This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body which incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability. (This is an revised version of the orignal bulletin.)
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Subaru Impreza electrical problems
severe Owners of the 2013 Subaru Impreza have filed 32 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 79,000 miles at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
32
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 Impreza | 8 |
| 2010 Impreza | 4 |
| 2011 Impreza | 9 |
| 2012 Impreza | 25 |
| 2013 Impreza (this page) | 32 |
| 2014 Impreza | 17 |
| 2015 Impreza | 18 |
| 2016 Impreza | 12 |
| 2017 Impreza | 19 |
2fires
When does it fail?
Of the 32 electrical complaints filed for the 2013 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
Of the 15 model years of Subaru Impreza we track for electrical problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 32.
Owners have filed 32 electrical 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.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body which incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin announces the new procedure and Warranty Fail Code for FirstTime air conditioning (A/C) performance concerns possibly resulting from an undetected A/C refrigerant leak.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin contains information to help when attempting to complete the STARLINK Telematics subscription process, an Error Code 202 and / or 204 may occur preventing the process from completing successfully
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Service Information Bulletin was developed to provide interim guidance for 2026 model year vehicles exhibiting DTC B2A20 with gen 4 Telematics.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Passenger seat occupancy sensor failures dominate the complaint cluster. The sensor either fails to detect an occupied seat (keeping the airbag disabled despite a passenger being belted in) or falsely activates from light objects, moisture, humidity, or electronic devices near the seat. Multiple owners note the same part was recalled in 2012 Imprezas but the 2013 model—using identical components—remains uncovered. Seat replacement runs ~$700; Subaru offered one owner only a $500 goodwill certificate.
Key-stuck-in-ignition is a documented but unrecalled problem. Owners report the key cannot be removed from park without repeatedly shifting the transmission or restarting the engine. Subaru issued Service Bulletin 16-112-18R documenting the issue, yet no recall followed. One owner's key bent from forcing removal; another reports 20+ occurrences.
Climate control wiring catches fire internally, melting harnesses and disabling the blower motor. Subaru dismisses this as normal melting in hot weather rather than a defect. Secondary air pump overheating is tied to relay failure (recall 16V738) but at least one owner never received the notification letter.
Battery premature death, oil control valve leakage into wiring, and multiple dashboard warning lights (check engine, ABS, stability control, traction control) lighting randomly without diagnostic codes create unpredictable failures. Headlights and brake lights burn out in pairs every few months even with quality replacements, suggesting electrical system charging problems rather than bulb defects.
Same Subaru Impreza electrical reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2014 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Passenger Seat Occupancy Sensor Malfunction
Occupancy sensor fails to accurately detect passenger weight and status, causing the passenger airbag light to illuminate when occupied or remain off when a passenger is present. Sensor triggers false positives from light objects (2-12 lbs), moisture, humidity, perspiration, and electronic devices like cell phones or laptops in proximity to the seat. Multiple owners report the same part number used in recalled 2012 models but their 2013 Impreza not covered by recall.
When: First appearance from purchase onward; some cases noted at 35,212 miles; intermittent to frequent (reported ~70% of trips)
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag light illuminates with passenger in seat; Airbag disabled indicator shows 'OFF' while passenger seated and belted; Light triggers during humid or wet conditions, perspiration, or proximity of electronic devices; False activation from light objects on seat; Red airbag light and amber 'airbag off' light remain on regardless of occupancy
Repairs/costs cited: Seat replacement costs cited at ~$700 for seat bottom alone; Subaru offered $500 goodwill repair certificate in at least one case; some dealers resetting light by turning ignition off/on (temporary fix)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru acknowledged problem with $500 goodwill repair certificate (one case); confirmed part same as recalled 2012 models but did not recall 2013 models; some dealers claim sensor threshold is 27 lbs minimum but malfunction occurs below that
Key Stuck in Ignition
Ignition lock fails to release the key when transmission is in park. Owner must repeatedly shift transmission, turn steering wheel, or restart the vehicle to release the key. Owners cite Subaru Service Bulletin 16-112-18R as documenting the issue, but no recall has been issued.
When: Intermittent, occurring 20+ times in some cases; no mileage specified
Symptoms owners cite: Key cannot be removed from ignition when in park; Requires multiple attempts shifting transmission or turning steering wheel before key releases; Key occasionally bends from forcing removal; Ignition lock requires excessive force to remove key
Repairs/costs cited: At least one ignition lock replacement at dealership; no other repair costs cited
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service Bulletin 16-112-18R issued documenting issue; no recall issued despite documented problem
Climate Control Electrical Fire and Wiring Harness Failure
Wires connecting climate control unit undergo internal electrical fire, causing the blower motor switch and associated wiring harness to melt or burn. Heat damage prevents climate control from functioning. Subaru advises melting is common in high external temperatures (90-100+°F), downplaying fire hazard.
When: At approximately 107,000 miles in one case; timing not specified in others
Symptoms owners cite: Climate control unit fails or stops working; Burned wires connected to climate control; Wiring harness melts or burns; Internal electrical fire behind radio/dashboard area; Loud unusual noise from hood area; secondary air pump continues running after shutdown
Repairs/costs cited: Climate control unit replacement required; full wiring harness replacement; secondary air pump replacement in severe case; owners bear repair costs
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru downplayed issue as common, citing high heat melting climate control randomly; no manufacturer-supported repair program mentioned; recall 16V738 relates to secondary air pump overheating due to relay failure in fuse box
Battery and Electrical System Failures
Battery dies prematurely, leaving vehicle unable to start. Owners report dealership was informed of defect in April 2013 causing electrical problems leading to battery death and engine issues. One owner reports oil control valve (OCV) leaking into wiring harness causing starting failure, loss of power while in motion, and extended cranking.
