED OFF THE ROAD, WHICH CAUSED THE CAR BEHIND ME TO BRAKE SUDDENLY IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION. I WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE CAR IMMEDIATELY. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE INCIDENT, I HAD THE CAR THOROUGHLY INSPECTED AND NO MECHANICAL ISSUES WERE FOUND. THE REASON SUSPECTED FOR THIS WAS DUE TO A DESIGN FLAW IN THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR, WHICH IN CERTAIN SUBARUS CAN RESET AFTER THE CAR'S BATTERY HAS BEEN DISCONNECTED (TO PERFORM SERVICE ON THE CAR, IN THIS CASE). WHEN THE SENSOR IS RESET, THE CAR WILL TEND TO STALL WHEN THE RPMS DROP, EITHER WHEN COMING TO A STOP LIGHT OR DOWNSHIFTING IN MANUAL TRANSMISSION CARS. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE REPORTED BY MANY OWNERS AND MECHANICS. I WAS ADVISED BY A SUBARU DEALER THAT THE SUBARU RELEARN IDLE PROCEDURE NEEDS TO BE PERFORMED TO RESTORE PROPER IDLE PERFORMANCE AFTER THE BATTERY HAS BEEN DISCONNECTED. I HAVE EXPERIENCED MY CAR STALLING SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE YEARS DUE TO THIS ISSUE, BUT NEVER BEFORE WHILE THE CAR WAS IN MOTION. IT HAS BEEN INSPECTED MULTIPLE TIMES AND NO MECHANICAL ISSUES RELATED TO THIS ISSUE HAVE BEEN FOUND. I BELIEVE THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS, IN PARTICULAR IN CASES WHERE THE CAR CAN STALL WHILE IN MOTION AND ESPECIALLY WHILE TURNING, AS IT CAN EASILY CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. FURTHER, THIS IS NOT A HIGHLY PREDICTABLE ISSUE AND IT'S NOT ALWAYS CLEAR TO ME AS THE OWNER OF THE CAR WHEN THE RELEARN IDLE PROCEDURE NEEDS TO BE PERFORMED.

   NHTSA complaint 11376570
9. Filed Jul 25, 2020Failure Jul 11, 202088,000 milesEL Paso, TXPower train

   THE FIREWALL PREVENTS THE VEHICLE FROM ENGAGING IN GEARS WHILE DRIVING

   NHTSA complaint 11341448
10. Filed Jul 20, 2020Failure Jun 6, 202060,520 milesRuskin, FLElectronic stability control (esc)

    09 WRX HATCH, THE TRACTION CONTROL AND HILL ASSIST LIGHTS WILL ILLUMINATE SPORADICALLY. AFTER THE VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF AND THEN BACK ON , EVERYTHING WORKS FINE. I HAVEN'T FOUND ANY VARIABLES THAT ARE CONSISTENT. IT DOESN'T MATTER IF IT'S RAIN OR SHINE, HOT OR COLD, BOTH LIGHTS WILL JUST RANDOMLY COME ON.

    NHTSA complaint 11340432
11. Filed Jul 20, 2020Failure Jul 10, 202060,238 milesRuskin, FLPower train

    09 WRX HATCH, WHEN THE CLUTCH IS DEPRESSED IT WILL MAKE A CREAKING NOISE. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE FIREWALL FLEXES A LOT WHILE THE CLUTCH IS PRESSED IN. IT IS GETTING LOUDER AND IS STARTING TO AFFECT THE BRAKE PEDAL BY MOVING IT EVERYTIME THE CLUTCH IS DEPRESSED.

