2013 Subaru Impreza recalls and problems

4 recalls and 251 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2013 Subaru Impreza.

4
recalls
251
owner complaints
13
complaints mentioning a crash
7
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2013 Subaru Impreza recalls

Exterior lighting: brake lights, switch

NHTSA campaign 19V149000 · reported February 28, 2019 · Subaru of America, Inc. · 1,303,530 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The 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.
The fix
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.

Engine and engine cooling: engine

NHTSA campaign 18V772000 · reported November 1, 2018 · Subaru of America, Inc. · 165,534 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix
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.

Electrical system

NHTSA campaign 16V738000 · reported October 13, 2016 · Subaru of America, Inc. · 100,127 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
If the air injection pump overheats, it may melt and increase the risk of a fire.
The fix
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.

Equipment · Electrical system

NHTSA campaign 13V061000 · reported February 25, 2013 · Subaru of America, Inc. · 47,419 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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 2012-2013 Impreza vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, and certain model year 2013 XV Crosstrek vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory. Additionally included are certain model year 2013 Legacy and Outback vehicles that may have received replacement RES fobs. If the RES fob is dropped, the fob may malfunction and randomly transmit an engine start request without pressing the button.
The risk
The engine may inadvertently start and run for up to fifteen minutes. The engine may continue to start and stop until the fob battery is depleted, or until the vehicle runs out of fuel. If the vehicle is parked in an enclosed area, there is a risk of carbon monoxide build-up which may cause headaches, dizziness or, in extreme cases, unconsciousness and/or asphyxiation.
The fix
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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Oct 20, 2026 · Electrical system

There is a plug on wiring harness that fits into speed control for the environmental system. The control is part of this piece 72311fj050. The connection overheated and and burned the plug and the speed control switch The blower motor is now broken. In […] a car without defrosters is mostly useless. I had 2 different…

Oct 15, 2026 · Engine

I took my car to McCurley Subaru on Wed, […] to have recalls repaired. They were unable to repair the recall due to rusted out brackets and bolts. McCurley contacted Subaru of America and opened a case trying to seek an alternate remedy to this issue. Subaru refused to offer alternate solutions so I am stuck driving…

Aug 8, 2026 · Service brakes

The brakes failed due to a leak in the brake lines (pedal to the floor). Location of the leak is just after a union on the passenger side rear (just in front of the rear tire). Location is not well protected from corrosion similar to other recalls for the wrx and sti version of the impreza. Image shows the corroded…

Apr 11, 2026 · Engine

Subaru stutters stalls, torque converter malfunction

Nov 27, 2025 · Air bags · crash reported

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.

Impreza model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2010 154631
2011 145852
2012 6243104
2013 4251137
2014 3108160
2015 27750
2016 17570

Across all years, the 2002 Impreza has the most complaints (292). All Subaru Impreza years →

Questions

Does the 2013 Subaru Impreza have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2013 Subaru Impreza, the most recent reported on February 28, 2019 (Exterior lighting: brake lights, switch). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Subaru Impreza?
Owners have filed 251 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is air bags (79 complaints), followed by engine (75).
How many 2013 Subaru Impreza complaints mention a crash or fire?
13 of 251 complaints report a crash and 7 a fire; 4 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 20, 2026.