10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
34,325 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2013 Subaru Impreza engine problems

engine problem

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2013 Subaru Impreza Owner Comments (Page 1 of 4)

problem #69

May 252022

Impreza 4-cyl

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

There is a known rod bearing failure issue for the years 2012 - 2017. They automatically extended the warranty to 10 year 100k miles. My car was bought from the Subaru Dealership in Santa Clara California in 2018 (certified pre owned) with 69,000 miles on it They failed to disclose this information - and that there was a class action lawsuit regarding these engines in 2016. (two years before my purchase) This class action settlement has since "expired" or closed...which I do not understand. Currently my vehicle has suffered this failure with only 82,000 miles. THIS WAS NOT ANY FAULT OF MY OWN - while the dealer claims my oil was "dirty" I had the oil changed before the regularly scheduled maintenance intervals. The Dealer purposely quoted me $16,000 for the engine repair - while the OEM engine only costs ~ $3,000 on the Subaru website. My guess is that they did this knowing SOA (Subaru of America) would deny my warranty claim. After much back and forth - me providing receipts for oil and filters (all oil changes performed by certified mechanic). They did deny my warranty claim citing "the overall cost, and age of my vehicle".

- Hollister, CA, USA

problem #68

Aug 062022

Impreza

  • 83,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled without warning. The contact was able to merge over to the right lane, exited the highway, and veered to the side of the road. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the failure reoccurred while driving and coming to a complete stop. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be rebuilt or replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as the VIN was not included in a recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the dealer. The dealer informed the contact that the engine needed to be rebuilt; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed by the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.

- Des Plaines, IL, USA

problem #67

Dec 162017

Impreza

  • 40,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 mph when the check engine illuminated and a loud rattling noise emitted from underneath the hood of the vehicle. The vehicle then suddenly stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer had replaced the engine. Approximately after the repair while they were driving approximately 40 mph when the same failure occurred. The vehicle was towed to the same dealer who replaced the engine again. After the second replacement while driving the vehicle was part the vehicle had caught on fire. The fire department was called and put out the fire. No injuries, medical attention needed. The contact's insurance had replaced the engine a third time. Again, while driving at the same speeds the check engine light suddenly illuminated and the vehicle began rattling underneath the hood. The contact also smelled a fuel burning odor coming into the vehicle. The contact had pulled over and had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case regarding the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.

- Akron, OH, USA

problem #66

Nov 172021

Impreza

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Secondary air system failure air control value seized witch cause a failed emissions second replacment. Inorder to replace you need to take apart complete manifold not an eazy replace. The failure is keeping me from passing safety emissions

- Boscawen, NH, USA

problem #65

Aug 212021

Impreza

  • miles
Check engine/break/ABS/traction control/ cruise control and AT OIL TEMP lights are all on. Now my back break lights are not working! Car jerks at times. Read on a few forms that this was an issue for Subaru Imprezas 2012 and up. There was also a recall on this issue on April 2019. Please have this recalled again.

- Rochester, NY, USA

problem #64

Jun 182021

Impreza

  • miles
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.

- Denver, CO, USA

problem #63

Mar 012020

Impreza

  • 95,224 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated while driving various speeds, the oil level warning light illuminated after the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 18V772000 (engine and engine cooling). The vehicle was taken to Subaru of jacksonville (10800 atlantic blvd, jacksonville, fl 32225, (904) 641-6455) and diagnosed that the timing cover needed to be replaced. Additionally, the contact was informed that there were no oil leaks found. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to same dealer and the contact was informed that the timing cover needed to be adjusted. The contact stated that oil warning light was illuminated. The oil level was topped off. The vehicle was taken back to the same dealer where an oil consumption test was performed and it was determined that the engine consumed a quart of oil and that the short block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was contacted however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 95,224.

- Fernandina, FL, USA

problem #62

Aug 062020

Impreza

  • 120,000 miles
Vehicle has had multiple incidents of not starting, engine losing power, extended engine cranking and other electrical issues for what was unknown reasons, documented in numerous dealer reports. Was informed that the issue is due to oil leaking from oil control valve (ocv) leaking into wiring harness. Vehicle has had issues when in motion, before running and while trying to start.

