Subaru Impreza Engine Problems
Owners have filed 262 complaints with NHTSA about engine problems on the Subaru Impreza across 23 model years. The 2013 model year has the most (74). The words owners use most often: “engine cooling” (9% of reports).
- 262engine complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 9mention a crash
- 1mention an injury
- 6related recalls
- $2,800typical repair cost reported by owners
- 46%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.
- Engine cooling: mentioned in 23 of 262 complaints (9%)
- Oil consumption: mentioned in 22 of 262 complaints (8%)
- Head gasket: mentioned in 14 of 262 complaints (5%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical engine repair on the Subaru Impreza at $2,800, and half of them between $2,100 and $5,850.
Based on 14 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2013–2025), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do engine problems happen?
Based on 167 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 262 complaints, 9 mention a crash, 11 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 (6)
Electrical system:software; engine and engine cooling:engine:engine control module (ecu/ecm):software; electrical system:ignition; engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
Model years: 2017, 2018, 2019
Problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Subaru Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, causing a short circuit.
Risk: A short circuit in the ignition coils may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECM software, replace the ignition coils and, if necessary, the front exhaust pipe, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 1, 2021. Owners can contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-21. Note: This recall includes all vehicles previously repaired under Recall 19V743.
Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control:crankcase (pcv)
Model years: 2017
Problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017 Impreza vehicles equipped with an aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve. The PCV valve may come apart, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, possibly resulting in a loss of power while driving.
Risk: An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUS-04.
Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control:crankcase (pcv)
Model years: 2017, 2018
Problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Impreza and 2018 Crosstrek vehicles equipped with an aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve. The PCV valve may come apart, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, possibly resulting in a loss of power while driving.
Risk: An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the PCV valve, free of charge. If the PCV valve has separated and the components cannot be found, the engine will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began December 2, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUP-01.
Engine and engine cooling:engine
Model years: 2012, 2013, 2014
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.
Engine and engine cooling:engine
Model years: 2008
Problem: Subaru is recalling 16,715 my 2007-2008 legacy sedans and wagons, my 2008 impreza sedans and wagons, and my 2009 forester vehicles. Some vehicles may have the cylinder head-side oil supply pipe and turbocharger-side pipe improperly assembled.
Risk: Vibration would occur while driving and, over time, could eventually result in cracking the pipe which would allow oil to leak. If leaking oil contacts components operating at high temperatures, an engine compartment fire could occur.
Fix: Dealers will inspect for cracking or an oil leak at the oil supply pipe at the cylinder head-side. An additional bracket will be installed to increase rigidity of the pipe and the pipe assembly will be replaced with a modified part. The recall began on october 20, 2008. Owners may contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
Engine and engine cooling
Model years: 2004
Problem: On certain passenger and sport utility vehicles, the cover bolts for the engine oil control valve may not be sufficiently tightened, allowing oil to leak from around the cover gasket.
Risk: If leaking oil contacts components operating at high temperatures, a fire could result in the engine compartment.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and retighten the oil-flow control valve cover bolts. The recall began on october 8, 2004. Owners should contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30-40 MPH, the vehicle rolled to a stop and stalled in hot and cold temperatures. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was jump-started by Roadside Assistance. The contact purchased a…
The contact owns a 2025 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while their son was driving approximately 45 MPH, a loud pop sound came from the right side of the engine department, and then the steering wheel seized. The driver attempted to apply the brakes; however, the brakes failed. The…
Subaru stutters stalls, torque converter malfunction
Vehicle Production Date: January 2014 Related Recall: Subaru WTM-73 / NHTSA ID 16V738 (revised July 11, 2017 as WTM-73R) Recall Coverage Production End Date: September 13, 2013 Mileage at First Incident (March 2024): 79,268 Mileage at Second Incident (February 2026): 92,325 The secondary air pump…
National Highway Traffic Safety Admin March 9, 2026 I am submitted a vehicle safety complaint regarding a 2011 Subaru that I recently purchased on [XXX]. I purchased a used 2011 Subaru Impreza from Clear Cut Auto {241 S Dupont Hghwy â New Castle, DE 1920 [redacted]) on [XXX] for $5,147.04. The…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Subaru Imprezas have engine problems?
No. NHTSA has 262 owner complaints about engine for the Subaru Impreza. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Subaru Impreza engine?
Yes: 6 safety recalls list engine. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
How much does it cost to fix engine problems on the Subaru Impreza?
Owners report a typical cost of $2,800 (half paid between $2,100 and $5,850), from 14 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about engine problems on the Subaru Impreza?
The most frequent phrase is “engine cooling”, in 23 of 262 complaints, followed by “oil consumption” (22).
Other Subaru Impreza problems
- Air Bags problems (449)
- Power Train problems (288)
- Electrical System problems (231)
- Exterior Lighting problems (202)
- Visibility/wiper problems (201)
- Suspension problems (156)
- Fuel System, Gasoline problems (149)
- Service Brakes problems (132)
See all Subaru Impreza problems.