2008 Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport 2008

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2008 Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport repairs by problem area

Engine (28%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (11%)

Brakes and Traction Control (4%)

Suspension and Steering (13%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (22%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (15%)

Other (6%)

Select a problem area

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Chart based on 208 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2008 Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport.

2008 Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport repair cost distribution

$2500+ (3%)

$1000 - $2499 (11%)

$500 - $999 (10%)

$100 - $499 (32%)

< $100 (45%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 152 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2008 Subaru WRX STI 4dr Hatch

turbocharged 305hp 2.5L H4 6-speed manual AWD

Subaru WRX STI in California, United States
Aug 2009 - Jul 2016
Apr 2016

62500 mi

US $2500
Piston Ringland failure; 
Subaru WRX STI in Michigan, United States
Jul 2009 - Jun 2017
Oct 2013

29200 mi

US $100
Oxygen sensor malfunction, required replacement 
Subaru WRX STI in Virginia, United States
Apr 2012 - Oct 2015
Jul 2012

69000 mi

US $1000
Replacement of failed A/C compressor. Failure of clutch mechanism on compressor. 
Subaru WRX STI in Texas, United States
Dec 2009 - Dec 2011
Jun 2010

19000 mi
replaced driver's seat cover where stitching was coming unstitched near front, bottom 
Oct 2011

33000 mi
Replaced malfunctioning ac controller Damaged throwout bearing and pressure plate replaced. Was causing clutch squeak. 
Subaru WRX STI in British Columbia, Canada
Jan 2013 - Feb 2013
Feb 2013

40920 mi
Chipping on exterior wheel arches. Subaru refuses to repair this since they consider this normal wear and tear. The car has had paint chipping issues since i've bought it and this is apparently due to less durable water based paint. 
Subaru WRX STI in Minnesota, United States
Jun 2013 - Sep 2016
May 2014

73300 mi

US $400
Secondary air pump system failed. 
Subaru WRX STI in Virginia, United States
Dec 2012 - Mar 2014
Nov 2013

50000 mi

US $8000
Engine catastrophically failed, rod through block, #1 piston destroyed. Replaced entire longblock. 
Subaru WRX STI in California, United States
Oct 2007 - Apr 2017
Jan 2009

15500 mi
Replaced LongBlock due to failed ringland in piston #4. 
Jul 2009

12000 mi

US $38
Erratic blink pattern on right rear turn signal. 
Oct 2009

15700 mi
Cracked ringland on piston #4, longblock replaced under warranty. 
Jul 2011

53000 mi

US $110
Replaced accessory belts due to excessive wear. Replaced accessory belts due to excessive wear. 
Sep 2011

59000 mi

US $100
Loud whining noise near power steering pump. Noise loudest at cold start. Dealer recommended belt replacement and fresh power steering fluid. 
Oct 2011

60700 mi

US $540
Power steering pump was failing. Replaced with new pump out of warranty. Power steering pump was failing. Replaced with new pump out of warranty.  
Mar 2013

95000 mi

US $882
Both secondary air injector valves and connecting air pump were either failed or failing. SOA covered half of the bill due to original 2k estimate. Design change in 2010, metal to non-metal, shold no longer be an issue. 
Feb 2014

118000 mi

US $2000
Blown headgasket 
Dec 2015

151000 mi

US $275
Control arm bushing cracked 
Jul 2016

156200 mi

US $650
Radiator failed 
Feb 2017

165000 mi

US $6100
Spun bearing in Piston #3, extensive metal damage throughout. New shortblock required. Rack and Pinion leaking, replaced 
Subaru WRX STI in Washington, United States
Mar 2010 - Jun 2014
Apr 2010

14000 mi
car got stuck in neutral and would not go into gear. Driver's seat jiggles significantly. Dealer won't fix. 
May 2010

14000 mi
Engine's protective cover was missing. Dealer removed it and didn't put it back on. Ended up buying an after market one from a local to replace it. 
Jul 2010

