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2012 Subaru Impreza Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2012 Subaru Impreza carries 6 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering switch and electrical system. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “CVT transmission valve body and solenoid failure.” Subaru's symmetrical AWD system places unusually high demands on differential fluid and transfer case service — skipping these is the most common cause of premature drivetrain wear. Older Subarus with the EJ25 engine (pre-2011) require timing belt replacement; FB and FA engines (2011+) use a maintenance-free chain. Subaru's published intervals below align with the owner's manual Schedule II (severe) which most US drivers qualify for.

6 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

Campaign #19V149000 · Feb 28, 2019

Issue: 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.

Risk: Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.

Fix: 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 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Campaign #16V738000 · Oct 13, 2016

Issue: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2008-2014 Impreza vehicles and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, all equipped with turbo-charged engines. The relay that controls the secondary air injection pump may fail, causing the pump to continuously operate and overheat.

Risk: If the air injection pump overheats, it may melt and increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary air injection pump relay, free of charge. The recall began December 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTM-73.

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

Campaign #15V419000 · Jan 7, 2015

Issue: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2012 model year Subaru Impreza 4-Door and Station Wagon vehicles (except WRX/STI models) manufactured April 21, 2011, to February 16, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may deactivate if a front seat passenger operates a device that is plugged into the power outlet such as a music player or cell phone, or touches a metal part of the vehicle such as the forward/rearward seat adjuster lever.

Risk: If the ODS deactivates, the front passenger air bag will be turned off and the front passenger air bag will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupant.

Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the Occupant Control Unit with a modified one, free of charge. The recall began August 21, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQT-55.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Campaign #13V061000 · Feb 25, 2013

Issue: Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with an automatic or CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, certain model year 2012-2013 Impreza vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, and certain model year 2013 XV Crosstrek vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory. Additionally included are certain model year 2013 Legacy and Outback vehicles that may have received replacement RES fobs. If the RES fob is dropped, the fob may malfunction and randomly transmit an engine start request without pressing the button.

Risk: The engine may inadvertently start and run for up to fifteen minutes. The engine may continue to start and stop until the fob battery is depleted, or until the vehicle runs out of fuel. If the vehicle is parked in an enclosed area, there is a risk of carbon monoxide build-up which may cause headaches, dizziness or, in extreme cases, unconsciousness and/or asphyxiation.

Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RES key fobs, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES

Campaign #11V562000 · Nov 29, 2011

Issue: SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 IMPREZA SEDANS AND WAGONS (EXCEPT WRX/STI MODELS), MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 21, 2011, THROUGH NOVEMBER 15, 2011, AND LEGACY AND OUTBACK VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 17, 2011, THROUGH NOVEMBER 23, 2011. THESE VEHICLES MAY BE EQUIPPED WITH A BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER THAT COULD MALFUNCTION AND CAUSE AN INCREASE IN THE AMOUNT OF BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL DISTANCE REQUIRED TO SLOW OR STOP THE VEHICLE.

Risk: THE DRIVER MIGHT MISJUDGE THE AMOUNT OF BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL REQUIRED TO ACHIEVE THE DESIRED STOPPING DISTANCE. THIS COULD OCCUR UNEXPECTEDLY AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Fix: SUBARU WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE IT, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING DECEMBER 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

Campaign #18V772000 · Jan 11, 2018

Issue: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Subaru Impreza, 2012-2013 Impreza Stationwagon, 2013 Subaru BRZ, XV Crosstrek and Toyota Scion FR-S vehicles. The engine valve springs in these vehicles may fracture causing an engine malfunction or a possible engine stall.

Risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Subaru will notify their owners. Toyota will notify the FR-S owners. Dealers will replace the valve springs, free of charge. The recall began December 26, 2018. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614, Toyota owners may contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-888-270-9371. Subaru's number for this recall is WTY-84.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2012 Subaru Impreza.