- Temperance, MI, USA

problem #61

Sep 022019

Impreza 4-cyl

  • miles
The car broke down Nov. 2018 while my wife was driving on interstate highway. Dealer replaced valve body. Car was using a lot of oil between changes. When asked about it, dealer service dept said "just keep adding oil." Car started putting out blue cloud from exhaust when started. Asked dealer service dept, they said "Subaru do that. Just keep adding oil." Had recall work done March 2019: Valve spring replacement. Again asked about oil consumption. Service dept. Recommended adding oil between oil changes. Labor day 2019 car broke down again with same dash indicators flashing as in Nov. 2018. Car was in drive and moving forward at 35 miles per hour on a city street 150 miles from home. Dealer service dept said timing chain had jumped, engine failed. According to dealer service department, engine had excessive oil consumption, and said "engine is oil deprived." Car now needs a new engine.dealer had promised to fix if issue from 2018 returned. The dealer did not honor the promise.

- Louisville, KY, USA

problem #60

Feb 212020

Impreza

  • 78,000 miles
Driving along and started making bad noise from motor. Lost power. The same thing happened about 2 yrs ago wiyh around 52000 miles on it. Then Subaru fixed it. This time they are using all sorts of excuses. To get out of fixing it unless I pay an undefined amount...just as last time I had all my maintenance logged. That isnt in question but bec there are heat shields that were rattling I just took off and some bolts I replaced like when I put a new exhaust flange gasket. They want to get out of it by saying it looks as if it could have had performance products on it.

- Nanuet, NY, USA

problem #59

Nov 272019

Impreza

  • 66,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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.

- Tucson, AZ, USA

problem #58

Jan 042020

Impreza

  • 127,000 miles
My wife and I were driving from California to Colorado last Saturday, and our car stopped running halfway across Utah. A valve spring blew a hole in our ignition and we had to get our vehicle towed 50 miles to the nearest car shop. My wife later found out that their was a recall on the vehicle for that exact same issue. I contacted Subaru this morning about the recall and they said that I would have to get it towed to the nearest Subaru dealership to get assistance. Moreover they stated that because of my high milage it will depend whether or not they provide some coverage for the damages. My wife and I purchased the vehicle last year from heuberger motors, and were never informed about the recall. The vehicle is currently still being held by the towing company in Utah, furthermore I'm currently stationed in fort carson Colorado about 600 miles away.

- Colorado Springs, CO, USA

problem #57

Jan 292019

Impreza

  • 1,000 miles
I have had a problem with the car burning oil since I bought the car. My oil light comes on after every $1000 miles and it is down at least a quart and a half each time. I change the oil every 3000 miles but I still have to put oil in in between. I ordered this car from a dealership rt from the factory. The oil consumption has been a problem since day one. I have brought it to the dealerships over 5-7 times. They will not acknowledge the problem.

- West Warwick, RI, USA

problem #56

Jun 222018

Impreza

  • miles
There have been repeated and reoccurring issues related to oil consumption as well as a faulty cvt transmission. Subaru has issued an extended 100,000 mile warranty, but this information was not provided directly to me. I found out about the extended warranty when I took the car in to a mechanic and they had knowledge of the extended warranty. The mechanic recommended I take it to a Subaru service center to try and get it covered under warranty. The car had 94,000 miles at the time I was made aware of this on 6/22/18. Since 6/22/18-11/2/19, I have repeatedly had reoccurring issues with both oil consumption and the cvt transmission. The service department has claimed to have repaired issues, but I have never had resolve of any of them. Instead I feel as though I have been told each item has been repaired. If similar issues have occurred, like the oil light illuminating after the short block replacement, I been given the explanation that it is due to software issues that need updating. These excuses have been given repeatedly until the 12 month warranty of the parts in question has then passed. This same thing has occurred with the slipping cvt transmission that I reported on 6/22/18, and now I am being told the transmission needs to be replaced at a cost of $8,000 out of pocket. The car is not even valued at $8,000 anymore. I would strongly advise research into these faulty parts and the consumer deceit that has occurred to myself and millions of other Subaru owners. Deceiving consumers until extended warranty periods pass, and requiring consumers to pay out of pocket should be illegal. I see now why Subaru opted for this extended warranty for both of these issues rather than admitting fault and providing a recall. This allows the deceit and Subaru taking financial responsibility of repairs to occur by looping in the service department into this scam. Do not buysubaru