17000 mi

US $20
interior handle for gas lid release broke off.  
Nov 2010

21000 mi
faulty clutch or faulty clutch ajustment. Dealer replaced clutch assembly at no cost to me. 
Oct 2011

33300 mi

US $2000
Replacement clutch always felt like it was slipping under hard acceleration, never really felt "connected" to the flywheel as there was always a little slippage and it took too long to engage. Had an independent shop replace the clutch after the dealer di 
Jan 2013

47000 mi

US $220
The passenger fender liner tore off at the bottom. I guess this is common in snowy places. The passenger fender liner tore off at the bottom. I guess this is common in snowy places. 
Dec 2013

57000 mi

US $1600
Catastrophic engine failure. Factory replacement of short block, heads, turbo, oil pump, flywheel, clutch, etc. 
Jan 2014

39300 mi
power steering pump went bad. Was replaced. Fluid was flushed. 
Apr 2014

60200 mi
AC wasn't working. Dealer forgot to hook it up after installing a new engine. I'm getting tired of this car; it's always something! 

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2008 Subaru WRX 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 224hp 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD

Subaru WRX in Colorado, United States
Nov 2012 - Jun 2015
Jun 2014

45000 mi

US $100
Brake controller switch was bad, replaced by dealer clutch bracket behind firewall cracked, needed replacement. 
Feb 2015

53000 mi

US $110
New Battery, old battery did not die but was weak on cold starts. 
Subaru WRX in Texas, United States
May 2009 - Mar 2011
Jul 2009

35000 mi
During driving, the ABS, hill assist and traction control lights come on and those stop working. Dealer doesn't know what the cause is, calls it a "ghost" problem. ECU reflashed but it didn't help. 
Apr 2010

56700 mi

US $100
Driver's side door lock actuator broke down. Part replaced. Works like new now.  
May 2010

58000 mi
During driving, the ABS, hill assist and traction control lights come on and those stop working. Dealer finally noticed problem. Faulty brake light switch replaced, problem solved. Fixed under extended warranty. 
Nov 2010

70500 mi

US $700
Clutch pedal assembly bearings and rods were worn out, causing pedal to squeak loudly. 
Subaru WRX in Washington, United States
Apr 2010 - Feb 2012
Jun 2010

24000 mi
Clutch release bearing fork making chirping / whirring sound. Lube of Release Lever Pivot Ball was the resolution.  
Subaru WRX in Colorado, United States
Mar 2008 - Jan 2011
Apr 2008

1000 mi
Failing window regulator. 
Jan 2011 Clutch pedal assembly detached from firewall due to bad weld. Unrepaired 
Subaru WRX in Massachusetts, United States
Oct 2009 - May 2010
Mar 2010

17000 mi
Faulty tire pressure sensor 
Subaru WRX in West Virginia, United States
Jul 2011 - Jun 2018
Jul 2012

76000 mi

US $107
Driver side visor would not stay up. Internal trunk release will not open trunk 
Jan 2013

85000 mi

US $140
clutch is creating excess noise. dealer wants over $500 to diagnose. subaru is aware of firewall issues with this model, will not pay until it fails. 
May 2015

117400 mi
Clutch firewall was finally repaired. Bracket re welded. 
Oct 2015

126200 mi

US $1000
Secondary Air pump failure Headgaskets became weepy Intake manifold gasket not always sealed Clutch replaced 
Apr 2016

129500 mi
Repair electrical connectors for headlight. Overheating, radiator clogged,radiator fans not spinning at full speed. 
May 2016

131000 mi

US $1600
Struts and springs were wore out. 
Jul 2016

132700 mi
Steering wheel angle sensor CEL. Dealer insists it is VDC. Steering angle sensor cel. Followed all connectors for angle sensor, resecuring all. Was then able to reset ABS. Has not come on since then. It was caused by the dealership firewall repair. 
Nov 2016

137100 mi

US $75
Outdoor temperature sensor was reading low. Replaced and reads correctly now. 
Jan 2017

