2.3

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
68,855 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2008 Subaru Impreza:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #30

Nov 012013

Impreza 4-cyl

  • 95,000 miles
For several months now on my wife 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX when the clutch is depressed I have heard a cracking/squeaking noise. I brought it to a mechanic and he told me that he sees the firewall flexing when the clutch is beginning to engage. It looks as if the welds on the firewall are cracked and no matter what parts he changes it will not fix the problem that is why it is hard to get the car in gear and will eventually break completely. We looked online and this is a common problem with this car, dealerships are changing several parts and nothing will fix this safety issue. This is most definitely a manufacturer issue and should be recalled since it is a major safety concern.

- Atco, NJ, USA

problem #29

Nov 042013

Impreza

  • 62,000 miles
This 2008 Subaru Impreza has been plagued as have many others by a manufacturer chassis defect. The firewall/bulkhead between the driver and engine has 5 spot welds broken which initially are meant to secure the clutch and brake assembly. These weld breaks are a serious safety issue as they are causing difficulty in engaging clutch and brakes, as well as a squeak noise every time the clutch is depressed. As this is not an insignificant wear item but part of the chassis/frame which is a dangerous defect as complete failure during operation of the vehicle can cause catastrophic accidents, further investigation and action on this matter should be taken by the NHTSA. This is certainly a recall issue.

- Rancho Cordova, CA, USA

problem #28

May 302013

Impreza

  • 62,000 miles
This 2008 Subaru Impreza has been plagued as have many others by a manufacturer chassis defect. The firewall/bulkhead between the driver and engine has 5 spot welds broken which initially are meant to secure the clutch and brake assembly. These weld breaks are a serious safety issue as they are causing difficulty in engaging clutch and brakes, as well as a squeak noise every time the clutch is depressed. As this is not an insignificant wear item but part of the chassis/frame which is a dangerous defect as complete failure during operation of the vehicle can cause catastrophic accidents, further investigation and action on this matter should be taken by the NHTSA. This is certainly a recall issue.

- Diamond Bar, CA, USA

problem #27

Sep 022013

Impreza 4-cyl

  • 80,000 miles
The weld that holds the bracket for the clutch and brake to the fire wall is cracked. This crack represents a possible safety issue if it should completely fail. Without the bracket being properly attached to the firewall, the brakes and clutch become inoperable. This is a known issue by Subaru and their lack of action shows a carelessness that is putting american consumers at risk. Thank you for your immediate assistance.

- Maize, KS, USA

problem #26

Aug 282013

Impreza 4-cyl

  • 40,000 miles
Clutch pedal on 2008 WRX has developed a creaking noise every time it is depressed. Brake pedal shifts forward and to the left upon depression of clutch pedal. This is a reasonably well documented problem of the clutch pedal assembly spot weld joints failing. This is a safety issue that should result in a recall.

- Naperville, IL, USA

problem #25

Oct 052013

Impreza

  • 137,100 miles
2008 WRX firewall welds are bad. Dealership wrote up "dangerous. Should not drive vehicle" and gave me an approximate price to fix it telling me they've never seen or heard about this before. Forums state this is an ongoing problem since 2008 and many people have attempted to spot weld it in place or have done non-ome fixes. Dealership told me basically corporate won't help because the car has 137,000 miles on it so its my problem. Car is too dangerous to drive or sell in this shape. I have called the dealership and complained about this problem starting 6 months after I purchased the car new and they always said the same thing "we have no known issues related to what your explaining". 6 years later and now its turned into a dangerous situation where clutch will go while driving.

- Brick, NJ, USA

problem #24

Mar 012012

Impreza 4-cyl

  • 70,000 miles
The clutch pedal on my 2008 WRX makes a loud creaking noise every time it's depressed (it will also pop if cold out). After reading other complaints online I found the entire clutch pedal bracket assembly (attached to the forward firewall) shifts approx 1/4 inch every time the clutch pedal is depressed, also causing the brake pedal to flex to the left. I can see at least two of my three spot welds securing the clutch pedal bracket to the forward firewall are broken. The whole clutch pedal assembly pulls away from the firewall every time the clutch pedal is depressed, the slave cylinder unit visibly moves. 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, it already frequently feels like I cannot push the clutch in far enough to get it into gear. Feedback from the online forums shows Subaru is not addressing the problem of the faulty welds leading to expensive consumer repairs or alternative diy fixes.

