2012 Subaru Impreza Engine Problems

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  1641%
• 25k–50k
  718%
• 50k–75k
  615%
• 75k–100k
  13%
• 100k–150k
  718%
• 150k+
  25%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2012 Subaru Impreza owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

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. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where the diagnostic result was confirmed. The contact repaired the front timing seal gasket himself; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.

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 dealership, the check engine, oil warning and vehicle dynamic control lights all illuminated at once. In the 2-3 minutes to turn around to go back to the dealership, the engine noise/vibration/roughness increased until the engine stalled with a sound like an air compressor shutting down. I brought the service rep out for him to try restarting the car but it barely turned/wouldn't start (despite new battery and having started fine previously that day). A service tech was brought out with an ODBII scanner and found timing skip error codes and pushed the car in to a service stall to diagnose. …

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 diagnostic test and the contact was informed that the timing belt cover, cam carrier, and O2 sensors needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and agreed to cover a partial cost of the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

My son's 2012 Subaru Impreza, was bought used, with 59,000. Miles, with hope of owning a reliable, safe vehicle on 2/11/16. On 6/26/16 he went for a routine oil change and within one week the car was completely seized. He was driving home, no warning lights, or anything just made a loud sound then he was just barely able to make it to the side of a busy 3 lane road to call for a tow truck. At the time, we worried that the oil change May have been done improperly and caused the issue. We contacted the business, who then had a ase certified mechanic/inspector verify that it was not the oil change but an internal engine problem. We then had towed it again to Subaru dealer that was 7/12/16. Then we began calling- daily or every other day; to the service manager and emailing to corporate Subaru- asking what is wrong with his car? Why did it happen? What can be done? What will it cost? …

I purchased this car brand new from the dealership in January 2012 and have consistently added 1 quart +/- approximately every 1,200 miles, more often and increased added oil volume during extended driving times. I have spoken directly with Subaru dealers/service managers in 3 different california cities whom have been alerted to this oil consumption issue and have casually explained the consumption of 3-5 quarts of oil between changes as normal. Research seems to show that some Subaru dealers have begun to replace the short block of the engines that are consuming too much oil, but only for those with documented oil loss. Those people that visit the dealer exclusively for their service are likely the ones who will have their engines replaced without cost, leaving the rest of us out to dry. …

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Subaru Impreza. While driving, the contact heard a rattling noise coming from the engine and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The contact was afraid to drive the vehicle. The contact received a recall notice for NHTSA campaign number: 18V772000 (engine and engine, cooling). The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact called metrowest Subaru at [phone] (located at 948 worcester st, natick, ma 01760) and was informed that they could only perform two repairs per week. The contact had to schedule an appointment for September of 2019. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not assist. The approximate failure mileage was 76,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Followed too closely through a double intersection with a non-functioning light. Police officer directed traffic through the intersection but apparently we had to stop before the second intersection. Apparently I slowed down enough that the airbag did not deploy. I indicated 20 but surely my airbag would have deployed at that speed. Was able to drive the car under its own power off the road into a subway parking lot. As I was maneuvering into a parking spot the engine caught on fire. It seems strange to me that if I was going slow enough for the airbag not to deploy but for some components to catch on fire that the car is road worthy. Worth looking into?

I have been experiencing a rattling noise accompanied by loss of power and a rough idle at low speeds. I thought it mught be the idler pulley--replaced that along with the serpentine belt and tensioner. Did not fix the problems. Yesterday it began to stall at idle and low speeds. Car will not start. Symptoms match those related to the wty 84r bulletin and the 18V772-7070 recall for broken valve springs but the dealership says my vehicle is not in the VIN range. The car is a 2012 Impreza--the problem matches the problems for the 2012 Impreza.

Bought the car used 90K miles in 2017. It is now at 125,000 and the transmission has completely failed. The car is accelerating and reving even when decelerating. I took it to the mechanic and was told I need a total replacement. I drive less than 20 mi/wk with the occasional roadtrip. This car should have lasted for many years but, this problem is known given that Subaru has offered extended warranties in regards to this transmission failure.

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Subaru Impreza. While driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled and was towed to west houston Subaru (17109 katy fwy, houston, tx 77094). The dealer diagnosed that the oil consumption was high and the vehicle exceeded the mileage for the extended warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 175,000.

Related recalls

Engine complaints in other Impreza years