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Old 10-20-2013, 01:25 AM   #351
ejicon
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For people new to this thread, here are some of the more significant posts before the dooky started to hit the fan in here. It may be difficult to filter out the good from what you've been reading over the last 50+ posts. Hope this helps.


Quote:
Originally Posted by Economatic View Post
A class action lawsuit? Really? If this truly is a saftey issue then have as many WRX owners as possible file complaints with the NTSB (https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/) and push for a recall. Otherwise, a class action suit will just cost Subaru money to fight it and drive up costs of future cars. And if for some reason your lawyers are successful they laugh all the way to the bank while WRX owners get pocket change.
Quote:
Originally Posted by prem205 View Post
Yeah..my 2008 2.5i has a cracked firewall. Was driving it one day and heard a pop noise, then got home and clutch pedal started feeling weird and squeaky. No mods on my car either but suspension and wheels.
Quote:
Originally Posted by imma_stocker View Post
FWIW, my firewall and pedal assembly cracked about 50k miles ago. Because of it the bottom of the brake pedal travel "squishes" and I lose some amount of braking. It also screwed my master and slave cylinders. Response from 2 Subaru dealers, "STI master and slave cylinders never go bad."
Quote:
Originally Posted by W.K.S. View Post
Does this affect the 11+ as well? so far I've only read about 08, and 09's doing this.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ah2049 View Post
It does.

Source: I own a squeaky 2011 WRX
Quote:
Originally Posted by lightgod86 View Post
Interesting that I just stumbled upon this after.

I took my 09 wrx in for an oil change about two weeks ago and mentioned the squeaky clutch pedal (not the first time mentioning it either) and the service writer mentioned he had just fixed another persons wrx that had the same issue. said they had to rip out the whole dash and weld the top of the firewall. He also mentioned they charged the guy $950 bucks!!! Well there was no way I was paying that, but after I told him all of the problems I have had with the car (rod bearing exploded, TOB replaced 3 times, clutch replaced, seat replaced, and so on), and since I only had 42k miles, he would call SOA and see what they would do.

Well he called me last week and said SOA would do a "good faith" repair on the firewall. That meant taking out the whole dashboard, which I wasn't excited about since it all rattles enough already, but I told them to have at it, as the squeak was getting worse and driving me nuts.

Well I got a call today saying that the body shop they sent it to went ahead and welded the top of the firewall, but I guess after they put it all back together, it was still squeaking so they are going to send it back and weld a part of the lower firewall which they think is causing it.

I really wish I could be more involved so I could see where exactly they are doing what, and how much damage they are trying to do to fix it, not to mention knowing what this is doing to any resale I had before (although I don't really plan to sell it any time soon) all of this happened.

I also don't really know what a lawsuit would get me either. It might be good for those who were not at lucky as I was in getting a repair, pending that they actually fix it.

For those that are interested, I went to the place I bought it from, Capitol Subaru San Jose, where I have been getting all my service done on my long time stage 2 car with a ton of suspension work.

Edit: Well, somewhere in them going in the 2nd weld they managed to damage my wiring harness now. That has been ordered now and I am still waiting on my car back. I think they have removed the dash 3 times so far... Not looking forward to potential issues with that. So far its been 9 days, with an eta of at least 3 more! At least they gave me a loaner car 4 days into it.

Quote:
Originally Posted by bicycle_wreck View Post
Either way, I would encourage you to visit the NHTSA's website and file a formal complaint regarding your firewall. Doing so has forced recalls in the past, as some astute posters have already mentioned.

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/
Quote:
Originally Posted by rideboardr View Post
besides burning through clutches faster and hearing the annoying squeak is there any real danger involved in driving the vehicle if the spot welds are cracked as well as the weld under the dashboard (like seen in this video) ? I just dont want it to be a safety concern especially since it moves my brake pedal also. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQYvU...ps7d2f404e.jpg
Quote:
Originally Posted by P-Train View Post
From what people have reported on here, it sounds like eventually the added stress on the remaining welds will cause them to fatigue and break causing your clutch pedal to drop to the floor and become inoperable.

So yes I'd call that pretty unsafe.

Quote:
Originally Posted by 04furesterXT View Post
Just had mine repaired under goodwill out of warranty. It seems SOA is becoming a bit more understanding about the defect.
Quote:
Originally Posted by rideboardr View Post
Latest update- I got a call yesterday from the Subaru service manager, he said Subaru is going to cover the repair and reweld it all 100% out of goodwill. I'm getting the car back Monday and then I have to drop the car off next week because that's when their body shop is available. Really happy that I didn't have to fight with the dealership at all. Here's exactly what I did for anyone else who might have this problem. 1. Called SOA informed them of what I thought was the issue, told them when my appointment with the dealership was. 2. Took the car to my Subaru dealer and just told them that my clutch was squeaking and the brake pedal also moved when I pressed in on the clutch. The next day I got a call asking if it was a stock clutch I told them it was and they were still looking for the issue. The following day which was Friday I received a call from the service manager who informed me Subaru would cover the problem 100% even though I was out of bumper to bumper warranty. I am pretty happy to say the least.
Quote:
Originally Posted by garzdos View Post
I'd like hear from those who have had this actual problem:

If the welds are broken is it always as loud as the video?
wrx clutch pedal - YouTube

And is a minimal amount if brake pedal movement with clutch pressing normal?

