NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
23 reportsClear category filter156,000 miles · Jan 28, 2025
Power Train
The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate above 80 MPH. In addition, the contact stated that the gear shifter did not shift a…
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The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate above 80 MPH. In addition, the contact stated that the gear shifter did not shift as intended and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with transmission control system failure. The contact was informed that the torque converter clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, a diagnostic test had not been completed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 156,000.
NHTSA ODI #11639119
Mileage unknown · Jan 6, 2025
Power Train
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. I contacted Groove Subaru and they told me that I had a malfunctioning Valve Body and needs to be replaced. I was told that this is a common issue …
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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. I contacted Groove Subaru and they told me that I had a malfunctioning Valve Body and needs to be replaced. I was told that this is a common issue with Subarus with CVT transmission reason why they changed their warranty to 10years/100k miles. Mine has only 67k miles and already malfunctioned. They said they won't cover mine because I'm on the 11th year so they asked me to pay $2500 for everything. Reason why I'm writing this letter is to inform you that this should be considered as recall and I shouldn't paid for anything. My car is good as brand new. I seldom use it. Please help me consider this as recall since it is happening on all Subarus with CVT transmission. Thank you!
NHTSA ODI #11634396
Mileage unknown · Aug 31, 2023
Power Train
We own a 2013 Subaru impreza. The transmission valve body part has been determined to be defective from the factory, therefore rendering our vehicle unusable, stopping in front of other vehicles on the road. Subaru of America is aware of this reoccurring part failure with other vehicles of the same model, that they applied a thi…
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We own a 2013 Subaru impreza. The transmission valve body part has been determined to be defective from the factory, therefore rendering our vehicle unusable, stopping in front of other vehicles on the road. Subaru of America is aware of this reoccurring part failure with other vehicles of the same model, that they applied a third warranty on the transmission and drivetrain.
NHTSA ODI #11541870
Mileage unknown · Jul 31, 2023
EnginePower TrainUnknown Or Other
I have been having continuous problems with engine light coming on w the wheel skid light also. I went to Auto Zone and the codes P000D, C1422,P00700 and others. I took vehicle to Subaru to inspect for repair September 11, 2021 The oil temp, traction control light, ABS, and hill control light went off, but the engine light c…
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I have been having continuous problems with engine light coming on w the wheel skid light also. I went to Auto Zone and the codes P000D, C1422,P00700 and others. I took vehicle to Subaru to inspect for repair September 11, 2021 The oil temp, traction control light, ABS, and hill control light went off, but the engine light came back on. I left it alone didn't bother with it, figured nothing could be done. I then went to another auto shop on November 28, 2022 because it did bother me about the engine light, someone mention it was dangerous driving w the light on because something could actually be wrong. Also, this shop was to be cheaper. The codes repaired were P000A, P000C, drove off lot engine light came back on. I know it was time for my E- check so I thought I'd give it another try back at Subaru. On July 14, 2023 for repair of engine light. The tests showed repairs for P00A, P00D. They told me they were repairing the vehicle. I left Subaru and about 5 minutes of leaving the engine light came back on. I called them and stated the light was back on, they told me to come in and they could look at it, but I don't have another $ 729.00 to keep giving these auto shops. I had and E-check on July 22, 2023 and didn't pass because of codes P0021 and P000C.
NHTSA ODI #11535485
Mileage unknown · Oct 15, 2021
Power Train
Three warning lights (ABS; Incline start assist; Traction control system) illuminate, while the AT Oil Temp warning light flashes. This happens sporadically and not every time the car is driven. The Subaru dealership mentioned it was some type of module that was tripping the codes. I'm reporting this issue, because I didn't see …
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Three warning lights (ABS; Incline start assist; Traction control system) illuminate, while the AT Oil Temp warning light flashes. This happens sporadically and not every time the car is driven. The Subaru dealership mentioned it was some type of module that was tripping the codes. I'm reporting this issue, because I didn't see a recall for it.
NHTSA ODI #11436951
Mileage unknown · Aug 27, 2021
Power TrainUnknown Or Other
Was traveling normally and suddenly car abruptly stopped with engine running.