When: After 5 months of use in one case; after 2 weeks of non-use in same case; ongoing intermittent issues in another
Symptoms owners cite: Engine will not start; no response from ignition; Battery dies after short periods of non-use (2 weeks); Engine loses power while driving; Extended engine cranking; Electrical issues preventing normal vehicle operation
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replacement (dead cell diagnosis); oil control valve repair; wiring harness replacement needed when OCV leaks; towing required; storage charges accrued
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru dealers informed of defect April 2013 (recall-related); dealership advised towing to Subaru for repair but did not inform consumer of recall before sale; no direct manufacturer response cited regarding OCV leakage
Dashboard Warning Lights Malfunction
Multiple dashboard warning lights illuminate randomly or simultaneously without corresponding diagnostic codes. Lights include check engine, ABS, stability control, traction control, cruise control, and transmission oil temperature. Lights sometimes disappear when turned on/off, making diagnosis difficult. No fault codes return during scans when lights are off.
When: No specific mileage or timing provided; occurs intermittently and unpredictably
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates; ABS light comes on; Stability control warning light illuminates; Traction control light illuminates; Cruise control light illuminates; AT oil temp light illuminates; Vehicle jerks or hesitates; Rear brake lights fail to function; Warning lights disappear after restart; reappear at random
Codes mentioned: No codes returned during diagnostic scans when lights are off
Repairs/costs cited: Owners unable to identify root cause; mechanics unable to diagnose; vehicle not yet repaired in reported cases
Headlight and Brake Light Bulb Failure
Headlights and brake lights burn out with unusual frequency—every 6 months or less. When one light fails, the other typically follows within one day. Pattern persists even with high-quality replacement bulbs, suggesting an underlying electrical charging or voltage regulation problem rather than bulb defect.
When: Recurring; 5 replacements in 2 years reported
Symptoms owners cite: Headlights burn out frequently; Brake lights burn out frequently; Paired failure pattern—second bulb burns out day after first
Repairs/costs cited: Bulb replacement; high-quality bulbs used but failure pattern continues
Tail Light Electrical Harness Failure
Tail light electrical wiring harness burns out, causing complete tail light failure. After initial harness replacement by dealer, the problem recurs, raising concern about repeat failure and underlying electrical fault.
When: Twice in owner's tenure; second occurrence timeframe not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Tail lights do not turn on despite switch activation; Complete electrical harness burnout; Burned-out harness odor or visible damage
Repairs/costs cited: Complete electrical harness replacement performed by dealer first time; second occurrence suggests defect persists
Secondary Air Pump Malfunction and Overheating
Secondary air pump continues running after engine shutdown and key removal, becoming dangerously hot. Loud noise emits from under hood. Relay in fuse box is implicated in recall 16V738 as causing the issue. Owner did not receive recall notification letter despite being issued July 2017.
When: First noticed July 11, 2024
Symptoms owners cite: Engine light illuminates; Loud unusual noise from under hood; Secondary air pump continues running after engine shutdown; Air pump becomes too hot to touch safely
Codes mentioned: NHTSA recall 16V738
Repairs/costs cited: Relay in fuse box identified as root cause; secondary air pump and relay replacement required
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA recall 16V738 issued and revised July 11, 2017; owner did not receive notification letter; owner advocates for re-notification of all owners
Airbag Disabled with Both Driver and Passenger During Humidity
During humid conditions, airbags disable for both driver and passenger seats simultaneously when a passenger sits down. Represents a critical dual-airbag failure during operation.
When: Occurs intermittently during humid weather; no mileage provided
Symptoms owners cite: Both driver and passenger airbags disable during humidity; Airbag disablement occurs when passenger enters seat
Oil Control Valve Leakage into Wiring Harness
Oil control valve leaks oil into the engine wiring harness, causing electrical failures including starting problems, loss of power during motion, extended cranking, and intermittent electrical issues. Multiple dealer service records document the problem.
When: No specific mileage; documented in multiple dealer reports over time
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to start or has delayed starts; Engine loses power while in motion; Extended engine cranking time; Intermittent electrical issues; Multiple failure events documented in dealer service records
Repairs/costs cited: Oil control valve and wiring harness repairs required
Synthesized from 32 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
My passenger airbag sensor never turns on. Even if I have a passenger in the seat, the light still remains off. I know that the 2012 models used the same occupancy sensor as the 2013 impreza but the 2013 models haven't been recalled. This doesn't make any sense because they're the same exact models so they should also be recalled so they can be fixed. The seat has never been wet and I haven't…
The passenger seat sensor that controls airbag is faulty. Sometimes with a passenger in the seat, the airbag light will go on indicating that the airbag is disabled even though passenger is in seat and belted. This can always be reset by turning igniotion off and on again. Also sensor incorrectly thinks there is a passenger in the seat even when very light packages or groceries are on the seat…
Had electrical trouble with your 2013 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 electrical problem on the 2013 Subaru Impreza?
It's a meaningful issue. 32 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 19 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 40,000 and 112,000 miles, with the median around 79,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 40,000; a quarter make it past 112,000. 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 $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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/2013/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.