- University Place, WA, USA

problem #23

Mar 012012

Impreza 4-cyl

  • 70,000 miles
The clutch pedal on my 2008 WRX makes a loud creaking noise every time it's depressed (it will also pop if cold out). After reading other complaints online I found the entire clutch pedal bracket assembly (attached to the forward firewall) shifts approx 1/4 inch every time the clutch pedal is depressed, also causing the brake pedal to flex to the left. I can see at least two of my three spot welds securing the clutch pedal bracket to the forward firewall are broken. The whole clutch pedal assembly pulls away from the firewall every time the clutch pedal is depressed, the slave cylinder unit visibly moves. 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, it already frequently feels like I cannot push the clutch in far enough to get it into gear. Feedback from the online forums shows Subaru is not addressing the problem of the faulty welds leading to expensive consumer repairs or alternative diy fixes.

- University Place, WA, USA

problem #22

Jan 012013

Impreza 4-cyl

  • 45,000 miles
My clutch pedal starting squeaking in January. I thought it was squeaking because it was cold outside and thought that the problem would go away once the weather got warmer. However this is not the case and upon inspection, my spot welds are broken where the clutch attaches to the firewall. After a search, I have found that this is an extremely common problem with this model car and no recall has been issued. I have also found that many people have not had any luck at all by trying to get the dealer to fix the issue. It is definitely a flaw with the car and not an isolated incident with just me.

- Morganton, NC, USA

problem #21

Jan 012013

Impreza 4-cyl Diesel

  • 45,000 miles
My clutch pedal starting squeaking in January. I thought it was squeaking because it was cold outside and thought that the problem would go away once the weather got warmer. However this is not the case and upon inspection, my spot welds are broken where the clutch attaches to the firewall. After a search, I have found that this is an extremely common problem with this model car and no recall has been issued. I have also found that many people have not had any luck at all by trying to get the dealer to fix the issue. It is definitely a flaw with the car and not an isolated incident with just me.

- Morganton, NC, USA

problem #20

Jan 072013

Impreza 4-cyl

  • 82,370 miles
I noticed about 3 months ago my clutch assembly starting to squeak and started to stick when fully depressed. The past month driving is almost impossible with having trouble starting the car and almost having to jam gears just to shift. Took it to transmission shop 2 days ago and they told me that my clutch is completely gone. After going to them they found out what the issue was. The firewall where the master cylinder sits is completely cracked 2 ways. With ignition off you can pressing the clutch is see the firewall completely flexing without the car even being on. They told me there is nothing that they can do and told me to get in contact with the manufacturer.

- Centennial , CO, USA

problem #19

Mar 042013

Impreza 4-cyl

  • 92,000 miles
Had a squeaky clutch pedal for the past few months. Yesterday it became very hard to shift into gear. I noticed when the clutch was depressed, both the brake and clutch pedals moved about 2" to the left. Looking further, it looks like the sport weld have given way where the brace mounts to the firewall. Researching I found many people with the same issue. Car is almost undriveable and unsafe.

- East Patchogue, NY, USA

problem #18

Aug 152012

Impreza 4-cyl

  • 62,000 miles
My clutch bracket broke on the welds. This is an oem product that has a defect and it is well known on the internet and forums. Subaru of newton NJ refuses to fix the problem and was well aware. This was very dangerous for me since it happened on a highway at speeds of 65 mph. The bracket is broken and the clutch will not engage. I have noticed the firewall is cracking also. The brake pedal moves inches to the side when the clutch is pressed. This is a very dangerous problem. I am very disappointed with Subaru and the car only has 73K miles on it. I also filled with Subaru and I am awaiting answers.

- Blairstown, NJ, USA

problem #17

Dec 212012

Impreza 4-cyl

  • 58,300 miles
My 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX has had a "hard clutch pedal". im an auto tech at a dealer so I took a look at it. I checked the spring and the pedal. I found the pedal would bend the mounting location under the dash when pushed in. I looked on the firewall under my wiper arms where the welds are at. The weld that holds the clutch and brake pedals to the firewall is cracked and now is cutting a hole in the firewall. I checked online for some help with the problem, and I found out im not the only one with this problem. I took the car to my local Subaru dealer. The dealer told me I needed a clutch. I ask them to look at the firewall welds that hold the clutch and brake pedals to the car. They told me to go away and not bring my car back to them! I called Subaru of America after this all happened. They told me to take it to another dealer. So I did to one " 3 hours away ". the next dealer told me the car is not safe to drive and weld is cracked on the firewall, and they called Subaru of America (soa.) soa never called the dealer back and I took the car home and waited. They called me 5 days later and told me I would have to pay 1/2 of the bill to fix the oem defect on the firewall welds. I feel as though they don't care about this safety issue even though after some research online it is clear that im not the only one having this same issue. I have videos and pictures showing the defective welds and can produce them for you. I noticed this issue around 58000 miles. Vehicle now has 60500 miles. Updated 02/19/13