When I look at mine if I push the clutch with my hand I see the slightest movement of the brake pedal towards the clutch pedal. I've so had a slight quiet creaking sound from somewhere under there when I push the clutch and let it out. I've wondered if its the spring as it is more a series of little pops/creaks...and seems to be the same pattern of creaks/pops.

Here is video of my clutch pedal: http://youtu.be/l1qYhot8Ej4
Quote:
Originally Posted by subyski View Post
The best thing to do for everyone that are having issues is to file a complaint on the NHTSA's website detailing the symptoms, diagnosis, and solution (if any). Indicate whether the repairs were 100% covered, partially covered, or not covered. Remember, this will help others owners who are not aware of the issues and don't spend everyday on internet forums.

For those who had repairs done on their own dime (partially covered or not covered by SOA) save the receipts and if or when a recall is issued, you could get reimbursed.

But most likely this will just take time whether it is through the NHTSA or Class Action lawsuits. The control arm issue took until 2011 before a recall was issued for various model years between 2002 - 2008.
Quote:
Originally Posted by drunkguy View Post
Welp, my wife's 08 WRX Hatch w/ 42k developed the squeaky clutch pedal about 4-6 weeks ago. After taking off the cowl today, there is one spot weld that is broken, and the other is showing stress cracks and is probably not far behind.



This car also had the bad intake manifold gaskets that was causing vacuum/boost leak issues. The dealer told me it was going to be $450 in labor, not a warranty fix, so did it myself.

Will be calling SOA first thing in the morning about this, as this is not acceptable workmanship. While watching the clutch pedal being depressed, the amount of movement in the firewall is ungodly as well. Sad to know so many people will end up having this problem at some point.
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Old 10-20-2013, 09:13 AM   #352
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Breezio View Post
Going to force me to reply to you...

Toyota is THE major shareholder of FHI, by a large amount, as I partially stated earlier.
http://www.fhi.co.jp/english/ir/share_info/share.html

But perhaps you don't know enough about this stuff to know what that means...
They do not own them outright, but they are the highest single shareholder. They own a pretty large part of the company and therefore have a large amount of influence.
You're right you don't know. Toyota doesn't tell Subaru what to do. Nice attempt though. You should have just stayed quiet.
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Old 10-20-2013, 01:26 PM   #353
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You are correct they do not 'tell Subaru what to do'. Happy?
Move along and spend your time on something that concerns you.
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Old 10-20-2013, 02:10 PM   #354
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Breezio View Post
You are correct they do not 'tell Subaru what to do'. Happy?
Move along and spend your time on something that concerns you.
I'm glad you can finally admit you are wrong instead of trying to talk around the fact you were wrong.
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Old 10-20-2013, 02:53 PM   #355
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Don't you need to go outside and mow your moms lawn?
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Old 10-20-2013, 04:04 PM   #356
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 04furesterXT View Post
Don't you need to go outside and mow your moms lawn?
I'm sorry I can't help being right. Don't you have a blowjob to give? Burn..
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Old 10-20-2013, 04:27 PM   #357
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I'm right about you not getting enough love as a child but I don't ruin a technical thread airing my personal issues...
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Old 10-20-2013, 04:33 PM   #358
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 04furesterXT View Post
I'm right about you not getting enough love as a child but I don't ruin a technical thread airing my personal issues...
And what are you currently doing? Ah yeah that's right. Good call dude.
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Old 10-20-2013, 07:01 PM   #359
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ejicon View Post
For people new to this thread, here are some of the more significant posts before the dooky started to hit the fan in here. It may be difficult to filter out the good from what you've been reading over the last 50+ posts. Hope this helps.
Much appreciated. This really helps.
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Old 10-23-2013, 01:25 AM   #360
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Alrighty, finally got a chance to dig into the cowl and take pictures so I can talk to SOA.

Here is a video (full 1080HD) of the broken welds while the clutch pedal is being pressed and released. I hadn't noticed if a video of the issue has been posted in this thread before.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kd1Ki...ature=youtu.be
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Old 10-23-2013, 09:24 AM   #361
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Breezio View Post
Alrighty, finally got a chance to dig into the cowl and take pictures so I can talk to SOA.

Here is a video (full 1080HD) of the broken welds while the clutch pedal is being pressed and released. I hadn't noticed if a video of the issue has been posted in this thread before.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kd1Ki...ature=youtu.be
Several videos have been posted, but it's hard to tell with all the yelling.

Don't forget to check the other two welds under the wiper cowl, and make sure the dealer you take it to fixes the one welded tab that's only accessible from the interior. Mine missed that tab the first time and I had to take it back to get it rewelded.
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Old 10-23-2013, 10:55 AM   #362
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There are two other welds in the wiper cowl area?
I knew about the tab on the inside (upper right side of the bracket).
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Old 10-23-2013, 11:34 AM   #363
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Breezio View Post
There are two other welds in the wiper cowl area?
I knew about the tab on the inside (upper right side of the bracket).
Yeah, it looks like from the video that these are the two welds that have pulled thru beneath the wiper cowl. It looks like your car is definitely broken.

