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2008 Subaru WRX problems

The most common problem on the 2008 Subaru WRX is transmission and drivetrain, typically around 70,000 miles. It has 2.6 times the complaints of a typical WRX model year.

Year to avoid2.6x the typical complaints
Year score
36/100
Owner complaints
65
Recalls
7
Service bulletins
179
Worst area
Transmission

The worst 2008 Subaru WRX problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2008 Subaru WRX

Grinding brakes 20Wipers 6

Recalls 7

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported January 2, 2020 · 258,813 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (STI included), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
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. Subaru Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1‑844‑373‑6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1‑800‑955‑9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-20.

Recall number 20V001000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported January 2, 2020 · 127,547 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
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. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1‑800‑955‑9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-20.

Recall number 20V002000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported January 2, 2020 · 111,562 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
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. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1‑800‑955‑9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-20.

Recall number 20V003000 · Recall details

Electrical system: ignition: switchReported April 11, 2019 · 511 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, 2008-2011 Impreza vehicles, 2008-2014 WRX vehicles, 2005-2014 Legacy vehicles, 2005-2014 Outback vehicles and 2006-2008 Tribeca vehicles equipped with a mechanical key ignition switch installed as a replacement part. The ball spring inside the switch may break, reducing the strength of the ignition switch. If this occurs, the weight on the key ring and certain road conditions could cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position to the accessory position, turning off the engine.
Risk
The engine turning off unexpectedly can increase the risk of a crash. If a crash occurs under this condition, the air bag may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
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. Subaru's number for this recall is WUF-91.

Recall number 19V297000 · Recall details

Exterior lighting: brake lights: switchReported February 28, 2019 · 1,303,530 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing the brake lights from illuminating and also preventing keyless ignition vehicles from starting and CVT/automatic transmissions from being able to be shifted out of Park.
Risk
Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.
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.

Recall number 19V149000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulicReported December 31, 2014 · 200,064 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Impreza, 2008-2014 WRX and STI, and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, currently, or formerly, registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia that were remedied under recall 14V‑311 prior to December 23, 2014. The brake lines may experience brake line corrosion due to salt water splashing on the brake lines through a gap in the fuel tank protector.
Risk
Brake fluid may leak due to the brake line corrosion and may result in longer distances being required to slow or stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1‑800‑782‑2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQQ-52. Notes: This recall is specific to affected Forester, Impreza, WRX, and STI customers who had their car remedied under the federal safety agency recall no. 14V‑311 prior to December 23, 2014. Subaru has determined that this remedy was inadequate due to incomplete repair instructions provided to dealers. Affected Forester, Impreza, WRX, and STI vehicles that were not repaired under the federal safety agency recall no. 14V‑311 prior to December 23, 2014 will continue to be processed under the federal safety agency recall no. 14V‑311. Affected vehicles not currently, or formerly, registered in the salt belt states identified in this recall are eligible for repair, at no cost to the customer, upon request.

Recall number 14V830000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported June 10, 2014 · 461,338 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Outback and Legacy, 2008-2011 Impreza and 2008-2014 Impreza WRX/STI, and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, currently, or formerly, registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Salt water could splash on the brake lines through a gap in the fuel tank protector, resulting in excessive corrosion of the brake lines. Note that affected vehicles not currently, or formerly registered, in the salt belt states identified above are eligible for repair, at no cost to the customer, upon request.
Risk
Brake line corrosion may result in brake fluid leakage. Fluid leakage may result in longer distances being required to slow or stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. If brake fluid seepage is observed, the brake lines will be replaced followed by rustproofing with anti-corrosion wax. These services will be performed free of charge. The recall began July 2014 and second notifications will run through November 2014. Owners may contact Subaru at 1‑800‑782‑2783. Subaru's recall campaign number is WQK-47. Note: This recall supersedes recall 13V‑110 which applied to certain 2005-2009 Legacy/Outback vehicles. Vehicles that were remedied under the previous campaign still need additional areas rust-proofed.

