CarRecallWatchThe 2008 Subaru WRX has 7 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 65 complaints with NHTSA, including 1 fire.
The most-reported problem area is Power Train (49 reports).
2008 Subaru WRX recalls
Passenger Airbag May Explode, Sending Metal Fragments
The passenger frontal airbag inflator in these vehicles can rupture.
Passenger airbag inflator may explode, sending metal fragments
Some vehicles had their passenger frontal airbag inflators replaced under an earlier recall, but the replacement inflators use the same design.
Passenger airbag inflator may explode, sending metal shrapnel
The passenger frontal airbag inflator in these vehicles can rupture.
Ignition Switch May Turn Off Engine, Disabling Airbags
The ignition switch on these vehicles may have a ball spring inside that can break, weakening the switch.
Brake lights may fail to light, raising crash risk
The brake light switch can malfunction after exposure to certain contaminants.
Most common 2008 Subaru WRX problems
Problem areas named in the 65 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Power Train | 49 |
| Structure | 26 |
| Service Brakes | 24 |
| Unknown Or Other | 10 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 4 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 |
| Engine | 2 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 1 |
| Electrical System | 1 |
What owners report
CLUTCH/BRAKE ASSEMBLY BROKE AWAY FROM FIRE WALL. MAKING CAR UNDRIVABLE
THE DRIVER LOOKS HIGH. CUTTING PEOPLE OFF AND RUNNING THROUGH STOP SIGNS
THE WELDS THAT ATTACH THE BRAKE AND CLUTCH PEDDLE TO THE VEHICLE BRAKE AND ALLOW THE WHOLE PEDDLE ASSEMBLY TO MOVE. BECAUSE OF THIS, BRAKING EFFICIENCY AND DRIVE GEAR ENGAGEMENT BECOME COMPROMISED. IN THE EVENT THAT A HARD STOP IS NEEDED, THE WHOLE ASSEMBLY COULD BRAKE AND KEEP THE DRIVER FROM BEING ABLE TO STOP. THIS ISSUE IS A HUGE HAZARD! THIS IS NOT A CONVENIENCE ISSUE, THIS IS A LIFE AND SAFETY ISSUE TO NOT ONLY THE OCCUPANTS OF THE SUBARU BUT EVERYONE ON THE ROAD! I HAVE CONTACTED SOA, AND THEY INFORMED ME THAT I WOULD HAVE TO TAKE CARE OF THE REPAIR MYSELF. THIS REPAIR IS NOT JUST SOME NUTS AND BOLTS COMING LOOSE OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT. THIS IS A HUGE REPAIR THAT IS STRUCTURAL TO THE
FIREWALL SPOT WELDS HAVE FAILED, CAUSING SIGNIFICANT LATERAL PLAY IN THE CLUTCH PEDAL. I HAVE HAD SOME SIGNIFICANT TROUBLE TRYING TO GET IT INTO GEAR. SO I HAVE HAD TROUBLE SHIFTING GEARS WHILE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND HAVE HAD TROUBLE GETTING IT IN REVERSE IN ORDER TO PULL OUT OF A PARKING SPOT. THE BRAKE PEDAL IS NEXT IN-LINE TO BE AFFECTED BY THE SHEET METAL TEAR. I KEEP HEARING THAT THIS PROBLEM IS NOT COVERED UNDER ANY RECALL. NOR IS IT A WARRANTY ITEM AT THIS YEAR AND MILEAGE (105,000). THIS IS A VERY SIGNIFICANT ISSUE AND WILL COST A GREAT DEAL (OVER $1000) TO FIX. THIS BEING A WELD ISSUE AND NOT A WEAR ISSUE MAKES ME THINK THAT THE FACTORY OUGHT TO COVER THIS SAFETY ISSUE. THIS HAS BEEN
THERE ARE 3 WELD SPOTS ON MY FIREWALL THAT ARE SNAPPED. BECAUSE OF THIS I CONSTANTLY HEAR SNAPPING SOUNDS AND MY BREAK PEDAL MOVES WHEN THE CLUTCH IS DEPRESSED. THIS WAS A RECALL ON THE CAR BUT SUBARU OF AMERICA SAYS THAT I CANT GET IT FIXED UNDER WARRANTY. I BOUGHT THE CAR USED FROM A SUBARU DEALERSHIP IN RAMSEY NJ PRE-OWNED CERTIFIED AND THIS PROBLEM SHOULD HAVE BEEN FIXED BEFORE I PURCHASED THE CAR. IVE HAD THE CAR FOR ABOUT 6 MONTHS OR SO. THE SOUND IS DRIVING ME CRAZY AND THE CRACKS ARE GETTING WORSE.
2008 Subaru WRX questions
Does the 2008 Subaru WRX have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 7 safety recalls for the 2008 Subaru WRX: Passenger Airbag May Explode, Sending Metal Fragments; Passenger airbag inflator may explode, sending metal fragments; Passenger airbag inflator may explode, sending metal shrapnel; Ignition Switch May Turn Off Engine, Disabling Airbags; Brake lights may fail to light, raising crash risk. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Subaru WRX?
Based on 65 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Power Train (49), Structure (26), Service Brakes (24).
How do I check if a recall on my 2008 Subaru WRX has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.