139200 mi

US $225
MAF sensor voltage reading incorrectly. MAF sensor replaced, causing no reading at all and CEL. Connector replaced/harness repaired. 
Jul 2017

142000 mi

US $100
Compressor clutch seized and replaced. Expansion valve and condenser need to be replaced for full cooling, but were not at this time. 
Feb 2018

144000 mi

US $400
Passenger Wheel bearing started grinding. Replaced. 
Subaru WRX in Colorado, United States
Mar 2015 - May 2015
Mar 2015

110000 mi

US $1700
Cv joints were worn out. Ball joints also replaced Clutch would not shift into certain gears. Had the clutch replaced at an automotive transmissions shop. 
May 2015

110000 mi
Leaking steering box. 
Subaru WRX in New York, United States
Jun 2008 - Jun 2010
Aug 2008

1000 mi
Engine light went on and gas consumption increased substantially. 
Jan 2010

18000 mi
A screw to the wiper motor became loose and the wiper was unable to function. I took it to the dealer and it was fixed in minutes. 

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2008 Subaru WRX 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 224hp 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD

Subaru WRX in New York, United States
May 2008 - Jun 2011
Oct 2008

7000 mi
Turbocharger oil supply pipe too weak, bracing installed by dealer at no cost to owner. 
Jan 2009

8000 mi
Loose ECU ground. 
Subaru WRX in California, United States
Feb 2008 - Mar 2010
Apr 2008

3000 mi
Spoiler weather stripping was coming off. Spoiler was replaced. 
Subaru WRX in Ontario, Canada
Aug 2008 - Mar 2012
Sep 2008

1488 mi
Stone chipping of paint is visible. After 1600 kms or 1000 miles, the paint chipping has thankfully stopped. 

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2008 Subaru WRX 4dr Hatch

turbocharged 224hp 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD

Subaru WRX in Newfoundland / Lab., Canada
Jul 2010 - Apr 2013
Aug 2010

19840 mi

C $72
Blower motor stopped working. Bad connection at blower motor. Applied Stabilant 22A to connector and adjusted connector terminals. Problem fixed. 
Jun 2011

39680 mi

C $160
Creaking noise when applying clutch pedal. Lubricated all related linkages. Noise still there. Welds on pedal assembly mounting bracket should be inspected for cracks as per SB.12.01.10. Unsure if under warranty so postponed repair. Hissing noise from A/C system when first turned on. Determined that refrigerant level was low. Reclaimed and recharged A/C system. Abnormal noise gone and no leaks found. Heater motor making windind noise when set at low speed. 
Jun 2012

48360 mi

C $435
Battery kept going dead. Determined bad alternator. Replaced. 
Subaru WRX in Colorado, United States
May 2010 - Jul 2012
Jan 2011

24000 mi

US $250
Front bumper came loose, wheel well liner poped off at speed. Got shredded, needed replacement immediately to "reconnect" front end. Back seats rattled heavily while being driven while unloaded. 
Feb 2011

25000 mi

US $450
Exhaust pipe cracked between muffler and pipe to front. Commented to dealer while under warranty, they did nothing. Since the pipe has completely broke off where it connects to muffler, no longer under warranty. 
Apr 2011

29200 mi
Subaru dealer wouldn't fix exhaust as they "don't do welding" and wanted to sell me a new Subaru exhaust for something like $800. I applied my own exhaust patch kit, which held up for about a month. 
Jun 2011

30000 mi

US $10
Turn Signal went out. Apparently common problem for subaru's of the generation. Wiring harness is overly tight and was adjusted to avoid future issue. Took the muffler off myself at home and had a local exhaust shop re-weld it for $10. 
Jan 2012

40000 mi

US $250
Front suspension was squeaking. Took time to isolate issue, turned out to be a swaybar that was creaking in its rubber bushing. 
Subaru WRX in New Hampshire, United States
Feb 2008 - Jun 2016
Oct 2008

