Vehicle Guide

2013 Subaru Impreza Problems, Reliability & Owner's Guide

Common problems with the 2013 Subaru Impreza, reliability ratings, maintenance tips, and owner reviews. Get your complete owner's guide.

Overview

The 2013 Subaru Impreza is a compact car offered as a 4-door sedan or 5-door hatchback, known for standard all-wheel drive and everyday practicality. It’s part of the fourth-generation Impreza (redesigned for 2012), bringing improved ride comfort, better fuel economy, and a more modern cabin than earlier models. This is an ideal choice for drivers in snow-belt states, commuters who want year-round traction, and shoppers who prioritize safety and versatility over speed. In the compact market, it stands out for AWD availability (standard) and strong resale value.

Key Features

- Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive: AWD comes standard on all 2013 Impreza trims, a key differentiator versus most compact sedans and hatchbacks that offer only front-wheel drive. - 2.0L Subaru BOXER engine: The 2013 Impreza uses a 2.0-liter horizontally opposed 4-cylinder (FB20) making about 148 hp, designed for a low center of gravity and balanced handling. - Transmission choices: A 5-speed manual is available on select trims, while many models use Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT, which improves fuel economy but has its own maintenance considerations. - Strong fuel economy for an AWD compact: Many owners shop this year because it delivers competitive MPG for an all-wheel-drive vehicle, making it attractive for long commutes. - Hatchback utility (Impreza 5-door): The hatch is popular for cargo flexibility, easier loading, and added practicality for outdoor gear, pets, and small-family use.

Common Issues & Reliability

Shoppers researching 2013 Subaru Impreza reliability often find that it’s generally durable when maintained, but there are several 2013 Subaru Impreza common issues worth knowing before purchase. 1) CVT behavior and potential failure: Some owners report CVT shuddering, hesitation, high RPM “flaring,” or harsh engagement. Symptoms can show up anywhere from 60,000–120,000 miles, especially if the fluid has never been serviced or if the car has seen lots of stop-and-go driving. Not every CVT fails, but repairs can be expensive if internal components wear or the valve body develops problems. 2) Excessive oil consumption: A portion of FB20 engines are reported to consume oil between changes, sometimes becoming noticeable around 60,000–100,000 miles. If oil level isn’t monitored, low oil can accelerate engine wear. Many owners manage it successfully with regular checks and consistent oil-change intervals. 3) Wheel bearings and suspension noises: Wheel bearing hum/growl is a known complaint on some Imprezas, often becoming apparent around 70,000–120,000 miles. You may also hear clunks from worn sway bar links or strut mounts. These aren’t unusual wear items for a compact AWD car, but they can affect ride quality and tire wear if ignored. 4) Electrical and sensor-related issues: Common 2013 Subaru Impreza problems can include intermittent warning lights (such as check engine lights tied to sensors), occasional battery/charging complaints, or infotainment glitches depending on equipment. These issues tend to be sporadic rather than chronic, but they’re worth scanning for with a quality diagnostic tool before buying.

Frequently Asked Questions

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