Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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 WRX started to make a sqeeking noise when engaging the clutch. The spot welds came apart from firewall and my clutch has gone out twice. The pedal when shifting sticks and while driving I have to put the pedal under my foot and pull upwards for it to work. Very dangerous and the welds are faulty, it should be a recall items. Subaru can request for a inspection anytime as it is very much needed to be addressed.
My sons vehicle started off with a squeaking noise when he depressed the clutch. This went on for a couple of months he is now having difficulty shifting the car into gear and it nearly caused an accident the other day. When the vehicle is stationary, and the clutch is totally depressed it is extremely difficult to get the car into gear. When driving it is less difficult, but still very tricky to get into gear. We also noticed that when the clutch is depressed, if you raise the hood, you can see the firewall flexing quite a bit where the clutch master cylinder is located. We replaced the clutch slave cylinder and it did not help the issue. In my reading online, I have noticed many complaints from people related to the factory welds holding the clutch assembly to the firewall are failing. It seems to be a widespread issue for Subaru imprezas 2008-2014. …
The spot welds under windshield cowl broke causing the bracket holding clutch pedal assembly to break. Because of these issues, I can only engage my reverse gear half the time and while shifting gears in motion, it tends to be a bit difficult. I've almost crashed a couple times because of this issue. My car is a 2008 Subaru wrx sedan with only 74,000 miles and I'm currently making payments on the car. Money is really tight due to me being a full time college student and full time worker so I'm not sure how to go about this really big problem. My car is everything to me right now and if it fails on me, I have no means of transportation. I also have no modifications to the vehicle other than wheels, and a blow off valve. The vehicle tends to give me the most difficulty engaging reverse every morning.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that the clutch pedal became very wobbly and almost detached. The contact stated that the manufacturer sent him a technical service bulletin extending the clutch attachment component; however, the dealer (Subaru superstore of chandler, 1050 gilbert rd, chandler, az 85286) never had the parts to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 124,000. The VIN was unknown.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Subaru Impreza. While driving at any speed, when the clutch was depressed, it became stuck and made an unknown noise. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the clutch assembly was peeling away from the firewall. The manufacturer was notified and stated that the warranty was extended until November of 2015, but could not provide any assistance. The failure mileage was 148,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Subaru Impreza. While driving at various speeds, the clutch was difficult to engage. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, who diagnosed that the clutch well assembly that was attached to the firewall needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 36,800.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that the vehicle was driven by a valet service. When the vehicle was returned, the clutch failed and the pedals moved independently. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 62,000.
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.
This car is a lemon. I previously owned 2 subarus (both used), that I had virtually zero problems with, then bought this new from Apple Subaru in york, pa. It has experienced problems before it even hit 50,000 miles. The tranny they replaced under warranty; but it took them 3 weeks to do so, and only completed job when they needed the loaner car back within 24 hours. Less than 6,000 miles later, on christmas eve, the clutch throw out bearing failed, I had to pay for towing to and from the dealership. They called on12/26, and informed me that it would not be covered under warranty ( even though they easily could have rushed the tranny job and caused this), that it was a "wear point." when I heard $1700, asked to speak with the service mgr., who inferred that I was ignorant, and hung up on me! I have never replaced a clutch in nearly 40 years of driving manual transmission autos. …
Transmission complaints in other Impreza years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2008 Subaru Impreza?
NHTSA has 59 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2008 Subaru Impreza, 34% of the model year's 176 complaints. The component named most often is clutch assembly (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Subaru Impreza transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2008 Subaru Impreza, though it has 14 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2008 Subaru Impreza transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 69,000 miles, and 4% before 25,000 miles.
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.