PROBLEM GUIDE
Here's what owners are experiencing, based on our research of real owner reports and repair data.
Last updated March 2026
249
complaints filed for the 2013 model year
2012–2016
Model years affected
$255 – $4,000
Typical repair cost, by problem
Click a problem for the full write-up — symptoms, what we found, and typical repair costs where we have them.
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Start my diagnosis →Leaves "airbag OFF" despite a passenger being present
Check engine light: On
The largest single complaint category for this vehicle (~40 complaints): the passenger airbag occupant-detection sensor fails in humid conditions or with a passenger present, leaving 'airbag OFF' despite occupancy — described by owners as 'the number 1 concern for 2013 Subaru Impreza owners.'
Some cases resulted in total vehicle loss
Check engine light: On
6 documented fires for this sampled year, in the climate control and window switch areas; the 'total loss' language in some reports indicates fires severe enough to destroy the vehicle rather than being contained to a single component.
Burning a quart every 1,500 miles, with a burning-oil smell through the vents
Check engine light: On
One owner reports burning a quart every 1,500 miles, with a burning-oil smell through the vents, reported as unfixed at the dealer.
Tied to a blown fuse in the wire harness, requiring ECM replacement
Check engine light: On
A sudden loss of power at highway speed with an unusual cause: a blown fuse in the wire harness caused complete engine failure, requiring ECM replacement.
"Pedal to the floor"; also reported on the Subaru Legacy
Check engine light: On
Brake line corrosion at rear distribution blocks/unions causes complete brake failure — 'pedal to the floor' — echoing the same rear-brake-line-corrosion theme found on the Subaru Legacy, researched immediately before this vehicle in the same batch.
Sudden power loss; an extended warranty suggests the manufacturer recognized the problem
Check engine light: On
CVT transmission valve body defects cause sudden power loss and complete failure; an extended warranty exists for this issue, suggesting a known manufacturing defect. Separately, one documented $4,000 CVT failure was later refunded by Subaru, consistent with the extended-warranty pattern NHTSA describes.
Improved spark plug wires correct misfire issues
Check engine light: Off
Improved spark plug wires correct misfire issues. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 37 owner reports on file.
The check engine light comes on due to a failed knock sensor
Check engine light: On
The check engine light comes on due to a failed knock sensor. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 40 owner reports on file.
Cooling system problems cause head gasket failure
Check engine light: Off
Cooling system problems cause head gasket failure. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 30 owner reports on file.
The passenger seatbelt light and alarm issue persists with no passenger present
Check engine light: Off
The passenger seatbelt light and alarm issue persists with no passenger present. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 20 owner reports on file.
Oil leaks from the rear of the engine due to a failed plastic oil baffle plate
Check engine light: Off
Oil leaks from the rear of the engine due to a failed plastic oil baffle plate. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 24 owner reports on file.
A technical service bulletin addresses the ABS control module
Check engine light: Off
A technical service bulletin addresses the ABS control module. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 12 owner reports on file.
Engine oil leaks from the camshaft or crankshaft front seals
Check engine light: Off
Engine oil leaks from the camshaft or crankshaft front seals. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 20 owner reports on file.
No recall specific to this generation has been identified covering the airbag sensor, wiring harness fire, or CVT problems below, though an extended warranty exists for the CVT defect described below, suggesting a known manufacturing issue. Enter your VIN to get the confirmed, current recall picture for your specific car.
The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not a diagnosis. It is compiled from aggregated owner-reported data and publicly available sources, not from an inspection of your vehicle. Symptoms described here can have multiple causes, and the presence of a commonly reported problem does not mean your vehicle has it. Repair cost ranges are estimates that vary by region, shop, vehicle condition, and parts availability. Recall and service campaign information may be incomplete or out of date — verify current recall status with NHTSA or your manufacturer. MyGearGuru is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any vehicle manufacturer; manufacturer and model names are used for identification only. Always consult a qualified technician before making repair decisions.
A passenger airbag occupant-detection sensor failing in humid conditions or with a passenger present — leaving 'airbag OFF' despite occupancy — is described by owners as 'the number 1 concern for 2013 Subaru Impreza owners,' the largest single complaint category (~40 complaints).