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2013 Subaru Impreza Problems & Owner Complaints

248 NHTSA owner complaints
13 crash 7 fire 4 injury

Age-normalised, this year draws ~17.7 complaints per year on the road — ranking 2 of 15 Subaru Impreza years we track (1 = most complaints per year).

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What owners report

Air Bags is the most-reported problem area on the 2013 Subaru Impreza, cited in 79 of 248 filed complaints (32%).

Engine is next (74 complaints, 30%), followed by Electrical System (33), Service Brakes (24), Power Train (23).

Across all complaints, 13 report a crash, 7 report a fire, 4 report injuries.

The most safety-critical cluster is Air Bags: 4 crash, 3 injury report(s).

Complaints by vehicle system

Owner complaints filed with the U.S. NHTSA for the 2013 Subaru Impreza, grouped by the vehicle system each cites. A single complaint can name more than one system, so the group totals can add up to more than 248.

Air Bags 79 4 crash 3 injury

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11701791, 2025 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WHILE DRIVING MY RECENTLY ACQUIRED 2013 SUBARU IMPREZA, WHERE ANOTHER DRIVER HIT MY VEHICLE IN A SIDE IMPACT ON THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT WHEEL AND DRIVER DOOR (I CAN SEND THE PICTURES VIA EMAIL). THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT I WAS ABLE TO GET OUT ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE BAD NEWS IS THAT THE SIDE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, AND THIS WAS ALSO NOTED BY THE EMERGENCY CREW WHO ARRIVED ON THE SCENE. I BELIEVE THAT THIS MAY BE A DESIGN FLAW OR DEFECT THAT SUBARU ENGINEERS NEED TO HAVE A CLOSER LOOK AT. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10512512, 2013 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11297758, 2019 · crash

Engine 74 1 crash 3 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 p…”
NHTSA complaint #11684703, 2025 · fire

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11269739, 2019 · 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…”
NHTSA complaint #11497752, 2017 · fire

Electrical System 33 2 fire

“The wires that connect to the climate control have started an electrical fire and burned out my climate control twice. Upon reporting this to Subaru they advised the climate control randomly not working is a very common problem as it can melt due to high heat outside (90-100+ temperature). Now upon replacing the climate control unit, the wire connected was burned as there was an active electrical fire that was the cause of the climate control not working because it could not connect to the wire pack properly due to the fire. Fire started and went out on its own but without my knowledge as it’s…”
NHTSA complaint #11538195, 2023 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HAVING THE VEHICLE INSPECTED AT A LOCAL MECHANIC, THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE WIRING HARNESS BETWEEN THE FAN MOTOR AND CLIMATE CONTROL FAN SPEED SWITCH BURNED OUT AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 107,000.*DT”
NHTSA complaint #11414459, 2021 · fire

“In the morning of 7-11-2024, I started the engine to go to work as usual. I found the engine light on and noticed strange symptoms from the hood, such as unusual loud noise. Thereafter, I lifted the hood and confirmed loud noise coming from somewhere. Then, I immediately shut down the engine (no key in ignition), but still, the secondary air pump kept running. I thought it may be blowing up, so I immediately disconnected the battery. I touched the pump and almost burnt my hand. I did do this immediate action because I have some experience/knowledge on car maintenance, but I feel terrible if th…”
NHTSA complaint #11601451, 2024

Service Brakes 24 6 crash 1 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 p…”
NHTSA complaint #11684703, 2025 · fire

“Slowing down to pull into a parking space when I put my foot on the brake to shift into park, the car lurched forward and accelerated over a parking barrier and into a brick wall. Unexplained acceleration. This was not driver error. I felt a few unexplained accelerations previously but thought it was a mistake on my end. In this instance, my foot was nowhere near the acceleration pedal. It was very very frightening. I am now waiting for the insurance adjusters. My car was damaged. I damaged the building and another car tat was parked inside the building. This is a significant safety issue. Con…”
NHTSA complaint #11422728, 2021 · crash

