Oil keeps running dry before next oil change. It has been requiring about 1 quart every 3,000 miles. This has the ability for the engine to run without oil and seize. This can cause drastic damage and injury along with greater wear. I have been mitigating it with keeping oil in the trunk but no guarantees that you will always have it. The oil also ruined my trunk. *tr
2012 Subaru Impreza engine problems
moderate 40 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
40
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
When does it fail?
Of the 40 engine complaints filed for the 2012 Subaru Impreza, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 40 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 14 model years of Subaru Impreza in our records for engine problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
The check engine light, the traction light and oil warning light came up on the dashboard. Initially, the dealer recommended replacing the oil valve. I did but the the problem persist. Now the engine is hunting. The dealer informs me that engine is not pumping enough oil despite the fact that service has been done regularly at interval recommended by the Subaru dealership. Now I am told that I…
The contact owns a 2012 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle started smoking from the engine compartment. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed as an oil consumption and cam carriers failure. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where the diagnostic result was confirmed. The contact…
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Subaru impreza. The contact stated that he the vehicle exhibited excessive oil consumption. The contact added one quart of oil to the vehicle, which only lasted approximately 900 miles. The vehicle was inspected. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The failure mileage was 7,500 updated 01/14/14 *bf
My Subaru imprera's low engine oil light has been on multiple times since april of this year and has been brought to the attention of Subaru dealer to no avail. Though the oil consumption rate is abnormal and the problem appears to be common among certain Subaru models, Subaru of america has been asserting that it is normal for an automobile to consume a quart of oil about every thousand miles.…
Had engine trouble with your 2012 Subaru Impreza?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2012 Subaru Impreza?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 40 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 26 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 10,500 and 119,000 miles, with the median around 40,300. A quarter of owners report trouble before 10,500; a quarter make it past 119,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2012/Subaru/Impreza.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.