2013 Subaru Impreza
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1990 | 1 |
| 1993 | 33 |
| 1994 | 8 |
| 1995 | 46 |
| 1996 | 20 |
| 1997 | 30 |
| 1998 | 30 |
| 1999 | 22 |
| 2000 | 41 |
| 2001 | 11 |
| 2002 | 292 |
| 2003 | 62 |
| 2004 | 96 |
| 2005 | 75 |
| 2006 | 56 |
| 2007 | 68 |
| 2008 | 176 |
| 2009 | 103 |
| 2010 | 45 |
| 2011 | 57 |
| 2012 | 242 |
| 2013 | 248 |
| 2014 | 108 |
| 2015 | 77 |
| 2016 | 75 |
| 2017 | 125 |
| 2018 | 149 |
| 2019 | 191 |
| 2020 | 85 |
| 2021 | 14 |
| 2022 | 12 |
| 2023 | 4 |
| 2024 | 29 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2026 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
32% of complaints: air bags — 79 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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).
NHTSA ODI report, 20130517
30% of complaints: engine — 74 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
Vehicle Fire Summary â 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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250903
13% of complaints: electrical system — 31 distinct reports on file.
FIRE9% of complaints: power train — 23 distinct reports on file.
CRASH9% of complaints: service brakes — 22 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
Vehicle Fire Summary â 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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250903
DRIVING UP A SLIGHT GRADE INTO HOME GARAGE I DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR VERY SLIGHTLY . THE CAR SHOT SUDDENLY FORWARD AND FOOTBRAKE DID NOT RESPOND. CAR SIDESWIPED OTHER CAR AND BROKE THRU REAR PANEL OF GARAGE BEFORE I COULD STOP IT WITH HANDBRAKE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171226
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171102
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 20
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.
Campaign 13V061000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 16V738000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 18V772000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 19V149000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2013 Subaru Impreza — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (79 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (74 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (31 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 13V061000 (electrical system, equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V738000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V772000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V149000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2013 Subaru Impreza reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2013 Subaru Impreza is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Subaru Impreza?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 32% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2013 Subaru Impreza have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.