2012 Subaru Impreza engine problems

Engine valve springs fracture, typically without advance warning. When they break, they cause rattling noises, loss of power, rough idle, timing skip errors, and sudden engine stall while driving. Some owners report the failure after hearing a loud screeching or cylinder/head rubbing sound. The 2018 recall (WTY-84, NHTSA 18V-772) specifically addressed this defect. Owners report that in at least one case, a new engine was required after timing skip error codes appeared post-failure.

When: No clear mileage pattern; failures reported from 60 mph highway driving to idle conditions. One confirmed failure at 76,000 miles; one owner waited nearly a year after receiving recall notice.

Symptoms owners cite: Rattling noise from engine; Loss of power and rough idle at low speeds; Engine stall while driving, including at highway speeds; Loud screeching or grinding sound; Check engine light illumination; Timing skip error codes; Engine won't start or barely turns over after stall

Codes mentioned: P0021, Timing skip error codes

Repairs/costs cited: One owner replaced idler pulley, serpentine belt, and tensioner without resolving the issue. Full engine replacement required in at least one case (Subaru remanufactured short block, part # SOA402F500R1). Recall remedy calls for valve spring replacement by dealers at no charge.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall WTY-84 / NHTSA ID 18V-772 (December 26, 2018, Campaign 289102) for 2012-2014 Impreza and similar models. Dealers to replace valve springs free of charge. However, multiple owners report parts shortages, long delays (some quoted September appointments for recalls issued in December 2018), and dealers claiming insufficient tools or lack of parts availability for months. One owner reported dealer refusal to schedule repair and failure to follow up on wait-list placement.

The 2012 Impreza burns oil at rates far above normal, requiring topping off every 800–1,500 miles during normal driving, with some owners reporting 1 quart per 1,000 miles as a baseline. The problem appears present from the first oil change, suggesting a manufacturing defect. Owners with Honda experience spanning 20 years report never seeing this behavior in other brands. Subaru dealers have consistently claimed this is 'normal' for the model, but owners note the issue was allegedly fixed in 2013 and 2014 model years. Causes cited by technicians include piston blowback and cam carrier failures.

When: Begins within first 1,200–5,560 miles of ownership in new cars; persists throughout ownership. One owner at 150,000 miles reports blue smoke on cold start. One used purchase (28,000 miles) burned 16.5 quarts in 700 miles. Pattern consistent across model year.

Symptoms owners cite: Low oil warning light illuminating frequently (every 800–2,500 miles); Oil level significantly below full between scheduled service; Blue smoke on cold startup (higher mileage); Engine hunting (rough running); Burning oil smell; No visible oil leak on garage floor despite consumption

Repairs/costs cited: Subaru-recommended front timing cover reseal costs approximately $650 (owner estimate in one case). One owner performed DIY reseal of front cover at screw locations but issue recurred. At least two owners received replacement short blocks (one after oil consumption test; one after 175,000 miles when extended warranty expired and repair was denied). Many owners report dealers performing 'oil consumption tests' lasting 2,400+ miles without resolution. One owner noted parts ordered but then cancelled by dealer, forcing re-test.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru defines an engine defect only if oil consumption exceeds 2,000 miles per quart, a threshold some owners report their vehicles fail but are then told the claim is invalid due to 'sensor' issues or test invalidation. No recalls issued for excessive consumption in the 2012 model. Dealers universally deny the problem is defective, claiming it is 'normal' for all cars, yet owners note the same issue was purportedly corrected in 2013+ models. Extended warranty denials at higher mileage. One owner reports Subaru refusing to repair despite vehicle failing internal consumption test.

Small oil drip from the front timing belt cover on the driver side near the water pump, originating at the screw fastening locations. The leak is hidden beneath the engine cover and may take extended time to become apparent. The factory seal on the front cover is intended to last the life of the engine; failures suggest manufacturing defect at installation (improper or insufficient sealant application at screw holes). One owner discovered the leak after it went undetected during scheduled maintenance for over a year.

When: Leak began approximately 2016 on a 2012 vehicle (roughly 4 years in service). One case documented at ~119,000 miles with cam carrier failure also present.

Symptoms owners cite: Small oil drip from front cover, usually caught by engine undercover; No visible oil spotting on garage floor initially due to location and engine cover containment; Engine smoking from compartment (in combination with cam carrier failure); Leak located at screw fastening points on front cover

Repairs/costs cited: Subaru recommends front cover reseal at approximately $650. Temporary fix mentioned: removing screws, adding sealant, reinstalling screws. One owner performed DIY reseal but failure recurred. Full engine replacement may be necessary if accompanied by cam carrier failure (owner replaced timing seal gasket himself without long-term resolution).

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued. Subaru now recommends reseal outside warranty period. One owner notes the issue should have been addressed during engine warranty period given it appears to be a known manufacturing defect (based on Google research mentioned).