- Portland, OR, USA

problem #55

Aug 182019

Impreza

  • 94,000 miles
2 belts came apart at 65K miles & were replaced on 4/14/2018. Then again not even month after on 5/19/2018 2 belts were replaced again at 66K miles, and 3rd time on 8/18/2019 at 94K same 2 belts came apart and this time ruined radiator, engine and many other parts in the vehicle (vehicle would need to be taken apart to determine the damages) waiting to hear back from Subaru's asking to fix the vehicle St ubarus expense.

- Phoenix, AZ, USA

problem #54

Oct 182019

Impreza

  • 66,800 miles
Factory recall for a valve spring and brake lamp switch replacement was completed on Sept.25, 2019. The car engine caught on fire while I was driving on October 18, 2019. I was stopped at a red light on a city street. The police and fire departments were called to put out the flames. The fire marshal was present to document and take photos. My car was towed. I understand this has happened to cars involved in the recall.

- Mt Pleasant, Sc, SC, USA

problem #53

Aug 272019

Impreza

  • 64,000 miles
After 7 weeks and multiple cosmetic attempts to repair the damage they did to my car I am still driving an unsafe car that smells of gas. All of this occurring after a faulty recall repair (that they do not deny) that nearly caused a multi car crash on RT495. What I want from patrick motors/ Subaru of America: I want my car repaired as soon as possible to the satisfaction that the car is not dangerous to drive. Can you help me!

- Leominster, MA, USA

problem #52

Jul 152019

Impreza

  • miles
I received notification of 2 safety recalls for my vehicle: Subaru recall wty-84 (NHTSA id 18V-772) and Subaru safety recall wue-90 (NHTSA recall id 19V-149.) I purchased my car on the island of O'ahu and live on the island of moloka'I. servco Subaru will not pay for my car to be shipped by barge for repairs. Since the valve springs affected are a defect in the engine upon manufacture, I feel that I should receive reimbursement for the cost of shipping. My budget is tight and this will be a hardship.

- Kaunakakai, HI, USA

problem #51

Jul 082019

Impreza

  • 78,095 miles
On 07/08/2019 I took my Subaru Impreza to a local dealership to have recalls wue90 and wty84 competed. It now seems that whatever work was done to satisfy the recalls has been causing the car to malfunction. The recall service was completed on 07/09, and I picked it up that day. Beginning on 07/10, however, the check engine and vehicle dynamics control warning lights started coming on intermittently. So far, these warning lights have displayed for a portion, or for the entirety, of 22 of the past 32 days. Both lights (check engine and vdc) have displayed together every time, and are usually on or off when the vehicle is started. When the lights are on, the cruise control does not function and I have noticed a significant (-21.6%) decrease from my average gas mileage. On four occasions that I am able to recall, the warning lights also came on under braking (I.e. they were off when I started the car and then turned on at some point during my trip when I pressed the brakes). Whether the warning lights are on or off, I have no way of knowing what isn't working (other than the cruise control as I mentioned). I have taken the vehicle back to Subaru twice to try to resolve the issue: First on 07/10 and then on 08/07. They scanned the codes, did some work on it, and gave the car back to me, claiming that it was fixed. The one thing they are failing to consider is that the problem may actually be related to the service performed to complete the recalls because I've never had an issue with the vdc since I bought the car almost six years ago, and I don't believe the check engine light has come on during that period either. At this point, I don't even know if the car is safe to drive. Attachment: Photo of warning lights after leaving the camelback Subaru (phoenix, AZ) service shop on 08/07/2019.

- Phoenix, AZ, USA

problem #50

May 102019

Impreza

  • 98,105 miles
Recall #18V-772, valve spring repair. On May 9, 2019 roger's Subaru performed recall work on my 2013 Impreza. Now my engine makes a loud knocking noise. This noise happens when driving & when stationary.

- Genesee, ID, USA

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