Engine complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 20% | 6,000 miles |
| 2024 | 2 | 6% | — |
| 2023 | 1 | 25% | — |
| 2022 | 1 | 7% | — |
| 2021 | 1 | 7% | 7,000 miles |
| 2020 | 3 | 4% | 10,000 miles |
| 2019 | 10 | 5% | 146,000 miles |
| 2018 | 11 | 7% | 26,000 miles |
| 2017 | 14 | 11% | 9,000 miles |
| 2016 | 3 | 4% | 45,000 miles |
| 2015 | 11 | 14% | 60,000 miles |
| 2014 | 20 | 19% | 50,000 miles |
| 2013 | 76 | 30% | 70,000 miles |
| 2012 | 56 | 23% | 31,000 miles |
| 2011 | 6 | 10% | 7,000 miles |
| 2010 | 10 | 22% | 73,000 miles |
| 2009 | 20 | 19% | 72,000 miles |
| 2008 | 27 | 15% | 49,000 miles |
| 2007 | 13 | 19% | 73,000 miles |
| 2006 | 12 | 21% | 60,000 miles |
| 2005 | 8 | 11% | 90,000 miles |
| 2004 | 5 | 5% | 33,000 miles |
| 2003 | 5 | 8% | 115,000 miles |
| 2002 | 22 | 8% | 72,000 miles |
| 2000 | 3 | 7% | — |
| 1999 | 1 | 5% | 82,000 miles |
| 1998 | 7 | 23% | 72,000 miles |
| 1997 | 1 | 3% | — |
| 1996 | 2 | 10% | — |
| 1995 | 4 | 9% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
On 3 separate occasions since I've had my car, it has powered off completely without warning while driving. This is very dangerous could cause a severe accident or death. I called a tow truck on 3 separate occasions (1/27/23; 2/26/24; 2/28/24) to take it to the dealer or car repair business. Then after 20 - 30 minutes, it starts up again like normal. This make of cars made in 2020 have recalls for this same problem except for the model I have. The maker of these cars are not responding to keep their customers safe and continue to lie about the problems these cars are having. They are poorly made and extremely unsafe.
Tl* the contact owns a 2020 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle loss motive power and stalled without warning. After stopping the vehicle and inspecting under the hood, the engine was restarted and the vehicle operated as designed. The failure recurred on multiple occasions. The cause of the failure was not determined. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacture was not contacted. The failure mileage was 10,000. The consumer stated that the batter had been replaced as the problems killed the battery.
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH, while depressing the accelerator pedal the vehicle loss power. An independent mechanic was contacted. No warning light warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken an independent mechanic where the diagnosed the coil pack was melted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed the coil pack had a shortage. The contact mention this failure has occurred on several different occasions. The vehicle was repaired as the coil pack and wiring was replaced. The contact was relating to the recall to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V264000(ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), however the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and they informed her because of the milage there was no recall. …
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 trickle charger. The local dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was diagnosed, and determined that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired three times, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated and the high-temperature warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and determined that an engine reseal had failed and needed to be redone. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 106,000.
Driver / owner of vehicle was found deceased from a fire that originated in the engine compartment of the vehicle. This is being reported by Portland Fire and Rescue Fire Investigator [redacted]. NO apparent body damage to the metal parts of the vehicle.
I hit the guard rail going 35 mph on an exit ramp because of the low visibility because of the safety recall. I went to get the recall fixed when I found out and they refused to fix the recall because my bumper is messed up.
This is not a safety complaint. However I wish to share this information for your records kindly . Oil usage for 2017 Impreza per 2000 miles : 1.5Quarts (1419ml) ; Odometer approx 32 000 miles ; 5MT; Age 4 years Manufacturer notes this to be normal operating finding.
Related recalls (5)
Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Crankcase (pcv)
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.
Remedy: 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…
Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Crankcase (pcv)
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.
Remedy: 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 › Engine
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.
Remedy: 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.
Engine and engine cooling › Engine
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.
Remedy: 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…
Engine and engine cooling
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.
Remedy: 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.
Frequently asked questions
Which Subaru Impreza years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2013 (76), 2012 (56), 2008 (27), 2002 (22) and 2009 (20) model years. Engine complaints make up 30% of all complaints for the 2013.
Is there a recall for Subaru Impreza engine problems?
Yes — 5 recalls, including 19V-744 (crankcase (pcv), Oct 17, 2019); 19V-745 (crankcase (pcv), Oct 17, 2019); 18V-772 (engine, Nov 1, 2018). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Subaru Impreza engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 57,000 miles; 47% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine (38 mentions), followed by the engine › gasoline (8).
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.