When driving the vehicle the engine was not getting enough power and it was shifting oddly. I took it in and was told there was excessive carbon buildup on the heads, and there is not a good fix for the problem. Without having the engine torn apart this could of caused the car to not speed up properly or the engine to malfunction while driving the vehicle. This could have caused serious injuries…
2019 Subaru Impreza engine problems
severe 6 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 4 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2019 Subaru Impreza?
It's a meaningful issue. 6 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?
Based on the 6 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 76,933 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
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.