Reported to NHTSA

CVT transmission valve body and solenoid failure

POWER TRAIN

15 NHTSA complaints · 2017-04 → 2024-01

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU IMPREZA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE JERKED AND ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (CURRY SUBARU, 3040 E MAIN STREET, CORTLAND, NY 10567) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CONTINUOUSLY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11130193
“HIT A BUMP AND DASHBOARD LIT UP WITH SENSOR LIGHTS. SUBARU REPAIR SHOP INSPECTED WITH CODES AND SAID I NEED A NEW VALVE BODY FOR $1700. THE WARRANTY EXTENSION FOR THIS ENDED JULY 2018, BUT I NEVER RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FROM SUBARU OR FROM MY SUBARU DEALER REGARDING THIS KNOWN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11193666
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU IMPREZA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE TO STOHLMANS SUBARU (8435 LEESBURG PIKE, VIENNA, VIRGINIA) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11123449

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Loss of electric power steering assist

STEERING

6 NHTSA complaints · 2014-11 → 2023-09

“CAR WAS DRIVEN TO A GROCERY STORE AND WAS PARKED FOR APPROX. 15 MINUTES. UPON STARTING THE CAR AND PLACING IT IN REVERSE, THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED AND THE POWER STEERING CEASED TO FUNCTION ACCOMPANIED BY AN EPAS WARNING LIGHT DISPLAYED ON THE DASH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10660224
“DEALER ROAD TESTED VEHICLE AND NOTED: "VERIFIED STEERING PULLING TO THE LEFT AND STEERING WHEEL PULLING. TECH FOLLOWED RECOMMENDED DIAGNOSTIC TREE. TECH FOUND (STEERING) GEARBOX CRACKED."”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11103726
“PARTIAL LOSS OF ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING AFFECTING ABILITY TO STEER RIGHT. CAR NATURALLY PULLS TO THE LEFT (INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC) DUE TO POWER STEERING ASSIST BEING STRONGER THAT DIRECTION. DEALER INDICATES THERE IS A SERVICE BULLETIN FOR THIS ISSUE (CRACKED EPS GEAR BOX), SO”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11219492

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Passenger airbag warning light from occupant detection fault

AIR BAGS

82 NHTSA complaints · 2014-06 → 2025-01

“The contact stated that while a relative was seated in the front passenger’s seat, the passenger’s side air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic where a code reader determined that there was a defect with the front passenger’s”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11613051
“SUBARU HAD A RECALL ON THE ODC (OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM) NHTSA 15V419000 FOR CARS PRODUCED FROM 4/2011 THROUGH 2/2012. MY CAR WAS PRODUCED IN MID MARCH 2012 - AND EXPERIENCED THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM AS THE RECALLED VEHICLES. THE ODC WOULD BE DEACTIVATED IF A PASSENGER WAS IN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10884469
“The front passenger seat airbag is faulty and is not able to correctly sense when a passenger is within the seat or not, which disables the airbags. This can be deadly to the passenger if in an accident. The issue seems to be in the ODS passenger seat mat that determines when”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11634194

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Excessive oil consumption and engine failure

ENGINE

36 NHTSA complaints · 2014-06 → 2023-03

“OIL LIGHT CAME ON. SUBARU MANUAL SAYS TO CHANGE OIL EVERY 7,500 MILES. THEY USE SYNTHETIC OIL WHICH IS MORE EXPENSIVE. HAD TO FIND A DEALER WHO ADDED A QUART OF OIL. HAD THE 15,000 MILE SERVICE AND LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN AT 18,000 AND AT 19,800”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10610591
“OIL KEEPS RUNNING DRY BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE. IT HAS BEEN REQUIRING ABOUT 1 QUART EVERY 3,000 MILES. THIS HAS THE ABILITY FOR THE ENGINE TO RUN WITHOUT OIL AND SEIZE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10668509
“PURCHASED THE CAR USE AT 28000 MILES. CHECKED OIL AT TIME OF PURCHASE AND IT WAS FULL. DROVE THE CAR FOR APPROXIMATELY 1200 MILES BEFORE A LOW OIL LIGHT CAME ON. SOUGHT THE HELP OF SUBARU AND GOT AN OIL CONSUMPTION TEST. OIL LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN AT 700 MILES BURNING 16.5 QUARTS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10745993

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Unintended acceleration or loss of throttle response