14000 mi

US $12
Battery replaced, root cause map lights that never turn off automatically. Warranty/Dealer covered battery and owner later replaced map lights with LED lamps that can be left on 24+ hours and still allow car to start. 
Subaru WRX in Ontario, Canada
Dec 2010 - Apr 2014
Aug 2010

49600 mi

C $2200
Engine Long block replaced under warranty after 2 week fight with dealer. Failure due to issues identified in a number of web forums but not easily admitted to by dealer turbo charger replaced and engine block flushed. Failure due to clogged turbo oil inlet filter. Dealer blamed lack of mtc, but all oil changes done, not all paperwork avaialbe at time. I suspect clog was due to main bearing failure occurg 
May 2011

72480 mi
Crank Bearing failure due to manufacturer defect, Engine replaced under warranty after fight with local dealership Occured July 2010 
Apr 2012

96100 mi

C $470
camshaft oil seal, crank oil seal failed and pushed out into timing belt, timing belt and seals replaced 
Oct 2013

128620 mi

C $175
Rear wheel bearing 
Apr 2014

138880 mi

C $50
Lower ball joint 
Subaru WRX in California, United States
Apr 2008 - Mar 2010
May 2008

5000 mi
Squeaking/rattling radio fascia. Squeaking/rattling driver's door window. Dealer-induced damage to clear coat from very poor detailing work 
Jul 2008

6000 mi
Took the car to a different, more highly rated, dealership to fix a problem the first dealer didn't/couldn't. Repair successful. Rattling seat belt metal parts inside B-Pillar. One dealership said it was drivers window needing lubrication. It wasn't. Second, more highly rated, dealership correctly identified issue and successfuly repaired it. 
Nov 2008

11000 mi
Throwout bearing in clutch replaced. Clutch squealing at catchpoint when engine and outside ambient temps cold. Problem was still there at first cold start. It'll have to go back for further diagnosis and repair. Service center failed to install crush plug on transmission properly after replacing clutch throwout bearing. Result was significant and fast leakage of gear oil. (!) 
May 2009

17000 mi
wheel misalignment caused by defective parts repaired. front seat center console lid --latch and hinge defective. Replaced. 
Subaru WRX in Pennsylvania, United States
Mar 2009 - Jun 2009
Apr 2009

20150 mi
2 new turn signal bulbs at 20000 miles. Recall on turbo oil supply pipe in October at 16000 miles 
May 2009

22000 mi
Creaky clutch pedal found out to be a crack in the bulkhead. Subaru of America fixed free of charge to me 
Subaru WRX in British Columbia, Canada
Feb 2008 - Apr 2017
Jan 2016

60140 mi

C $300
Wheel bearing replacement 
Subaru WRX in Kentucky, United States
Jul 2008 - Aug 2008
Jul 2008

4500 mi
Rear 02 wires cut by the driveshaft. Front and Rear 02 sensors were replaced under warranty due to a short. It was found that they had shorted out at the ECU and the wire had expanded, pulling out of the pin. Wire was put back in pin and is working fine. 
Subaru WRX in New York, United States
Sep 2009 - Oct 2010
Jul 2009

22000 mi
Throw out bearing replaced under warranty, rotational noise heard at a stand still. 
Aug 2009

24000 mi
Right front axle leaking tranny fluid. Right front upper ball joint bad, and bearing had to be replaced. All fixed under warranty. 
Oct 2010

37000 mi
Struts leaking when sold. 
Subaru WRX in Ohio, United States
Apr 2009 - Jan 2020
Jun 2011

79000 mi
Auto dim mirror no longer displays compass direction, otherwise functional. 
Dec 2012

107000 mi

US $250
Alternator went bad Drive pulley needed to be replaced 
Jul 2013

110700 mi

US $150
A/C compressor clutch spring broke. Subaru DOES NOT sell just the clutch (10min service job to replace if they did), only an entire new compressor at $599.95. Had to buy used compressor from eBay to scavenge the compressor clutch. LAME! 
Mar 2015