“CAR WAS PARKED DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF RESIDENTIAL GARAGE. I STARTED THE CAR TO PULL IT INTO THE GARAGE. AS SOON AS I PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE, WITH MY FOOT STILL ON THE BRAKE, IT SHOT FORWARD AT FULL SPEED AND CRASHED INTO A TRAILER AT THE BACK OF THE GARAGE. THE IMPACT FROM THE TRAILER BROKE A HOLE IN THE GARAGE WALL. TOTAL DISTANCE TRAVELED WAS ABOUT 25'.”
NHTSA complaint #11388673, 2020 · crash

Power Train 23 1 crash

“TO START OFF I HAVE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY ON MY VEHICLE FELT MY CLUTCH STARTING TO SHIFT THEY TOLD ME I NEEDED A NEW CLUTCH FLYWHEEL AND THROTTLE BEARING. TOOK IT TO A INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP. THEY REPLACED THE THROTTLE BEARING WHICH WAS COMPLETELY WARPED CLUTCH WAS GOOD BUT REPLACED ANYWAY BECAUSE AT THAT POINT WHY NOT THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION WAS OUT. CALLED SUBARU NOTHING WAS DONE. ALSO JUST GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND MY AIRBAGS DID NOT INFLATE.”
NHTSA complaint #11144822, 2018 · crash

“The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate above 80 MPH. In addition, the contact stated that the gear shifter did not shift as intended and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with transmission control system failure. The contact was informed that the torque converter clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle…”
NHTSA complaint #11639119, 2025

“Last month, my 2013 Subaru Impreza Sport with only 67k that I bought brand new had a blinking AT (Automatic Transmission) Oil Temp light and three other lights were lit on the panel. I contacted Groove Subaru and they told me that I had a malfunctioning Valve Body and needs to be replaced. I was told that this is a common issue with Subarus with CVT transmission reason why they changed their warranty to 10years/100k miles. Mine has only 67k miles and already malfunctioned. They said they won't cover mine because I'm on the 11th year so they asked me to pay $2500 for everything. Reason why I'm…”
NHTSA complaint #11634396, 2024

Unknown Or Other 21 1 crash 1 fire 2 injury

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11701791, 2025 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“I STARTED MY VEHICLE AFTER SITTING OVERNIGHT. AFTER BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY AND DRIVING MAYBE 20 SECONDS THE PASSENGER WINDOW SWITCH BEGAN SMOKING, AFTER MAYBE 10 SECONDS THE WINDOW SWITCH BEGAN MELTING INTO ITSELF VERY QUICKLY. LESS THAN 1 MINUTE LATER MY ENTIRE CAR MY CAR WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES IN MY DRIVEWAY (THANK GOD I MADE IT BACK). THIS ALL HAPPENED WITHIN 2 MINUTES OF ME STARTING THE CAR.”
NHTSA complaint #11375458, 2020 · fire

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11535485, 2023

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Steering 14

“A crack appeared in the area noted as the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) Gear Box housing Assembly. The dealership said it was in fact dangerous as it could affect the steering. My car has a distinct 'pull to the left' when the steering wheel is turned slightly left. The system is available for inspection upon request and I do have pictures of the crack as well.”
NHTSA complaint #11693438, 2025

“My steering is randomly lurching left. It has happened off and on intermittently since it started in early September 2025. It happens at various speeds, but currently only when turning the steering wheel slightly to the left.”
NHTSA complaint #11685761, 2025

“power steering fails and then begins working again, happened while driving and lost power steering while getting off the highway.”
NHTSA complaint #11472091, 2022

