This Bulletin provides the diagnostic procedure for the STARLINK® Remote Engine Start (RES).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Subaru Impreza engine problems
severe Owners of the 2013 Subaru Impreza have filed 57 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 66,800 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
57
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 Impreza | 24 |
| 2010 Impreza | 8 |
| 2011 Impreza | 5 |
| 2012 Impreza | 40 |
| 2013 Impreza (this page) | 57 |
| 2014 Impreza | 14 |
| 2015 Impreza | 8 |
| 2017 Impreza | 9 |
3fires
When does it fail?
Of the 57 engine 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 14 model years of Subaru Impreza we track for engine problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 57.
Owners have filed 57 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.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine 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 Service Information Bulletin provides the Service Manual Correction to the diagnostic procedure for DTC B2A16 (Immobilizer Key Collation Diagnosis).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be followed when diagnosing engine oil leakage on FA and FB type engines.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗The purpose of this bulletin is to advise of SOA’s revised Catalytic Converter Recycling Program shipping procedure.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2013 Subaru Impreza report widespread engine defects that Subaru has acknowledged through recalls but failed to address adequately. The most dangerous failure is rod bearing and main bearing seizure, which causes sudden loss of power at highway speeds with no warning. Multiple owners experienced complete engine seizure, requiring replacement. One owner had an engine replaced three times and still experienced stalling. A class action settlement exists for 2012–2017 model years, but Subaru has denied coverage in some cases and the settlement has expired.
Valve spring breakage is covered under NHTSA Campaign 18V772000, but the recall suffers from a critical parts shortage. Dealers nationwide report availability delays of 6 to 15 months or longer, leaving owners driving vehicles they know are defective. One owner waited from October 2018 to May 2020 for parts. After recall repairs, some engines developed loud knocking and one caught fire 24 days after the work was completed.
Excessive oil consumption is a chronic complaint. Owners report burning 1 quart per 1,200–3,000 miles despite the vehicle being new or nearly new and rated for 7,500-mile intervals. Subaru dealers claim this is normal for the 2.0L FB engine, but owners—including a former ASE mechanic—reject this, noting no other vehicle in their experience burns oil at this rate. Warranty denial is common.
Additional failures include serpentine belt cracking (one vehicle had belts replaced three times), starting problems after parking, and secondary air system valve seizure preventing emissions compliance. Repair costs are substantial, with engine replacement alone running $3,000 to $16,000 depending on whether owners pay the full dealer estimate or find alternatives.
Same Subaru Impreza engine reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Rod bearing and main bearing seizure
Engine seizes without warning at highway speeds or during normal driving. Owners report sudden loss of power, engine stalling, loud rattling noise from under the hood, and in one case engine fire. Class action settlement exists for 2012-2017 model year engines covering rod bearing and main bearing defects. Multiple engines failed catastrophically despite being within stated mileage and warranty periods.
When: 40,000–83,000 miles; one case after extended storage
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of motive power without warning; Engine stall during driving; Loud rattling noise from under hood; Check engine light illumination; Engine catching fire after replacement (reported once); Engine refusing to start after sitting several hours
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (specific codes not provided in narratives)
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required; one owner replaced engine three times with repeat failure; costs cited as ~$3,000 for OEM engine, dealer quoted $16,000; one independent shop charged $500 for used engine
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Class action settlement for 2012-2017 MY for rod/main bearing failure; extended warranty to 10 years/100k miles; Subaru denied coverage in at least one case citing lack of oil; another case denied because VIN not included in recall; settlement has closed
Valve spring failure and breakage
Valve springs fail, causing valves to strike pistons and destroy engine internals. This defect is covered under NHTSA Campaign 18V772000 (valve spring recall). Multiple owners report valve springs breaking during driving, creating safety hazard. One case indicates recall may not cover all affected vehicles manufactured past June 13, 2013 deadline.
When: ~50 mph highway speeds; one case at 15,996 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stall without warning; Hole blown in engine ignition area; Engine loss of power; Loud engine noise; Engine fire after repair
Codes mentioned: Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Short block assembly and cylinder head replacement required; one case scratched cylinder wall; repair costs not specified in detail
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 18V772000 issued December 2018; widespread parts shortage delays repair 6–15+ months nationwide; dealers report parts unavailable for several months; one owner waited from January to May 2019 (4+ months); another from October 2018 to May 2020 (15+ months). One dealer completed valve spring repair but engine stalled 3 months later, requiring further repairs. One case reports engine caught fire after recall repair completed.
Excessive oil consumption
Engine burns or loses oil abnormally fast, requiring refills between scheduled oil changes. Subaru dealers claim this is normal for 2.0L FB engines (burning 1 quart per 1,200 miles). Owners, including a former ASE mechanic, dispute this and report far exceeding any industry standard for a vehicle rated for 7,500-mile oil change intervals. Defect results in repeated low-oil warnings and risk of running engine dry.
