2008 Subaru Impreza

The 2008 Subaru Impreza marked a significant redesign for the model, moving to a hatchback-focused design while still offering a sedan. Engine options included a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine producing 170 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque and a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine in the WRX trim producing 224 horsepower and 226 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options were a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic (depending on trim and engine). Owners often appreciated the Impreza’s standard all-wheel drive, practicality, and fuel economy. Common complaints include the somewhat underpowered base engine, road noise, and the relatively bland interior compared to rivals.

Engine

2.5L Naturally Aspirated (EJ253)

• Head Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Overheating, coolant loss, white smoke from the exhaust, and external coolant leaks from the head gasket area.
  • Solution: Replacement of the head gaskets. It is often recommended to have the cylinder heads resurfaced during this repair.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $2500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Catalytic Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light illuminated (typically a P0420 code), reduced fuel economy, and potential failure to pass emissions testing.
  • Solution: Replacement of the catalytic converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1200+
  • Recalls: None Found

2.5L Turbocharged (EJ255 - WRX)

• Oil Starvation
  • Description/Symptoms: Knocking noises from the engine, especially during cold starts, and eventual engine failure. Often caused by clogged oil pickup tube from debris/oil breakdown.
  • Solution: Complete engine rebuild or replacement. Prevention involves frequent oil changes with high-quality synthetic oil and inspection/cleaning of the oil pickup tube.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $5000 - $8000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of boost, whistling or grinding noises from the turbocharger, and a check engine light.
  • Solution: Replacement of the turbocharger.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic

• Slipping or Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Delayed or rough shifts between gears, especially when cold. Can also include a feeling of the transmission “slipping” under acceleration.
  • Solution: Transmission fluid flush and filter change. If that does not resolve the issue, a transmission rebuild or replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300 (fluid change), $2500 - $4000+ (rebuild/replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

5-Speed Manual

No Issues Found

Suspension

• Rear Strut Mount Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the rear suspension, especially when going over bumps. Visible damage or deterioration of the strut mounts.
  • Solution: Replacement of the rear strut mounts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Wheel Bearing Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Grinding or humming noise that increases with vehicle speed. Noise may change during turning.
  • Solution: Wheel bearing replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $250 - $500+ per wheel
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Oxygen Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light illuminated (typically codes related to oxygen sensor performance), decreased fuel economy, and potential rough idling.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty oxygen sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Windshield Wiper Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Windshield wipers not working in all or some modes. Wiper motor not running or running intermittently.
  • Solution: Replacement of windshield wiper motor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $350+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust (Especially in Salted Road Areas)
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust forming on the rocker panels, wheel arches, and underbody.
  • Solution: Rust repair, body panel replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies greatly depending on severity, $500 - $3000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking (Especially in Hot Climates)
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks appearing on the dashboard surface, particularly around the passenger airbag area.
  • Solution: Dashboard replacement or the use of a dashboard cover.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+ (replacement), $50 - $150 (cover)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sun Visor Sagging or Breaking
  • Description/Symptoms: The sun visor no longer stays in the up position and sags down, obstructing the driver’s view.
  • Solution: Sun visor replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2008 Subaru Impreza has some common issues, with engine-related problems being the most potentially severe and costly, especially for the WRX model. Head gasket issues in the naturally aspirated engine and potential oil starvation in the WRX can lead to major repairs. Suspension and electrical problems are generally less expensive to address. Rust can be a significant issue in certain climates. Prospective buyers should carefully inspect the vehicle for these common problems, especially signs of engine issues and rust.