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2013 Subaru Impreza

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Impreza years

Owner complaints for the 2013 Subaru Impreza are substantially higher than the model-year median of 56.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

154 reports with mileage · 95 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Air Bags. Review the 79 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 74 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 33 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

13 crash reports7 fire reports3 injury reports

Structure complaints

6 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jun 11, 2024
Structure

Severe rust on B Pillar of passenger door, and each door is rusting in same location. Have seen several reports of this online so reporting that I have experienced the same. Roof is also bubbling in a couple locations and I suspect it is from inside given the noise that comes from the windshield in cold weather since the car w…

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Severe rust on B Pillar of passenger door, and each door is rusting in same location. Have seen several reports of this online so reporting that I have experienced the same. Roof is also bubbling in a couple locations and I suspect it is from inside given the noise that comes from the windshield in cold weather since the car was new. Not sure of the date I first noticed, so I am putting today’s date since that’s when I learned about reporting potential safety issues.to NHTSA.

NHTSA ODI #11593781

Mileage unknown · Mar 18, 2024
EngineStructure

Parts of my undercarriage, rusting and falling off Parts of the car are dissolving and falling off like nuts bolts & an exhaust manifold cover & oil valve.

NHTSA ODI #11577981

Mileage unknown · Jul 24, 2022
Structure

The hood primary latch frequently releases causing me to rely on the safety catch. Re-dropping the hood sets it again only to notice several days later that the hood is again unlatched.

NHTSA ODI #11475516

66,000 miles · Jan 7, 2020
Air BagsEngineStructureCrash

I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT ON I-10 ON 11/27/2019 AT 2 PM. I WAS TRAVELING AT 60- TO 65 MPH AND HIT A SUV THAT HAD STOPPED IN THE LEFT HAND LANE. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY ( PASSENGER OR DRIVER SIDE) I HAVE REPORTED THIS TO SUBARU AND SO FAR THEY HAVE NOT BEEN HELPFUL. I RECEIVED CONTUSIONS FROM MY RIGHT HIP TO MY LEFT CLAVIC…

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I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT ON I-10 ON 11/27/2019 AT 2 PM. I WAS TRAVELING AT 60- TO 65 MPH AND HIT A SUV THAT HAD STOPPED IN THE LEFT HAND LANE. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY ( PASSENGER OR DRIVER SIDE) I HAVE REPORTED THIS TO SUBARU AND SO FAR THEY HAVE NOT BEEN HELPFUL. I RECEIVED CONTUSIONS FROM MY RIGHT HIP TO MY LEFT CLAVICLE BUT NO BROKEN BONES.

NHTSA ODI #11297758

70,215 miles · Jun 12, 2019
EngineExterior LightingStructure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT USED IN OCTOBER OF 2018. THE CONTACT RECEIVED RECALL NOTICES FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 18V772000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND 19V149000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO CENTER SUBARU (45 WINSTED RD, TORRINGTON, CT …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT USED IN OCTOBER OF 2018. THE CONTACT RECEIVED RECALL NOTICES FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 18V772000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND 19V149000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO CENTER SUBARU (45 WINSTED RD, TORRINGTON, CT 06790, (860) 489-1301) WHERE IT WAS NOTICED THAT THE FRAME HAD MAJOR DAMAGE THAT WAS COVERED UP TO RESELL THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER RESEARCHED THE VEHICLE IN THEIR SYSTEM AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY COULD NOT PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIRS BECAUSE THE VEHICLE HAD A SALVAGE TITLE. THE DEALER FURTHER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND THAT THE CONTACT MAY HAVE BEEN RIPPED OFF WHEN PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER FROM WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED (AUTO SALES CT, 1320 WOLCOTT RD, WOLCOTT, CT 06716, (203) 441-4911) DID NOT DISCLOSE THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SALVAGED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,215.

NHTSA ODI #11219450

30,000 miles · Jul 20, 2017
Power TrainStructure

HELLO, IT HAS COME TIME WHERE MY LOYAL SUBARU HAS HAD IT'S FIREWALL SPOT WELDS SNAP OFF AND MY FIREWALL MOVES ABOUT 3 INCHES EVERYTIME I ENGAGED THE CLUTCH OR BRAKES. I REACHED OUT TO SUBARU OF AMERICA WHERE THEY HAD ME GET AN ESTIMATE OF 1750 DOLLARS. WHEN I SENT THEM THE INVOICE THE BEST THEY WOULD COVER IS 750 DOLLARS OF IT.…

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HELLO, IT HAS COME TIME WHERE MY LOYAL SUBARU HAS HAD IT'S FIREWALL SPOT WELDS SNAP OFF AND MY FIREWALL MOVES ABOUT 3 INCHES EVERYTIME I ENGAGED THE CLUTCH OR BRAKES. I REACHED OUT TO SUBARU OF AMERICA WHERE THEY HAD ME GET AN ESTIMATE OF 1750 DOLLARS. WHEN I SENT THEM THE INVOICE THE BEST THEY WOULD COVER IS 750 DOLLARS OF IT. THIS ISSUE IS A SEVERE SAFETY CONCERN ON BEHALF OF MY LIFE AND THE COMPANY ACTED IN BAD FAITH TOWARDS IT'S CUSTOMER. THE CAR HAD NEVER BEEN BEAT ON OR ABUSED AND FROM JUST SIMPLY DRIVING THE CAR ON A NORMAL BASIS CREATED THIS ISSUE. AT THE TIME THIS HAPPENED I WASN'T AWARE OF THE WHAT WAS AT STAKE. I RESEARCHED THE NUMEROUS PEOPLE FILING CLASS ACTION LAWSUITS SINCE MORE THAN A THIRD OF THE PRODUCTION THIRD GEN WRXS WERE PROBED TO THIS FAULTY FIREWALL WELDS. SUBARU HAS BEEN WELL AWARE OF THIS AND KNEW THAT THIS COULD HAPPEN OR WHEN I EMAILED THEY WOULD HAVE ARGUED AGAINST IT BUT JUST INSTANTLY OFFERED A PORTION OF IT. IN THE BEST INTEREST OF MY SAFETY I FEEL IT'S NECESSARY FOR SUBARU TO PAY THE ENTIRE PORTION OF THE BILL TO ENSURE MY LIFE WILL BE SAFE IN THEIR CAR. IF THERE'S ANYTHING THAT YOU COULD DO TO HELP ME THAT WOULD BE MUCH APPRECIATED. THANKS FOR YOUR TIME, JEREMY.

NHTSA ODI #11006592

Official recalls

4

19V149000 · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch

Feb 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.

18V772000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine

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.

16V738000 · Electrical System

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.

13V061000 · Electrical System; Equipment

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 ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.