When: 3,000–21,000 miles; ongoing from new vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Oil level warning light illumination; Low or empty oil on dipstick after short intervals; Loss of 1–4 quarts between oil changes; Oil consumption rate of 1 quart per 1,200–3,000 miles (owners report)
Codes mentioned: Low oil warning light
Repairs/costs cited: Short block replacement completed in some cases; after replacement, excessive consumption persisted in at least one case; owners carry oil in vehicle as workaround; one dealer proposed $100 diagnostic oil consumption test at owner's expense despite vehicle under warranty
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru dealerships claim excessive consumption is normal per owner manual and 2.0L FB engine specification; Subaru of North America provides same response; no warranty coverage offered; owners denied warranty diagnostics at no cost; one owner's warranty claim for engine failure denied citing 'overall cost, age of my vehicle' despite class action settlement for rod bearing
Serpentine/drive belt failure
Serpentine belts crack and fail prematurely. One owner had belts replaced three times in approximately 26 months (April 2018, May 2018, August 2019) with third failure destroying radiator and other engine components. Belt failures lead to loss of engine cooling and ancillary function.
When: 65,000–94,000 miles over 26 months
Symptoms owners cite: Cracked serpentine belt; Loss of engine cooling capability; Radiator and other engine damage from belt failure debris
Repairs/costs cited: Belt replacement at 65k and 66k miles (April/May 2018); third failure at 94k miles (August 2019) destroyed radiator, engine, and 'many other parts'; awaiting Subaru decision on full-cost repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response documented in narrative; owner awaiting decision on repairs at Subaru expense
Starting system failure and parasitic drain
Vehicle will not start after parking for several hours despite normal starting procedure. Dealer attributes whirring and clicking sounds from back of vehicle and dashboard to normal emissions system 'purging,' but this may drain battery during extended parking. Safety concern as vehicle becomes inoperable when needed.
When: Occurs after vehicle sits for several hours
Symptoms owners cite: Extended crank time (10+ seconds) before starting; Complete failure to start after multiple attempts; Whirring noises from right rear of vehicle; Clicking noise near center dash when vehicle off
Repairs/costs cited: None; dealer denies issue is a defect
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer and Subaru customer service confirm whirring/clicking is normal emission system 'purging' function; no mention in owner manual of this feature; no repair offered
Timing cover oil leak and gasket issues
Oil level warning light illuminates after recall repair (NHTSA Campaign 18V772000). Timing cover replacement performed but failure reoccurs. Second visit results in timing cover adjustment and oil top-off. Subsequent oil consumption test reveals quart consumption, leading to short block replacement. Despite repairs, oil level warning persists.
When: At 95,224 miles, after recall repair
Symptoms owners cite: Oil level warning light illumination; No visible external oil leaks found by dealer; Oil consumption of 1 quart measured
Codes mentioned: Oil level warning
Repairs/costs cited: Timing cover replacement (failed); timing cover adjustment (failed); oil consumption test performed; short block replacement completed but failure persisted
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No further assistance provided by manufacturer after short block replacement failed to resolve issue
Secondary air system failure
Secondary air control valve seizes, preventing emissions system operation. Valve failure is not simple repair—requires disassembly of entire intake manifold. Results in failed emissions testing and inability to register vehicle.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Secondary air control valve seizure; Failed emissions inspection; Check engine light
Codes mentioned: Emissions-related code (specific code not provided)
Repairs/costs cited: Complete intake manifold disassembly required for replacement; second replacement performed
Post-repair knocking and engine damage after recall work
After dealers complete recall repairs (valve spring, brake lamp switch), engines develop loud knocking noise during driving and while stationary. One case reports front bumper hanging off vehicle after valve spring recall repair at Modesto Subaru; another reports engine caught on fire 24 days after valve spring recall completed at Roger's Subaru.
When: Immediately after or within 24 days of recall completion
Symptoms owners cite: Loud engine knocking noise (continuous); Structural damage (bumper hanging off); Engine fire
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicles not repaired or await Subaru decision
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall repair completed but introduced new failures; one case confirms 'faulty recall repair'; manufacturer response not documented
Synthesized from 57 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 7 most recent
I have had a problem with the car burning oil since I bought the car. My oil light comes on after every 1000.00 miles and it is down at least a quart and a half each time . I change the oil every 3000 miles but I still have to put oil in in between. I ordered this car from a dealership rt from the factory. The oil consumption has been a problem since day one. I have brought it to the dealerships…
The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 mph when the check engine illuminated and a loud rattling noise emitted from underneath the hood of the vehicle. The vehicle then suddenly stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer had replaced the engine. Approximately after the repair while they were driving approximately 40 mph when…
******* delete voq ******* this complaint is being marked for deletion because it is an inadvertent duplicate of odi# 11497752*djr ******* delete voq *******
Car consumes oil excessively. Every 3000 miles I need a quart of oil. It's ridiculous. This has been an ongoing problem since I purchased the car.
High RPM when starting car in cold weather. When engine warms up rpms return to normal. Choke issue? It's been this way since new.
Oil in car becomes low between oil change.
I was driving into work in the morning and as I entered the parking area I noticed my oil light come on. I parked the car and checked the oil, and to my surprise there was nothing on the stick. I had just changed the oil less than 2000 miles prior to this and I was concerned. I proceeded to check for leaks and found none. I took the car in to the dealer and was informed that my engine is a quart…
Had engine 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 engine problem on the 2013 Subaru Impreza?
It's a meaningful issue. 57 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 31 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 23,850 and 95,224 miles, with the median around 66,800. A quarter of owners report trouble before 23,850; a quarter make it past 95,224. 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/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.