The 2008 Subaru WRX has 6 recalls, the most serious being a Takata airbag inflator that can explode and send metal fragments into the cabin, posing a risk of serious injury or death to the driver and passengers.
The ignition switch is also a concern: a spring inside the switch can break, causing the engine to shut off without warning while driving. If the engine cuts out this way, the airbags may not deploy in a subsequent crash, compounding the danger. On the brake side, the hydraulic brake lines can corrode and develop leaks, allowing brake fluid to escape and extending the distance needed to slow or stop the vehicle. There is also a lighting issue: the brake light switch can fail and leave the brake lights dark when the pedal is pressed, meaning drivers behind the vehicle receive no visual warning that it is slowing or stopping.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode due to propellant breakdown from exposure to high humidity, temperature changes, and heat over time.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The passenger air bag inflator may explode due to propellant breakdown caused by prolonged exposure to high humidity, heat, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator with a different design at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode due to propellant breakdown caused by long-term exposure to humidity, heat, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The ball spring inside the ignition switch may break, weakening it. Key ring weight or road conditions could then shift the switch from run to accessory position, shutting off the engine.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the ignition switch and replace it if needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Contaminants can damage the brake light switch, stopping brake lights from working and preventing some vehicles from starting or shifting out of Park.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the brake light switch at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Brake lines can corrode from salt water splashing through a gap in the fuel tank protector, affecting the four-way joint connector area.
What the fix does
Dealers will apply anti-corrosion wax to the four-way joint connector area of the brake line system at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