- De Soto, IA, USA

problem #16

Oct 012012

Impreza 4-cyl

  • 85,000 miles
Clutch pedal on 2008 WRX has developed a creaking noise every time it is depressed. Brake pedal shifts forward and to the left upon depression of clutch pedal. This is a reasonably well documented problem of the clutch pedal assembly spot weld joints failing.

- Saint Louis, MO, USA

problem #15

Dec 012011

Impreza 4-cyl

  • 30,000 miles
For at least 20,000 miles now (I'm at 55,000) I have had a very stiff clutch pedal and terrible squeak with every depression of the clutch. My clutch is slipping in 3rd, 4th and 5th. This was reported and diagnosed under warranty around 30,000 miles by the pembroke pines Subaru dealership. Subaru of America requested that the pressure plate and possibly the clutch be replaced (ignoring my statement that the tack welds holding the clutch assembly in place were snapped -- which they are, effecting engagement and likely damaging the clutch/pp/flywheel). After moving to asheville, nc right at the time of soa making this request, the Subaru dealership (prestige) refused to honor soa's request stating they were a franchise dealership and did not have to listen. I expect the pressure plate & clutch, along with the firewall welds, to be repaired under soa warranty.

- Asheville, NC, USA

problem #14

Jan 052010

Impreza

  • 28,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that after engaging and releasing the clutch, he heard a loud noise. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician stated that the throw out bearing and clutch were defective and needed to be replaced. The remedy failed to repair the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not offer any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 28,000 and the current mileage was 49,000.

- St Marys, FL, USA

problem #13

Feb 062012

Impreza 4-cyl

  • 70,000 miles
The clutch pedal on my 2008 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 also have a vide file if needed.

- Taneytown, MD, USA

problem #12

Jul 302010

Impreza 4-cyl

  • 75,000 miles
There started to be a clicking / squeaking sound when depressing the clutch. Brought the car to multiple dealerships to diagnose the problem without any answers - they continued to apply lubricant. Made it to 106,000 miles on the original clutch, had it replaced as routine maintenance with the goal of the sound going away. The sound and clicking continued, yet the car continued to drive normally. At the time of clutch replacement, the entire pedal assembly moved as one unit when depressing the clutch - this continued to be an undiagnosed problem (yet the car continued to drive normally). Brought car to dealership for routine maintenance, again complained about the noise - was informed about the firewall weld issue being the cause for the noise. Firewall welds were replaced without cost to me. Upon picking up the car, the squeaking and clicking noise was still present. Upon inspection under the steering column / dash, it was noted that a connecting bar (clutch / brake) was fractured and flexes upon depression of the clutch. Estimated cost of repair is about $1000. I have called Subaru of America, and they are investigating about whether or not this will be covered. I will not purchase a Subaru again. This is my first Subaru, and it will be my last.

- Commerce City, CO, USA

problem #11

Oct 162012

Impreza

  • 49,500 miles
The car began making a loud squealing noise when the clutch was depressed, it stalled out 5 times in 11 blocks, and it started to smell. I stopped at the nearest mechanic to my work and they were nice enough to let me leave it there for the day even though they do not do clutch work. After numerous discussions with Subaru service, they finally seemed to agree to work with me and investigate why this happened. At first, they seemed to want to disregard the problem because I am a woman and they really made it sound like I was to blame (ie, bad driving). I explained to them over and over that my other car is a 15 year old manual jetta with the original clutch, so the problem is not bad driving. After much back and forth, Subaru paid for the entire replacement of the clutch and throwout bearing, as well as some hydraulic hoses and even the tow to the dealer. In the end, I was happy with the end result, but I really think that Subaru needs to own up and admit that something is wrong with the 2008 Impreza clutch.

- Collingswood, NJ, USA

Read the next 10 complaints »