123000 mi

US $161
TPMS required replacement 
Sep 2016

139000 mi

US $6
Brake/clutch assembly spot welds at firewall breaking causing entire assembly to break free and eventually fail. 
Subaru WRX in Ontario, Canada
Jul 2011 - Jun 2014
Dec 2012

57040 mi

C $800
worn out clutch plate, routine wear 
Apr 2014

75640 mi

C $500
New shock absorbers and struts. I thought the car was making more noise over bumps etc and they had done 122,000km so I changed them. 
Subaru WRX in Connecticut, United States
Apr 2008 - Mar 2012
Oct 2009

16000 mi
Steering rack replaced after spool valve blew. 
Apr 2011

29000 mi

US $299
A/F sensor died, car had to be towed home, replaced in my driveway myself. 

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2008 Subaru WRX 4dr Hatch

turbocharged 224hp 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD

Subaru WRX in New York, United States
Aug 2013 - Jun 2014
Jan 2014

26000 mi

US $200
Cool packs on cyl 3 and 4 went bad. 
Jun 2014

33000 mi

US $800
Both front calipers seized. Still dragging after they warm up. 

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2008 Subaru Impreza 4dr Sedan

170-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD

Subaru Impreza in Pennsylvania, United States
Feb 2010 - Feb 2014
Feb 2010

32000 mi
Visor broke on a really cold morning and would just hang down. Dealer replaced under warranty. 
Aug 2013

96000 mi

US $1600
Throw out bearing went out, clutch still felt like new, but eventually couldn't get it out of gear. It made a loud pulley noise on cold mornings up until it went out, thought it was just a pulley. 
Subaru Impreza in Manitoba, Canada
May 2011 - Nov 2015
Feb 2013

98260 mi
Evap control solenoid frozen 
Aug 2013

112440 mi

C $300
Replaced front struts (as well as brake pads while I was at it) 
Mar 2014

127100 mi

C $2
Oil pressure switch had sprung a leak and was oozing oil over motor, replaced bad switch with a used one off an old motor I had lying around. Noisy power steering pump. Replaced o-ring on return line at pump. 
Sep 2015

133920 mi

C $20
Oil pressure switch sprang a leak. Replaced with non-oem switch. 
Subaru Impreza in Illinois, United States
Jul 2010 - Jun 2011
Sep 2010

22000 mi
It was in the shop for just a couple hours and the trunk was leaking. We couldn't replicate the problem although supposedly the problem was spotted, but it still leaks. 
Subaru Impreza in Alberta, Canada
Apr 2008 - Aug 2009
Jan 2008

8060 mi
A small piece of trim on the rear passenger side door broke and fell off, it was replaced. 
May 2008

8060 mi
A simple piece of trim broke and fell off and was replaced when I brought the car in for some previously scheduled maintenance. 
Jun 2008

8060 mi
Operation of the fuel filler door and an oil change. Gas cap had been sticking closed and I had to pry it open to add gas one time, the dealer replaced most of the gas cap release system and the cap 
Aug 2008

11780 mi

C $89
An interior piece trim split in half and was replaced. 
Nov 2008

13640 mi
Windshield rattle. 
Apr 2009

17980 mi
Carpet in the passenger front foot well ripped along a manufacturing seam and the dealer will not fix it claiming it's "wear" even though it appeared at 25,000km. 
Jun 2009

17980 mi
The carpet was replaced (whole floor of car) because there was a defect which caused it to rip. 
Subaru Impreza in Colorado, United States
- Aug 2011
Aug 2011

55000 mi

US $68
Replaced passenger visor due to broken spring. Part covered by Subaru on good will, just outside of warranty. Airbag light coming on intermittently. Inspection by dealer showing defective airbag controler unit. Estimate from dealer $1000 to replace. Contacted subaru customer service since part is not covered by extended warranty. CS offered 50%. 

