Problems · NHTSA complaints

2013 Subaru Impreza problems

Owners filed 251 complaints about the 2013 Subaru Impreza with NHTSA between Mar 2013 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is air bags (79).

Complaints
251
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
13
Reported by owners
Fires
7
Reported by owners
Injuries
4
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Air bags79
  2. Engine75
  3. Electrical system34
  4. Service brakes23
  5. Power train23
  6. Steering14
  7. Vehicle speed control13
  8. Seats9
  9. Exterior lighting7
  10. Structure6
  11. Seat belts6
  12. Fuel/propulsion system4
  13. Electronic stability control (esc)4
  14. Service brakes, hydraulic2

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
201311
20149
201512
201613
201719
201827
201968
202029
202125
202211
202312
20245
20256
20264

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Air bags

79 reports4 crashes
“Air bags did not go off after a car accident with a commercial box truck, car seems to be totaled. Insurance is going to inspect vehicle to confirm it being totaled. No warning lights were on at the time. Just passed inspection a month a month ago.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 27, 2025Air bags, Unknown or otherCrash reportedODI 11701791

Engine

75 reports1 crash3 fires
“I took my car to McCurley Subaru on Wed, [XXX] to have recalls repaired. They were unable to repair the recall due to rusted out brackets and bolts. McCurley contacted Subaru of America and opened a case trying to seek an alternate remedy to this issue. Subaru refused to offer alternate solutions so I am stuck driving an unsafe vehicle with a Federal Mandated recall that cannot be repaired. On my way home after picking up the car, it stalled out on a major highway, blocking traffic and causing unsafe conditions for myself, my 7 yo daughter and other people on the road. The check engine light is on continuously and the car runs so roughly that I am afraid to drive it any longer. Subaru of America opened Case Number: [XXX]”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 15, 2026EngineODI 11771365

Electrical system

34 reports2 fires2 related recalls
“There is a plug on wiring harness that fits into speed control for the environmental system. The control is part of this piece 72311fj050. The connection overheated and and burned the plug and the speed control switch The blower motor is now broken. In [XXX] a car without defrosters is mostly useless. I had 2 different mechanics at 2 different repair places confirm this is the problem. There was no way to indication from the car that anything was wrong. The problem could have happened anytime even when driving in blizzard or 70 mph on the highway. I have the defective parts for your inspection.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 20, 2026Electrical systemODI 11772492

Service brakes

23 reports6 crashes1 fire
“The brakes failed due to a leak in the brake lines (pedal to the floor). Location of the leak is just after a union on the passenger side rear (just in front of the rear tire). Location is not well protected from corrosion similar to other recalls for the wrx and sti version of the impreza. Image shows the corroded area, and is taken after the protective coating was cut bqck to expose well maintained lines. The corrosion occurred where no protective coating was present. Both the left and right rear brake lines were found to be leaking. Luckily this was noticed in the driveway and did not result in a crash.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 8, 2026Service brakesODI 11755639

Power train

23 reports1 crash
“The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate above 80 MPH. In addition, the contact stated that the gear shifter did not shift as intended and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with transmission control system failure. The contact was informed that the torque converter clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, a diagnostic test had not been completed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 156,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 28, 2025Power trainODI 11639119

Steering

14 reports
“A crack appeared in the area noted as the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) Gear Box housing Assembly. The dealership said it was in fact dangerous as it could affect the steering. My car has a distinct 'pull to the left' when the steering wheel is turned slightly left. The system is available for inspection upon request and I do have pictures of the crack as well.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 14, 2025SteeringODI 11693438
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.