NHTSA ODI #11430718
Mileage unknown · Jun 27, 2021
EnginePower TrainUnknown Or Other
Was driving on I-70 in Colorado going 60-65 mph uphill when all indicator lights came on and AT (Automatic Transition) Oil Temp light began flashing. Check Engine, Hill Assist, ABS, and Traction Control lights all came on steady on. Had to pull over and had significant power loss during driving. Googled what AT Oil Temp light me…
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Was driving on I-70 in Colorado going 60-65 mph uphill when all indicator lights came on and AT (Automatic Transition) Oil Temp light began flashing. Check Engine, Hill Assist, ABS, and Traction Control lights all came on steady on. Had to pull over and had significant power loss during driving. Googled what AT Oil Temp light meant and called a tow truck to take to my mechanic. Mechanic initially indicated it could be valve body problem which in his words is a "known issue with Subaru CVT engines." Code pulled was p2764. They ended up pulling the pan and draining fluid and found excessive metal built up on magnet in pan. This pan and headgasket were repaired less than 6k miles ago (October 2020) and at that time they said everything was in good shape so something drastic happened to CVT in less than a year. Mechanic unable to say what caused the excessive buildup in that time. Safety compromised as left on side of very busy highway waiting for tow - we were also concerned with whether or not car would overheat/catch on fire due to AT oil being over 200 degrees. Problem confirmed by our mechanic and indicated that we need a full transmission replacement. No other warnings prior to this event. Maintenance is current and in 2018 performed recall service indicated by Subaru for valve spring issue.
NHTSA ODI #11422506
135,000 miles · Apr 4, 2021
Electrical SystemExterior LightingPower Train
VEHICLE HAS KNOWN DEFECT WHERE THE OIL CONTROL VALVES ON FRONT OF ENGINE FAIL AND LEAK OIL ONTO MAIN WIRING HARNESS. THE DEFECT MANIFESTS ITSELF IN ELECTRICAL SHORTS, LIGHTING FAILURE, ENGINE NOT BEING ABLE TO BE STARTED, ENGINE FUNCTION FAILING WHILE IN USE, BATTERY FAILURE DUE TO SHORT CIRCUIT CREATED AMONG OTHER ISSUES IMPACT…
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VEHICLE HAS KNOWN DEFECT WHERE THE OIL CONTROL VALVES ON FRONT OF ENGINE FAIL AND LEAK OIL ONTO MAIN WIRING HARNESS. THE DEFECT MANIFESTS ITSELF IN ELECTRICAL SHORTS, LIGHTING FAILURE, ENGINE NOT BEING ABLE TO BE STARTED, ENGINE FUNCTION FAILING WHILE IN USE, BATTERY FAILURE DUE TO SHORT CIRCUIT CREATED AMONG OTHER ISSUES IMPACTING STARTING, RUNNING, SAFE USEAGE AND POTENTIAL DANGEROUS FAILURE WHILE OPERATING VEHICLE. PREVIOUS COMPLAINT LOGGED, NO EVIDENCE THAT PROBLEM IS BEING INVESTIGATED - ALTHOUGH MANUFACTURER HAS ACKNOWLEGED KNOWLEDGE OF ISSUE BY ISSUING A SERVICE BULLETIN.
NHTSA ODI #11406313
67,404 miles · Jul 18, 2020
Fuel/propulsion SystemPower TrainService Brakes
MY CARS BREAK LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING. MY CAR WILL LOSE POWER ON THE ROAD TO WHERE IT WILL COMPLETELY DIE AND I HAVE TO TURN THE IGNITION OFF AND TURN IT BACK ON TO KEEP GOING. MY EMERGENCY BRAKE LIGHT IS ON MY TIRE SENSOR LIGHTS ARE ON EVEN THOUGH TIRE PRESSURE IS CORRECT THERE ARE TIMES WHEN I CANNOT GET MY CAR INTO GEAR. IT WI…
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MY CARS BREAK LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING. MY CAR WILL LOSE POWER ON THE ROAD TO WHERE IT WILL COMPLETELY DIE AND I HAVE TO TURN THE IGNITION OFF AND TURN IT BACK ON TO KEEP GOING. MY EMERGENCY BRAKE LIGHT IS ON MY TIRE SENSOR LIGHTS ARE ON EVEN THOUGH TIRE PRESSURE IS CORRECT THERE ARE TIMES WHEN I CANNOT GET MY CAR INTO GEAR. IT WILL MAKE A VERY LOUD CLUNKING NOISE AND THEN A WHIZZING NOISE WHEN YOU TURN THE AIR CONDITIONER ON AND THEN YOU GET NO POWER AT ALL TO THE CAR. I CANNOT GO UP A STEEP HILL ON THE HIGHWAY BECAUSE IT WILL ONLY GO UP TO 35 MILES AN HOUR. WHEN IT LOSES POWER ON THE HIGHWAY AND I HAVE TO THE RESTART THE CAR THAT'S VERY DANGEROUS.
NHTSA ODI #11340075
129,500 miles · Jun 13, 2020
Power Train
CVT FAILING WHICH IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH THE A/T. I FEEL IT CAN LEAD TO A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AS I TRAVEL FAR AND FREQUENTLY. I WILL NOT ALLOW MY CHILDREN TO RIDE IN THE VEHICLE AS THIS SHOULD BE RECALLED AND REPLACED OR REPAIRED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #11328708
Official recalls
4Feb 28, 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 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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.
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 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90.
Nov 1, 2018
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Oct 13, 2016
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the air injection pump overheats, it may melt and increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: 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.
Feb 25, 2013
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Equipment
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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Electrical System
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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