CarBrief

The 2008 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport has a busy record, with 213 owner complaints on file with NHTSA[1] and 14 recalls[2]. Check that a specific car's recall work was done before you decide.

213owner complaints[1]
14recalls[2]
19–22MPG combined (EPA)[3]

Most reported problems

NHTSA has 213 owner complaints on file for the 2008 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport[1]. Ten mention a crash[1], 4 a fire[1] and 9 injuries[1]. No deaths are reported[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name several parts.

Here is how the complaints split by component group:

Component group Complaints Median mileage at failure
Power train[4] 70 62,000
Air bags[5] 44 3,000
Engine[6] 42 31,000
Structure[7] 31 62,000
Brakes[8] 26 63,500
Visibility[9] 24 11,000
Unknown or other[10] 9 112,000
Electrical[11] 9 51,000

We read a small sample of complaint texts in four groups. This is what owners describe.

Electrical complaints are few at 9, but 4 of them mention a fire[11]. We did not read complaint texts for brakes, visibility or electrical, so we say nothing about their themes.

Recalls

NHTSA lists 14 recalls for this model year[2]. Each recall below lists a remedy. Unit counts cover every model and year named in the recall, not only this one. The facts do not say whether any single car already had the work done, so check a specific car's VIN with Subaru or NHTSA.

Fuel economy

EPA lists several versions of this car. The 2.5L 4-cylinder on regular fuel is rated 20 city, 27 highway and 22 combined MPG with the Automatic (S4)[26] and with the 5-speed manual[3]. The EPA estimate for annual fuel cost on those versions is $3,050[26].

The turbo versions need premium fuel and cost more to run. The 2.5L turbo with the Automatic (S4) gets 20 city, 25 highway and 22 combined MPG, at $3,750 a year[27]. With the 5-speed manual it gets 19 city, 25 highway and 21 combined MPG, at $3,900 a year[28]. The thirstiest listing is the turbo with the 6-speed manual at 17 city, 23 highway and 19 combined MPG, at $4,350 a year[29].

The Wagon/Outback SPT listings with the same engines and transmissions match the Impreza AWD numbers[30][31][32][33]. The 6-speed manual turbo is listed only under Wagon/Outback SPT[29]. EPA's annual cost uses today's fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new.

Safety ratings

NHTSA gives the 4-door model a rollover rating of 4 stars, with a rollover risk of 10.3%[34]. The 4-door wagon has the same rating and risk[35]. Our data has no other star ratings for this model year.

Engine and size

Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada, converted to inches and pounds. They can differ slightly from US models.

Version Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
2.5i/Sport 4-door sedan[36] 180 in 69 in 58 in 103 in 3,053 lb
2.5i/Sport 5-door wagon[37] 174 in 69 in 58 in 103 in 3,053 lb
WRX 4-door sedan[38] 180 in 69 in 58 in 103 in 3,142 lb
WRX 5-door wagon[39] 174 in 69 in 58 in 103 in 3,142 lb
WRX STI 5-door hatch[40] 174 in 71 in 58 in 103 in 3,395 lb

How 2008 compares with other years

1995: 46 complaints, 1 recalls19951996: 20 complaints, 0 recalls1997: 30 complaints, 0 recalls19971998: 30 complaints, 0 recalls1999: 22 complaints, 0 recalls19992000: 41 complaints, 0 recalls2001: 11 complaints, 0 recalls20012002: 292 complaints, 6 recalls2003: 62 complaints, 6 recalls20032004: 96 complaints, 8 recalls2005: 75 complaints, 6 recalls20052006: 60 complaints, 10 recalls2007: 68 complaints, 9 recalls20072008: 213 complaints, 14 recalls21320082009: 119 complaints, 14 recalls20092010: 46 complaints, 15 recalls2011: 58 complaints, 14 recalls20112012: 243 complaints, 6 recalls2013: 251 complaints, 4 recalls20132014: 108 complaints, 3 recalls2015: 79 complaints, 2 recalls20152016: 75 complaints, 1 recalls2017: 125 complaints, 7 recalls2017
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Impreza/Outback Sport model year. The 2008 is highlighted[2].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
1995461
1996200
1997300
1998300
1999220
2000410
2001110
20022926
2003626
2004968
2005756
20066010
2007689
200821314
200911914
20104615
20115814
20122436
20132514
20141083
2015792
2016751
20171257

NHTSA's counts for each Impreza/Outback Sport model year from 1995 to 2017 put 2008 high on complaints. Only 2002 (292), 2013 (251) and 2012 (243) have more than the 213 on file for 2008[2]. The next highest after 2008 are 2017 with 125 and 2009 with 119[2].

Recalls follow a different pattern. 2008 has 14[2], the same as 2009 and 2011. 2010 has 15[2]. Years from 2012 to 2016 have fewer recalls, from 6 in 2012 down to 1 in 2016, and 2017 has 7[2].

These counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so treat them as a rough guide only.

Should you buy a used 2008 Impreza?

This model year has a busy record, with 213 complaints and 14 recalls[2]. The recalls all list remedies, so the first step is to confirm that a specific car has had them done, especially the passenger air bag inflator and brake line recalls[14][24]. The complaint samples we read point to a few things worth checking on a test drive and inspection, such as the clutch pedal feel and noise on manual cars, the passenger air bag status light, and any sign of engine trouble[4][5][6]. A fair reading is that the car can make sense if it passes those checks and the service records look good, and the history should shape your price and your inspection.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Subaru Impreza?
Power train has the most complaints at 70, followed by air bags at 44 and engine at 42[4][5][6]. In the samples we read, owners describe clutch pedal noise and loose welds, a passenger air bag light that shows off, and piston failures[4][5][6].
Does the 2008 Subaru Impreza have recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 14 for this model year, including 8 passenger air bag inflator recalls, brake line corrosion, a brake light switch and an engine oil pipe[2][14][24][16][25]. Each lists a remedy.
What gas mileage does the 2008 Impreza get?
EPA combined ratings run from 19 to 22 MPG depending on engine and transmission[29][3]. The regular fuel 2.5L is rated 22 combined[26].
Is 2008 a good year for the Subaru Impreza?
By NHTSA counts, 2008 is fourth highest of the listed years for complaints at 213, and has 14 recalls[2]. The counts are not adjusted for sales.
How safe is the 2008 Subaru Impreza in a rollover?
NHTSA rates it 4 stars for rollover, with a 10.3% rollover risk for the sedan and the wagon[34][35].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 213 owner complaints on file for the 2008 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport (10 mention a crash, 4 a fire, 9 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. Owner complaints and recalls for every Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  3. EPA rating for Impreza AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 27 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  4. 70 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 62,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  5. 44 complaints name the air bags component group (6 crashes, 0 fires, 6 injuries, median mileage at failure 3,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  6. 42 complaints name the engine component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 31,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 31 complaints name the structure component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 62,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 26 complaints name the brakes component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 63,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 24 complaints name the visibility component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 11,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 9 complaints name the unknown or other component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 112,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 9 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 4 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 51,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. Recall 20V003, filed January 2, 2020: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  13. Recall 20V002, filed January 2, 2020: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  14. Recall 20V001, filed January 2, 2020: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  15. Recall 19V297, filed April 11, 2019: Electrical System › Ignition › Switch. NHTSA recall database
  16. Recall 19V149, filed February 28, 2019: Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch. NHTSA recall database
  17. Recall 17V026, filed January 11, 2017: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  18. Recall 17V016, filed January 10, 2017: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  19. Recall 17V014, filed January 10, 2017: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  20. Recall 16V738, filed October 13, 2016: Electrical System. NHTSA recall database
  21. Recall 16V359, filed May 25, 2016: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  22. Recall 16V358, filed May 25, 2016: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  23. Recall 14V830, filed December 31, 2014: Service Brakes, Hydraulic. NHTSA recall database
  24. Recall 14V311, filed June 10, 2014: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines / Piping, And Fittings. NHTSA recall database
  25. Recall 08V460, filed September 11, 2008: Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine. NHTSA recall database
  26. EPA rating for Impreza AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S4), Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 27 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  27. EPA rating for Impreza AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S4), Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 25 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,750. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  28. EPA rating for Impreza AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 5-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 25 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  29. EPA rating for Impreza Wagon/Outback SPT AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 23 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  30. EPA rating for Impreza Wagon/Outback SPT AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 5-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 25 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  31. EPA rating for Impreza Wagon/Outback SPT AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 27 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  32. EPA rating for Impreza Wagon/Outback SPT AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S4), Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 25 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,750. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  33. EPA rating for Impreza Wagon/Outback SPT AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S4), Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 27 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  34. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4-DR W/SAB AWD: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 10.3%. NHTSA vehicle records
  35. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4-DR WAGON W/SAB AWD: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 10.3%. NHTSA vehicle records
  36. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, IMPREZA 2.5i/SPORT 4DR SEDAN AWD: length 180 in, width 69 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 103 in, curb weight 3,053 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  37. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, IMPREZA 5-DOOR 2.5i/SPORT WAGON AWD: length 174 in, width 69 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 103 in, curb weight 3,053 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  38. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, IMPREZA WRX 4DR SEDAN AWD: length 180 in, width 69 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 103 in, curb weight 3,142 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  39. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, IMPREZA 5-DOOR WRX WAGON AWD: length 174 in, width 69 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 103 in, curb weight 3,142 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  40. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, IMPREZA WRX STI 5DR HATCH AWD: length 174 in, width 71 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 103 in, curb weight 3,395 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.