Severe Issues

2013 SUBARU IMPREZA Problems

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2013 Subaru Impreza. This model year has 248 NHTSA complaints β€” top issue: Airbag Malfunctions.

248
Complaints
13
Crashes
7
Fires
4
Injuries
β€”
Deaths
4
Recalls

Before you buy β€” check the actual VIN

This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.

Worst 2013 Subaru Impreza Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#1
79
complaints

Airbag Malfunctions

Crash-related:4
Injuries:3
#2
76
complaints

Engine Problems

Crash-related:1
Fires:5
#3
33
complaints

Electrical Faults

Fires:2

Considering a 2013 Subaru Impreza?

This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).

All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2013 Subaru Impreza. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Airbag Malfunctions794β€”β€”
Engine Problems7615β€”
Electrical Faults33β€”2β€”
Brake System2461β€”
Transmission / Drivetrain231β€”β€”
Uncategorized Issues2111β€”
Steering Defects14β€”β€”β€”
Unintended Acceleration137β€”β€”
Seat-Related Issues9β€”β€”β€”
Headlight/Taillight Failures7β€”1β€”
Structural Problems61β€”β€”
Seat Belt Issues6β€”β€”β€”
Fuel/Propulsion System41β€”β€”
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)41β€”β€”
Hydraulic2β€”β€”β€”
Visibility/Wiper2β€”β€”β€”
Visibility1β€”β€”β€”
Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB1β€”β€”β€”
Wheel Issues1β€”β€”β€”
Fuel System1β€”β€”β€”
Gasoline1β€”β€”β€”
Equipment1β€”β€”β€”

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2013 Subaru Impreza. Type a keyword (e.g. β€œtransmission”, β€œstalling”, β€œbrakes”) to filter.

πŸ”

Showing 248 most recent complaints

Engine ProblemsApr 11, 2026

Subaru stutters stalls, torque converter malfunction

Airbag MalfunctionsπŸ’₯ CrashNov 27, 2025

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.

Steering DefectsOct 14, 2025

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 …

Steering DefectsSep 8, 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.

Headlight/Taillight FailuresπŸ”₯ FireSep 3, 2025

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…

Transmission / DrivetrainJan 28, 2025

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 co…

Transmission / DrivetrainJan 6, 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…

Airbag MalfunctionsNov 15, 2024

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 th…

Electrical FaultsJul 12, 2024

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 dow…

Structural ProblemsJun 11, 2024

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 f…

Engine ProblemsApr 9, 2024

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.

Structural ProblemsMar 18, 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.

VisibilitySep 21, 2023

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 …

Transmission / DrivetrainAug 31, 2023

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 v…

Electrical FaultsAug 21, 2023

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.

Electrical FaultsπŸ”₯ FireAug 13, 2023

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+ tem…

Transmission / DrivetrainJul 31, 2023

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 …

Electrical FaultsJul 27, 2023

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

Airbag MalfunctionsMay 28, 2023

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.

Brake SystemMar 15, 2023

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 t…

Page 1 of 13

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2013 Subaru Impreza.

Recalls for 2013 Subaru Impreza

4 campaigns

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2013 Subaru Impreza. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.

19V149000Invalid Date
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

16V738000Invalid Date
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

13V061000Invalid Date
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

18V772000Jan 11, 2018
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

2013 Subaru Impreza β€” FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2013 Subaru Impreza reliable?β–Ύ

Severe Issues. The 2013 Subaru Impreza has 248 NHTSA owner complaints, 13 crash-related, and 4 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Airbag Malfunctions (79 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.

What are the most common problems with the 2013 Subaru Impreza?β–Ύ

#1: Airbag Malfunctions (79 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (76 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (33 complaints)

At what mileage do problems start on the 2013 Subaru Impreza?β–Ύ

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2013 Subaru Impreza?β–Ύ

The 2013 Subaru Impreza has 13 crash-related complaints and 7 fire reports out of 248 total NHTSA complaints. 4 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2013 Subaru Impreza have any recalls?β–Ύ

Yes β€” 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2013 Subaru Impreza. The largest issue: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.

Should I buy a 2013 Subaru Impreza?β–Ύ

The 2013 Subaru Impreza has severe issues β€” review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Airbag Malfunctions issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.

Wider context: See the full Subaru Impreza reliability report with year-by-year comparison.

Check Your Specific 2013 Subaru Impreza

Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.