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2008 Subaru Impreza

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Impreza years

Owner complaints for the 2008 Subaru Impreza are substantially higher than the model-year median of 56.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

134 reports with mileage · 42 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Power Train. Review the 59 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 37 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Structure. Review the 24 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

9 crash reports4 fire reports8 injury reports

What owners actually said

176 reports
5,500 miles · Jun 16, 2008
Unknown Or Other

PAINT ON CAR EASILY DULLED BY NORMAL WASHING. LOTS OF SWIRL MARKS AND STREAKS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10231087

3,000 miles · Jun 11, 2008
Structure

POOR PAINT DURABILITY. FINISH APPEARS TO BE EASILY DAMAGED BY "NORMAL" ROAD "DUST". *TR

NHTSA ODI #10230538

1,500 miles · May 26, 2008
Structure

PAINT CHIPPED OFF WHILE WASHING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10228892

Mileage unknown · May 15, 2008
Air Bags

2008 SUBARU IMPREZA WITH BAD AIRBAG PROTECTION ON PASSENGER SIDE. PASSENGER AIRBAG SENSOR SPORADICALLY GOES ON AND OFF WHEN HIS WIFE IS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. HE STATES IT ISN'T SAFE FOR ADULTS THAT MAY WEIGH 125 POUNDS. *KB

NHTSA ODI #10228422

126 miles · Apr 24, 2008
Air Bags

PASSENGER AIRBAG FAILURES IN 2008 SUBARU IMPREZA OUTBACK SPORT: I PURCHASED A 2008 SUBARU IMPREZA OUTBACK SPORT ONE MONTH AGO, 4/17/08. I REALIZED A FEW DAYS AFTER OWNING THE CAR THAT THE PASSENGER AIRBAG IS ONLY ACTIVATED BY PASSENGERS OVER 130 POUNDS. I AM 49 YEARS OLD, 5'4" AND WEIGH 125#. THE AIRBAG IS OFF ANYTIME I AM IN T…

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PASSENGER AIRBAG FAILURES IN 2008 SUBARU IMPREZA OUTBACK SPORT: I PURCHASED A 2008 SUBARU IMPREZA OUTBACK SPORT ONE MONTH AGO, 4/17/08. I REALIZED A FEW DAYS AFTER OWNING THE CAR THAT THE PASSENGER AIRBAG IS ONLY ACTIVATED BY PASSENGERS OVER 130 POUNDS. I AM 49 YEARS OLD, 5'4" AND WEIGH 125#. THE AIRBAG IS OFF ANYTIME I AM IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, NO MATTER HOW I SIT IN THE SEAT. SAME RESULT (OFF) HAPPENS WITH MY 16 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WHO IS 120# AND A COUPLE OF HER FRIENDS WHO ARE BETWEEN 105-115#. I THEN HAD TWO CHILDREN, 87# AND 95# SIT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE PASSENGER AIRBAG WAS OFF. THE PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON WHEN MY SONS ARE IN THE SEAT. THEY WEIGH 150# AND 160#. I CALLED SUBARU SERVICE AND THEY SAID THE PASSENGER AIRBAG IS SET TO BE ON FOR PERSONS OVER 80# AND THEY RECOMMENDED I BRING THE CAR IN TO GET CHECKED. I TOOK MY CAR TO SUBARU SERVICE AND THEY SAID "THE PASSENGER AIRBAG IS OPERATING PROPERLY ACCORDING TO GOVERNMENT STANDARDS." I CALLED SUBARU CORPORATE OFFICE AND THEY SAID THE SAME THING. I WENT BACK TO THE SUBARU DEALER AND SAT IN TWO IDENTICAL IMPREZA OUTBACK SPORTS AND THE EXACT SAME RESULT THAT THE PASSENGER AIRBAG WAS OFF. I ALSO SAT IN FOUR 2009 SUBARU FORESTERS AND THE PASSENGER AIRBAG WAS OFF IN 2 OF THE 4. I SAT IN TWO 2008 LEGACY OUTBACK WAGONS AND THE PASSENGER AIRBAG WAS ON. I SAT IN TWO 2008 TRIBECAS AND THE PASSENGER AIRBAG WAS ON. SUBARU IS NOT BEING COOPERATIVE IN RESOLVING THE SITUATION. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10225568

1,500 miles · Mar 16, 2008
Visibility

FILM ON WINDSHIELD. BROUGHT IN CAR 6 TIMES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. THEY WASHED IT, PUT IT IN A PAINT BOOTH 3 TIMES TO "CURE" THE PLASTIC , AND LAST WEE THEY REPLACED THE CABIN AIR FILTER. THE FILM IS STILL THERE IT MAY GO AWAY FOR A DAY OR 2 THEN IT COMES BACK. THE FILM IS MOST NOTICEABLE AT NIGHT WHEN ONCOMING CAR LIGHT HIT IT AN…

