How many engine complaints does the 2012 Subaru Impreza have?

NHTSA lists 66 engine complaints for the 2012 Impreza, which is 27% of all 243 complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2012 Impreza engine?

Yes. Recall 18V772000, reported in 2018, covers engine valve springs on 2012-2014 Impreza, 2012-2013 Impreza Stationwagon, and related Subaru/Toyota models. Dealers replace the valve springs free of charge.

At what mileage do 2012 Impreza engine problems usually appear?

The median mileage at failure for engine complaints on the 2012 Impreza is 40,421.5 miles, though several owners reported oil consumption issues at much lower mileage.

Do engine complaints on the 2012 Impreza involve crashes or fires?

NHTSA records show 5 crashes, 1 fire, and 3 injuries linked to engine complaints on the 2012 Impreza.

How does the 2012 Impreza compare to other years for engine complaints?

The 2012 Impreza's engine complaints made up 27% of its total complaints, lower than the 2013 model's 35% but higher than the 2011 model's 14%.

2012 Subaru Impreza Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 66 engine complaints for the 2012 Subaru Impreza, 27% of all complaints that year, with a median failure mileage of 40,421.5 miles. A related recall (18V772000) covers engine valve springs on 2012-2014 Impreza models.

Engine complaints: 66; 27% of 243
Crashes reported: 5
Fires reported: 1
Injuries reported: 3
Median mileage: 40,422 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Owners report excessive oil consumption, with low-oil warning lights appearing repeatedly and dealers describing it as normal for a new car.
Some owners describe a knocking noise at highway speed followed by oil leaking from underneath, in one case traced to a loose rod in cylinder four requiring engine replacement.
Several complaints describe sudden unintended acceleration or hard surging from a stop or slow speed, in one case causing the vehicle to strike another car.
One owner reported the vehicle suddenly revving high and lunging forward while parking, striking a wall despite only light brake pressure.
Oil consumption complaints often started within the first few thousand miles of ownership, with dealers directing owners to run oil consumption tests.

When 2012 Subaru Impreza engine complaints were filed

First complaint Aug 19, 2012, latest Mar 8, 2023.

66 complaints filed with NHTSA from Aug 2012 to Mar 2023; peak Jun 2019 (6).

Engine recalls for the 2012 Subaru Impreza

NHTSA 18V772000Nov 1, 2018Engine165,534 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine
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.
Risk: 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 Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-888-270-9371. Subaru's number for this recall is WTY-84.

Engine complaints by Impreza model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201015 (33%)
20118 (14%)
201266 (27%)
201386 (35%)
201427 (25%)
201516 (21%)
201611 (15%)
201716 (13%)
201812 (8%)
201911 (6%)
20203 (4%)
20212 (14%)
20221 (8%)
20231 (25%)
20242 (6%)
20251 (20%)

Frequently asked questions

How many engine complaints does the 2012 Subaru Impreza have?: NHTSA lists 66 engine complaints for the 2012 Impreza, which is 27% of all 243 complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2012 Impreza engine?: Yes. Recall 18V772000, reported in 2018, covers engine valve springs on 2012-2014 Impreza, 2012-2013 Impreza Stationwagon, and related Subaru/Toyota models. Dealers replace the valve springs free of charge.
At what mileage do 2012 Impreza engine problems usually appear?: The median mileage at failure for engine complaints on the 2012 Impreza is 40,421.5 miles, though several owners reported oil consumption issues at much lower mileage.
Do engine complaints on the 2012 Impreza involve crashes or fires?: NHTSA records show 5 crashes, 1 fire, and 3 injuries linked to engine complaints on the 2012 Impreza.
How does the 2012 Impreza compare to other years for engine complaints?: The 2012 Impreza's engine complaints made up 27% of its total complaints, lower than the 2013 model's 35% but higher than the 2011 model's 14%.