How many engine complaints does the 2013 Subaru Impreza have?

NHTSA lists 86 engine complaints for the 2013 Impreza, which is 35% of the 249 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there an engine recall for the 2013 Subaru Impreza?

Yes. Recall 18V772000, reported November 1, 2018, covers engine valve springs that may fail on 2012-2014 Impreza, 2012-2013 Impreza Stationwagon, 2013 BRZ, XV Crosstrek, and Toyota Scion FR-S vehicles. Dealers replace the valve springs free of charge.

At what mileage do 2013 Impreza engine problems typically show up?

The median mileage at failure for engine complaints on the 2013 Impreza is 65,000 miles.

Do the engine complaints involve fires or crashes?

Of the complaints in this area, 8 involved crashes and 4 involved fires, with 1 reported injury.

How does the 2013 Impreza compare to other model years for engine complaints?

The 2013 Impreza's 86 engine complaints and 35% share are the highest among the listed model years, compared to 66 complaints and 27% share for 2012 and 27 complaints and 25% share for 2014.

2013 Subaru Impreza Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 86 engine complaints for the 2013 Subaru Impreza, 35% of its 249 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 65,000. A related recall (18V772000) covers faulty engine valve springs on 2012-2014 Impreza models.

Engine complaints: 86; 35% of 249
Crashes reported: 8
Fires reported: 4
Injuries reported: 1
Median mileage: 65,000 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Owners report the engine revving and the vehicle surging or accelerating unintentionally while in reverse, in some cases crashing into a garage or object.
Some drivers describe the vehicle lurching forward unexpectedly while braking or shifting into park, with the brakes failing to stop the car.
Several owners report the engine catching fire, including one case where fire started after the valve spring recall repair had already been completed.
One owner reported a check engine light, a loud rattling noise from under the hood, and a sudden stall, followed by an engine replacement at the dealer.
A separate fire complaint describes smoke coming from the engine compartment before visible flames appeared while driving.

When 2013 Subaru Impreza engine complaints were filed

First complaint Mar 8, 2013, latest Apr 11, 2026.

86 complaints filed with NHTSA from Mar 2013 to Apr 2026; peak Feb 2019 (9).

Engine recalls for the 2013 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 2013 Subaru Impreza have?: NHTSA lists 86 engine complaints for the 2013 Impreza, which is 35% of the 249 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there an engine recall for the 2013 Subaru Impreza?: Yes. Recall 18V772000, reported November 1, 2018, covers engine valve springs that may fail on 2012-2014 Impreza, 2012-2013 Impreza Stationwagon, 2013 BRZ, XV Crosstrek, and Toyota Scion FR-S vehicles. Dealers replace the valve springs free of charge.
At what mileage do 2013 Impreza engine problems typically show up?: The median mileage at failure for engine complaints on the 2013 Impreza is 65,000 miles.
Do the engine complaints involve fires or crashes?: Of the complaints in this area, 8 involved crashes and 4 involved fires, with 1 reported injury.
How does the 2013 Impreza compare to other model years for engine complaints?: The 2013 Impreza's 86 engine complaints and 35% share are the highest among the listed model years, compared to 66 complaints and 27% share for 2012 and 27 complaints and 25% share for 2014.