Blew 3 valve gaskets within two weeks after buying car. Blew 2 tires within 2 months of having the car. They 'fixed' an oil control valve and then it needed another. Sway bar links needed replaced, cv joints need replaced, brake pads are extremely low. Ac doesn't work. Had to buy all new tires.
2008 Subaru Impreza engine problems
27 complaints (15% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 57,000. 1 crash reported.
- owner complaints
- 27
- of this car's complaints
- 15%
- typical mileage
- 57,000
- crashes
- 1
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Engine5
- Engine: gasoline: turbo/supercharger1
- Cooling system1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+
Subaru Impreza engine problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2008 Subaru Impreza engine
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling: engine
- What is wrong
- Subaru is recalling 16,715 my 2007-2008 legacy sedans and wagons, my 2008 impreza sedans and wagons, and my 2009 forester vehicles. Some vehicles may have the cylinder head-side oil supply pipe and turbocharger-side pipe improperly assembled.
- Risk
- Vibration would occur while driving and, over time, could eventually result in cracking the pipe which would allow oil to leak. If leaking oil contacts components operating at high temperatures, an engine compartment fire could occur.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect for cracking or an oil leak at the oil supply pipe at the cylinder head-side. An additional bracket will be installed to increase rigidity of the pipe and the pipe assembly will be replaced with a modified part. The recall began on october 20, 2008. Owners may contact subaru at 1‑800‑782‑2783.
Recall number 08V460000 · Recall details
What 2008 Subaru Impreza owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 subaru impreza. The contact stated that the check engine indicator illuminated and the traction control system failed due to the design of the engine valves. As a result, the contact was unable to drive the vehicle in snowy weather. An independent mechanic diagnosed that the engine air valves failed. The contact replaced the engine air valves himself, but it did not correct the traction control system failure. The vehicle was also taken to an unknown dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine valves needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 58,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 subaru impreza. The contact stated that the check engine indicator illuminated and the traction control system failed. As a result, the contact was unable to drive the vehicle in snowy weather. An independent mechanic diagnosed that the engine air valve failed. The contact replaced the engine air valves himself, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was also taken to an unknown dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine valves needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the engine valve design caused the traction control system to fail. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 58,000.
The fire wall broke and the pistons had nothing but problems then it blew the crank
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 subaru impreza. While driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle lost power. There were no warning indicators illuminated during the failure. The contact stated that the failure occurred every 20,000 miles. The vehicle was towed to the dealer (grand prix subaru, 500 s broadway, hicksville, ny 11801) and the engine block was replaced. The manufacturer was notified and informed the contact to purchase a new vehicle. The failure mileage was 79,000.
Vehicle was not stationary, it was being tuned and the fire wall got to hot and started to smoke. In addition the third cylinder in the motor went bad as well and the motor was replaced due to a rod knock and the 3rd cylinder going bad. The vehicle has 80000 miles on the vehicle.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 subaru impreza. While driving at 35 MPH, there was smoke coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact noticed oil leaking from the engine. The contact was an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the valve covers needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The contact then replaced the clamps on the oil return line however the failure persisted. The contact then diagnosed that the oil feed line needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was repaired under the federal safety agency campaign number: 08v460000 (engine and engine cooling). The contact stated that two weeks after the repairs, while driving at 60 MPH, there was a noise coming from the engine. In addition, the contact noticed smoke in the vehicle. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 119,000. Updated 7/1/15
Oil leaking from premature head gasket failure. Oil leaking on a hot engine can cause a fire. This is common for this make, model and year, due to incorrect sizing of the gasket. It is defective from the factory and may result in a fire.
Head gasket prematurely leaking oil. Leak finds itself near exhaust. A little bit of research finds that this problem is very common up until 2010 and the introduction of the newest engine. An improved gasket is available, but replacement is very expensive. This is clearly a defective part and the affected cars should be recalled.
The head gasket is leaking. This will cost over $2000 to fix. This should not be occurring.
Questions about the 2008 Subaru Impreza engine
Does the 2008 Subaru Impreza have engine problems?
Owners have filed 27 complaints about the engine of the 2008 Subaru Impreza, 15% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2008 Subaru Impreza engine problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 57,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2008 Subaru Impreza engine?
Yes, 1 recall: 08V460000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Subaru Impreza have bad engine?
The Subaru Impreza model years with the most engine complaints are 2013 (76 complaints), 2012 (56 complaints) and 2008 (27 complaints).
Other 2008 Subaru Impreza problems
Transmission 59Airbags 37Visibility 25Body 24Brakes 21Electrical 8Acceleration 7Fuel system 5Driver assistance 4Lights 4Seat belts 3Steering 2Suspension 2Locks 1Seats 1Wheels 1
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2008 Subaru Impreza?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history