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2013 Subaru Impreza Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2013 Subaru Impreza carries 4 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering switch and electrical system. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Electric power steering rack and gearbox 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.

4 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.

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.

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 2013 Subaru Impreza.

Reported to NHTSA

Electric power steering rack and gearbox failure

STEERING

10 NHTSA complaints · 2019-03 → 2025-10

“WITHOUT WARNING AND WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET, MY POWER STEERING WENT OUT. THE STEERING WHEEL IS NOT ONLY MORE DIFFICULT TO TURN NOW, BUT IT DOES NOT TURN SMOOTHLY OR CONSISTENTLY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11365915
“2013 SUBARU IMPREZA HAS 67,000 MILES. STEERING PULLS TO THE LEFT WHEN DRIVING AND THEN ALL THE WAY TO THE LEFT WHEN STOPPED OR TURNED OFF”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11246042
“A crack appeared in the area noted as the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) Gear Box housing Assembly. The dealership said it was in fact dangerous as it could affect the steering”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11693438

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

CVT transmission valve body failure

POWER TRAIN

10 NHTSA complaints · 2017-08 → 2025-01

“WHILE GOING 65 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY THE CONTINUOUS VARIABLE TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP, GAS PEDAL BECAME UNRESPONSIVE, AND THE CAR HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11297032
“DIAGNOSING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REVEALS CODE P2764, WHICH INDICATES THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL VALVE BODY NEEDS TO BE REPLACED DUE TO A FAULTY SOLENOID”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11258726
“Last month, my 2013 Subaru Impreza Sport with only 67k that I bought brand new had a blinking AT (Automatic Transmission) Oil Temp light and three other lights were lit on the panel”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11634396

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Valve spring recall repair delays and failures

ENGINE

27 NHTSA complaints · 2019-01 → 2020-10

“RECEIVED A NOTICE ABOUT SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA ID 18V-722) INVOLVING RISK OF VALVE SPRING FAILURE THAT COULD LEAD TO ENGINE STALLING AND RISK OF CRASH. CALLED OUR LOCAL SUBARU DEALERSHIP IN GOLDEN, CO TO HAVE THE ISSUE RESOLVED. WAS TOLD THAT THE EARLIEST THAT THEY COULD GET TO IT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11171363
“RECALL WORK TO REPLACE THE VALVE SPRINGS WAS PERFORMED MAY 13TH. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON MAY 14TH. LESS THAN 500 MILES AND ONE MONTH LATER IT THREW A PISTON ROD AND BLEW THE ENGINE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11222976
“I INITIALLY CALLED MY LOCAL DEALER TO FIX THE RECALL (ENGINE VALVE MALFUNCTION) ON JANUARY 18, 2019. THEY SOONEST AVAILABLE DATE TO SCHEDULE THE REPAIR WAS TODAY, MAY 13, 2019 CITING A BACK ORDER ON PARTS. ALMOST 5 MONTHS LATER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11207362

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine stalling, power loss, and oil consumption

ENGINE

20 NHTSA complaints · 2017-07 → 2026-04

“I HAVE HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE CAR BURNING OIL SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR. MY OIL LIGHT COMES ON AFTER EVERY 1000.00 MILES AND IT IS DOWN AT LEAST A QUART AND A HALF EACH TIME”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11291332
“The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled without warning”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11501475
“VECHILE BURNING OIL AT A RATE OF A QUART EVERY 1500 MILES,SUBARU STATED THAT THIS IS NORMAL, MECHANICS TOLD ME THIS IS NOT NORMAL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11010706

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Passenger airbag occupant detection system failure

AIR BAGS

39 NHTSA complaints · 2017-07 → 2024-11

“The passenger airbag occupancy sensor in my care is broken and has been since I purchased this vehicle in 2016”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11436688
“PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DISABLED BECAUSE THE UNDER SEAT SENSOR IS FAULTY IN 2013 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE DEALER CHARGED ME $154.95 JUST TO READ THE CODE TO EXPLAIN THE FAULT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11278887
“Passenger side seat occupancy sensor failed to recognize the occupancy of the passenger seat. Sensor seams to have failed causing the airbag malfunction light to illuminate on the dash”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11460611

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Ignition key stuck in switch and wiring harness overheating

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

14 NHTSA complaints · 2018-06 → 2024-07

“WHEN CAR IS PUT INTO PARK THE KEY CANNON BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION. IT'S AN ONGOING INTERMITTENT PROBLEM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11315972
“THE WIRE HARNESS FOR THE BLOWER MOTOR SWITCH MELTED AND CREATED A DANGEROUS FIRE HAZARD. THE WIRE HARNESS AND BLOWER MOTOR SWITCH HAS TO BE REPLACED DUE TO THE CONDITION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11151071
“Upon placing the vehicle in park, the key will not be released from the ignition. This has happened intermittently for months”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11474096

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake line corrosion and hydraulic brake failure

SERVICE BRAKES

6 NHTSA complaints · 2019-03 → 2026-08

“Brake line is rusted at rear distribution block. We were driving the vehicle on a highway (~60mph). When the driver pressed the brake pedal, it did not respond and we had to pull the emergency brake”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11420816
“my 1013 Subaru Impressa experienced a failure of the hydraulic braking system, exhibited by the brake warning light and loss of braking ability”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11426457
“The brakes failed due to a leak in the brake lines (pedal to the floor). Location of the leak is just after a union on the passenger side rear (just in front of the rear tire)”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11755639

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

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)

44 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.

13

complaints mentioning a crash

7

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 2013 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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