What 248 owners told NHTSA about the 2013 Subaru Impreza

Subaru stutters stalls, torque converter malfunction

NHTSA ODI 11730534

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 ODI 11701791

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 ODI 11693438

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 ODI 11685761

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)

NHTSA ODI 11684703

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 was not repaired. In addition, the vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, a diagnostic test had not been completed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 156,000.

NHTSA ODI 11639119

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 writing this letter is to inform you that this should be considered as recall and I shouldn't paid for anything. My car is good as brand new. I seldom use it. Please help me consider this as recall since it is happening on all Subarus with CVT transmission. Thank you!

NHTSA ODI 11634396

The airbag indicator light on the driver’s dash is illuminated most times that I drive my car. The passenger airbag indicator shows that airbags are OFF, even when someone is seated in the passenger seat. This is a very serious safety concern. What if an accident occurred and the airbags don’t deploy? I’ve also read about a switch in the airbag assembly that could explode causing serious injury or death to the driver or passenger. The problem has not been confirmed or inspected but seems to be a problem with many Imprezas. It is the number 1 concern for 2013 Subaru Impreza owners.

NHTSA ODI 11625402

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 this happened to someone else, such as young drivers. Then, I googled for the similar symptoms, and found something matching my symptoms in the recall notification letter (NHTSA recall no. 16V738), in which the relay in fuse box can cause the issue. The letter appeared to be revised in 7-11-17, and it was supposed to be sent to me, but I did not receive this important letter at all. I think that this letter should be re-sent to all the owners again to avoid possible terrible incidents related to overheating of the secondary air pump.

NHTSA ODI 11601451

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 ODI 11593781

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.

NHTSA ODI 11582012

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 ODI 11577981

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 manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

NHTSA ODI 11545868

We own a 2013 Subaru impreza. The transmission valve body part has been determined to be defective from the factory, therefore rendering our vehicle unusable, stopping in front of other vehicles on the road. Subaru of America is aware of this reoccurring part failure with other vehicles of the same model, that they applied a third warranty on the transmission and drivetrain. 

NHTSA ODI 11541870

During humid days, when a passenger sits in the passenger seat for more than a minute, the airbags will turn off for both the driver and passenger seat. With some further research, this is a somewhat common problem with 2013 Subaru Imprezas. This is a massive safety risk.

NHTSA ODI 11539768

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 internal behind the radio portion of the car. I would not have known about the fire unless I replaced the part, which is what I did.

NHTSA ODI 11538195

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.

NHTSA ODI 11535485

Key will not remove from the ignition. This is a known issue by Subaru but they refuse to correct it.

NHTSA ODI 11534767

When the front passenger seat is damp, the passenger airbag light shows it is off, and the dash lights display an error light on the dashboard. The concern is that the passenger is not protected while the airbag is not on.

NHTSA ODI 11524253

The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that upon entering the vehicle, he noticed small, yellow-colored drops of liquid on the ground around the vehicle. Upon starting the vehicle, the brake warning light appeared on the instrument panel. The contact checked the parking brake lever; however, the light remained illuminated. The contact stated that while driving and depressing the brake pedal the brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard and the vehicle coasted to a stop. Despite the failure, the contact drove the vehicle home. The contact called the dealer and was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

NHTSA ODI 11512031

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".

NHTSA ODI 11502218

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 ODI 11502069

Srs airbag light comes in dash when passenger is is car, airbags will not turn on for passenger side only. Research showed it is a common issue with 2012 and 2013 Subaru airbag systems and it is extremely concerning

NHTSA ODI 11501813

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.

NHTSA ODI 11501475

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.

NHTSA ODI 11497752