    NHTSA complaint 11340428
12. Filed Apr 30, 2020Failure Apr 29, 2020101,000 milesCasselberry, FLBody

    MY CAR JUST BROKE ON ME. THE SHOP SHOWED ME HOW THE FIREWALL WAS BUILT ON THESE MODELS AND HOW IT WAS CHANGED FROM PREVIOUS MODELS. I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO WORRRY ABOUT THE FIREWALL BREAKING ON ME WITH ONLY 100K MILES ON MY CAR. THIS IS DANGEROUS THE FIREWALL BROKE ON ME WHILE DRIVING AND RENDERED THE CAR UNDRIVEABLE. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO GET OFF THE ROAD BEFORE POTENTIALLY CAUSING A MAJOR ACCIDENT. THIS IS A HAZARD FOR ANYONE WHO BUYS THESE CARS BECAUSE THE FIREWALL CAN BREAK ANYTIME REALLY DEPENDING ON HOW HARD THE CAR IS DRIVEN ALTHOUGH IT SHOULD REALISTICALLY NEVER BREAK.

    NHTSA complaint 11322790
13. Filed Feb 10, 2020Failure May 31, 201980,000 milesMenan, IDEngine

    HEAD GASKET FAILURE AT 80,000 MILES. LEAKED OUT 1.5 QUARTS OF OIL ON ROAD TRIP

    NHTSA complaint 11308352
14. Filed Jan 25, 2020Failure Oct 26, 201910,000 milesLivermore, NNBody

    HAD A CLUTCH REPAIR DONE ON CAR AFTER THE REPAIR WAS FINISHED THE MECHANIC NOTED THAT THE FIREWALL ON CAR WAS CRACKED. THE CAR WAS STATIONARY AFTER LOOKING ON THE INTERNET AND NOTED THAT THE SUBARU WRX IMPRIZA FROM 2009-214 HAD A PROBLEM WITH FIRE WALL FATIGUE WHEN THE CLUTCH AND BRAKE WERE BEING USED UNDER NORMAL OPERATION CONDITION.

    NHTSA complaint 11301858
15. Filed Jan 5, 2020Failure Dec 10, 201928,000 milesPembroke Pines, FLPower train, Service brakes, Vehicle speed control

    SUBARU OF AMERICA INC. SHOULD RECALL 2008-2014 IMPREZA, IMPREZA WRX, AND IMPREZA WRX STI. THESE VEHICLES JUST ABOVE THE DRIVERS FEET, USE 6 SPOTS WELDS TO HOLD A MOUNTING BRACKET FOR THE PEDAL ASSEMBLY TO THE INSIDE OF THE FIREWALL.THIS DESIGN FLAW, WHERE THE PEDAL MOUNTING BOX IS SPOT-WELDED TO THE FIREWALL USING ONLY A HANDFUL OF TINY SPOT WELDS IS DANGEROUS. THE FIREWALL ITSELF IS OF A WEAK DESIGN AND INHERENTLY HAS QUITE A BIT OF FLEX AND OVER TIME AND NORMAL USE THESE SPOT WELDS FAIL FROM TOO MUCH STRESS AND THE PEDALS WILL BEGIN TO SQUEAK, CREAK, POP AND EVENTUALLY THE PEDALS WILL MOVE AWAY FROM THE FIREWALL WHEN DEPRESSED. ONCE THIS HAPPENS THE CLUTCH AND OTHER PEDALS WILL NO LONGER PROPERLY ENGAGE OR DISENGAGE AND THE CAR WILL NO LONGER BE DRIVABLE. IN THE EVENT OF THIS FAILURE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS POTENTIALLY CATASTROPHIC LOSS OF LIFE AND ENDANGERING THE PUBLIC. SAFETY RISK FIREWALL FAILURE POTENTIAL RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. THE SUDDEN LOSS OF FUNCTION OF PEDAL ASSEMBLY INCLUDING CLUTCH, BRAKE, AND ACCELERATION PEDALS. LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL MAY LEAD TO OCCUPANTS HAVING SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH ESPECIALLY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. REMEDY SUBARU WILL NOTIFY THEIR OWNERS. DEALERS WILL FACILITATE THE, PERMANENT SOLUTION WHICH INVOLVES PROPERLY WELDING THE PEDAL ASSEMBLY BOX TO THE FIREWALL WITH A CONTINUOUS SEAM WELD ALONG THE CIRCUMFERENCE OF THE MOUNTING TAB, FREE OF CHARGE. SOURCES: HTTP://WWW.CIRCUITMOTORSPORTS-BLOG.COM/2015/04/THE-2008-2014-SUBARU-IMPREZA-CLUTCH.HTML HTTPS://WWW.5250PERFORMANCE.COM/BLOG/SUBARU-FIREWALL-REPAIRS-LESS-MONEY-BETTER-REPAIR HTTPS://FORUMS.NASIOC.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?S=745C2FF65D52924B49418232894051CD&T=2700583 HTTPS://BIT.LY/2SSK3IJ HTTPS://BIT.LY/37FLMP4 HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/RESULTS?SEARCH_QUERY=2008+SUBARU+WRX+FIREWALL *TR