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FILM ON WINDSHIELD. BROUGHT IN CAR 6 TIMES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. THEY WASHED IT, PUT IT IN A PAINT BOOTH 3 TIMES TO "CURE" THE PLASTIC , AND LAST WEE THEY REPLACED THE CABIN AIR FILTER. THE FILM IS STILL THERE IT MAY GO AWAY FOR A DAY OR 2 THEN IT COMES BACK. THE FILM IS MOST NOTICEABLE AT NIGHT WHEN ONCOMING CAR LIGHT HIT IT AND AS THE SUN IS SETTING IT IS DIFFICULT TO SEE THROUGH IT. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE THE BEGINNING OF DECEMBER , WE BOUGHT THE CAR AT THE END OF OCTOBER AND DO NOT DRIVE IT ALL THE TIME. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10221337

Mileage unknown · Mar 13, 2008
Visibility

FRONT WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10221022

250 miles · Feb 6, 2008
Visibility

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUBARU IMPREZA. ALL OF THE WINDOWS IN THE VEHICLE ARE FOGGING AND CREATING A THICK FILM. THE FAILURE PREVENTS THE CONTACT FROM SEEING AND SHE MUST ROLL DOWN THE WINDOWS TO MAKE A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN. THE FILMS WORSENS IN COLD WEATHER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER THREE TIMES AND THEY STATED T…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUBARU IMPREZA. ALL OF THE WINDOWS IN THE VEHICLE ARE FOGGING AND CREATING A THICK FILM. THE FAILURE PREVENTS THE CONTACT FROM SEEING AND SHE MUST ROLL DOWN THE WINDOWS TO MAKE A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN. THE FILMS WORSENS IN COLD WEATHER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER THREE TIMES AND THEY STATED THAT THERE WAS SOME TYPE OF VAPOR COMING FROM THE INTERIOR. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 3,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 250.

NHTSA ODI #10217129

2,900 miles · Jan 25, 2008
Visibility

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE IS A GREASY FILM THAT FORMS ON THE WINDOWS APPROXIMATELY EVERY 1-3 DAYS. THE FAILURE WAS NOTICED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH. THE FAILURE OCCURS ON ALL OF THE WINDOWS, BUT IS THE WORST ON THE WINDSHIELD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER CALLED …

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE IS A GREASY FILM THAT FORMS ON THE WINDOWS APPROXIMATELY EVERY 1-3 DAYS. THE FAILURE WAS NOTICED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH. THE FAILURE OCCURS ON ALL OF THE WINDOWS, BUT IS THE WORST ON THE WINDSHIELD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY STATED THAT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS UNKNOWN. HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO CONTINUE CLEANING THE WINDOWS AND THE FAILURE SHOULD EVENTUALLY CEASE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 2,900. UPDATED 02-12-08 *BF

NHTSA ODI #10215964

12,000 miles · Jan 18, 2008
Visibility

A HAZY FILM CONTINUALLY BUILDS UP ON THE FRONT WINDSHIELD CAUSING REDUCED VISIBILITY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10215327

Official recalls

14

20V001000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Jan 2, 2020

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

20V002000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Jan 2, 2020

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

20V003000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Jan 2, 2020

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

19V297000 · Electrical System:ignition:switch

Apr 11, 2019

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

19V149000 · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch

Feb 28, 2019

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

17V026000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Jan 11, 2017

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Baja, 2009 Forester, Legacy and Outback and 2006-2009 Impreza (including WRX and STI models) and Tribeca 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. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-17.

17V014000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Jan 10, 2017

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Subaru Baja, 2006-2011 Impreza (including WRX and STI models), 2006-2012 Tribeca, 2009-2012 Forester, Legacy, Outback, and 2012 WRX 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. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-17.

17V016000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Jan 10, 2017

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Baja, 2006-2008 Impreza (including WRX and STI models), Tribeca, and 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. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 8, 2017. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-17.

16V738000 · Electrical System

Oct 13, 2016

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2008-2014 Impreza vehicles and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, all equipped with turbo-charged engines. The relay that controls the secondary air injection pump may fail, causing the pump to continuously operate and overheat.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the air injection pump overheats, it may melt and increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary air injection pump relay, free of charge. The recall began December 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTM-73.

16V358000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

May 25, 2016

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy, Outback, 2009-2011 Legacy, Outback, Forester, 2006-2011 Impreza, Tribeca, 2003-2006 Baja, and 2006 Saab 9-2x vehicles originally sold or that have ever been registered in 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 may be equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 26, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-856-488-8500. Saab owners may contact GM at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-16.

16V359000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

May 25, 2016

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy, Outback, 2006-2008 Impreza, Tribeca, 2006 Saab 9-2x, and 2003-2006 Baja vehicles originally sold or that have ever been registered in 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 may be equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 24, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-856-488-8500. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-16. Note: This notice is only for vehicles that were not covered by 16V-358 for Zone A.

14V830000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Dec 31, 2014

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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 NHTSA 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 NHTSA recall no. 14V-311 prior to December 23, 2014 will continue to be processed under NHTSA 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.

14V311000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

Jun 10, 2014

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

08V460000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine

Sep 11, 2008

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.