Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2013 Subaru Impreza owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The wires that connect to the climate control have started an electrical fire and burned out my climate control twice. Upon reporting this to Subaru they advised the climate control randomly not working is a very common problem as it can melt due to high heat outside (90-100+ temperature). Now upon replacing the climate control unit, the wire connected was burned as there was an active electrical fire that was the cause of the climate control not working because it could not connect to the wire pack properly due to the fire. Fire started and went out on its own but without my knowledge as it's internal behind the radio portion of the car. I would not have known about the fire unless I replaced the part, which is what I did.
In the morning of 7-11-2024, I started the engine to go to work as usual. I found the engine light on and noticed strange symptoms from the hood, such as unusual loud noise. Thereafter, I lifted the hood and confirmed loud noise coming from somewhere. Then, I immediately shut down the engine (no key in ignition), but still, the secondary air pump kept running. I thought it may be blowing up, so I immediately disconnected the battery. I touched the pump and almost burnt my hand. I did do this immediate action because I have some experience/knowledge on car maintenance, but I feel terrible if this happened to someone else, such as young drivers. Then, I googled for the similar symptoms, and found something matching my symptoms in the recall notification letter (NHTSA recall no. 16V738), in which the relay in fuse box can cause the issue. …
There is a plug on wiring harness that fits into speed control for the environmental system. The control is part of this piece 72311fj050. The connection overheated and and burned the plug and the speed control switch The blower motor is now broken. In [redacted] a car without defrosters is mostly useless. I had 2 different mechanics at 2 different repair places confirm this is the problem. There was no way to indication from the car that anything was wrong. The problem could have happened anytime even when driving in blizzard or 70 mph on the highway. I have the defective parts for your inspection.
Upon placing the vehicle in park, the key will not be released from the ignition. This has happened intermittently for months. The vehicle has not yet been inspected, but I do believe this is a known issue with this model/year, along with other Subaru models/years. I have had to leave me key in the ignition with the vehicle unlocked, on city streets, due to having to make work appointments on time and not having the time to play with the shifter, steering wheel and/or ignition until it decides to work. When my vehicle is stolen, will Subaru replace it? This is a problem for which Subaru should beheld responsible.
Sometimes when a passenger sits in the front passenger seat the Airbag light will show that it is turned off. It happens about 70% each time we are in the vehicle. I don't know if it is a wire issue or the airbag sensor. It seems that it is covered in other recalls, but not my vehicle. Not sure why but it seems they are the same system.
Check engine/break/ABS/traction control/ cruise control and AT OIL TEMP lights are all on. Now my back break lights are not working! Car jerks at times. Read on a few forms that this was an issue for Subaru Imprezas 2012 and up. There was also a recall on this issue on April 2019. Please have this recalled again.
During humid days, when a passenger sits in the passenger seat for more than a minute, the airbags will turn off for both the driver and passenger seat. With some further research, this is a somewhat common problem with 2013 Subaru Imprezas. This is a massive safety risk.
Malfunction with my dashboard lights. ABS/ AT OIL TEMP/TRACKTION CONTROL/ HILL LIGHT and CRUISE CONTROL GAGE. Are all on car seems to run somewhat alright until car jerks then all of the mentioned issues comes on.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated while having the vehicle inspected at a local mechanic, the mechanic informed the contact that the wiring harness between the fan motor and climate control fan speed switch burned out and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.
Air bag is disabled when moisture or humidity is present on the passenger seat. Specifically the airbag red light illuminates and the amber passenger side air bag off light illuminates. This is a problem that presented itself soon after purchase. It has happened while stationary & while driving. It has been triggered by both humidity in the air & perspiration by the passenger. I believe the problem has to do with moisture compromising the passenger seat switch. The incident has happened many times. Most recently I had left the rear window open it was humid but there was no rain, when I went to work in the morning the red airbag light was on. The problem May be getting worse over time, in the past a towel or trash bag would prevent it but no, as mentioned it is being triggered by humid air. …
Related recalls
Electrical system
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2008-2014 Impreza vehicles and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, all equipped with turbo-charged engines.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary air injection pump relay, free of charge. The recall began December 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783.
Electrical complaints in other Impreza years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2013 Subaru Impreza?
NHTSA has 34 complaints about the electrical system of the 2013 Subaru Impreza, 14% of the model year's 251 complaints. The component named most often is ignition (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2013 Subaru Impreza electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 16V-738 (electrical system, Oct 13, 2016). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2013 Subaru Impreza electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 84,000 miles, and 15% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 2 fires and 0 injuries to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.