Vehicle Speed Control 13 7 crash 1 injury

“The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while reversing she depressed the accelerator pedal, the engine revved and the vehicle accelerated in reverse crashing into the rear of the garage. None the air bags deployed. The contact attempted to depress the brakes however the brakes failed. The contact attempted to drive forward when the vehicle revved up again and accelerated independently. The contact attempted to depress the brake pedal however they failed to respond. The vehicle came to a stop at the opposite of the road blocking traffic. The contact managed to park the…”
NHTSA complaint #11456985, 2022 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“Slowing down to pull into a parking space when I put my foot on the brake to shift into park, the car lurched forward and accelerated over a parking barrier and into a brick wall. Unexplained acceleration. This was not driver error. I felt a few unexplained accelerations previously but thought it was a mistake on my end. In this instance, my foot was nowhere near the acceleration pedal. It was very very frightening. I am now waiting for the insurance adjusters. My car was damaged. I damaged the building and another car tat was parked inside the building. This is a significant safety issue. Con…”
NHTSA complaint #11422728, 2021 · crash

“CAR WAS PARKED DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF RESIDENTIAL GARAGE. I STARTED THE CAR TO PULL IT INTO THE GARAGE. AS SOON AS I PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE, WITH MY FOOT STILL ON THE BRAKE, IT SHOT FORWARD AT FULL SPEED AND CRASHED INTO A TRAILER AT THE BACK OF THE GARAGE. THE IMPACT FROM THE TRAILER BROKE A HOLE IN THE GARAGE WALL. TOTAL DISTANCE TRAVELED WAS ABOUT 25'.”
NHTSA complaint #11388673, 2020 · crash

Seats 9

“The passenger occupancy detection system is not working, so the passenger air bag is not coming on even when I have an adult passenger. Sometimes, it will register that there is an adult in the seat, but the air bag will not come on, but other times, it doesn't even detect someone is sitting there.”
NHTSA complaint #11502069, 2023

“The air bag light and “passenger airbag off” lights on dash come on sometimes when a passenger is in the car. I took my car to the Subaru dealer/service department and they charged me $140 to reset the lights and tell me the solution is to replace the passenger seat for $900.”
NHTSA complaint #11436163, 2021

“PERIODICALLY THE "PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF" SIGN ILLUMINATES EVEN THOUGH SOMEONE IS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM ENTERPRISE RENTAL SEVERAL YEARS AGO AND BROUGHT TO THEIR ATTENTION. SOMEHOW THEIR MECHANIC GOT LIGHT TO GO OFF. PROBLEM HAS PERSISTED BUT DIDN'T PAY MUCH ATTENTION UNTIL NOW. MY DAUGHTER WILL BE DRIVING THE CAR. DO NOT TRUST THE AIRBAG OR SEAT SENSOR.ON PASSENGER SIDE.”
NHTSA complaint #11374721, 2020

Exterior Lighting 7 1 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 p…”
NHTSA complaint #11684703, 2025 · fire

“VEHICLE HAS KNOWN DEFECT WHERE THE OIL CONTROL VALVES ON FRONT OF ENGINE FAIL AND LEAK OIL ONTO MAIN WIRING HARNESS. THE DEFECT MANIFESTS ITSELF IN ELECTRICAL SHORTS, LIGHTING FAILURE, ENGINE NOT BEING ABLE TO BE STARTED, ENGINE FUNCTION FAILING WHILE IN USE, BATTERY FAILURE DUE TO SHORT CIRCUIT CREATED AMONG OTHER ISSUES IMPACTING STARTING, RUNNING, SAFE USEAGE AND POTENTIAL DANGEROUS FAILURE WHILE OPERATING VEHICLE. PREVIOUS COMPLAINT LOGGED, NO EVIDENCE THAT PROBLEM IS BEING INVESTIGATED - ALTHOUGH MANUFACTURER HAS ACKNOWLEGED KNOWLEDGE OF ISSUE BY ISSUING A SERVICE BULLETIN.”
NHTSA complaint #11406313, 2020

