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Model year record

2013 Subaru Impreza recalls & problems

The 2013 Subaru Impreza has 4 safety recalls and 251 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is air bags (96 complaints).

Recalls4safety recalls
Complaints251filed by owners
Crashes · fires13 · 7reported in complaints
NHTSA overall5 ★crash-test stars
2013 Subaru Impreza in an NHTSA crash test
NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

Exterior lightingFeb 28, 2019

Brake lights › Switch

Recall 19V1490001,303,530 vehicles

Problem
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.
Engine and engine coolingNov 1, 2018

Engine

Recall 18V772000165,534 vehicles

Problem
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.
Electrical systemOct 13, 2016

Electrical system

Recall 16V738000100,127 vehicles

Problem
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.
EquipmentFeb 25, 2013

Equipment

Recall 13V06100047,419 vehicles

Problem
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.

Components: Equipment; Electrical system

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2013 Subaru Impreza SW AWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk10.1%

2013 Subaru Impreza 4 DR AWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk10.1%
2013 Subaru Impreza NHTSA side crash test
NHTSA side barrier crash test
2013 Subaru Impreza NHTSA side pole crash test
NHTSA side pole crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Impreza AWD

30mpg combined
City / highway27 / 35 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (variable gear ratios) · All-Wheel Drive · about $2,250/year to fuel

Impreza Wagon AWD

30mpg combined
City / highway27 / 35 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (variable gear ratios) · All-Wheel Drive · about $2,250/year to fuel

Impreza AWD

28mpg combined
City / highway24 / 33 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · All-Wheel Drive · about $2,400/year to fuel

Impreza Wagon AWD

27mpg combined
City / highway24 / 33 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · All-Wheel Drive · about $2,500/year to fuel

Impreza AWD

21mpg combined
City / highway19 / 25 mpg
FuelPremium Gasoline

2.5 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · All-Wheel Drive · about $3,900/year to fuel

Impreza Wagon AWD

21mpg combined
City / highway19 / 25 mpg
FuelPremium Gasoline

2.5 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · All-Wheel Drive · about $3,900/year to fuel

Impreza AWD

19mpg combined
City / highway17 / 23 mpg
FuelPremium Gasoline

2.5 L · 4 cyl · Manual 6-spd · All-Wheel Drive · about $4,350/year to fuel

Impreza Wagon AWD

19mpg combined
City / highway17 / 23 mpg
FuelPremium Gasoline

2.5 L · 4 cyl · Manual 6-spd · All-Wheel Drive · about $4,350/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
Air bagsSensor › Occupant classification; Sensor › Occupant classification › Front passenger9640361,660 mi
Engine7513066,800 mi
Electrical systemIgnition; Wiring3402081,500 mi
Power train2310094,000 mi
Service brakes2361037,500 mi
Unknown or other2111260,800 mi
Steering1400049,550 mi
Vehicle speed control1370144,260 mi
Seats900067,500 mi
Exterior lighting701074,107 mi
Seat beltsFront600037,247 mi
StructureBody; Frame and members610066,000 mi

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.