Subaru Impreza Clutch Replacement Cost
If you need a Subaru Impreza clutch replacement, the cost could range from $700 to over $3,000, depending on the model year, trim, and transmission type.
Written by John Davis
Reviewed by Lisa Steuer McArdle
A Subaru Impreza clutch replacement can cost between $700 and $1,300 for a manual transmission and upwards of $3,000 for an automatic transmission.
The Subaru Impreza has long been a beloved car for its sporty blend of speed, handling, comfort and safety. It's especially popular among drivers who crave a little extra muscle in their daily driver. But the Impreza is not without its flaws, and clutch problems are common for some models.
As the Subaru Impreza celebrates its 30th birthday, it's more likely than ever that your older model will suffer a clutch issue due to age or a malfunction. Luckily,
Jerry
, the trustworthy insurance comparison app
, is here to shed some light on common Impreza clutch problems and the replacement cost. We'll go over everything you need to know about this critical component and even toss out some tips for saving money on Subaru Impreza insurance costs
!Let Jerry find your price in only 45 seconds
No spam · No long forms · No fees
How much does it cost to replace a clutch in a Subaru Impreza?
The cost to replace or repair the clutch in your Subaru Impreza will depend largely on the vehicle's age and location. However, you can generally expect the cost to fall somewhere between $700 and $1,300.
The cost of the replacement parts actually makes up a smaller portion of the overall price. An original equipment manufacturer (OEM)
clutch pressure plate from Subaru
will run you around $220, depending on the model year and trim level. The entire clutch assembly
, however, will cost roughly $650. You can find cheaper
OEM clutch kits
from manufacturers like EXEDY® on the CARiD site. And if you're interested in an aftermarket upgrade, independent auto parts stores are your best bet. When it comes to the total price to replace your Subaru Impreza clutch, the cost of labor accounts for the bulk of the number. The time required to replace the clutch in your Impreza varies by model year and trim options, but you can expect it to take between four and seven hours. And with the average labor rate across the U.S. ranging from $125 to $150 per hour, those hours stack up quickly.
You'll pay more money if you take your car to the Subaru dealership for repairs. However, the dealership will have technicians explicitly trained to work on your vehicle and the exact tools necessary to fix your car correctly. On the other hand, independent shops typically have lower labor rates and better customer service—many independent shops even specialize in transmission repairs.
What is a clutch?
A clutch is an essential part of both manual and automatic transmissions. However, it is mainly owners of cars with manual transmissions—like the Subaru Impreza—that have to worry about dealing with clutch problems.
The clutch is what connects your car's engine to the transmission. It is the link between your engine's flywheel—the part that transfers engine power to the transmission—and the transmission itself. The friction between these two components creates a solid connection that allows engine power to reach the gears of the transmission, which, in turn, sends that power to your wheels.
When the clutch is not in use, tight springs maintain the friction between the flywheel and the clutch plate, keeping the engine and the transmission output shaft spinning at the same speed. However, when you engage the clutch, those springs relax, allowing your engine to continue running while you switch gears.
This is a basic breakdown of the three-pedal system that makes manual transmissions so engaging to drive—but because the system relies on friction, wear and tear are inevitable. One of the most common problems manual transmission drivers face is a degradation of the friction material on the clutch plate. Similar to brake pads—which rely on a comparable friction system—your clutch will begin to slip and fail once the friction material has been sufficiently worn down.
Other common clutch issues include the following:
What are the symptoms of a Subaru Impreza clutch problem?
It's important to be aware of the common symptoms of a bad clutch, as quickly addressing the issue can make a difference in the repair cost. The good news is that you'll likely notice relatively quickly if you have a bad clutch. These are the most common symptoms of a faulty Subaru Impreza clutch:
- Irregular revving or a mismatch between speed and RPM. If your clutch is failing, you might notice the engine working harder than it should. You'll often notice the engine revving while you're barely moving.
- Grinding noises. While grinding doesn't always signify a clutch problem—you might not have depressed the pedal all the way when shifting—it can be a sign of a failing clutch.
- The clutch slips or sticks. If your clutch sticks, it may be harder than usual to press down. A slipping clutch can cause your car to rev loudly after you release the pedal but without accelerating as it should.
- An inability to shift gears. If you can press the clutch down but cannot shift gears, it could be due to a problem with the clutch.
- The clutch feels strange. Sometimes, the clutch just doesn't feel right. If the clutch feels spongy, loose, or soft, it most likely has a malfunction.
Other signs of a bad clutch—and
transmission problems
in general—include an acrid burning rubber smell and slipping gears. If you notice any of these issues, the smartest thing to do is take your car to a professional mechanic as soon as possible. Is it safe to drive with a bad clutch?
No, it is not safe to drive with a bad clutch. Although you might be able to get down the road with a bad clutch for a few days—or even weeks—there's no telling when it might fail completely. Furthermore, driving with a bad clutch risks causing further damage to other transmission components, like the flywheel, and can result in more significant repair costs down the road.
Because of this, if you suspect your car has a bad clutch, the wisest move is to take your Impreza to a dealership or independent shop and let the professionals diagnose and repair the issue.
How long should a Subaru Impreza clutch last?
Your Subaru Impreza clutch should last between 50,000 and 100,000 miles when properly maintained. Occasionally, your clutch may outlast the car itself.
However, some Impreza models have a history of clutch problems. The 2008 and 2009 Subaru Imprezas, in particular, are known for having faulty clutches. Owners report that these models are notorious for their noisy and problematic clutches that burn out quickly. If you drive one of these model-year Imprezas, keep an eye out for the signs of clutch failure.
Additionally, you can help prolong the life of your clutch by keeping up with regular maintenance—like
transmission fluid services
—as well as learning to drive your manual transmission vehicle properly. This includes lifting your foot entirely off the clutch after shifting, refraining from slamming into gear, and avoiding downshifting to slow down the car. RECOMMENDED
Compare auto insurance policies
No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms
How to save on Subaru Impreza insurance
Replacing the clutch on your Subaru Impreza can be expensive. And the last thing you need on top of a costly repair is an overpriced
car insurance
policy. That's why it's crucial to regularly reevaluate your plan to make sure you're getting the best rate without sacrificing coverage.Fortunately, the trusted insurance broker,
Jerry
, can help you customize your insurance plan without breaking the bank. All you have to do to get started is download the app and answer a few easy questions. Then, we'll handle the rest!Jerry will take care of the hard work for you by comparing dozens of rates and policies from the nation's best-rated providers. And we'll compile a custom list of quality plans just for you, so you can hit the road knowing you're fully protected without wiping out your bank account.
"Jerryis very easy to use. I switched to Progressive without ever being on a phone call, and they emailed me my new card in minutes!" —Ashtyn U.
RECOMMENDED
Jerry automatically checks if you are paying the lowest price for your insurance, for free.
Instantly compare top insurance companies
No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms
What insurance do you want to compare?
This app is great, but the customer service is even better! Not to mention convenient! My husband and I got the lowest rate (much lower than the rates I was finding online through my own searches), quickly, and pretty much all through text message! Thank you so much for a hassle free experience 👍
Gabriella R.
Find insurance savings
4.7/5 Rating on App Store
Estimate your repair costs for free with GarageGuard™
Simplify your car maintenance with Jerry.
4.7You might also be interested
We value your privacy