“TAIL LIGHTS DON'T TURN ON , FIRST TIME THE WHOLE ELECTRICAL HARNESS WAS BURNED OUT , DEALER CHANGED THE WHOLE THING , THIS IS SECOND TIME TAIL LIGHTING IS COMPLETELY OFF WHEN THE SWITCH IS ON , I AM AFRAID IT WILL BURN OUT THE WHOLE HARNESS AGAIN !”
NHTSA complaint #11338578, 2020

Seat Belts 6

“I JUST REPLACED THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT FOR REVERSE LOCK (UNABLE TO PULL OUT) FOR THE SECOND TIME. NO OTHER BELTS ARE AFFECTED. PARKED THE CAR UNHOOKED THE BELT. UPON RETURNING THE BELT WOULD NOT PULL OUT. WHICH OF COURSE REQUIRES THE PASSENGER TO NOT BE RESTRAINED. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED I ASSUMED THE BELT WAS WORN OUT, OR MANUFACTURING DEFECT. IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY SO I REPLACED IT MYSELF. THE REPLACEMENT LASTED ABOUT TWO YEARS. NOW I HAVE TO BELIEVE THERE IS A DEFECT IN THE SYSTEM SOMEWHERE.”
NHTSA complaint #11128327, 2018

“MY MOTHER HAS AN ISSUE WITH HER AIRBAG LIGHT IN HER SUBURA IMPREZA CAR OFF AND ON FIRST TIME LAST YEAR AND SHE BROUGHT INTO SUBARU AND THE LIGHT WENT OFF THEY TOLD HER NEXT TIME IT HAPPENS TO BRING IN RIGHT AWAY THEN SHE WAS DRIVING LAST WEEK AND THE LIGHT POPPED ON AGAIN SHE CALLED SUBARU AMERICA HEADQUARTERS ABOUT THEY TOLD HER IT WAS A SAFETY ISSUE SHE AND SENT HER IN THE SUBARU DEALER IN BLOOMFIELD NJ TO GET A DIAGNOSTIC TEST TO SEE WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE CAR AFTER A COUPLE OF HOURS OF CHECKING THEY SAID IT WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR BUT WHEN MY MOM ASKED THE LADY IF SHE G…”
NHTSA complaint #11115404, 2018

“FRONT PASSENGER SEATBELT GRABS FREQUENTLY, HITTING MY WIFE IN HER NECK OR NEAR IT. SUBARU DEALER SAID IT IS OKAY. OCCURS WHEN I BRAKE THE CAR OR GO AROUND CORNERS. USUALLY, MY OWN BELT IS NOT GRABBING AT THESE TIMES.”
NHTSA complaint #11064378, 2018

Structure 6 1 crash

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11297758, 2019 · crash

“Severe rust on B Pillar of passenger door, and each door is rusting in same location. Have seen several reports of this online so reporting that I have experienced the same. Roof is also bubbling in a couple locations and I suspect it is from inside given the noise that comes from the windshield in cold weather since the car was new. Not sure of the date I first noticed, so I am putting today’s date since that’s when I learned about reporting potential safety issues.to NHTSA.”
NHTSA complaint #11593781, 2024

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11577981, 2022

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 4 1 crash

“THE BRAKE SENSOR SWITCH FAILS TO REPORT POSITION OF THE BRAKE AND TURNS OFF ANTI LOCKING BREAKING SYSTEM. IF FAILS YOU CAR TURNING THE CAR APPLY BRAKE AND THE FOLLOWING LIGHTS TURN ON. HILL ASSIST,ABS,SKID CONTROL. WHEN THIS COMES ON ABS DOES NOT WORK. IT SOMETIMES LOCKS THE CAR IN PARK. THIS HAPPEN THEN TRIED TO STOP QUICKLY IN THE RAIN AND BRAKING SYSTEM DID NOT WORK CORRECTLY. REAR-ENDED A CAR. REPORTED THIS TO A DEALER YEAR AGO THEY DID NOT KNOW WHAT CAUSED IT. I FOUND IT QUICKLY WHEN SEARCHING THE WEB. COMMON ISSUE THAT COULD BE DEADLY.”
NHTSA complaint #11042830, 2017 · crash

