YearToAvoid

2008 Subaru Impreza Engine Problems

NHTSA has 34 owner complaints about engine problems in the 2008 Subaru Impreza, 19% of all 176 complaints for this model year. That is #3 highest engine complaint count among 21 Impreza model years. These complaints report 2 crashes and 2 injuries. Median mileage at failure: 48,500 miles.

Engine complaints
34
19% of 176
Crashes reported
2
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
2
Median mileage
48,500 mi
Related recalls
1

When 2008 Subaru Impreza engine complaints were filed

First complaint Sep 18, 2007, latest Aug 11, 2019.

2008 Subaru Impreza engine complaints: complaints filed per month2Sep 2007Dec 2008Jun 2011Jul 2012Nov 2013Mar 2015Jan 2016Jan 2019
34 complaints filed with NHTSA from Sep 2007 to Aug 2019; peak Mar 2009 (2).

Engine recalls for the 2008 Subaru Impreza

  1. NHTSA 08V460000Sep 11, 2008Engine16,715 vehicles

    Engine and engine cooling:engine

    Subaru is recalling 16,715 my 2007-2008 legacy sedans and wagons, my 2008 impreza sedans and wagons, and my 2009 forester vehicles. Some vehicles may have the cylinder head-side oil supply pipe and turbocharger-side pipe improperly assembled.

    Risk: Vibration would occur while driving and, over time, could eventually result in cracking the pipe which would allow oil to leak. If leaking oil contacts components operating at high temperatures, an engine compartment fire could occur.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect for cracking or an oil leak at the oil supply pipe at the cylinder head-side. An additional bracket will be installed to increase rigidity of the pipe and the pipe assembly will be replaced with a modified part. The recall began on october 20, 2008. Owners may contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783.

Engine complaints by Impreza model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 200512 (16%)
  2. 200612 (21%)
  3. 200714 (21%)
  4. 200834 (19%)
  5. 200928 (27%)
  6. 201015 (33%)
  7. 20118 (14%)
  8. 201266 (27%)
  9. 201386 (35%)
  10. 201427 (25%)
  11. 201516 (21%)
  12. 201611 (15%)
  13. 201716 (13%)
  14. 201812 (8%)
  15. 201911 (6%)
  16. 20203 (4%)
  17. 20212 (14%)
  18. 20221 (8%)
  19. 20231 (25%)
  20. 20242 (6%)
  21. 20251 (20%)

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Subaru Impreza have engine problems?
NHTSA has 34 owner complaints about the engine in the 2008 Subaru Impreza, 19% of all complaints for this model year, including 2 that report a crash. Median mileage at failure is 48,500 miles.
Which Subaru Impreza year has the most engine complaints?
The 2013 Subaru Impreza has the most engine complaints (86), compared with 34 for the 2008.
Is there a engine recall for the 2008 Subaru Impreza?
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for the 2008 Subaru Impreza concerns the engine: 08V460000.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.