2008 Subaru Impreza
2008 Subaru Impreza
Overview
The 2008 Subaru Impreza, particularly in its WRX and STI variants, is known for its performance-oriented nature and all-wheel-drive capabilities. While generally robust, certain model years and specific configurations can exhibit characteristic issues. This analysis focuses on documented technical reliability concerns beyond routine maintenance, providing insights into potential problem areas for owners and prospective buyers. We will examine common issues across engine, transmission, suspension, electrical, exterior, and interior components for the available powertrain options.
Engine
2.5L Turbocharged EJ255 (WRX)
Head Gasket Failure
- Symptoms: Coolant loss, white smoke from exhaust, overheating, milky oil.
- Solution: Replacement of head gaskets, often with upgraded components.
- Cost: $1500 - $3000
Piston Ring Land Failure
- Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, blue smoke from exhaust, loss of power, knocking sounds.
- Solution: Engine rebuild or replacement.
- Cost: $3000 - $7000+
Turbocharger Failure
- Symptoms: Loss of boost, whistling noises, oil leaks from turbo, reduced engine power.
- Solution: Turbocharger replacement or rebuild.
- Cost: $1000 - $2500
2.5L Turbocharged EJ257 (STI)
Head Gasket Failure
- Symptoms: Coolant loss, white smoke from exhaust, overheating, milky oil.
- Solution: Replacement of head gaskets, often with upgraded components.
- Cost: $1500 - $3000
Piston Ring Land Failure
- Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, blue smoke from exhaust, loss of power, knocking sounds.
- Solution: Engine rebuild or replacement.
- Cost: $3000 - $7000+
Valve Spring Failure
- Symptoms: Rough idle, misfires, potential engine damage if not addressed.
- Solution: Replacement of valve springs.
- Cost: $800 - $1500
2.5L Naturally Aspirated EJ253 (2.5i)
Head Gasket Failure
- Symptoms: Coolant loss, white smoke from exhaust, overheating, milky oil.
- Solution: Replacement of head gaskets.
- Cost: $1200 - $2500
Transmission
5-Speed Manual (Non-STI)
Clutch Wear
- Symptoms: Slipping clutch, difficulty shifting gears, burning smell.
- Solution: Clutch replacement (disc, pressure plate, release bearing).
- Cost: $700 - $1200
Synchronizer Issues
- Symptoms: Grinding when shifting gears, difficulty engaging gears.
- Solution: Transmission repair or rebuild, replacement of synchronizer rings.
- Cost: $1000 - $2500
6-Speed Manual (STI)
Gear Grinding/Difficulty Shifting
- Symptoms: Grinding noise when shifting, especially into 1st or 2nd gear, difficulty engaging gears.
- Solution: Transmission fluid flush and fill, potential internal repairs or rebuild.
- Cost: $1000 - $3000+
Clutch Wear
- Symptoms: Slipping clutch, difficulty shifting gears, burning smell.
- Solution: Clutch replacement (disc, pressure plate, release bearing).
- Cost: $800 - $1400
4-Speed Automatic
No widespread issues reported.
- Symptoms: N/A
- Solution: N/A
- Cost: Varies
Suspension
Standard Chassis
No widespread issues reported.
- Symptoms: N/A
- Solution: N/A
- Cost: Varies
Performance Suspension (WRX/STI)
Worn Sway Bar Links/Bushings
- Symptoms: Clunking noises over bumps, reduced handling stability.
- Solution: Replacement of sway bar links and bushings.
- Cost: $200 - $500
Electrical
Standard Electrical System
Window Regulator Failure
- Symptoms: Power windows not operating, slow window movement, grinding noise from door.
- Solution: Replacement of window regulator motor and mechanism.
- Cost: $300 - $600
ABS Control Module Failure
- Symptoms: ABS warning light illuminated, ABS system not functioning.
- Solution: Replacement of ABS control module.
- Cost: $500 - $1000
Exterior
Standard Body Panels
No widespread issues reported.
- Symptoms: N/A
- Solution: N/A
- Cost: Varies
Paint Quality
Clear Coat Peeling
- Symptoms: Peeling or flaking clear coat, especially on horizontal surfaces like the roof and hood.
- Solution: Repainting affected panels.
- Cost: $500 - $1500 per panel
Interior
Standard Interior Trim
No widespread issues reported.
- Symptoms: N/A
- Solution: N/A
- Cost: Varies
HVAC System
Blend Door Actuator Failure
- Symptoms: Inability to control temperature or direct airflow (e.g., stuck on defrost).
- Solution: Replacement of blend door actuator.
- Cost: $200 - $500
Summary Verdict
The 2008 Subaru Impreza, especially its turbocharged WRX and STI variants, presents a mixed reliability profile. While the chassis and AWD system are generally well-regarded, the performance-oriented turbocharged engines (EJ255 and EJ257) are prone to significant issues like head gasket failure and piston ring land damage, often exacerbated by aggressive driving or inadequate maintenance. The manual transmissions, particularly the STI’s 6-speed, can also develop shifting issues. Non-turbo models and automatic transmissions tend to be more reliable. Electrical components like window regulators and ABS modules can fail, and exterior paint issues are not uncommon. Owners should be aware of these potential problems and factor in maintenance and repair costs, especially for performance models.