SubaruImpreza2009Overview/subaru/impreza/2009/base/

2009 Subaru Impreza

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2009 Impreza.

Body PASSENGER CARTransmission Automatic (S4)

The 2009 Subaru Impreza is a compact passenger car that runs on a 4.5‑quart engine with 5W‑30 API‑rated oil, paired to a smooth S4 automatic transmission, and delivers EPA‑approved fuel economy of 19 / 24 / 21 mpg for city/highway/combined. This model year sits in the middle of Subaru’s long‑running reliability record, which spans 1990‑2026 and has seen the lowest complaint volume ever in 2026, a sharp contrast to the 300 complaints that peaked in 2002. With 112 total owner complaints—primarily about the power‑train—and 15 recalls, the 2009 Impreza represents a relatively stable, well‑documented iteration of the brand’s dependable lineup.

Model year202620252024202320222021202020192009

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity4.5 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-30 APIOEM · verified
Lug nut torque74-89 ft-lbsOEM · verified
EPA fuel economy19/24/21 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 35 · 520 CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 35 · 520 CCAOEM · verified

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic (S4)

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length180.3 in
Overall width68.5 in
Overall height58.3 in
Wheelbase103.1 in
Curb weight3053 lb
Track (front / rear)59.4 / 59.1 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)57/43

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined19 / 24 / 21 mpg
Drivetrain4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
Passenger volume94 cu ft
Cargo volume11 cu ft
Recommended fuelPremium Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Impreza of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

7.6–9.5 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 7.60 sec — 2008 2.5i Sedan
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
20082.5i Sedan 2.5L F-47.60 sec15.90 sec170 hpAWD
20082.5i 5-door Hatchback 2.5L F-48.40 sec16.50 sec170 hpAWD
20082.5i Premium Sedan 2.5L F-49.50 sec17.20 sec170 hpAWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 4.5 qt of 5W-30 API engine oil, 75W-90 · GL-5 in the differential, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 74-89 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-3-2-4. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity10
Brake FluidDOT 3
Differential Gear Oil75W-90 · GL-5
Differential Gear Oil Capacity1.7 Pints
Engine CoolantETHYLENE GLYCOL
Engine Oil5W-30 · API
Engine Oil Capacity4.5 qt

Engine torques

Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts133 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts51-55 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts18.4 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts22 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts18.4 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts22 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts18.4 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts29 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts74-89 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain Plug17.0-20.0 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub162 ft-lbs
Rear Wheel Hub140 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-3-2-4
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)MT: 640, AT: 700, TURBO: 700 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)MT: 110, AT and TURBO: 100 rpm
Spark Plug ManufacturerNGK
Spark Plug Torque15 ft-lbs
Ignition Timing Acceptable VarianceTurbo: 10, Non-Turbo: 8 degrees
Ignition Timing Reference RPMIdle rpm

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.03-1.17 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type100
Standard BCI Group Number35
Standard BCI Cranking Performance520 cca

Service checks

Pressure Test18 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature169-176 °F
Injector Primary Resistance5-20 ohms

