2009 Subaru Impreza Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2009 Subaru Impreza has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Firewall spot-weld failure at clutch/brake pedal mount.” Subaru's symmetrical AWD system places unusually high demands on differential fluid and transfer case service — skipping these is the most common cause of premature drivetrain wear. Older Subarus with the EJ25 engine (pre-2011) require timing belt replacement; FB and FA engines (2011+) use a maintenance-free chain. Subaru's published intervals below align with the owner's manual Schedule II (severe) which most US drivers qualify for.

Save this car as:

No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2009 Subaru Impreza.

Reported to NHTSA

Firewall spot-weld failure at clutch/brake pedal mount

POWER TRAIN, STRUCTURE

38 NHTSA complaints · 2011-12 → 2023-07

“STRUCTURAL DEFECT OF THE SPOT WELD OF THE CLUTCH BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY TO THE FIREWALL. ASSEMBLY SHIFT LEFT WHEN CLUTCH PEDAL IS DEPRESSED. NOW IT IS VERY HARD TO PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10908342
“DUE TO THE FIREWALL FLEXING EVERY TIME THE CLUTCH PEDAL IS DEPRESSED, OVER TIME THE SPOT WELDS CONNECTING THE CLUTCH PEDAL MOUNTING BRACKET TO THE FIREWALL FAIL. THIS ALLOWS FOR PLAY IN THE ENTIRE CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10928209
“THE FIREWALL WELDS HAVE FAILED AND BROKEN, RESULTING IN STRUCTURAL FAILURE OF THE CLUTCH AND BRAKE PEDAL MOUNTS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11162011

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Head gasket failure with oil leak

ENGINE

7 NHTSA complaints · 2017-07 → 2022-08

“The head gaskets have failed multiple times with this vehicle within a 6 month timeframe. The head gaskets have been a reported recall issue for other models of Subaru Impreza's except the non-turbo ones which this one is”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11480692
“THIS IS A PROBLEM ABOUT A 2009 SUBARU IMPREZA OUTBACK SPORT WAGON, WHICH ONLY HAD 105,000 MILES ON IT AND FOUND OUT THE OIL LEAKED IS DUE TO HEAD GASKET IS ALREADY LEAKED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11097978
“HEAD GASKET FAILURE AT 80,000 MILES. LEAKED OUT 1.5 QUARTS OF OIL ON ROAD TRIP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11308352

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Spun rod bearing or piston failure in engine

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

17 NHTSA complaints · 2009-04 → 2017-05

“2009 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX, ~25K MILES. DRIVING ON A BACK ROAD, ALL OF A SUDDEN ENGINE STARTS KNOCKING. HAVE TO GET IT TOWED TO SUBARU DEALERSHIP. THEY NEED TO REPLACE THE ENGINE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10331201
“MY 2009 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX, WHICH I USE AS A DAILY DRIVER, HAD A MAJOR ENGINE BREAKDOWN AT ABOUT 9000 MILES CONSISTING OF A LOUD KNOCKING SOUND AND EXTREME ENGINE VIBRATION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10267401
“ENGINE ROD BEARING FAILURE @ 64000 MILES WITH REGULAR OIL CHANGES. DEALERSHIP SAID IT WAS DUE TO INSUFFICIENT LUBRICATION; HOWEVER, THERE WAS PLENTY OF OIL WHEN I BROUGHT IN THE CAR AND OIL WAS NEVER ADDED TO CHANGE THEIR JUDGMENT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10490147

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Takata airbag recall parts unavailability

AIR BAGS

8 NHTSA complaints · 2016-09 → 2019-08

“TAKATA RECALL NOTICE ARRIVE IN JUNE. REMEDY NOT AVAILABLE AND NOW IN MID SEPTEMBER STILL NOT AVAILABLE. VEHICLE IS REPORTEDLY UNSAFE FOR PASSENGERS - AND NO INDICATION EXISTS OF WHEN REMEDY WILL OCCUR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10907242
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V026000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11030170
“TAKATA RECALL - IT HAS BEEN OVER 4 MONTHS SINCE THE AIRBAG IN MY CAR WAS RECALLED. IT IS VERY DISAPPOINTING THAT PARTS ARE STILL NOT AVAILABLE, AND THAT THE MANUFACTURER STILL CANNOT PROVED AN ETA FOR PARTS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10916550

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fuel tank pressure valve refueling backsplash

