2008 Subaru WRX: windshield wiper failure

Filed May 4, 2016 · Acceleration, Brakes · 92,000 miles · LA

The clutch pedal on my 2008 wrx makes a squeaking noise every time it's engaged. When I investigated the noise, I noticed that the clutch pedal bracket assembly (forward firewall) shifts approx 1/4 inch every time the clutch pedal is engaged. I found that the three spot welds holding the clutch pedal bracket to the forward firewall were broken. From the outside of the firewall, just under the windshield wipers, the spot welds are separating away from the firewall every time the clutch pedal is engaged. This allows the entire clutch pedal bracket assembly to move,making that squeaking noise. If the bracket completely separates from the firewall, the clutch will not work. This is super super dangerous while driving.

Filed Jul 16, 2015 · Body, Brakes · 90,000 miles · MI

The clutch pedal on my 2009 wrx makes a loud creaking noise every time it's depressed. When I investigated the noise, I noticed that the entire clutch pedal bracket assembly (attached to the forward firewall) shifts approx 1/4 inch every time the clutch pedal is depressed. I found that the three spot welds securing the clutch pedal bracket to the forward firewall were broken. From the outside of the firewall, just under the windshield wipers, I saw the spot welds pulling away from the firewall every time the clutch pedal was depressed. This allows the entire clutch pedal bracket assembly to move, causing the creaking noise. If the bracket completely separates from the firewall, the clutch may become completely inoperative - especially dangerous while driving. I eventually fixed it myself with a custom made brace and some bolts. Updated 12/21/2015

Filed Jul 26, 2014 · Body, Transmission · 40,000 miles · CT

The clutch pedal on my 2008wrx makes a loud creaking/clicking noise every time it's depressed. When I investigated the noise, I noticed that the entire clutch pedal bracket assembly (attached to the forward firewall) shifts approx 1/4 inch every time the clutch pedal is depressed. I found that the three spot welds securing the clutch pedal bracket to the forward firewall were broken. From the outside of the firewall, just under the windshield wipers, I saw the spot welds pulling away from the firewall every time the clutch pedal was depressed. This allows the entire clutch pedal bracket assembly to move, causing the creaking noise. If the bracket completely separates from the firewall, the clutch may become completely inoperative - especially dangerous while driving. This also has increased wear on my transmission gears and synchros.

Filed May 12, 2014 · Brakes, Transmission · 42,000 miles · CA

I recognized a squeaking sound every time I depressed my clutch to shift the car. Having had an oil change, I wasn't scheduled for car maintenance for 3 months or 3,000 miles. When I took my car to my mechanic for service, I asked them to check the squeaking sound. The technician found a that the structure of the firewall at the clutch and brake pedal assembly was failing - the spot welds were shattered. The technician removed the wiper blade assembly and found that the pedal assembly flexes to the point of moving the firewall out at the clutch master and that the firewall is cracked at the clutch cylinder. After researching the issue, the technician learned the problem is inherent in this particular year and model, as well as in the 2009 model. The technician recommends removing the dashboard, brake booster, master cylinder, and clutch cylinder in order to identify and weld the broken pieces of the bracket that should be holding the clutch pedal assembly in place. This requires only welding and replacing the clutch pedal assembly, as well as flushing the brake and clutch fluid. The overall concern with this structural failure is that the degradation of the firewall and clutch assembly will create an issue where my safety is at risk when I lose the ability to drive the vehicle because shifting will fail. In a low or high speed situation, I would need to down or up shift my car to help avoid collision or lessen the impact of a collision. Without this ability, I put my life, my passenger's life and other drivers' lives in danger. Given that this is a widespread issue with the make, model and year, I believe subaru should issue a recall. I am especially concerned to find that my particular car is on the pull down menu with the ntsb, and until my car started to fail, I heard nothing from the ntsb, subaru or the dealerships regarding this issue. Response expected.

Filed Oct 4, 2013 · Transmission · 60,000 miles · MI

The clutch pedal on my 2008 wrx would make a loud creaking noise every time it's depressed. Recently, the creaking went away, but it began to become increasingly difficult to get into gear and shift gears. I investigated the noise and noticed that the entire clutch pedal bracket assembly (attached to the forward firewall) shifts approx. One half inch every time the clutch pedal is depressed. I found that the three spot welds securing the clutch pedal bracket to the forward firewall were broken. From the outside of the firewall, just under the windshield wipers, I saw the spot welds pulling away from the firewall every time the clutch pedal was depressed. This allows the entire clutch pedal bracket assembly to move along with the firewall. If the bracket completely separates from the firewall, the clutch will become completely inoperative - especially dangerous while driving. My vehicle is a 2008 with only 70,000 miles.

Filed Mar 26, 2013 · Body, Transmission · 42,000 miles · KS

The clutch pedal on my 2008 impreza wrx feels gritty and makes a loud creaking noise every time it's depressed. When I investigated the noise, I noticed that the entire clutch pedal bracket assembly (attached to the forward firewall) shifts approx 1/4 inch every time the clutch pedal is depressed. I found that the three spot welds securing the clutch pedal bracket to the forward firewall were broken. From the outside of the firewall, just under the windshield wipers, I saw the spot welds pulling away from the firewall every time the clutch pedal was depressed. This allows the entire clutch pedal bracket assembly to move, causing the creaking noise. If the bracket completely separates from the firewall, the clutch may become completely inoperative - especially dangerous while driving.