The 2009 Impreza can be affected by a handful of issues as it ages, with engine oil consumption, head gasket concerns on the 2.5-liter models, automatic transmission wear, and general drivetrain and suspension wear being among the most commonly reported. These problems are not universal, but they appear frequently enough to be important for buyers and owners to understand.
In detail, the 2009 Impreza offered two engine options (a 2.0-liter and a 2.5-liter four-cylinder) with all-wheel drive. While many examples remain reliable, aging units commonly encounter a mix of engine, transmission, drivetrain, suspension, and electrical concerns. Regular maintenance, attentive operation, and timely addressing warning signs can help mitigate risk and extend service life.
Engine and oil-related problems
Engine and oil-related issues are among the most commonly discussed for the 2009 Impreza. The list below outlines typical symptoms and practical steps to take.
Symptoms and typical causes
- Oil consumption and burning (notably on the 2.5L engines): Symptoms include rising oil level between changes, blue smoke from the exhaust, and a strong oil odor. Causes often involve piston ring wear, valve stem seals, or PCV system faults. Remedies range from simpler fixes like PCV valve replacement and oil-type checks to more involved engine inspection if consumption is heavy.
- Head gasket leaks (primarily on EJ-series 2.5L engines): Symptoms include coolant loss without obvious leaks, milky oil on the dipstick, and overheating. Remedies typically involve replacing the head gasket and related cooling-system components; timing and gasket work should be performed by a qualified shop.
- Coolant leaks and cooling-system wear: Symptoms include puddling under the car, overheating, or sweet-smelling coolant odor. Remedies include replacing worn hoses, the water pump, thermostat, and ensuring proper coolant maintenance.
- Ignition/fuel-delivery issues (misfires or rough running): Symptoms include rough idling, stumbling, or check engine light. Remedies commonly include replacing worn spark plugs and ignition coils and inspecting fuel delivery components.
Maintenance note: engine-age and mileage drive these issues. Regular oil changes with the manufacturer-recommended viscosity and routine cooling-system checks help detect problems early and can reduce the risk of severe failures.
Transmission and drivetrain problems
Drivetrain reliability is another area owners pay attention to as the 2009 Impreza ages. The following list summarizes common transmission and drivetrain concerns observed in many early-2000s Subarus.
Symptoms and typical causes
- Automatic transmissions (4EAT) with slippage, harsh or delayed shifting, or failure at higher mileage: Symptoms include rough or late engagement, warning lights, or sudden transmission noise. Causes range from fluid age/contamination to worn clutches or bands; repairs may involve service, fluid changes, or, in some cases, transmission rebuild or replacement.
- Manual transmission wear (clutch and synchros): Symptoms include difficulty selecting gears, grinding when shifting, or a soft pedal feel. Remedies include clutch replacement and related linkage or bearing inspection; proper driving technique also helps prolong clutch life.
- Front-wheel/axle drivetrain components (CV joints, axle boots, wheel bearings): Symptoms include clicking or clunking on turns, vibration, or unusual tire wear. Remedies typically involve replacing worn CV joints/axles or wheel bearings and inspecting related mounts.
- Center differential or AWD transfer-dial issues (drivetrain noise or torque transfer concerns): Symptoms include unusual vibrations or handling quirks associated with all-wheel drive engagement. Remedies may include service or replacement of the center differential or viscous coupling where applicable.
Maintenance note: drivetrain issues often appear with higher mileage and heavy use. Regular transmission services (as recommended by Subaru) and timely replacement of worn driveline components help maintain reliability and handling.
Suspension, steering, and braking problems
Suspension and steering components are prone to wear as cars accumulate miles, and this can affect ride quality and handling. The items below cover the most commonly discussed problems in this area.
Symptoms and typical causes
- Worn front control arm bushings, ball joints, and tie-rod ends: Symptoms include clunks over bumps, loose steering feel, or uneven tire wear. Remedies involve replacing worn suspension components and inspecting alignment.
- Struts, springs, and related hardware wear: Symptoms include ride comfort degradation, nose-dive on braking, or noise when traversing irregular pavement. Remedies include strut replacement and related suspension service.
- Brake issues and rotor wear: Symptoms include pulsating brakes, reduced braking performance, or squealing. Remedies include inspecting pads, rotors, and calipers; resurfacing or replacement as needed.
Maintenance note: suspension components wear naturally with age and mileage. Regular inspections and timely replacement of worn parts help preserve handling and safety.
Electrical and interior problems
Electrical systems and interior components can develop faults over time, sometimes triggering warning lights or nuisance failures. The following items are commonly reported in the 2009 Impreza.
Typical electrical concerns
- Power window regulators and switches: Symptoms include slow operation or stalling windows. Remedies involve replacement of window regulators or switches and lubrication.
- ABS/traction control sensors and related modules: Symptoms include warning lights or intermittent braking assistance issues. Remedies typically involve sensor replacement or module reprogramming, with scan-tool diagnosis recommended.
- HVAC blower motor or climate-control issues: Symptoms include weak airflow or non-functional climate control. Remedies range from blower motor replacement to fuse/relay checks and actuator servicing.
- Interior wear and ancillary components (seat rails, door seals, sunroof): Symptoms include creaks, leaks, or rattles. Remedies include resealing, lubrication, or part replacement as needed.
- Airbag recall campaigns and safety-related electronics: Some vehicles were affected by safety recalls that require inspection and service; check the VIN against Subaru’s recall database for current campaigns.
Maintenance note: electrical issues can often be diagnosed with an OBD-II scanner and visual inspection. Keeping service records current helps with future diagnostics and resale value.
Summary
The 2009 Subaru Impreza remains a practical all-wheel-drive compact, but as with many aging vehicles, it accumulates a set of common problems tied to engine wear, drivetrain reliability, suspension wear, and electrical components. Key steps to mitigate risk include regular maintenance (oil, coolant, transmission service), prompt attention to warning lights, thorough pre-purchase inspections if buying used, and timely replacement of worn parts. A well-maintained 2009 Impreza with solid maintenance history can still offer dependable daily use and all-wheel-drive capability for years to come.