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2008 Subaru Impreza 4dr Sedan

170-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD

Subaru Impreza in Washington, United States
Mar 2012 - Jul 2015
Jun 2014

95000 mi

US $150
Valve cover gaskets were leaking, needed to be replaced. 
Jul 2014

95800 mi

US $150
Valve cover gaskets and spark plug tube seals were leaking and were replaced. 
Subaru Impreza in New York, United States
Oct 2011 - May 2013
Jun 2012

65000 mi
Blown performance strut and aftermarket bushings installed 
Subaru Impreza in New York, United States
Aug 2011 - Jun 2015
Jun 2012

43000 mi

US $250
a/c was blowing out warm air 
Sep 2012

44000 mi
upper and lower radiator hoses and radiator cap. 
Dec 2012

47000 mi

US $300
dealer replaced brake switch . due to traction and abs light on. 
Apr 2013

50000 mi

US $1100
will get the front and rear struts replaced. plus it's going to need a wheel alignment. driver's side sun visor bad . ordered part already. 
May 2013

50000 mi

US $900
front and rear struts replaced . brought struts had dealer install them. 
Apr 2015

53000 mi

US $1000
dealer replaced ball joint. 
Subaru Impreza in Ontario, Canada
Jun 2011 - Mar 2012
Jul 2011

47400 mi

C $250
Ignition coil had a fault, causing misfiring in 2 cylinders. Had coil and spark plug wires replaced immediately. 
Subaru Impreza in Utah, United States
Jan 2013 - Jan 2014
Mar 2013

61000 mi

US $150
Engine valve covers/seal gaskets were leaking and were replaced. 

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2008 Subaru Impreza 4dr Sedan

170-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed automatic AWD

Subaru Impreza in Pennsylvania, United States
Jan 2012 - Oct 2015
Oct 2013

64500 mi

US $12
Headlamp replaced DIY 
Subaru Impreza in Illinois, United States
Apr 2011 - Jun 2018
Oct 2012

62800 mi
needed 2 cracks in the exhaust system welded 
Dec 2015

107000 mi

US $300
Solenoid replaced. front bushings worn. They were replaced 
Subaru Impreza in Quebec, Canada
Apr 2015 - Apr 2017
Aug 2015

44144 mi

C $3122
the broken buse of the washing washer have leaked on the starter , and corrupted the copper cable of the starter, and stop working. need to be towed at the dealer for find the problem and replace it. front suspension making noise, 2 link kit and 2 bushing was replace for the stabilizer bars. poor quality subaru pads need to be replace after 42000 km, with the rotors, buy it from ebay for 110 $ at premium quality from toronto. perfect fit. after a turn to atelier leclers et fils from ste-marie qc. they replace my oil sensor, and broke the head of the motor, subaru got to change the head of the motor and the 3 other oil sensor too. the motor was leaking a lot, go to atelier mécaniquej.l.leclerc et fils . they found its the sensor for the oil pressure and change it. The problem was more important, go see the garage and refuse waranty is work, my warenty refuse to protect me cause they lie to when they doesnt talk to accept this garage for the job. after this i go see the dealer for see what's appen and told me they broke my head by torking the sensor in the piece of aluminium and the head crack. cost me 2175,13 $ to repair it... 
Subaru Impreza in Washington, United States
Dec 2016 - Jan 2017
Dec 2016

160000 mi

US $800
Vehicle was shaking when brakes were applied. Grinding sound when braking. Right front caliper failed. Caused rotor to warp. Inspection, new rotors, new calipers, new pads. Inspected cleaned, adjusted, lubricated, rear drums. 

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2008 Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport

Engine not specified

Subaru WRX in Massachusetts, United States
Dec 2012 - Jan 2013
Jan 2013

66000 mi

US $300
The handle for the rear hatch broke 
Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport in Connecticut, United States
Feb 2009 - Mar 2010
Mar 2009

5000 mi
My navigation unit is going blank when the car is running. This is the fourth unit to fail, and my car has 5300 miles; the newest problem appeared at about 4200 miles. 
Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport in Washington, United States
Apr 2011 - Jul 2011
May 2011

70000 mi

US $2500
Stock turbo failed causing major oil to leak through to the exhaust system resulting in catalytic converter failure,also. Replaced turbo, oil lines to turbo and exhaust downpipe. 

