2013 Subaru Impreza Electrical System Problems
NHTSA lists 38 Electrical System complaints for the 2013 Subaru Impreza, 15% of that year's 249 total complaints, with 3 fires reported and a median failure mileage of 78,500. Two related recalls (19V149000, 16V738000) cover brake light switch and secondary air injection pump relay issues.
- Electrical System complaints
- 38
- 15% of 249
- Crashes reported
- 0
- Fires reported
- 3
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 78,500 mi
- Related recalls
- 2
Typical electrical symptoms owners report
- Wiring harness connecting the blower motor switch to the fan melts, sometimes producing smoke or fire in the dash area.
- Climate control unit wiring burns out repeatedly, with owners told the fault is linked to high outside temperatures.
- Ignition switch requires excessive force to remove the key, eventually failing and needing dealer replacement.
- Engine compartment wiring issue produces a rumbling noise, sometimes tied to open recall campaigns for exterior lighting and engine cooling.
- A separate engine compartment fire was reported that started with visible smoke before flames appeared.
When 2013 Subaru Impreza electrical complaints were filed
First complaint Sep 30, 2014, latest Sep 3, 2025.
Electrical System recalls for the 2013 Subaru Impreza
- NHTSA 19V149000Feb 28, 2019Electrical System1,303,530 vehicles
Exterior lighting:brake lights:switch
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. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing the brake lights from illuminating and also preventing keyless ignition vehicles from starting and CVT/automatic transmissions from being able to be shifted out of Park.
Risk: Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.
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.
- NHTSA 16V738000Oct 13, 2016Electrical System100,127 vehicles
Electrical system
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. The relay that controls the secondary air injection pump may fail, causing the pump to continuously operate and overheat.
Risk: If the air injection pump overheats, it may melt and increase the risk of a fire.
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.
Electrical System complaints by Impreza model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many electrical complaints does NHTSA have for the 2013 Subaru Impreza?
- NHTSA lists 38 Electrical System complaints for the 2013 Impreza, which is 15% of the 249 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for electrical problems on the 2013 Subaru Impreza?
- Yes. Recall 19V149000 covers a brake light switch replacement and recall 16V738000 covers a secondary air injection pump relay replacement, both listed under Electrical System.
- Do the electrical issues cause fires?
- NHTSA data shows 3 fire reports tied to Electrical System complaints on the 2013 Impreza, several involving melted wiring near the blower motor or climate control.
- At what mileage do electrical failures typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure for Electrical System complaints on the 2013 Impreza is 78,500 miles, based on NHTSA complaint data.