    NHTSA complaint 11297167
16. Filed Dec 21, 2019Failure Dec 18, 201972,000 milesBaltimore, MDEngine, Power train, Steering

    MOTOR WENT OUT WITH 72000 MILES WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY DRIVING. TRANSFER CASE BEARINGS SHOT. POWER STEERING RACK DONE AND FIREWALL HAS CRACKED FOR A 2ND TIME. SUBARU ARE PROBABLY THE MOST UNSAFE VEHICLES ON THE ROAD.

    NHTSA complaint 11290613
17. Filed Oct 4, 2019Failure Oct 1, 201960,000 milesParker, COAir bags, Horn, Electrical system

    COMPRESSING CLUTCH PEDAL CLICKS 3 TIMES LOUDLY WHEN CAR IS ON OR OFF. SOUNDS LIKE UNDER DRIVERS DASHBOARD. *TR THE CONSUMER STATED AIR BAG LIGHT ON, HORN ISNT WORKING, AND STEERING WHEEL IS OFF CENTER. *TR

    NHTSA complaint 11266416
18. Filed Sep 6, 2019Failure Aug 29, 2019155,000 milesWauwatosa, WIService brakes, Body, Unknown or otherCrash

    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. WHEN I CALLED THEY SAID THEY DID NOT HAVE THE PARTS YET TO FIX. ON 8-29-19 THE CAR WAS IN AN ACCIDENT AND BRAKES LIGHT WAS CHIMING AND FLASHING EARLIER AND MAY BE RELATED TO WHY IT DID NOT STOP IN TIME AND WAS INVOLCED IN A REAR END CRASH WHEN DRIVER IN FRONT SLAMMED ON BRAKES. A AUTO SHOP THEN TELLS ME AFTER THE CAR WAS REPORTED IN THE ACCIDENT SOMMERS SUBARU CALLED THEM ON 9-4-19 TO TELL THE CAR HAD A BRAKE SAFETY RECALL. I HAVE MADE A PREVIOUS COMPLAINT ABOUT THIS VEHICLE ON 4-19-19. COMPLAINT # 11197303

    NHTSA complaint 11253629
19. Filed Aug 16, 2019Failure Aug 9, 2019Rocky Hill, CTAir bags

    TAKATA RECALL. I WENT TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY WOULD EITHER REQUIRE ME TO PAY TO HAVE AFTERMARKET GUAGES REMOVED PRIOR TO THEM PERFORMING THE RECALL, OR THEY WOULD NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGE THEY CAUSED TO MY AFTERMARKET GUAGES WHILE PERFORMING THE RECALL. THE FREE RECALL IS GOING TO COST ME MONEY THAT I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO PAY.

    NHTSA complaint 11244321
20. Filed Jul 10, 2019Failure Jul 10, 2019170,000 milesScarborough, MEBody

    TODAY (JULY 10, 2019) I DISCOVERED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR DOOR OF MY 2009 IMPREZA WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE EVEN WHEN THE CHILD LOCK IS IN THE FREE POSITION. I HAVE A SIMILAR PROBLEM WITH THE SAME DOOR ON MY 2014 OUTBACK, IN THAT THE CHILD LOCK IS STUCK IN THE LOCKED POSITION AND THE DOOR CANNOT BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE. I DON'T THINK IT'S A COINCIDENCE THAT BOTH OF MY SUBARUS ARE HAVING A PROBLEM WITH THE CHILD SAFETY LOCKS AND I WOULD LIKE THIS INVESTIGATED.

    NHTSA complaint 11230815