2013 Subaru Impreza: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2013 Subaru Impreza? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 248 complaints, with Airbag Malfunctions as the top reported area.
2013 Subaru Impreza Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 8 2013 Subaru Impreza trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 8 trims analysed.
2013 Subaru Impreza Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2013 Subaru Impreza SW AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
10.1% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
10.1% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2013 Subaru Impreza has 248 owner complaints, 13 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Airbag Malfunctions. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Subaru
- Model
- Impreza
- Model year
- 2013
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 248
- Crash-related complaints
- 13
- Safety recall campaigns
- 4
- Top reported component
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 27
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 24 / 33
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 5/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2013 Subaru Impreza Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Airbag Malfunctions
Engine Problems
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Airbag Malfunctions, Engine Problems, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2013 Subaru Impreza?
The 2013 Subaru Impreza shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2013 Subaru Impreza
Inspection Focus
- Check for open recalls related to airbag malfunctions at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and electrical system repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the airbag system and engine before purchase.
- Verify all open recalls are completed.
Before You Close the Deal
- Check for open recalls related to airbag malfunctions at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and electrical system repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the airbag system and engine before purchase.
- Verify all open recalls are completed.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2013 Subaru Impreza, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 248 NHTSA complaints for the 2013 Subaru Impreza, the data suggests that airbag malfunctions and engine problems are the most frequently reported issues. There are also notable complaints about electrical faults and brake system problems. However, with only one model year analyzed and low confidence, these patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Airbag malfunctions account for the largest share of complaints (79 out of 248).
- Engine problems are the second most reported component (76 complaints).
- There are 13 crash-related complaints, but the data does not specify causation.
- Airbag Malfunctions: 79 complaints, the most reported issue.
- Engine Problems: 76 complaints, a recurring theme.
- Electrical Faults: 33 complaints, another area of concern.
All 2013 Subaru Impreza Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2013 Subaru Impreza. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag Malfunctions | 79 | 4 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 76 | 1 | 5 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 33 | — | 2 | — | |
| Brake System | 24 | 6 | 1 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 23 | 1 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 21 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Steering Defects | 14 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 13 | 7 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 7 | — | 1 | — | |
| Structural Problems | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2013 Subaru Impreza. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Subaru stutters stalls, torque converter malfunction
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 …
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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 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.
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.
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 …
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…
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.
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…
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 …
Key will not remove from the ignition. This is a known issue by Subaru but they refuse to correct it.
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.
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…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2013 Subaru Impreza.
2013 Subaru Impreza Recalls
4 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2013 Subaru Impreza. 4 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2013 Subaru Impreza Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2013 Subaru Impreza reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 248 owner complaints, 13 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2013 Subaru Impreza shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Subaru Impreza?▾
#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?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2013 Subaru Impreza?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2013 Subaru Impreza, NHTSA complaints include 13 crash-related reports and 7 fire reports out of 248 total complaints. 4 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2013 Subaru Impreza have any recalls?▾
Yes. 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2013 Subaru Impreza. A major recall area is EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH. 4 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2013 Subaru Impreza?▾
The 2013 Subaru Impreza shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Airbag Malfunctions during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
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.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2013 Subaru Impreza based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.