2013 SUBARU IMPREZA Complaints and Recall Information
The 2013 SUBARU IMPREZA has 6 complaints and 6 recalls filed with NHTSA. Owners most frequently report transmission failures, warning lights illumination, and incidents involving engine compartment fires. Steering control issues have also been mentioned in the complaints.
Common Issues- Transmission malfunction. Several complaints involve CVT transmission failures such as a blinking AT oil temperature light, gear shifter not shifting correctly, and transmission control system failure requiring part replacements like the valve body and torque converter clutch.
- Warning lights illumination. Multiple warning lights, including transmission-related indicators, were reported to illuminate unexpectedly during operation.
- Engine compartment fires. At least one incident involving smoke and flames from the engine compartment caused a total vehicle loss; the fire was extinguished without injuries, with possible mechanical or electrical malfunction under investigation.
- Acceleration failure. One owner reported the vehicle failed to accelerate above 80 MPH despite depressing the accelerator pedal.
- Steering issues. Intermittent lurching to the left during slight turns at various speeds has been reported.
There are 6 recalls affecting the 2013 SUBARU IMPREZA. These cover components such as electrical systems, brake light switches, engine valve springs, and accessories like remote engine starters. The recalls address safety risks including engine start malfunctions, brake light failures, component overheating, and engine stalls.
Recalls- Remote engine starter fob. (NHTSA Recall 13V061000) Affects 47,419 vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter. If the fob is dropped it may malfunction by randomly transmitting an engine start request, causing the engine to run for up to 15 minutes and potentially leading to carbon monoxide buildup. Subaru will replace the RES key fobs free of charge.
- Brake light switch. (NHTSA Recall 19V149000) Affects 1,303,530 vehicles including 2008-2016 Impreza sedans and wagons. Exposure to contaminants can cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing brake lights from illuminating and possibly disabling keyless ignition and shifting out of Park, increasing crash risk. Dealers will replace the switch at no cost.
- Secondary air injection pump relay. (NHTSA Recall 16V738000) Covers 100,127 vehicles with turbocharged engines including certain 2008-2014 Impreza models. The relay may fail and cause the pump to overheat, which increases fire risk. The relay will be replaced by dealers free of charge.
- Engine valve springs. (NHTSA Recall 18V772000) Affects 165,534 vehicles including 2012-2014 Impreza models. Valve springs may fracture causing engine malfunction or stall, creating crash risk. Valve springs will be replaced by dealers at no cost.
Owners who endure repeated repairs related to transmission failures, steering malfunctions, or unresolved recall issues involving fire risks and engine stalls may have rights under their state’s lemon law. Consulting a qualified attorney familiar with consumer protection and automobile defect cases is advisable.
2013 SUBARU IMPREZA Summary
2013
Model Year
6
Total Complaints
4
Total Recalls
1616610
Vehicles Affected
Recalls
2013 SUBARU IMPREZA
1303530 vehicles affected
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.
2013 SUBARU IMPREZA
165534 vehicles affected
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.
2013 SUBARU IMPREZA
100127 vehicles affected
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.
2013 SUBARU IMPREZA
47419 vehicles affected
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
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.
Complaints
2013 SUBARU IMPREZA
ID: 2127578STEERING
My steering is randomly lurching left. It has happened off and on intermittently since it started in early September 2025. It happens at various speeds, but currently only when turning the steering wheel slightly to the left.
2013 SUBARU IMPREZA
ID: 2126020EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Vehicle Fire Summary – 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. The driver reported noticing smoke coming from the engine compartment before pulling over to the shoulder. Within minutes, flames became visible. Fire crews arrived promptly and extinguished the fire. Both the driver and one passenger were able to evacuate the vehicle safely, and no injuries were reported. The vehicle sustained a total loss due to fire damage. Preliminary findings suggest a possible mechanical or electrical malfunction, though the exact cause remains under investigation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2013 SUBARU IMPREZA
ID: 2126019SERVICE BRAKES
Vehicle Fire Summary – 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. The driver reported noticing smoke coming from the engine compartment before pulling over to the shoulder. Within minutes, flames became visible. Fire crews arrived promptly and extinguished the fire. Both the driver and one passenger were able to evacuate the vehicle safely, and no injuries were reported. The vehicle sustained a total loss due to fire damage. Preliminary findings suggest a possible mechanical or electrical malfunction, though the exact cause remains under investigation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2013 SUBARU IMPREZA
ID: 2126018ENGINE
Vehicle Fire Summary – 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. The driver reported noticing smoke coming from the engine compartment before pulling over to the shoulder. Within minutes, flames became visible. Fire crews arrived promptly and extinguished the fire. Both the driver and one passenger were able to evacuate the vehicle safely, and no injuries were reported. The vehicle sustained a total loss due to fire damage. Preliminary findings suggest a possible mechanical or electrical malfunction, though the exact cause remains under investigation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2013 SUBARU IMPREZA
ID: 2059997POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate above 80 MPH. In addition, the contact stated that the gear shifter did not shift as intended and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with transmission control system failure. The contact was informed that the torque converter clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, a diagnostic test had not been completed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 156,000.
2013 SUBARU IMPREZA
ID: 2053253POWER TRAIN
Last month, my 2013 Subaru Impreza Sport with only 67k that I bought brand new had a blinking AT (Automatic Transmission) Oil Temp light and three other lights were lit on the panel. I contacted Groove Subaru and they told me that I had a malfunctioning Valve Body and needs to be replaced. I was told that this is a common issue with Subarus with CVT transmission reason why they changed their warranty to 10years/100k miles. Mine has only 67k miles and already malfunctioned. They said they won't cover mine because I'm on the 11th year so they asked me to pay $2500 for everything. Reason why I'm writing this letter is to inform you that this should be considered as recall and I shouldn't paid for anything. My car is good as brand new. I seldom use it. Please help me consider this as recall since it is happening on all Subarus with CVT transmission. Thank you!