2012 Subaru Impreza Engine Problems
Owners have filed 55 complaints with NHTSA about engine problems on the 2012 Subaru Impreza, 23% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 34,310 miles. The words owners use most often: “oil consumption” (18% of reports).
- 55engine complaints
- 34,310median miles at failure
- 2mention a crash
- 1mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 42%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Oil consumption: mentioned in 10 of 55 complaints (18%)
- Valve springs: mentioned in 5 of 55 complaints (9%)
- Engine cooling: mentioned in 5 of 55 complaints (9%)
At what mileage do engine problems happen?
Based on 39 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 55 complaints, 2 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 1 an injury.
Subaru Impreza engine complaints by model year
| Model year | Engine complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Impreza | 1 | 20% | 6,250 |
| 2024 Impreza | 2 | 6% | — |
| 2023 Impreza | 1 | 25% | — |
| 2022 Impreza | 1 | 8% | — |
| 2021 Impreza | 1 | 7% | 7,000 |
| 2020 Impreza | 3 | 4% | 10,000 |
| 2019 Impreza | 8 | 4% | 6,500 |
| 2018 Impreza | 11 | 7% | 26,000 |
| 2017 Impreza | 14 | 11% | 9,000 |
| 2016 Impreza | 3 | 4% | 45,000 |
| 2015 Impreza | 10 | 13% | 31,500 |
| 2014 Impreza | 20 | 19% | 46,250 |
| 2013 Impreza | 74 | 30% | 66,800 |
| 2012 Impreza | 55 | 23% | 34,310 |
| 2011 Impreza | 3 | 5% | 20,125 |
| 2010 Impreza | 7 | 15% | 73,000 |
| 2009 Impreza | 13 | 13% | 98,000 |
| 2008 Impreza | 13 | 7% | 58,000 |
| 2007 Impreza | 8 | 12% | 73,120 |
| 2006 Impreza | 5 | 9% | 88,588 |
| 2005 Impreza | 5 | 7% | 90,000 |
| 2003 Impreza | 1 | 2% | 170,000 |
| 2002 Impreza | 3 | 1% | 90,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Engine and engine cooling:engine
Problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Subaru Impreza, 2012-2013 Impreza Stationwagon, 2013 Subaru BRZ, XV Crosstrek and Toyota Scion FR-S vehicles. The engine valve springs in these vehicles may fracture causing an engine malfunction or a possible engine stall.
Risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Subaru will notify their owners. Toyota will notify the FR-S owners. Dealers will replace the valve springs, free of charge. The recall began December 26, 2018. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614, Toyota owners may contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-888-270-9371. Subaru's number for this recall is WTY-84.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 2012 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer where the gas cap was replaced; however, the warning light returned. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer for a…
The contact owns a 2012 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle started smoking from the engine compartment. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed as an oil consumption and cam carriers failure…
Took 2012 Subaru Impreza to dealer on 2/07/22 for oil change and PA state inspections (60,130 mi). Maintenance and inspections performed without issues. Started car and noticed slight change in sound and vibration from engine that I attributed to cold winter day start up. A block from leaving…
Frequently asked questions
Do all 2012 Subaru Imprezas have engine problems?
No. NHTSA has 55 owner complaints about engine for the 2012 Subaru Impreza (23% of the 243 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the 2012 Subaru Impreza engine?
Yes: 1 safety recall list engine. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
At what mileage do engine problems start?
The median reported mileage is 34,310 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.
What do owners say about engine problems on the 2012 Subaru Impreza?
The most frequent phrase is “oil consumption”, in 10 of 55 complaints, followed by “valve springs” (5).
Other 2012 Subaru Impreza problems
- Air Bags problems (105)
See all 2012 Subaru Impreza problems or engine problems across all Impreza years.