Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
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).
The driver side visor failed to remain in position. After hitting a small bump the visor flipped down from it's position against the roof to a completely vertical position blocking my view of the road. I am only 5 foot 7 inches, but when the visor is completely down my vision is completely blocked. The visor would no longer remain up against the roof, nor fully forward against the windshield. I had to pull over and remove the screws holding the visor mount to the roof. When I did this the shaft that connects the visor to the roof mount came out of the visor. The plastic portion had broken completely inside the visor. The force holding the visor in the up position had been getting progressively weaker for more than a year before it failed completely. Searching the web it appears this is a common complaint. …
At 32,000 miles my drivers side sun visor spring mechanism broke during a cold morning(10-15f). It was replaced under warranty. Now at about 85,000 miles it broke again and I need to replace it myself. The dealership surprisingly had several in stock which was odd because this is not something a dealer would normally stock unless there is a trending problem with it. It's not me abusing it as I am don't treat my things in a fast forceful manner, I've also never had a problem with any other vehicle in hundred of thousands of miles. Yet, I have 2 of the exact same item failures in less than 100,000 miles. The safety issue here is that when the sun visor breaks, it hangs down perfectly vertical blocking the drivers view of the road. I pretty much had to drive to work holding the visor with my left hand. …
Tl contact owns a 2008 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that the windshield wipers will periodically stop working and fail to move altogether, even when they are in the upright position. He must pull the vehicle over and manually pull the wipers down with his hands. The failure has occurred over ten times while driving 20 MPH. Most of the time the wipers work normally, but during rainy and snowy conditions, the failure can cause poor visibility. The Subaru dealer could not determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer stated that if the dealer could not find a failure, there was nothing to repair. The current and failure mileages were 10,000.
Serious windshield wiper failure of entire linkage system caused by a hold down nut coming loose from main linkage. My wife was driving on the highway during a rain storm when both windshield wipers failed. She narrowly escaped an accident as there was no place to safely pull the vehicle over and she lost total visibility. The 2008 Impreza outback sport was taken to a nearby Subaru dealer where they fixed the problem by simply tightening the hold down nut which came loose. Needless to say, I was very disappointed by this serious safety issue from a new car that was rated this top safety pick. The car had 9800 miles on it when this incident occurred.
Ever since I purchased my vehicle (new), there has been a terrible film on the windshield and interior windows. Sometimes it is so bad, it is almost impossible to see out of the windows (especially with light reflections and sunsets, etc.). My dealer has informed me that it has had many similar complaints. I have tried cleaning the windows with cleaners and nothing seems to help. The problem is even worse during the winter months when the defroster is being used more often. To date, my dealer (as well as a different one) has been unable to find a solution to the problem. This is a serious safety issue that limits visibility from the vehicle.
Tl 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
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.
The driver's side sun visor internal cam broke while vehicle was being driven such that the sun visor hangs at the lowest point, and is no longer adjustable. This obscures the driver's field of vision when driving the car and thus presents a safety hazard. This appears to be a common defect in the sunvisor design/manufacture based upon identical user forum reporting. Subaru America refuses to acknowledge responsibility for this defect in design or materials workmanship.
The visors keep breaking. When they break, they drop down, impeding vision. There is no telling when it May happen. The passenger side visor was replaced in 2010. It is now broken again and so is the drivers side. Recently, my drivers side visor broke and dropped down while driving on a busy highway. I was lucky I didn't wreck. The visors are over $100.00 each. They are made with a plastic piece that is not able to do the job. A serious driving hazard!
Tl 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.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Impreza years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 2008 Subaru Impreza?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 2008 Subaru Impreza, 13% of the model year's 176 complaints. The component named most often is windshield (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Subaru Impreza window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof 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 window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 12,000 miles, and 59% 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.