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

6 NHTSA complaints · 2014-08 → 2019-06

“UPON ENTERING A PARKING GARAGE AND PARKING, THE CAR ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN AND CRASHED INTO A CEMENT WALL. I WAS DRIVING SLOWLY HAVING JUST MADE SEVERAL TURNS WITHIN THE GARAGE AND THEN ALIGNED, AS USUAL, WITH THE LINES TO PARK. THE CAR REVVED EXTREMELY HIGH AND TOOK OFF”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10621897
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU IMPREZA. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO EXIT A PARKING LOT, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION AFTER ENGAGING THE BRAKES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10894742
“LOST THROTTLE CONTROL ON THE HIGHWAY(THROTTLE DISCONNECTED?) DOING 60+MPH, CAR BEHIND ALMOST HIT ME. CODE SHOWS A FAULTY PEDAL POSITION ASSEMBLY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11193113

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Heater blower connector overheating or melting

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

6 NHTSA complaints · 2017-02 → 2025-08

“ON THE HEATER CONTROLS, FOR THE FAN SPEED, THE CONNECTOR ON THE BACK CAUGHT FIRE, I WAS ABLE TO STOP IT IN TIME TO PREVENT ANY FURTHER DAMAGE. MY MOTHER IN LAW AND MY SON RIDE THAT CAR DAILY, COULD OF BEEN A DISASTER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11337149
“The AC unit suddenly shutoff and there was a burning smell while I was driving. It turns out that the connector on the back of the climate control unit had either drawn too much current, or the resistance was too high, and the connector had started burning”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11633290
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONER AND HEATER STOPPED WORKING. THE CONTACT PULLED OUT THE PANEL WHERE THE SWITCH WAS LOCATED AND NOTICED THAT THE SWITCH WAS BURNED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10950329

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 1 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 6,000 mi

Replace 0W-20 full-synthetic oil and filter every 6,000 miles. WRX/STI 2.0L/2.5L turbo: 3,750 miles. Non-turbo FB engines: 6,000 miles severe / 10,000 normal.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. Critical on Subaru AWD — uneven tread depth across all 4 tires (>2/32") forces the center differential to bind, damaging the AWD coupling.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, calipers, and parking brake every 7,500 miles. Outback and Forester pads commonly last 35,000-50,000 miles depending on terrain.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Front Differential / Manual Transmission Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace front differential and manual transmission fluid every 30,000 miles. CVT models use proprietary Subaru CVT fluid — a separate item.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace rear differential fluid every 30,000 miles. Use Subaru 75W-90 GL-5 — substitutes can cause whining noises within months.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

CVT Fluid (Lineartronic)

Every 30,000 mi

Subaru CVT models (Outback, Legacy, Forester, Crosstrek, Impreza, Ascent): replace Lineartronic CVT fluid every 30,000 miles severe / 60,000 normal. Subaru High-Torque CVT-II fluid only — incorrect fluid destroys the chain-and-pulley system.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$360–$500

Shop

~$255–$355

DIY

~$80–$180

CVT fluid is manufacturer-specific and pricey — do NOT substitute conventional ATF.

Timing Belt (EJ25 engines, pre-2011)

Every 105,000 mi

Older Subarus with the EJ25 boxer engine (Forester, Outback, Legacy 1996-2010): replace timing belt every 105,000 miles. FB and FA boxer engines (2011+) use a chain — no scheduled replacement.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$935–$1175

Shop

~$655–$825

DIY

Pro only

On interference engines, a snapped belt destroys valves. Worth doing on schedule. Bundle water pump + tensioner — labor is already there.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 30 months. Subaru's brake hold and EyeSight automatic emergency braking depend on uncontaminated fluid.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace engine air filter every 30,000 miles. WRX/STI: inspect every oil change due to the higher airflow demand of the turbo intake.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Spark Plugs

Every 60,000 mi

Iridium plugs every 60,000 miles on FB engines. WRX/STI 2.5L turbo: 30,000 miles due to higher cylinder pressures and EGT.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Super Coolant

Every 30,000 mi

Subaru Super Coolant (blue): first change at 137,500 miles or 11 years, then every 30,000 miles. Do not substitute green or orange — head gasket sealing chemistry depends on the formula.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 15,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 15,000 miles. Behind the glove box on most Subaru models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

33 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

10

complaints mentioning a crash

4

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2012 Subaru Impreza reflects Subaru's published service intervals. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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