“TAIL LIGHTS DON'T TURN ON , FIRST TIME THE WHOLE ELECTRICAL HARNESS WAS BURNED OUT , DEALER CHANGED THE WHOLE THING , THIS IS SECOND TIME TAIL LIGHTING IS COMPLETELY OFF WHEN THE SWITCH IS ON , I AM AFRAID IT WILL BURN OUT THE WHOLE HARNESS AGAIN !”
NHTSA complaint #11338578, 2020

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11242937, 2019

Fuel/Propulsion System 4 1 crash

“CAR WAS PARKED DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF RESIDENTIAL GARAGE. I STARTED THE CAR TO PULL IT INTO THE GARAGE. AS SOON AS I PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE, WITH MY FOOT STILL ON THE BRAKE, IT SHOT FORWARD AT FULL SPEED AND CRASHED INTO A TRAILER AT THE BACK OF THE GARAGE. THE IMPACT FROM THE TRAILER BROKE A HOLE IN THE GARAGE WALL. TOTAL DISTANCE TRAVELED WAS ABOUT 25'.”
NHTSA complaint #11388673, 2020 · crash

“MY CARS BREAK LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING. MY CAR WILL LOSE POWER ON THE ROAD TO WHERE IT WILL COMPLETELY DIE AND I HAVE TO TURN THE IGNITION OFF AND TURN IT BACK ON TO KEEP GOING. MY EMERGENCY BRAKE LIGHT IS ON MY TIRE SENSOR LIGHTS ARE ON EVEN THOUGH TIRE PRESSURE IS CORRECT THERE ARE TIMES WHEN I CANNOT GET MY CAR INTO GEAR. IT WILL MAKE A VERY LOUD CLUNKING NOISE AND THEN A WHIZZING NOISE WHEN YOU TURN THE AIR CONDITIONER ON AND THEN YOU GET NO POWER AT ALL TO THE CAR. I CANNOT GO UP A STEEP HILL ON THE HIGHWAY BECAUSE IT WILL ONLY GO UP TO 35 MILES AN HOUR. WHEN IT LOSES POWER ON THE HIGHWAY A…”
NHTSA complaint #11340075, 2020

“THIS COMPLAINT RELATES TO THE FOLLOWING RECALL: MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER: WTY84 NHTSA RECALL NUMBER: 18V772000 THE DEALER IN COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, HEUBERGER MOTORS, HAS FAILED TO REMEDY THIS SAFETY RECALL IN A TIMELY MANNER. I CALLED ON JANUARY 17TH, 2019 TO SCHEDULE THE WORK BUT AS OF TODAY, APRIL 23, 2019, THEY HAVE NOT DONE SO. THEY CLAIM THAT "IT'S JUST A SLOW PROCESS". I FIND THIS UNACCEPTABLE FOR A SAFETY RECALL.”
NHTSA complaint #11203131, 2019

Engine And Engine Cooling 2 2 fire

“******* DELETE VOQ ******* THIS COMPLAINT IS BEING MARKED FOR DELETION BECAUSE IT IS AN INADVERTENT DUPLICATE OF ODI# 11497752*DJR ******* DELETE VOQ *******”
NHTSA complaint #11497758, 2020 · 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…”
NHTSA complaint #11497752, 2017 · fire

