Is the 2009 Subaru Impreza reliable?

It can be reliable with consistent maintenance, especially if timing belt service is kept up and any oil/coolant seepage is addressed early. A well-documented service history matters more than mileage alone.

What are the most common 2009 Subaru Impreza problems?

Common issues include possible head gasket seepage on some 2.5L engines, wheel bearing noise, overdue timing belt service on used examples, and occasional A/C system problems as mileage climbs.

Are maintenance costs high for a 2009 Impreza?

Routine maintenance is generally reasonable for a compact AWD car, but bigger services like timing belt/water pump work and potential gasket repairs can raise long-term ownership costs. Budgeting for these items makes ownership more predictable.

What are the best years to buy in this Impreza generation?

Many shoppers target later years in the same generation for incremental refinements, but condition and maintenance history are the key factors. A well-maintained 2009 can be a better buy than a neglected newer model.

What should I check before buying a used 2009 Subaru Impreza?

Verify timing belt service records, inspect for oil or coolant leaks, listen for wheel bearing noise during a test drive, confirm the AWD system isn’t binding on tight turns, and make sure all tires match in brand and tread depth. For a deeper dive, get a complete owner’s guide with full specs, trim details, and the exact maintenance schedules to keep a 2009 Subaru Impreza running at its best.

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Reliability AnalysisBased on known issue patterns, repair cost data, and ownership trends · How we score

2009 Subaru Impreza Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict

78/ 100

KeepScore

MODERATE RISK

Grade: B-

A highly capable all-weather compact that requires a proactive maintenance approach to avoid significant repair costs.

Full system breakdown + what I would do

Quick Facts · 2009 Subaru Impreza

Has 15 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the exterior lighting:brake lights:switch.
Scores 10 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2010 Subaru Impreza earns a 88.
The system most likely to surface first: engine (head gaskets) (major severity).

Should You Buy the 2009 Subaru Impreza?

The 2009 Subaru Impreza offers commendable all-weather capability and a robust driving feel, making it a compelling choice for those seeking AWD traction. However, potential buyers must be acutely aware of its well-documented head gasket vulnerabilities and susceptibility to rust, which elevate its long-term ownership risk and demand diligent pre-purchase scrutiny.

Biggest Strengths

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system
Solid chassis and road manners
Excellent crash safety ratings

Top Risk Areas

The systems that break first on the 2009 Subaru Impreza. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.

Engine (Head Gaskets)major

Rust and Corrosionmoderate

Suspension & Steeringmoderate

Typical mileage, cost ranges, and the exact what-to-check list are in the full report.

NHTSA Recalls

15 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing the brake lights from illuminating and also preventing keyless ignition vehicles from starting and CVT/automatic transmissions from being able to be shifted out of Park.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

What breaks on the 2009 Subaru Impreza?

Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.

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Subaru Impreza by Year

Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Subaru Impreza. Click any year for its full report.

All Subaru Impreza years ranked →Subaru Impreza years to avoid →Subaru Impreza common problems →

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