Recalls · problems · safety

2013 Subaru Impreza: recalls and problems

4 recalls and 251 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine.

4recalls
251complaints
13crashes reported
7fires reported
4injuries reported

Recalls

Check recalls for your exact VIN

Most common problems

  • Engine75 · 30%
  • Air Bags65 · 26%
  • Service Brakes23 · 9%
  • Power Train22 · 9%
  • Electrical System21 · 8%
  • Unknown Or Other21 · 8%
  • Steering14 · 6%
  • Electrical System (Air) Bags13 · 5%
  • Vehicle Speed Control13 · 5%
  • Seats9 · 4%

What owners report

Electrical System

There is a plug on wiring harness that fits into speed control for the environmental system. the control is part of this piece 72311fj050. the connection overheated and and burned the plug and the speed control switch the blower motor is now broken. in [xxx] a car without defrosters is mostly useless. i had 2 different mechanics at 2 different repair places confirm this is the problem. there was no way to indication

Engine

I took my car to mccurley subaru on wed, [xxx] to have recalls repaired. they were unable to repair the recall due to rusted out brackets and bolts. mccurley contacted subaru of america and opened a case trying to seek an alternate remedy to this issue. subaru refused to offer alternate solutions so i am stuck driving an unsafe vehicle with a federal mandated recall that cannot be repaired. on my way home after picki

Service Brakes

The brakes failed due to a leak in the brake lines (pedal to the floor). location of the leak is just after a union on the passenger side rear (just in front of the rear tire). location is not well protected from corrosion similar to other recalls for the wrx and sti version of the impreza. image shows the corroded area, and is taken after the protective coating was cut bqck to expose well maintained lines. the c

Air Bags,Unknown Or OtherCrash

Air bags did not go off after a car accident with a commercial box truck, car seems to be totaled. insurance is going to inspect vehicle to confirm it being totaled. no warning lights were on at the time. just passed inspection a month a month ago.

Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. They are owner reports and have not been verified.

Crash-test ratings

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2013 Subaru Impreza SW AWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
2013 Subaru Impreza 4 DR AWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Source: NHTSA recalls, complaints and NCAP APIs, covering IMPREZA WRX/STI, IMPREZA. Last refreshed 2026-11-15.