Breezio, are you running an aftermarket clutch or are you still stock?
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Old 10-23-2013, 11:30 PM   #364
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Powertrain is all stock (save a cat-back)
Even get a little factory throw out bearing noise on occasion, nothing major yet though.
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Old 10-25-2013, 07:38 PM   #365
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Armyofcase View Post

Yeah, it looks like from the video that these are the two welds that have pulled thru beneath the wiper cowl. It looks like your car is definitely broken.

Breezio, are you running an aftermarket clutch or are you still stock?
I actually had 3 spot welds broken under the cowl.. never took a pic, but all fixed now. Keep complaining to subaru. It got them to fix mine 100%
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Old 10-26-2013, 12:44 AM   #366
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I had what seemed to be a good conversation with an SOA rep and have scheduled an appointment with a dealer.
SOA brought up the possible 'good will' repair. Dealer asked if I was on the original clutch or aftermarket.
So far so good I think.
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Old 10-26-2013, 07:49 PM   #367
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I posted a few weeks ago about my cracked welds. Took it into a dealer after calling SOA, and had a good experience. They fixed them in two days, and didn't charge me, under 'good will". SOA was very helpful and so was the dealer.

FWIW, I did have modifications on the car, but nothing major, just a tune, intake, catback exhaust. Hopefully everyone who is having this problem will get it resolved. Still sucked tho to not have the car for a few days. But it doesn't squeak at all now!
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Old 10-30-2013, 10:28 AM   #368
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I am very glad to see that SOA is fixing cars left and right. And just think before all this they were sending people out saying it's not our fault! Thank you to everyone who has spoken up positively regarding this issue!
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Old 10-30-2013, 04:49 PM   #369
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Armyofcase View Post
I am very glad to see that SOA is fixing cars left and right. And just think before all this they were sending people out saying it's not our fault! Thank you to everyone who has spoken up positively regarding this issue!
We haven't turned anyone down since this first started. It's amazing what some guys on the Internet can turn something into especially when it's a noise they have no clue where it's coming from and assume its a firewall.
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Old 10-30-2013, 04:55 PM   #370
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Supraru View Post
We haven't turned anyone down since this first started. It's amazing what some guys on the Internet can turn something into especially when it's a noise they have no clue where it's coming from and assume its a firewall.
That's good to hear that they haven't turned anyone down.
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Old 10-30-2013, 10:37 PM   #371
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Supraru View Post
We haven't turned anyone down since this first started. It's amazing what some guys on the Internet can turn something into especially when it's a noise they have no clue where it's coming from and assume its a firewall.
Perhaps your dealership hasn't. But SOA has.

Quote:
Originally Posted by codesoccer View Post
That's good to hear that they haven't turned anyone down.
He's wrong, some people have been turned away for a warranty/goodwill repair.
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Old 11-01-2013, 07:51 AM   #372
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Supraru View Post
We haven't turned anyone down since this first started. It's amazing what some guys on the Internet can turn something into especially when it's a noise they have no clue where it's coming from and assume its a firewall.
I'm glad to hear your dealership is leading the charge. I'm sure you had everything to do with that too. Thank you for being such a wonderful and upstanding Subaru tech. Anything else that we can credit you with?

Pretty sure that 95% of people in this thread have experienced a clutch pedal bracket failure...just saying...
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Old 11-01-2013, 10:31 AM   #373
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Armyofcase View Post
I'm glad to hear your dealership is leading the charge. I'm sure you had everything to do with that too. Thank you for being such a wonderful and upstanding Subaru tech. Anything else that we can credit you with?

Pretty sure that 95% of people in this thread have experienced a clutch pedal bracket failure...just saying...
Actually it's not just my dealer it's my region. Getting approval isn't just a dealer thing. I like you showing your lack of intelligence. 95% of the people in this thread haven't experienced the failure. Let's put some money on that.
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Old 11-01-2013, 10:45 AM   #374
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SOA makes final approval or denial (when it gets to them.) However the dealership does have a hand in whether that is going to happen or not. And because you are in the industry I know that you already know this.

I'm happy that there haven't been any denials in your region (that you know of, though I'm curious how you would know that for a fact).
But there have been denials, so your earlier blanket statement was wrong and still is wrong.
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Old 11-01-2013, 01:15 PM   #375
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Supraru View Post
Actually it's not just my dealer it's my region. Getting approval isn't just a dealer thing. I like you showing your lack of intelligence. 95% of the people in this thread haven't experienced the failure. Let's put some money on that.
I would be actually really curious in this statistic. Thoughts on a poll with required pictures of your failed welds?

I know my "region" (i.e. the people that are active in our local group) is 3 for 5 for 08-09 MT Imprezas having the clutch bracket fail, but that's a pretty small sample size.
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