2013 SUBARU IMPREZA — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
5/5
Safety Rating
342
Owner Complaints
4
Recalls
50
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 2013 SUBARU IMPREZA
The 2013 SUBARU IMPREZA has received a total of 342 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It earned an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program crash tests. There have been 6 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE. 50 technical service bulletins have been issued by Subaru of America, Inc. for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Air Bags (79 complaints), Engine (73 complaints), and Electrical System (31 complaints).
Recalls for the 2013 SUBARU IMPREZA
NHTSA has recorded 6 recalls for the 2013 SUBARU IMPREZA, potentially affecting up to 2,967,559 vehicles.
Recall 19V149000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
| 1,303,530 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy: 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.
View full details →Recall 19V149000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
| 1,303,530 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy: 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.
View full details →Recall 18V772000 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
| 165,534 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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...
View full details →Recall 16V738000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
| 100,127 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: If the air injection pump overheats, it may melt and increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: 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.
View full details →Recall 13V061000 — EQUIPMENT
| 47,419 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
View full details →Recall 13V061000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
| 47,419 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2013 SUBARU IMPREZA
342 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2013 SUBARU IMPREZA. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 79 | 4 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Engine | 73 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical System | 31 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Power Train | 23 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 22 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown Or Other | 21 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Steering | 14 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 13 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Air Bagssensoroccupant Classification | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seats | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior Lighting | 7 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Air Bagssensoroccupant Classificationfront Passenger | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Structurebody | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electronic Stability Control Esc | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuelpropulsion System | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibilitywiper | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical Systemignition | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical Systemwiring | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance Adaptive Cruise Control | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System Gasoline | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat Beltsfront | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service Brakes Hydraulic | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service Brakes Hydraulicpower Assist | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Structureframe And Members | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibilitysunmoon Roof Assembly | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Most Recent Complaints
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
Safety Rating for the 2013 SUBARU IMPREZA
The 2013 SUBARU IMPREZA received an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
| Test Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Rating | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Frontal Crash | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Side Crash | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Rollover | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Safety ratings are based on controlled crash tests conducted by NHTSA. A 5-star rating indicates the highest level of occupant protection.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2013 SUBARU IMPREZA
Subaru of America, Inc. has issued 50 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2013 SUBARU IMPREZA. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
02-131-12R — EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
The purpose of this Bulletin is to provide procedures for the diagnosis and repair of oil seepage which may be coming from the timing chain cover, front camshaft cap, camshaft carrier and / or upper oil pan.
12-288-20 — SEATS
This bulletin announces a design change made to the Slide Rail components of the left and right front power seat frame / track assemblies used on the models listed.
18-199-20 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The purpose of this bulletin is to provide a description of current changes to Service Manuals available via the Subaru Technical Information System (STIS) web site.
10-96-19 — EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
This bulletin announces availability of a new HVAC blower motor unit assemblies developed to address isolated concerns of the blower motor becoming inoperative. If this issues occurs on models with Auto A/C, the blower fan may become totally inoperative. If this issue occurs on models with Manual A/C, the blower...
WUE-90 tool — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
SOA has received multiple requests for additional 83399Fj000rt BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH tools and now has sufficient stock to allow retailers to place orders for single tools.
16-112-18R — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE
This bulletin announces a design change to the CVT select lever (shifter) mechanism in response to isolated customer concerns of not being able to remove the key from the ignition switch when the vehicle is in Park. The cause is contamination of the Park-Range switch internal components.
02-134-12R — ENGINE
The purpose of this bulletin is to announce a change to the specification of the valve springs used in the FB engine. The new springs have different color paint marks to help identify their application.
WTY-84R — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2013 model year BRZ and XV Crosstrek and 2012-2014 model year Impreza vehicles to replace the engine valve springs which may fracture. A total of 139,324 U.S. vehicles will be affected by this recall.
10-86-17R — EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
A design change was made to the blower motor assembly to address the following customer concerns: ? Blower fan is either inoperative or only operates on high speed. ? Excessive rotational-type sound heard when the fan is operating.
12-232-18 — EQUIPMENT
This bulletin announces a design change to the front seat back upholstery retaining hooks (HOOK FLAT MAT). The change is in response to customer concerns of discomfort coming from the center of the seat back and outside bolsters. When a hook fails, the center (flat) portion of the seat back...
Showing 10 of 50 technical service bulletins.
NHTSA Investigations for the 2013 SUBARU IMPREZA
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the SUBARU IMPREZA
- 2008 SUBARU IMPREZA — 249 complaints
- 2009 SUBARU IMPREZA — 149 complaints
- 2010 SUBARU IMPREZA — 61 complaints
- 2011 SUBARU IMPREZA — 72 complaints
- 2012 SUBARU IMPREZA — 336 complaints
- 2013 SUBARU IMPREZA (current)
- 2014 SUBARU IMPREZA — 155 complaints
- 2015 SUBARU IMPREZA — 98 complaints
- 2016 SUBARU IMPREZA — 106 complaints
- 2017 SUBARU IMPREZA — 161 complaints
- 2018 SUBARU IMPREZA — 180 complaints
Other SUBARU Models
- SUBARU OUTBACK — 12,068 total complaints
- SUBARU FORESTER — 8,432 total complaints
- SUBARU LEGACY — 4,117 total complaints
- SUBARU CROSSTREK — 1,431 total complaints
- SUBARU ASCENT — 1,230 total complaints
- SUBARU WRX — 1,207 total complaints
- SUBARU SVX — 373 total complaints
- SUBARU XV CROSSTREK — 354 total complaints