Recall number 14V311000 · Recall details

See all 7 recalls for the 2008 Subaru WRX

Technical service bulletins for the 2008 Subaru WRX 179

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 179 bulletins for the 2008 Subaru WRX

What 2008 Subaru WRX owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Apr 2, 2019 · Transmission · 90,000 miles · CO

Clutch/brake assembly broke away from fire wall. Making car undrivable

Filed Feb 20, 2019 · CA

The driver looks high. Cutting people off and running through stop signs

Filed Jan 21, 2019 · Body, Brakes · 62,000 miles · OR

The welds that attach the brake and clutch peddle to the vehicle brake and allow the whole peddle assembly to move. Because of this, braking efficiency and drive gear engagement become compromised. In the event that a hard stop is needed, the whole assembly could brake and keep the driver from being able to stop. This issue is a huge hazard! This is not a convenience issue, this is a life and safety issue to not only the occupants of the subaru but everyone on the road! I have contacted soa, and they informed me that I would have to take care of the repair myself. This repair is not just some nuts and bolts coming loose or something like that. This is a huge repair that is structural to the vehicle. At costs of well into the thousands! Soa knows of the issue and refuses to do anything about it! My vehicle currently sits at 92k miles because of the poor clutch engagement I had to replace my clutch at 78k. I have video and photo evidence to go along with everything that is stated above, but a quick google search will show you that thousands of subaru wrx and sti owners from 2008 to 2014 are or will experience this exact issue!

Filed Dec 17, 2018 · Body, Transmission · 100,000 miles · CO

Firewall spot welds have failed, causing significant lateral play in the clutch pedal. I have had some significant trouble trying to get it into gear. So I have had trouble shifting gears while at highway speeds and have had trouble getting it in reverse in order to pull out of a parking spot. The brake pedal is next in-line to be affected by the sheet metal tear. I keep hearing that this problem is not covered under any recall. Nor is it a warranty item at this year and mileage (105,000). This is a very significant issue and will cost a great deal (over $1000) to fix. This being a weld issue and not a wear issue makes me think that the factory ought to cover this safety issue. This has been happening for the last year and a half. But I have only recently discovered the true extent of the problem.

Filed Nov 12, 2018 · Body · 105,000 miles · NJ

There are 3 weld spots on my firewall that are snapped. Because of this I constantly hear snapping sounds and my break pedal moves when the clutch is depressed. This was a recall on the car but subaru of america says that I cant get it fixed under warranty. I bought the car used from a subaru dealership in ramsey nj pre-owned certified and this problem should have been fixed before I purchased the car. Ive had the car for about 6 months or so. The sound is driving me crazy and the cracks are getting worse.

Filed Oct 11, 2018 · Transmission · 88,500 miles · WI

Firewall welds broke and clutch needs replacement at 88,000 miles. The clutch is still stiff and makes a creaking noise despite the firewall welds being repaired.

Filed Jun 2, 2018 · Body · 94,600 miles · NJ

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. I had replaced the clutch on my car as it was weak and thought replacing it would make the creaking sound go away. Replacing the clutch made the squeaking noise louder and now my brake pedal moves right into the path of the clutch when it is pressed and back to its place when depressed. This is a safety concern as I am a father and cannot guarantee this car is safe to drive at all. I spent $1,200 on the installation as I provided the parts to the subaru dealer. After receiving my car back, the car became inoperable as the clutch is difficult to engage safely into any gear. I contacted subaru of america as per the dealers advice and was denied any compensation for structural repairs to my vehicle.

Filed Feb 19, 2018 · Transmission · 114,000 miles · IN

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. The spot welds on the firewall/bulkhead have separated making it very difficult to get into gear and making the clutch very firm. This needs to be a recall. People can not afford this very expensive while making payments on their vehicle. This problem is also causing premature wear on transmission parts as well. I have 4 subarus and if they don't make this right I will not buy another. Very sad to say considering I work for them building engines.

Filed Feb 6, 2018 · Body · 80,000 miles · TX

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. They denied me coverage because it would be too costly despite the firewall being a known issue on the wrx from 2008-2014

Filed May 10, 2017 · 72,000 miles · WI

Clutch bracket spot welds let go of fire wall. Making the clutch and brake pedal move and squeak when clutch is engaged.

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Questions about the 2008 Subaru WRX

Is the 2008 Subaru WRX reliable?

Owners have filed 65 complaints about the 2008 Subaru WRX, 2.6 times a typical WRX model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.

What is the 2008 Subaru WRX year score?

The 2008 Subaru WRX scores 36 out of 100 (poor). The score compares it with the other model years of the Subaru WRX: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2008 Subaru WRX?

Transmission and drivetrain, with 48 complaints, typically around 70,000 miles. Next is body (26).

How many recalls does the 2008 Subaru WRX have?

7 recalls, covering air bags, electrical system and exterior lighting.

What year does the Subaru WRX have bad transmission?

The Subaru WRX model years with the most transmission complaints are 2008 (48 complaints), 2009 (33 complaints) and 2015 (18 complaints).

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