Check engine light illuminates frequently, sometimes triggered by issues that are later diagnosed as sensor problems (gas cap replacement, O2 sensors) or by actual underlying mechanical failures. In at least one case, all three warning lights (check engine, oil, vehicle dynamic control) illuminated simultaneously during or shortly after service, pointing to a more systemic issue or service-induced damage.

When: Varied. One case reported during routine service and immediately after start-up. Another case at approximately 60,000+ miles with unknown timing.

Symptoms owners cite: Check engine warning light illumination; Simultaneous illumination of check engine, low oil, and traction/dynamic control lights; Intermittent recurrence after gas cap replacement; Rough running / engine hunting accompanied by warning lights

Codes mentioned: O2 sensor-related codes, Gas cap / evaporative system codes (in at least one case)

Repairs/costs cited: Gas cap replacement attempted in one case without resolution. Timing belt cover, cam carrier, and O2 sensor replacement recommended in another (manufacturer agreed to partial coverage, repair not completed). One case required full engine replacement after timing skip codes appeared.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Partial cost coverage offered in one documented case; owner did not proceed with repair. No systematic response pattern noted.

Engine suddenly stalls without warning at various speeds (idle, city street driving, highway 60 mph). Stall often accompanied by warning lights, rattling noise, or rough running preceding it. Stall can occur suddenly with minimal warning, creating a safety hazard. In one case, stall occurred with distinctive sound like 'an air compressor shutting down' and resulted in difficulty restarting.

When: Reported at idle, low speeds, and highway speeds (60 mph). One case at 60,130 miles during cold winter start. One case mileage unknown; one case at 175,000 miles.

Symptoms owners cite: Sudden engine shutdown while driving; Warning lights (check engine, oil) preceding or accompanying stall; Engine noise / vibration change before stall; Difficulty restarting after stall; Rattling noise preceding stall event

Codes mentioned: Timing skip error codes

Repairs/costs cited: Full engine replacement with remanufactured short block (Subaru part # SOA402F500R500R1) required in confirmed case. One case denied repair due to exceeded extended warranty mileage.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall WTY-84 acknowledges stall as a consequence of fractured valve springs. However, not all stalls may fall under recall criteria. One owner reported stall at 175,000 miles was denied warranty repair.

The December 2018 recall for fractured valve springs (WTY-84, NHTSA 18V-772) encountered widespread and prolonged parts shortages at dealerships nationwide. Dealers repeatedly cited lack of parts availability, missing tools, or inability to perform more than two repairs per week as reasons for refusing to schedule recalls or quoting appointments 9–12 months in the future. Multiple owners report receiving recall notices declaring 'immediate' service was needed, then being told they must wait months for parts to arrive.

When: Recall issued December 26, 2018. Owners submitted complaints through 2019 and early 2020 reporting ongoing delays. One owner quoted September 2019 appointment; another quoted September 2020 appointment nearly a year after recall notice.

Symptoms owners cite: Rattling engine noise while recall repairs are pending; Owner anxiety about driving vehicle with known safety defect; Inability to schedule timely recall service

Repairs/costs cited: Dealers reported parts on national backorder; some said second notification letter would be sent once parts arrived. One dealer said they could only perform two repairs per week. No alternative dealerships identified by Subaru for owners unable to get service at their local dealer.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru recall WTY-84 issued December 26, 2018 (Campaign 289102, NHTSA 18V-772). Subaru customer service directed some owners to call back in late February, then April, without providing firm timelines. Multiple dealers (Northtown Subaru in Amherst NY, Koeppel Subaru in Long Island City NY, Clay Subaru in Norwood MA, Redding Subaru in Redding CA, Michael's Subaru of Bellevue WA) all confirmed parts unavailable. No documentation of Subaru expediting parts or providing loaner vehicles to owners with pending safety recalls.

One owner reported that the valve spring recall repair itself caused new damage to the vehicle. The vehicle had no oil leaks, burning smells, or unusual noises before the 5-week recall repair. Upon pickup, the owner noticed strong burning smells and oil drippings appeared on the garage floor. The dealer later performed a complementary reseal of the passenger-side valve cover, but symptoms persisted. The dealer then claimed the problems were pre-existing despite the owner providing photo evidence of a clean garage floor before the service.

When: Recall service 4 Feb 2019 – 9 March 2019 (5 weeks). Issues appeared immediately upon vehicle return on 9 March 2019.

Symptoms owners cite: Strong burning smell after recall pickup; Oil dripping on garage floor immediately after return (none before); Unusual sounds reported by owner's wife after complementary reseal attempt; Vehicle returned to owner in worse condition than arrival

Repairs/costs cited: Dealer performed complementary reseal of passenger-side valve cover on 20-22 March 2019 without resolving the burning smell or drips. Owner forced to sell vehicle years earlier than planned.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru case number 1-41918146136 opened 16 March 2019. Dealer (Stevens Creek Subaru, Santa Clara CA) refused to take responsibility, claiming problems were pre-existing despite photo evidence and owner testimony. No evidence of Subaru intervention or compensation.