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2008 Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport 4dr Hatch

170-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD

Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport in Massachusetts, United States
Mar 2016 - Jan 2018
Sep 2016

155000 mi
Replaced both rear cv joints 
Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport in Maryland, United States
Nov 2008 - Apr 2014
Jun 2010

15000 mi
Turn indicator bulb failed which resulted in the signal indicator to blink at a rapid rate  
Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport in Massachusetts, United States
Jul 2008 - Feb 2010
Jul 2009

21000 mi
Adjustment to the rear valence that hangs below the rear bumper. It was loosening up on one side and causing a gap. 
Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport in California, United States
Jul 2016 - Aug 2016
Aug 2016

142000 mi
Leaking Head gasket Leaking power steering pump Leaking rear differential 
Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport in Illinois, United States
May 2009 - Jun 2013
Jan 2010

102200 mi
The heating vents were loose and would not stay where they were set. 
Jun 2013

118000 mi

US $150
The car had a misfire on the 3rd cylinder. The spark plug was grounding out to the block. New spark plugs with die electric grease fixed the problem. 
Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport in Florida, United States
Feb 2008 - Apr 2018
Jul 2008

1000 mi
Passenger airbag only turned on for passengers weighing 120 lbs or more, even though was supposed to turn on at ~100. Since my wife weighs 110, this was a problem. They quickly recalibrated the software and fixed the issue. 
Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport in New Jersey, United States
Feb 2010 - Apr 2017
Mar 2010

32000 mi
Steering mounted volume control was replaced. Worked but lost the click when pressing down. Expected future problems. Driver side door gasket became torn. Replaced. 
Oct 2011

50500 mi

US $348
Transmission shuddered when coming to a stop. Felt like torque converter locking up when stopping. Test drove and found nothing. Also computer showed no codes. Dealer advised a transmission power flush, AT fluid was dirty. Shifts like new. 
Aug 2016

98400 mi

US $2000
Head gaskets leaking oil onto exhaust manifold. Causing oil smell in passanger area. 
Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport in Iowa, United States
May 2008 - Oct 2010
Jun 2009

21000 mi
Seatback of backseat has become loose recently, causing continuous clunking sounds. 
Aug 2009

22000 mi
Seatback rattle issue and passenger side window rattle kept the car in the shop for a day. Rattles are nearly gone. 
Sep 2009

24000 mi
Rattle coming from inside of front passenger door panel; door handle bracket seemed to be the problem. Technician took longer than he thought would be needed; the dealership gave me a loaner overnight. The noise is gone. This problem took 3 trips! 
Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport in Ontario, Canada
Feb 2008 - Aug 2012
Mar 2008

3100 mi
Left signal bulb died. Was replaced under warranty (during first service appointment) 
Sep 2008

7440 mi

C $2
Side skirt cam loose from body. Had to buy replacement bolt to attach the skit back to the body. 
Jan 2010

16120 mi
CEL went on, then went away the day before my appointment @ dealership. Was told it was my MAF sensor, and to keep an eye on it and call in if it goes back on. 
Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport in Quebec, Canada
Apr 2011 - Jun 2012
Dec 2011

38440 mi

C $170
Oil leak from the Oil pressure sensor, which broke. Oil fumes started once the leak got to the muffler. Dealer refused to cover it under motor warranty as it was a sensor. Tried to contest it unsuccessfully with Subaru. 
Jun 2012

46500 mi
Wheel bearing making noise. Took it to the dealer. Repaired under warranty as per dealer. 
Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport in Wisconsin, United States
Nov 2009 - Aug 2012
Jan 2009

28000 mi
Reverse light has crack from new and moisture gets in. Replaced under warranty. 
Apr 2010

36000 mi
Right rear reverse light filled with water. On the fourth one including original, and seems to be cured. Dealer took new one apart and found some sort of defect and remedied. 