Visibility/Wiper 2

“SHORTLY AFTER GETTING VALVE SPRING REPLACEMENT WORK DONE AT HUNTER SUBARU IN HENDERSONVILLE NC THE AC CONDESNSER SEIZED UP. SHOP IS NOT STANDING BEHIND WORK DONE DURING RECALL INCLUDING A AC REFRIGERANT REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT AND CLEANING OF HOSES AND LINES. AC CONDENSERS DONT JUST SEIZE UP LESS THAN 3K MILES AFTER BEING SERVICED, THEY ARE KILLED BY LACK OF LUBRICATION OR IMPROPER PRESSURES. SUBARU OF AMERICA WILL NOT RESPOND EITHER. POOR JOB BY BOTH. DEALER WANTS TO CHARGE $1200 TO FIX THEIR MISTAKE. CRIMINALS. I WOULD NOT HAVE DONE MY WARRANTY WORK AT HUNTER IF I KNEW THEY WERE GOING TO ME…”
NHTSA complaint #11222838, 2019

“DRIVING AT LOW SPEED AND HIT A SMALL BUMP IN VERY COLD WEATHER (5F). WINDSHIELD MADE A POPPING SOUND . THE CAR WAS PARKED A WEEK LATER WHEN THE WINDSHIELD DEVELOPED A SPONTANEOUS CRACK ALONG THE DRIVERS SIDE FRAME. THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NO IMPACT. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY AND MANUFACTURING ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. OTHER FOLKS ARE REPORTING A SIMILAR ISSUE WITH THESE VEHICLES.”
NHTSA complaint #10722272, 2015

Equipment 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS THE TRACTION CONTROL INDEPENDENTLY DISENGAGED WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE DEALER FOUND CERTAIN SPIDER SPECIES HAD CRAWLED INTO THE FUEL SYSTEM, CREATING A WEB THAT CAUSED THE ENGINE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE AND THE TRACTION CONTROL TO FAIL. THE FUEL SYSTEM WAS CLEANED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 3,200. . UPDATED 03/12/14*LJ”
NHTSA complaint #10548413, 2013

Forward Collision Avoidance 1

“Malfunction with my dashboard lights. ABS/ AT OIL TEMP/TRACKTION CONTROL/ HILL LIGHT and CRUISE CONTROL GAGE. Are all on car seems to run somewhat alright until car jerks then all of the mentioned issues comes on.”
NHTSA complaint #11434303, 2021

Fuel System 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS THE TRACTION CONTROL INDEPENDENTLY DISENGAGED WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE DEALER FOUND CERTAIN SPIDER SPECIES HAD CRAWLED INTO THE FUEL SYSTEM, CREATING A WEB THAT CAUSED THE ENGINE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE AND THE TRACTION CONTROL TO FAIL. THE FUEL SYSTEM WAS CLEANED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 3,200. . UPDATED 03/12/14*LJ”
NHTSA complaint #10548413, 2013

Visibility 1

“The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the sunroof exploded. The contact stated that the shade shield was closed at the time of the failure. There was no injury sustained. The contact veered to the side of the road and used a plastic bag and tape to cover the sunroof. The contact then continued driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the sunroof glass panel needed to be replaced. Additionally, the dealer informed the contact that the sunroof frame would be replaced as necessary. The vehicle was not repaired. The manuf…”
NHTSA complaint #11545868, 2023

Wheels 1

“I WAS DRIVING AND THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT STARTED BLINKING, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, AND THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON. HTTPS://YOUTU.BE/ZUJIGGDQQ5E”
NHTSA complaint #11203294, 2019

How we read this (methodology)

How to read this: raw complaint totals are not a clean reliability score — a model year with more cars sold, or simply more years on the road, accumulates more complaints regardless of how good it is. So this page leans on two signals that are not distorted by sales volume: the share of complaints falling on each vehicle system (the breakdown above) and NHTSA's own crash / fire / injury / death flags. When we compare model years of the same model, we normalise by years on the road (complaints ÷ vehicle age) rather than comparing raw totals. Age-normalised, the 2013 Subaru Impreza draws about 17.7 complaints per year on the road, ranking 2 of 15 among the Subaru Impreza model years we have ingested (1 = most complaints per year on road).

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