2013 Subaru Impreza: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
One of the weaker years: heavy oil consumption, CVT shudder and failure reports, and extensive Takata airbag complaints. 3 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2013 Subaru Impreza ranged from $17,895 to $21,995 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
One of the weaker years: heavy oil consumption, CVT shudder and failure reports, and extensive Takata airbag complaints.
Sources (3)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=subaru&model=imprez…
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/subaru/impreza
- cargurus.comhttps://www.cargurus.com/research/articles/subaru-impreza-buying-guide
Known issues
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These years are covered by the Takata airbag inflator recall, which can rupture and is one of the largest sources of owner complaints for the generation.
widespread · 91 NHTSA complaints · other
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The 2.0L boxer engine is prone to excessive oil consumption from premature piston-ring wear, the subject of a class action and extended warranty; owners must top off oil between changes.
widespread · 55 NHTSA complaints · typically 30k–100k miles · engine
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The Lineartronic CVT can shudder, hesitate, or fail; Subaru extended the CVT warranty to 10 years or 100,000 miles on these years due to early reliability problems.
commonly reported · 25 NHTSA complaints · transmission
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (4)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=subaru&model=imprez…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=subaru&model=imprez…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=subaru&model=imprez…
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/subaru/impreza
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Improved fuel economy from the then-new FB20 engine and CVT.
- Roomy interior and practical hatchback or sedan body styles.
- Standard all-wheel drive and good all-weather capability at an affordable price.
Cons
- Slow acceleration and budget-grade cabin materials.
- FB20 engine oil consumption was widespread enough to prompt a class action and extended warranty.
- Early Lineartronic CVT reliability concerns led Subaru to extend the transmission warranty.
- Takata airbag recalls affect these years.
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base | $17,895 | discontinued | — | — |
| Premium | $19,795 | discontinued | — | — |
| Sport Premium | $20,795 | discontinued | — | — |
| Limited | $21,995 | discontinued | — | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2013-subaru-impreza-price
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($17,895). Higher trims started higher (up to $21,995), and options added more.
The curve's data ends 10 years in, so the line levels off after that. Treat the tail as a floor, not a forecast: asking prices for older cars depend mostly on condition, mileage, and the current market, and often sit well above it.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/subaru-impreza/resale-value
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $650–700/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~200k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (1)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/subaru/impreza
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2013 Subaru Impreza have?
Documented issue patterns include: These years are covered by the Takata airbag inflator recall, which can rupture and is one of the largest sources of owner complaints for the generation; The 2.0L boxer engine is prone to excessive oil consumption from premature piston-ring wear, the subject of a class action and extended warranty; owners must top off oil between changes; The Lineartronic CVT can shudder, hesitate, or fail; Subaru extended the CVT warranty to 10 years or 100,000 miles on these years due to early reliability problems. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2013 Subaru Impreza reliable?
One of the weaker years: heavy oil consumption, CVT shudder and failure reports, and extensive Takata airbag complaints.
How much did the 2013 Subaru Impreza cost new?
Between $17,895 and $21,995 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Is the Subaru Impreza expensive to maintain?
Estimated repairs run roughly $650–700/year as mileage climbs.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.