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 2009 Subaru WRX owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I purchased my WRX in 2009 from the local Subaru dealer here in chicago. I am original owner of this vehicle. A year ago I first noticed a problem with the clutch pedal. When fully pressed it made a loud creaking noise. When I investigated the noise I noticed that the entire clutch + pedal bracket assembly moves and shifts approximately 1/4 inch. When I removed windshield wipers I noticed that 4 spot welds that secure the clutch pedal bracket to the forward firewall are broken. I can see holes in the firewall sheet metal every time I press the clutch pedal. The entire clutch bracket assembly moves out of alignment causing this cracking noise. Finally two weeks ago the noise went away all by itself. I noticed that the entire assembly shifts even more to one side when clutch is pressed and I have extreme trouble shifting into a gear. …
I got off work and was on my way home, pushed the clutch in to hear a wonderful snap and I had zero control of my clutch causing me to not be able to shift into or out of any gear. Chassis fatigue and cracking resulting in damage/potential compromise of driver controls. Welds on the firewall are poor and its a manufacturer fault that many have brought to surface with the NHTSA and the soa (Subaru of America) but there is not enough of the cars produced for anyone to take action or for Subaru to care for the safety of the owners of the vehicle. Losing complete operation of the clutch assembly due to the welds of the very poor spot welded firewall going out is a major concern and should be addressed as a high risk safety hazard for the operator and others on public roadways. I need Subaru to fix the problem that they caused from the very beginning of the manufacture process of my vehicle.
About 6-8 months ago I had my WRX in for work and pointed out a loud clunk that was happening as I depressed the clutch pedal. I was told it was no concern but that they could diagnose it further for a cost. Thinking it was fine I continue use, and eventually the noise went away. Recently, my car was unable to shift into reverse and my clutch felt rather stiff. Having looked at it the spring behind my pedal was bending sideways and my entire firewall was flexing as I pushed in the clutch. I took this back to the same dealership that told me there was no noticeable problem and they told me that I needed. To replace my clutch, they needed to r&r my dash to look for broken welds and possible replace the pedal assembly. To the price of $3500.00. I then came online to see quite a few posts in multiple places of the identical problem.
When I depress the clutch pedal there is a very noticeable, audible, "clicking" noise, and a stiff clutch pedal. It appears to be broken spot welds and a defective clutch. Have had this issue repaired by Subaru once but has returned multiple times. Is a major safety concern because clutch assemply is directly tied to brake and gas pedals, and when the welds fail completely it is a potential life threatening situation. If you do a simple goolge search for Subaru clutch clicking it is a huge problem and many many people are experincing this issue with there clutch's. It appears a recall is needed to fix this.
When I bought my car used at a dealership, it was the first time I had driven a Subaru WRX. I thought that it was normal for the brake to move slightly when pressing down on the clutch. Then, recently, I started getting a clicking sound from underneath the car, towards the engine. After researching the WRX owner forums. I began to notice that many people were and are having the same problem with their WRX. And, that the source of their problems were the firewall welds for the clutch and brake would get loose and cause the clutch to not engage fully.
This is the well known and documented firewall weld issue for the pedal bracket. The welds have broken and the pedal bracket now shifts when I press down on the clutch. It makes a loud popping noise as well as creaking and squeaking. If left unchecked, the issue will worsen and the entire bracket May break off while driving, causing a huge safety concern. Subaru needs to be forced to recall this and pay to fix all of them.
**clutch spot welds** after replacing 2 clutches and hearing a clicking noise I took it to a Subaru shop. They informed me that the spot welds on the clutch and brake are starting to break loose from the firewall. I then received a safety bulletin from Subaru about the spot welds. Subaru expects the owners to pay for this hazardous well known safety problem.
Failed welds connecting pedal panel to the firewall. Results in loud squeaking when clutch pedal is depressed/released and car is extremely difficult to get in or out of gear. Causes movement of brake pedal as well which could cause major issues. This happens moving and parked
The welds where the clutch pedal attaches to the firewall are breaking. The same bracket is attached to the brake pedal. The entire brake & clutch assembly could break off of the firewall. This could result in a loss of braking.
First at all merry christmas! Ill try my best to describe what happened with the car. Its 5 speed manual transmission . On my way home to see my family for christmas heard loud pop sound from under the dash. Kinda scared me but after the inspection didn't see any damage. Turned the engine on again but noticed right away that my clutch pedal doesn't feel the same. ( I have stock clutch and transmission) right now clutch pedal makes squeezing noise, and my brake pedal moves when I push the clutch pedal . At home opened the hood and asked my dad to push the clutch pedal couple times, noticed that clutch master cylinder is noticeably moving all over the place. Checked online for the same symptoms and realized my firewall welds are cracked from under the dash , well not the best find but its christmas so just tried to go over it and write you this email. …
Transmission complaints in other WRX years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2009 Subaru WRX?
NHTSA has 33 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2009 Subaru WRX, 80% of the model year's 41 complaints. The component named most often is clutch assembly (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2009 Subaru WRX transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2009 Subaru WRX, though it has 10 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 2009 Subaru WRX transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 66,000 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.