Is the 2013 Subaru IMPREZA reliable?

The 2013 Subaru IMPREZA has 343 complaints filed with NHTSA (3.5x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: avoid. Most common issue: AIR BAGS problems.

What are common problems with the 2013 Subaru IMPREZA?

Top problems: AIR BAGS (96 complaints, avg repair $500); ENGINE (76 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (33 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2013 Subaru IMPREZA?

Yes, there are 4 recall(s): EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE. Contact any Subaru dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2013 Subaru IMPREZA?

The 2013 Subaru IMPREZA gets 25 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $1920. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2013 Subaru IMPREZA?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2013 Subaru IMPREZA is approximately $1,478/year (sedan-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2013 Subaru IMPREZA

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Avoid This Year

Quick Summary

The 2013 Subaru IMPREZA has 343 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 3.5x the segment average of 99. The most common issue is air bags problems (28% of all complaints), specifically: i was involved in an accident while driving my recently acquired 2013 subaru impreza, where another driver hit my vehicle in a side impact on the driver side front wheel and driver door (i can send the pictures via email). the good news is that i was able to get out on the other side of the vehic. There are 4 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 9 fire reports filed.

9 fire reports 13 crash reports 5 injuries

343

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

3.5x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

AIR BAGS

96 complaints

28%

• I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WHILE DRIVING MY RECENTLY ACQUIRED 2013 SUBARU IMPREZA, WHERE ANOTHER DRIVER HIT MY VEHICLE IN A SIDE IMPACT ON THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT WHEEL AND DRIVER DOOR (I CAN SEND THE PICTURES VIA EMAIL). THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT I WAS ABLE TO GET OUT ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE VEHIC
• THE PASSENGER AIR BAG ILLUMINATED WITH AN OFF. IT SHOULD ALWAYS BE ON. THE BOUGHT THE CAR NEW WITH LESS THAN A YEAR DRIVING IT AND THE PASSENGER AIR BAG ILLUMINATION LIGHT TURNS TO OFF. ITS REALLY SCARY TO THINK OF WHAT MIGHT HAVE HAPPEN IF THERE WAS AN ACCIDENT DURING THE MALFUNCTION. *TR
• THERE IS AN INTERMITTENT ISSUE WHERE THE "PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF" LIGHT ERRATICALLY COMES ON WHEN AN OCCUPANT IS SEATED IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, AND THEN THE RED DASH LIGHT LOOKING LIKE A BALLOON WILL COME ON. NEITHER THE WEIGHT/POSITIONING OF THE OCCUPANT NOR RESTARTING THE VEHICLE CHANGE WHETHER THE

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 4 crashes

“I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WHILE DRIVING MY RECENTLY ACQUIRED 2013 SUBARU IMPREZA, WHERE ANOTHER DRIVER HIT MY VEHICLE IN A SIDE IMPACT ON THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT WHEEL AND DRIVER DOOR (I CAN SEND THE PICTURES VIA EMAIL). THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT I WAS ABLE TO GET OUT ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE VEHIC”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2013 Subaru IMPREZA

Based on 220 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 66K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 60-100K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BRAKES

Earlier than typicalmedian 48K mi · 15 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

SPEED CONTROL

Earlier than typicalmedian 44K mi · 12 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

OTHER

Earlier than typicalmedian 38K mi · 10 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

STEERING

Earlier than typicalmedian 50K mi · 10 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

AIR BAGS

In line with typicalmedian 62K mi · 71 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 67K mi · 39 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (4)

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH28/02/2019

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing the brake lights from illuminating and also preventing keyless ignition vehicles from starting and CVT/automatic transmissions from being able to be shifted out of Park.

Risk: Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.

Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2013 Subaru IMPREZA

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$1,920

Per month

$160

Per mile

16.0¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,824/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,372/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2013 Subaru IMPREZA

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,478

Full coverage / month

$123

Liability only / year

$611

vs US avg

-12%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1478

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Subaru IMPREZA Service Intervals

Oil change

6K mi / 6 mo

Tire rotation

6K mi

Brake fluid

30 months

Transmission fluid

30K mi

Engine coolant

138K mi

Spark plugs

60K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

30K mi

Boxer engines have specific oil consumption patterns — check oil monthly. CVT service every 30K is critical; skipping shortens life dramatically. AWD requires matched tire wear.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Subaru New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

3 yr / 36K mi

These are the terms for a new Subaru. If you're buying a used 2013 IMPREZA, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Subaru dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

AIR BAGS(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 343 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
AIR BAGS: I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WHILE DRIVING MY RECENTLY ACQUIRED 2013 SUBARU IMPREZA, WHERE ANOTHER DRIVER HIT MY VEHICLE IN A SIDE IMPACT ON THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT WHEEL AND DRIVER DOOR (I CAN SEND THE PICTURES VIA EMAIL). THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT I WAS ABLE TO GET OUT ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE VEHIC
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: VEHICLE WILL NOT START AFTER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF ATTEMPTS. APPEARS TO HAPPEN MOST OFTEN WHEN VEHICLE IS PARKED (EITHER INDOORS OR OUTSIDE) FOR MORE THAN SEVERAL HOURS. CAR WILL CRANK OVER FOR 10+ SECONDS AND WILL NOT START. AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS, CAR HAS STARTED EVENTUALLY. HAVE COMMUNICAT
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: DECEMBER 19, 2013, I PURCHASED A SUBARU IMPREZA FROM KOEPPEL SUBARU IN LONG ISLAND CITY, N.Y. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THE CAR WAS "BRAND NEW" AND USED ONLY FOR TEST DRIVES. AFTER 5 MONTHS OF DRIVING THE CAR, THE CAR BEGAN TO HAVE PROBLEMS TO START. PUTTING THE KEY IN THE IGNITION, THERE WAS NO RESPON
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BRAKES: 2013 SUBARU IMPREZA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO BRAKE ASSIST SYSTEM. *SMD ACCORDING TO THE SUBARU MANUAL, THE BRAKE ASSIST SYSTEM ASSISTED THE BRAKE POWER WHEN THE DRIVER CANNOT DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL STRONGLY AND THE BRAKE POWER WAS INSUFFICIENT. BRAKE ASSIST GENERATED THE BRAKE POWER ACCORD
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 4 recalls have been completed — free at any Subaru dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)