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2013 Subaru Impreza engine problems

76 complaints (30% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 70,207. 1 crash reported.

owner complaints
76
of this car's complaints
30%
typical mileage
70,207
crashes
1
recalls
1

Which part fails

Owners did not name a specific part.

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Subaru Impreza engine problems in other years

1995200020052010201520202025

Specific symptoms reported on the 2013 Subaru Impreza engine

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Check engine light 16Oil consumption 12Stalling 11Engine failure 9Loss of power 7

Related recalls

Engine and engine cooling: engineReported November 1, 2018 · 165,534 vehicles affected
What is 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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 18V772000 · Recall details

What 2013 Subaru Impreza owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 15, 2026 · Engine · WA

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 picking up the car, it stalled out on a major highway, blocking traffic and causing unsafe conditions for myself, my 7 yo daughter and other people on the road. The check engine light is on continuously and the car runs so roughly that I am afraid to drive it any longer. Subaru of America opened Case Number: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Apr 11, 2026 · Engine · PA

Subaru stutters stalls, torque converter malfunction

Filed Sep 3, 2025 · Brakes, Engine · CO · fire

Vehicle Fire Summary – Arvada, CO On [XXX] at approximately [XXX], the Arvada Fire Department responded to a report of a vehicle fire on [XXX] . The vehicle involved was a 2013 gray Subaru Impreza WRX. The driver reported noticing smoke coming from the engine compartment before pulling over to the shoulder. Within minutes, flames became visible. Fire crews arrived promptly and extinguished the fire. Both the driver and one passenger were able to evacuate the vehicle safely, and no injuries were reported. The vehicle sustained a total loss due to fire damage. Preliminary findings suggest a possible mechanical or electrical malfunction, though the exact cause remains under investigation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Apr 9, 2024 · Engine · TX

engine failed while driving in 2020. Engine replaced. Engine unable to be repaired without another replacement Aug 2022-Jan 2023. Sold car back to dealer at a loss.

Filed Mar 18, 2024 · Body, Engine · MA

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.

Filed Jul 31, 2023 · Engine, Transmission · OH

I have been having continuous problems with engine light coming on w the wheel skid light also. I went to Auto Zone and the codes P000D, C1422,P00700 and others. I took vehicle to Subaru to inspect for repair September 11, 2021 The oil temp, traction control light, ABS, and hill control light went off, but the engine light came back on. I left it alone didn't bother with it, figured nothing could be done. I then went to another auto shop on November 28, 2022 because it did bother me about the engine light, someone mention it was dangerous driving w the light on because something could actually be wrong. Also, this shop was to be cheaper. The codes repaired were P000A, P000C, drove off lot engine light came back on. I know it was time for my E- check so I thought I'd give it another try back at Subaru. On July 14, 2023 for repair of engine light. The tests showed repairs for P00A, P00D. They told me they were repairing the vehicle. I left Subaru and about 5 minutes of leaving the engine light came back on. I called them and stated the light was back on, they told me to come in and they could look at it, but I don't have another $ 729.00 to keep giving these auto shops. I had and E-check on July 22, 2023 and didn't pass because of codes P0021 and P000C.

Filed Jan 17, 2023 · Engine · CA

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".

Filed Jan 12, 2023 · Engine · 83,000 miles · IL

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.

Filed Dec 16, 2022 · Engine · 100,000 miles · OH · fire

******* delete voq ******* this complaint is being marked for deletion because it is an inadvertent duplicate of odi# 11497752*djr ******* delete voq *******

Filed Dec 16, 2022 · Engine · 40,000 miles · OH · fire

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.

Questions about the 2013 Subaru Impreza engine

Does the 2013 Subaru Impreza have engine problems?

Owners have filed 76 complaints about the engine of the 2013 Subaru Impreza, 30% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2013 Subaru Impreza engine problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 70,207 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2013 Subaru Impreza engine?

Yes, 1 recall: 18V772000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Subaru Impreza have bad engine?

The Subaru Impreza model years with the most engine complaints are 2013 (76 complaints), 2012 (56 complaints) and 2008 (27 complaints).

Other 2013 Subaru Impreza problems

Airbags 79Electrical 34Brakes 25Transmission 23Steering 14Acceleration 13Seats 9Lights 7Body 6Seat belts 6Driver assistance 5Fuel system 5Visibility 3Wheels 1

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