2013 Subaru Impreza: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2013 Subaru Impreza: 4 recalls, 249 owner complaints and up to 30 mpg combined.
Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Equipment, Electrical Vehicle recall #13V061000 · 2013 · 47,419 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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…
The fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the res key fobs, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2013.
Electrical Vehicle recall #16V738000 · 2016 · 100,127 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: If the air injection pump overheats, it May melt and increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary air injection pump relay, free of charge. The recall began December 2016.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #18V772000 · 2018 · 165,534 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
The 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
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #19V149000 · 2019 · 1,303,530 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.
The fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 7 mention a fire, 4 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (79): the most common themes are warning light on (21), fails to deploy (6).
- Engine (74): the most common themes are warning light on (13), excess oil use (10), stalls / loses power (10).
- Electrical (33): the most common themes are electrical failure (8), warning light on (5), fire / smoke (3).
- Transmission & drivetrain (23): the most common themes are warning light on (8), hard / delayed shifting (6), noise or vibration (2).
The 2013 Subaru Impreza has 249 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 35 Impreza model years for complaints (3.3× the average Impreza year). Complaints peaked in 2019 (68 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 61,590 miles. Neighboring years: 2012 (243 complaints, 6 recalls), 2014 (108 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | All-Wheel Drive | 27 | 35 | 30 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 24 | 33 | 28 | Regular |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 19 | 25 | 21 | Premium |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 23 | 19 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2013 Subaru Impreza.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2013 Subaru Impreza have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2013 Subaru Impreza. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2013 Subaru Impreza problems?
Owners have filed 249 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (79), engine (74), electrical (33).
What gas mileage does the 2013 Subaru Impreza get?
EPA ratings run up to 30 mpg combined (2.0 L, Automatic (variable gear ratios)), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2013 Subaru Impreza repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.