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 contact owns a 2013 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate above 80 MPH. In addition, the contact stated that the gear shifter did not shift as intended and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with transmission control system failure. The contact was informed that the torque converter clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, a diagnostic test had not been completed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 156,000.
Was driving on I-70 in Colorado going 60-65 mph uphill when all indicator lights came on and AT (Automatic Transition) Oil Temp light began flashing. Check Engine, Hill Assist, ABS, and Traction Control lights all came on steady on. Had to pull over and had significant power loss during driving. Googled what AT Oil Temp light meant and called a tow truck to take to my mechanic. Mechanic initially indicated it could be valve body problem which in his words is a "known issue with Subaru CVT engines." Code pulled was p2764. They ended up pulling the pan and draining fluid and found excessive metal built up on magnet in pan. This pan and headgasket were repaired less than 6k miles ago (October 2020) and at that time they said everything was in good shape so something drastic happened to CVT in less than a year. Mechanic unable to say what caused the excessive buildup in that time. …
I have been having continuous problems with engine light coming on w the wheel skid light also. I went to Auto Zone and the codes P000D, C1422,P00700 and others. I took vehicle to Subaru to inspect for repair September 11, 2021 The oil temp, traction control light, ABS, and hill control light went off, but the engine light came back on. I left it alone didn't bother with it, figured nothing could be done. I then went to another auto shop on November 28, 2022 because it did bother me about the engine light, someone mention it was dangerous driving w the light on because something could actually be wrong. Also, this shop was to be cheaper. The codes repaired were P000A, P000C, drove off lot engine light came back on. I know it was time for my E- check so I thought I'd give it another try back at Subaru. On July 14, 2023 for repair of engine light. The tests showed repairs for P00A, P00D. …
Last month, my 2013 Subaru Impreza Sport with only 67k that I bought brand new had a blinking AT (Automatic Transmission) Oil Temp light and three other lights were lit on the panel. I contacted Groove Subaru and they told me that I had a malfunctioning Valve Body and needs to be replaced. I was told that this is a common issue with Subarus with CVT transmission reason why they changed their warranty to 10years/100k miles. Mine has only 67k miles and already malfunctioned. They said they won't cover mine because I'm on the 11th year so they asked me to pay $2500 for everything. Reason why I'm writing this letter is to inform you that this should be considered as recall and I shouldn't paid for anything. My car is good as brand new. I seldom use it. Please help me consider this as recall since it is happening on all Subarus with CVT transmission. Thank you!
We own a 2013 Subaru impreza. The transmission valve body part has been determined to be defective from the factory, therefore rendering our vehicle unusable, stopping in front of other vehicles on the road. Subaru of America is aware of this reoccurring part failure with other vehicles of the same model, that they applied a third warranty on the transmission and drivetrain.
Three warning lights (ABS; Incline start assist; Traction control system) illuminate, while the AT Oil Temp warning light flashes. This happens sporadically and not every time the car is driven. The Subaru dealership mentioned it was some type of module that was tripping the codes. I'm reporting this issue, because I didn't see a recall for it.
To start off I have an extended warranty on my vehicle felt my clutch starting to shift they told me I needed a new clutch flywheel and throttle bearing. Took it to a independent repair shop. They replaced the throttle bearing which was completely warped clutch was good but replaced anyway because at that point why not the entire transmission was out. Called Subaru nothing was done. Also just got into an accident vehicle was totaled and my airbags did not inflate.
Hello, it has come time where my loyal Subaru has had it's firewall spot welds snap off and my firewall moves about 3 inches everytime I engaged the clutch or brakes. I reached out to Subaru of America where they had me get an estimate of 1750 dollars. When I sent them the invoice the best they would cover is 750 dollars of it. This issue is a severe safety concern on behalf of my life and the company acted in bad faith towards it's customer. The car had never been beat on or abused and from just simply driving the car on a normal basis created this issue. At the time this happened I wasn't aware of the what was at stake. I researched the numerous people filing class action lawsuits since more than a third of the production third gen wrxs were probed to this faulty firewall welds. …
The problem I am about to describe has been intermittent for the past 3 years but recently has become consistent. The dealership has been unable to duplicate/locate the malfunction up until now. I would like to add that the concern was apparent while the vehicle was still under warranty. When driving the vehicle the transmission bucks and thumps with unreliable acceleration and a feeling of being pushed forward. After a mile or 2, the check engine light turn on, ABS, traction and hill stop assist lights all turn on at which time the vehicle's performance is noticeably reduced especially at highway speeds. The engine RPM seems much higher and fuel mileage becomes terribly reduced. A diagnostic trouble code of p2764 sets in the transmission and the safety braking/stability systems become disabled. If what I researched this is a horribly common problem. …
While going 65 MPH on the highway the continuous variable transmission locked up, gas pedal became unresponsive, and the car had to be towed to the dealership. I am thankful that a car was not tailing behind me and that I was not driving during commute hours. Traction assist, hill assist, and check engine at oil temp light came on. At 97,000 miles on the odometer, the dealership said it was transmission failure. Parts in the transmission were replaced; however, due to the nature of the failure and the potential for bodily harm and harm to property, these transmissions should be recalled and replaced as a unit. For a car that has had regular maintenance and that has not driven in severe conditions, it was surprising that a transmission failure should occur at this mileage. …
Transmission complaints in other Impreza years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2013 Subaru Impreza?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2013 Subaru Impreza, 9% of the model year's 251 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2013 Subaru Impreza transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2013 Subaru Impreza, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2013 Subaru Impreza transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 97,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.