This Bulletin provides the diagnostic procedure for the STARLINK® Remote Engine Start (RES).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2009 Subaru Impreza engine problems
moderate 24 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
24
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
When does it fail?
Of the 24 engine complaints filed for the 2009 Subaru Impreza, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Engine accounts for 21% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 9 categories tracked.
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 13 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This Service Information Bulletin provides the Service Manual Correction to the diagnostic procedure for DTC B2A16 (Immobilizer Key Collation Diagnosis).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be followed when diagnosing engine oil leakage on FA and FB type engines.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗The purpose of this bulletin is to advise of SOA’s revised Catalytic Converter Recycling Program shipping procedure.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The dominant issue across these narratives is catastrophic rod bearing failure in 2009 Impreza engines, particularly WRX models built early in the production run (07/08–08/08). Owners report sudden loud metallic knocking sounds—often described as metal hitting metal—accompanied by harsh vibration, followed by complete engine shutdown with zero warning. These failures happen at shockingly low mileage: 1,400 to 25,000 miles in most cases, despite owners following all maintenance schedules and oil changes. One bearing failure occurred at 64,000 miles. Owners emphasize the safety hazard: several experienced engine failure at highway speeds in heavy traffic, losing all power and electrical function. Subaru eventually replaced engines under warranty in most cases, though some owners initially faced denial or claims of "driver error" despite careful break-in procedures and regular service. Some replacement engines subsequently failed with identical defects. Multiple owners document awareness of 60+ similar failures across North America and Australia on 2009 WRX and some Legacy/Forester models.
Head gasket failures are the secondary failure mode, occurring under 105,000 miles and sometimes repeatedly within months. These trigger secondary damage to radiators and catalytic converters. One owner spent $4,558 in repairs on a $5,750 vehicle due to two gasket failures in six months.
Piston and piston ringland failures are also documented, with one STI variant experiencing ringland failure at 10,000 miles. Subaru replaced that engine under warranty.
Same Subaru Impreza engine reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2007 · 2008 · 2012
Failure modes owners describe
Rod Bearing Failure (Spun/Spun Rod Bearing)
Internal rod bearings fail catastrophically, usually without warning. Owners report sudden onset of loud metallic knocking sound and severe vibration at highway or normal driving speeds, followed by engine shutdown or complete loss of power. Failures occur at very low mileage and happen regardless of maintenance history. The bearing spins, loses lubrication contact with the crankshaft journal, and causes catastrophic internal damage requiring complete engine replacement.
When: Typically 1,400–25,000 miles; concentrated in 2009 WRX models built 07/08–08/08; some failures reported up to 64,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud metallic knocking or knock sound around 2000 RPM; Sound like metal hitting metal; Harsh engine vibration; Cyclic knocking noise; Sudden loss of power while driving; Complete engine shutdown without warning; Inability to restart after shutdown; No warning lights illuminated before failure
Codes mentioned: Spun rod bearing (owner-reported; #2, #3, #4 rods mentioned), Internal connecting-rod bearing failure
Repairs/costs cited: Long block or short block engine replacement; cost cited as ~$11,000 at dealer rates; warranty coverage initially denied in some cases then approved as 'one-time good faith repair'; some replacement engines also failed with same defect
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Some warranty replacements granted after dealer review; TSB acknowledged for bearing failures in complaint #5; Subaru admitted manufacturing default for build dates 07/08–08/08 (complaint #6) but did not issue formal recall or proactive notification; one owner reported Subaru stating '9/10 of these cars with this issue have come in due to driver error' despite documented maintenance compliance
Head Gasket Failure
Head gaskets fail prematurely, causing oil leaks and allowing coolant/oil contamination. Some owners report multiple failures within short timeframes. Failures occur at relatively low mileage (under 105,000 miles documented). Failed gaskets cause secondary damage including radiator failure, power steering rack leaks, and catalytic converter damage.
When: Reported as early as 80,000 miles; one vehicle experienced failures twice within 6 months
Symptoms owners cite: Oil leak detected; White smoke on startup; Smoke visible in oil during running; Low oil consumption between oil changes (complaint suggests high consumption); Coolant/oil contamination
Codes mentioned: Failed head gasket (mechanic and dealer-diagnosed), Head gasket leak
Repairs/costs cited: Head gasket replacement; secondary repairs for radiator, power steering rack, and catalytic converters due to contamination; owner reported total repair cost of $4,558.53 for two gasket failures within 6 months on vehicle purchased for $5,750; Subaru dealer quoted $2,000 for single repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Class action lawsuit exists for similar issue on other Impreza model years (complaint #11); Subaru declined to assist when contacted; no recall or warranty extension documented for 2009 non-turbo models despite acknowledged issue in other model years
Piston/Piston Ringland Failure
Piston ringland (the section of the piston supporting the compression rings) cracks or fails, causing loss of compression and catastrophic engine damage. One owner documented premature piston fracture. Another reported possible ringland weakness indicated by white smoke and smoke in oil.
When: Reported at 98,000 miles (piston fracture); 10,000 miles (ringland failure on STI variant)
Symptoms owners cite: White smoke on startup; Smoke in oil while engine running; Catastrophic engine failure; Inability to drive vehicle
Codes mentioned: Piston ringland failure, Piston fracture
Repairs/costs cited: Entire engine replacement; one STI owner reported warranty replacement; no cost detail provided
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty engine replacement approved in STI case (complaint #19); no other manufacturer response documented
Engine Stall/Shutdown (Secondary/Cascading)
Engine stalls or shuts down completely during normal driving, sometimes repeatedly. Owners lose all electrical power (power steering, turn signals, etc.) at highway speeds. This may result from bearing, piston, or internal failure progressing to complete seizure.
When: Occurs at various mileages once primary internal failure initiates
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden engine shutdown at highway speed (65 mph documented); Loss of power steering and electrical accessories; Inability to restart or repeated restart failures; Vehicle becomes immobile
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required; no field repairs documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Engine replacement under warranty (when approved)
Ignition Coil Failure (Single Report)
One owner reported a cracked coil in the ignition system cited by a dealer as the cause of engine failure. This is an outlier diagnosis compared to the dominant rod bearing failures documented across the narrative set.
When: ~9,200 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine failure reported; details minimal
Codes mentioned: Cracked ignition coil
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer repair; cost not specified
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty repair completed; owner sought extended engine warranty coverage
Synthesized from 24 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
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. This, in my opinion, is "not" due to lack of oil. This is a manufacturing problem. Build date was aug. 9th 2008. There are many other people who have experienced this…
Tl*the contact owns a 2009 Subaru impreza wrx. He stated that while driving 40 MPH the engine started to make a noise while approaching a stop sign and shut off. He was able to restart the vehicle and drive to an authorized dealer; however, the noise became louder and more frequent and the vehicle continued to stall. The vehicle was towed to the dealer at their expense. The dealer confirmed that…
I bought a brand new Subaru impreza on july 27, 2009 from Subaru dealer, grand Subaru, at bensenville, il 60106 for $18,000 with warranty for 30-60k miles. It broke down when it had just 9,221 miles on it showing "engine failure" on nov. 09, 2010. The Subaru dealer who fixed it after lot of hassle, stated in his invoice as some "coil" is cracked in the ignition. I can send you the receipt that…
Had engine trouble with your 2009 Subaru Impreza?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2009 Subaru Impreza?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 24 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 21 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 5,970 and 80,000 miles, with the median around 13,500. A quarter of owners report trouble before 5,970; a quarter make it past 80,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2009/Subaru/Impreza.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.