Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Subaru Impreza owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
2008 Subaru wrx manual trans. 22,500 miles. Between the time the engine comes off high idle (after being started cold) and when it is completely warmed up, the engine will drop its RPM to 0 causing an engine stall when the clutch is depressed in order to change gears. This recently happened when entering a roundabout when I was going to shift down from 3rd to 2nd gear. At this point I only have my left hand on the steering wheel and right on the shift lever. The engine stalls and I loose power steering. Power braking also seems decreased as I was unable to prevent the car from running into the central island of the roundabout. This happens consistently in cold weather. Dealership has tried repairs, but is unable to find anything wrong (3 separate admissions for service for this problem over last 9 months). Computer error codes returned were 301,302,303,304. …
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 NHTSA 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. …
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.
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. 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.
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.
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.
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.
I started to get a film on the windshield of my 2008 Subaru. I took it into the dealership and they did a test and found a problem with the A/C unit; they told me the film on the windshield was safe and car was safe to drive. I took the car in again while they were waiting for parts, for another issue, and I requested a copy of the tech notes and the film that was on the windshield was freon!- health hazard. They fixed this problem with the freon film, and now not a month later its back, and worse. I again took it into the dealer and he told me this is natural, that the gas in the upholstery needed to get out and that the gas is again safe. I asked the salesmen that I got the car from,he never heard of this. Still not fixed as this is a natural issue,there is also a foul odor coming out of the ac/heater system. …
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.
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling › Engine
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.
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…
Engine complaints in other Impreza years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2008 Subaru Impreza?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2008 Subaru Impreza, 15% of the model year's 176 complaints. The component named most often is engine (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Subaru Impreza engine problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 08V-460 (engine, Sep 11, 2008). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2008 Subaru Impreza engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 49,000 miles, and 35% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.