2008 Subaru Impreza

2008 Subaru Impreza

The 2008 Subaru Impreza is a compact car available in sedan and hatchback body styles. It comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 170 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque, paired with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. A 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 224 horsepower and 226 lb-ft of torque is optional.

Impreza owners praise the vehicle’s all-wheel drive capability, reliability, and affordability. However, some owners have reported issues with the engine, transmission, suspension, and electrical systems.

Engine

2.5L Naturally Aspirated

• Piston Ring Failure: Premature wear of the piston rings can lead to excessive oil consumption and engine damage. Symptoms include blue smoke from the exhaust and low oil levels. The solution is to replace the piston rings and related components. Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,000+
• Head Gasket Failure: A faulty head gasket can cause coolant and oil leaks, overheating, and engine damage. Symptoms include coolant loss, oil contamination, and white smoke from the exhaust. The solution is to replace the head gasket and related components. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+

2.5L Turbocharged

• Turbocharger Failure: The turbocharger can fail prematurely due to oil starvation or excessive wear. Symptoms include reduced engine power, increased oil consumption, and loud noises from the turbocharger. The solution is to replace the turbocharger and related components. Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $4,000+

Transmission

5-Speed Manual

• Transmission Grinding: The transmission may grind when shifting into certain gears, indicating worn synchronizers or gear teeth. The solution is to rebuild or replace the transmission. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+

4-Speed Automatic

• Slipping Gears: The transmission may slip out of gear while driving, indicating worn clutches or torque converter issues. The solution is to rebuild or replace the transmission. Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,000+
• Delayed Engagement: The transmission may hesitate or delay when shifting into gear, indicating faulty solenoids or other electrical issues. The solution is to repair or replace the faulty components. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+

Suspension

• Strut Failure: The front struts can fail prematurely, leading to reduced handling and stability. Symptoms include excessive bouncing, uneven tire wear, and noises from the suspension. The solution is to replace the struts and related components. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+ per axle
• Lower Control Arm Bushing Wear: The lower control arm bushings can wear out over time, causing the suspension to become loose and unstable. Symptoms include excessive vibration, wandering, and uneven tire wear. The solution is to replace the worn bushings. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ per side

Electrical

• Alternator Failure: The alternator can fail prematurely, leading to power loss and electrical system issues. Symptoms include flickering lights, dead battery, and warning lights on the dashboard. The solution is to replace the alternator. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
• Starter Failure: The starter can fail to engage or rotate the engine. Symptoms include difficulty starting the vehicle or no response when turning the key. The solution is to replace the starter. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+

Exterior

• Sunroof Leaks: The sunroof may develop leaks, allowing water to enter the cabin. Symptoms include water spots on the headliner or dashboard, and musty odors. The solution is to replace the sunroof seal or repair the drain system. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
• Plastic Bumper Fading: The plastic bumpers may fade or discolor over time, especially in sunny climates. The solution is to replace or repaint the bumpers. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+ per bumper

Interior

• Airbag Deployment Failure: In some cases, the airbags may not deploy properly in a crash. The solution is to replace the faulty airbag module or sensor. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
• Climate Control Issues: The climate control system may malfunction, causing inconsistent temperatures or fan speeds. The solution is to repair or replace the faulty components. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+

Summary:

The 2008 Subaru Impreza offers a reliable and capable driving experience, but it is not immune to issues. Engine problems with the 2.5L naturally aspirated and turbocharged engines can be costly to fix. Transmission issues with both the manual and automatic transmissions are also common. Suspension and electrical issues can impact handling and safety. Interior issues include airbag deployment failure and climate control problems. Exterior issues are generally less severe and involve fading bumpers and sunroof leaks. Overall, the severity and cost of the issues vary, but owners should be aware of the potential problems before purchasing a 2008 Subaru Impreza.