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2008 Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport 4dr Hatch

170-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD

Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport in Connecticut, United States
Nov 2009 - Jun 2011
May 2009

14000 mi
Air conditioning condenser replaced under warranty 
Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport in Michigan, United States
Aug 2016 - Jul 2017
Jul 2017

138000 mi

US $610
AC compressor failure. Compressor replaced and system charged. 
Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport in California, United States
Jun 2011 - Mar 2016
Dec 2015

114000 mi

US $2200
Head gaskets, plus complete timing belt repair 
Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport in Utah, United States
Jun 2012 - Apr 2015
Jul 2014

68300 mi
Rear liftgate rust. Repaired under warranty due to TSB. 
Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport in Minnesota, United States
Jun 2009 - Aug 2012
Mar 2011

23000 mi

US $65
replaced broken sunvisor 
Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport in Arizona, United States
Feb 2009 - Mar 2011
Sep 2010

40000 mi

US $135
Starter needed to be replaced. Had the starter rebuilt and replaced. 
Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport in California, United States
Nov 2008 - Mar 2010
Dec 2008

2000 mi
After/during rains water dripping from the passenger side under the glovebox onto the floor board. Same problem, but this time the dealer completely disassembled the whole dashboard and found that many o-ring seals in the firewall need to be replaced. Coolant replaced as well. 
Feb 2009

4000 mi
Five or more rattles in the interior trim. Rattles in the dash, squeaks in the door panels, rattles under seat, rattles in door pillars, rattles in center console and etc. Typical causes: missing, loose clips/screws, loose wiring, unsecured loose parts. 
Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport in Connecticut, United States
Jan 2015 - Apr 2016
Mar 2015

81000 mi

US $1100
Seized AC compressor. 

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2008 Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport 4dr Hatch

170-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed automatic AWD

Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport in New York, United States
Jul 2011 - Jan 2014
Jul 2012

47000 mi

US $620
Brakes - Rotors and Pads, also Left Front Caliper was stuck, these are wear items, typical 
Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport in California, United States
Sep 2011 - Mar 2013
Oct 2012

53500 mi
Headlight assembly replaced due to wiring short. 
Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport in Virginia, United States
Nov 2015 - Jun 2018
May 2016

155000 mi

US $59
After having the AC professionally refilled, after changing the compressor myself, I was told that the condenser was leaking under the dash. The problem was not fixed. 
Jan 2017

151800 mi

US $930
Rear main seal failure; also replacing all cam seals and head gaskets 
Jul 2017

172000 mi

US $800
I replaced grounding straps for the engine. The straps were old and had failed. Additionally, the plug for the alternator was loose from the previous repair. This had giving me a flickering check engine light. All repairs completed by me at home with no problems. Also the oil filter and oil was changed, as well as the tires were rotated. The evaporator was replaced. This problem was mentioned in a previous response. 
Oct 2017

176000 mi

US $300
replaced water pump, thermostat, timing belt and pulleys 
Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport in Texas, United States
Sep 2011 - Mar 2018
Mar 2015

131000 mi

US $30
Right headlamp out, was replaced. 
Apr 2015

131200 mi

US $250
Positive battery terminal cable corroded; needed replacement. 
Jan 2018

168000 mi

US $300
Pads & rotors worn. Replaced. 

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2008 Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport 4dr Hatch

148-horsepower 2.0L H4 5-speed manual AWD

Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport in Jalisco, Mexico
Aug 2019 - May 2022
Sep 2020

97960 mi

$1000
Car had been having overheating issues for a while. The whole cooling system was repaired and then the head gasket was replaced. 

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2008 Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport 4-door

turbocharged 4-cylinder manual AWD

Subaru WRX in Malaysia
Dec 2013 - Aug 2015
Dec 2013

68200 mi

$100
steering pump failure cooling coil leaking in 2010 and compressor failure in 2013 piston cracked in 2011 coil pack failure 
Jan 2014

68200 mi

$500
Valve shim making noise 
Aug 2015

78740 mi
Valve him noise never fixed despite several attempts. 

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See TrueDelta's information for all Sedans and Hatchbacks.
See TrueDelta's information for all Subaru models.

2008 Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport Repair Histories

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2008 Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.