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

8 NHTSA complaints · 2011-07 → 2019-06

“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REFUELING THE VEHICLE, FUEL BEGAN TO SPILL OUT OF THE FUEL FILLER NECK. SOME OF THE FUEL SPILLED ONTO THE CONTACT, RESULTING IN MINOR INJURIES TO THE SKIN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10410861
“VEHICLE WILL NOT TAKE FUEL. FUEL NOZZLE SHUTS OFF AS IF TANK IS FULL OR FUEL SPILLS OUT OF THE TANK. TRIED THREE DIFFERENT PUMPS AT THE FIRST GAS STATION, THEN DROVE TO TWO OTHER GAS STATIONS AND WAS ONLY ABLE TO FILL WITH APPROXIMATELY 1 GALLON OF FUEL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10522040
“THE FIRST INCIDENT WAS IN 2010. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON (STEADY, NOT BLINKING) AND AFTER THAT I ATTEMPTED TO PUT GAS IN THE CAR. THE TANK WAS DOWN TO APPROX. 1/4 BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT TAKE GAS, AND WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO ADD GAS IT BACK SPLASHED ALL OVER ME”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10464138

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake lamp switch recall wiring damage

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4 NHTSA complaints · 2019-03 → 2023-01

“There was a brake light switch failure which was under recall. The failure caused a short in my electrical system and wires in my bulk head wiring harness melted and fused together causing a ultimate failure of the vehicle being able to start”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11501795
“I CALLED SUBARU ALMOST 5 MONTHS AGO WHEN I CAME ACROSS THERE WAS A RECALL ON BRAKES SINCE WE WERE HAVING THE ISSUE OF THE BRAKES FLASHING AND THE VEHICLE NOT SHIFTING. MANUFACTURER RECALL #: WUE90 ON 2-28-19. NHTSA RECALL #: 19V149000”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11253629
“TAKATA RECALL AND SAFETY RECALL WUE90 NHTSA CAMPAIGN: 19V149000 BRAKE LAMP SWITCH. ON APRIL 4TH, 2019 I CALLED MULTIPLE DEALERS FOR THIS RECALL AND THE TAKATA RECALL AND THEY COULD NOT GET ME IN UNTIL MAY 11TH FOR AIRBAG AND THE BRAKE RECALL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11197303

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 6,000 mi

Replace 0W-20 full-synthetic oil and filter every 6,000 miles. WRX/STI 2.0L/2.5L turbo: 3,750 miles. Non-turbo FB engines: 6,000 miles severe / 10,000 normal.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. Critical on Subaru AWD — uneven tread depth across all 4 tires (>2/32") forces the center differential to bind, damaging the AWD coupling.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, calipers, and parking brake every 7,500 miles. Outback and Forester pads commonly last 35,000-50,000 miles depending on terrain.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Front Differential / Manual Transmission Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace front differential and manual transmission fluid every 30,000 miles. CVT models use proprietary Subaru CVT fluid — a separate item.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace rear differential fluid every 30,000 miles. Use Subaru 75W-90 GL-5 — substitutes can cause whining noises within months.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

CVT Fluid (Lineartronic)

Every 30,000 mi

Subaru CVT models (Outback, Legacy, Forester, Crosstrek, Impreza, Ascent): replace Lineartronic CVT fluid every 30,000 miles severe / 60,000 normal. Subaru High-Torque CVT-II fluid only — incorrect fluid destroys the chain-and-pulley system.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$360–$500

Shop

~$255–$355

DIY

~$80–$180

CVT fluid is manufacturer-specific and pricey — do NOT substitute conventional ATF.

Timing Belt (EJ25 engines, pre-2011)

Every 105,000 mi

Older Subarus with the EJ25 boxer engine (Forester, Outback, Legacy 1996-2010): replace timing belt every 105,000 miles. FB and FA boxer engines (2011+) use a chain — no scheduled replacement.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$935–$1175

Shop

~$655–$825

DIY

Pro only

On interference engines, a snapped belt destroys valves. Worth doing on schedule. Bundle water pump + tensioner — labor is already there.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 30 months. Subaru's brake hold and EyeSight automatic emergency braking depend on uncontaminated fluid.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace engine air filter every 30,000 miles. WRX/STI: inspect every oil change due to the higher airflow demand of the turbo intake.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Spark Plugs

Every 60,000 mi

Iridium plugs every 60,000 miles on FB engines. WRX/STI 2.5L turbo: 30,000 miles due to higher cylinder pressures and EGT.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Super Coolant

Every 30,000 mi

Subaru Super Coolant (blue): first change at 137,500 miles or 11 years, then every 30,000 miles. Do not substitute green or orange — head gasket sealing chemistry depends on the formula.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 15,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 15,000 miles. Behind the glove box on most Subaru models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

31 crashes 1990–2024

How the 31 occupant deaths break down

23

driver deaths

8

passenger deaths

31

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2010 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

2

complaints mentioning a crash

3

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2009 Subaru Impreza reflects Subaru's published service intervals. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.