Brakes

Torque Caliper to Bracket59 ft-lbs
Torque Caliper to Bracket114 ft-lbs / 20 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle48 ft-lbs
Torque Caliper to Bracket20 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle49 ft-lbs
Rotor Runout Limit0.002 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness From0.944 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness To0.944 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 8 stages
121.5 ft. lbs.21.5 ft. lbs
251 ft. lbs.51 ft. lbs
3Loosen 180 degrees in the reverse order of installing.180 degrees
4Loosen 180 degrees in the reverse order of installing.180 degrees
531 ft. lbs.31 ft. lbs
680-90 degrees.80–90 degrees
740-45 degrees.40–45 degrees
840-45 degrees.; Lightly lubricate new cylinder head bolt, threads and flanges with engine oil.40–45 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 8 stages
121.5 ft. lbs.21.5 ft. lbs
251 ft. lbs.51 ft. lbs
3Loosen 180 degrees in the reverse order of installing.180 degrees
4Loosen 180 degrees in the reverse order of installing.180 degrees
531 ft. lbs.31 ft. lbs
680-90 degrees.80–90 degrees
740-45 degrees.40–45 degrees
840-45 degrees.; Lightly lubricate new cylinder head bolt, threads and flanges with engine oil.40–45 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 8 stages
121.5 ft. lbs.21.5 ft. lbs
251 ft. lbs.51 ft. lbs
3Loosen 180 degrees in the reverse order of installing.180 degrees
4Loosen 180 degrees in the reverse order of installing.180 degrees
536 ft. lbs.36 ft. lbs
680-90 degrees.80–90 degrees
740-45 degrees.40–45 degrees
840-45 degrees.; Lightly lubricate new cylinder head bolt, threads and flanges with engine oil.40–45 degrees

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter at 3,000 mi; spark plugs every 60,000 mi; coolant at 137,000 mi. The big-interval services (at 137,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

At 3,000 miEngine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
Every 3,750 miEngine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
Every 7,500 miCabin Air Filter (replace) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
At 15,000 miEngine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
Every 15,000 miBrake Line (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Clutch Assembly (inspect) · Driveshaft (inspect) · Parking Brake System (inspect) · Power Steering System (inspect)
Every 30,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Brake Drum Assembly (inspect) · Brake Hydraulic System (drain, refill & bleed) · Brake System (inspect) · Differential (inspect fluid level) · Engine Air Filter Element (replace)
Every 60,000 miFuel Filter (replace) · Spark Plugs (replace) · Wheel Bearing (inspect)
At 105,000 miDrive Belt (replace) · Timing Belt (replace)
At 137,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2009 model year registers 112 complaints, representing a significant decrease from the 209 filed in 2008 yet remaining elevated above the 45 recorded for 2010, placing it within a mid-generation period characterized by sustained high manufacturer correction activity. While complaints declined nearly 46 percent year-over-year, the 2009 Impreza maintained the same recall volume as 2008 and 2010 with 15 campaigns each, indicating persistent component defects requiring attention despite fewer owner reports. Federal data identifies Power Train and Engine & Engine Cooling as the primary complaint categories with 15 and 14 incidents respectively, though the specific root causes are not specified in the record. With crash and fire complaints limited to 2 and 3 incidents respectively, the safety profile appears contained relative to the volume of powertrain concerns. Given the sharp complaint reduction from 2008 combined with continued high recall rates, 2009 represents a transitional year that offers improvement over the immediate prior model but carries lingering mechanical risk; prospective buyers should verify all recall completions particularly regarding powertrain components before purchasing.

15
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
209
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
112
Owner complaints
2 involved a crash · 3 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Rollover★★★★

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 112 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Power Train15
Engine & Engine Cooling14
Air Bags10
Engine9
Structure8
Power Train,Structure6
Fuel/Propulsion System5
Electrical System4

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 15 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

19V149000Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights:SwitchReported 28/02/2019

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… Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at…

20V003000Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator ModuleReported 02/01/2020

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… Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 209 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
SubaruNet Annoucement (E2026-06-11Unknown Or OtherThis announcement is requesting retailer staff to retain the EyeSight protective hood…
01-167-08R2026-05-18Unknown Or OtherThis bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the…
SubaruNet Announcement (R2026-05-04Power TrainThis announcement provides information on the remanufactured CVT transmission program.
07-240-26R2026-04-30Unknown Or OtherThis Service Information Bulletin was developed to provide interim guidance for vehicles…
03-97-262026-04-24Power TrainThis bulletin announces the service manual correction regarding clutch master cylinder…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Impreza. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2009 Impreza take?

4.5 qt of 5W-30 API SM, per the factory manual.

Does the 2009 Impreza have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 15 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the Impreza get?

EPA figures are 19 city / 24 highway / 21 combined mpg.