CarBrief

Owners filed 251 complaints with NHTSA for the 2013 Impreza/Outback Sport, mostly about air bags and the engine[1][2][3]. Crash ratings are strong at 5 stars overall, and four recalls have free dealer fixes[4][5][6][7][8].

251owner complaints[1]
4recalls[9]
19–30MPG combined (EPA)[10]
5★NHTSA overall rating[4]

Most reported problems

NHTSA has 251 owner complaints on file for this car[1]. Of those, 13 mention a crash, 7 a fire and 4 injuries, and none report a death[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name several parts.

Component group Complaints
Air bags[2] 79
Engine[3] 76
Electrical system[11] 34
Brakes[12] 25
Power train[13] 23
Unknown or other[14] 21
Steering[15] 14
Speed control[16] 13

Air bags. The air bag group has 79 complaints, with 4 mentioning a crash and 3 an injury[2]. In the sample of 12 air bag complaints we read, 11 describe the passenger air bag warning or off light, or the passenger seat sensor, acting up[2]. Owners say the light comes on with a passenger in the seat or the seat sensor reacts when nobody is sitting there. The electrical group shows the same thing, with 6 of the 12 electrical complaints we read about the passenger seat sensor[11].

Engine. The engine group has 76 complaints and 4 mention a fire, the most of any group[3]. Median mileage at failure is 66,800[3]. In the sample of 12 engine complaints we read, 8 describe the engine using oil faster than the owner expected[3]. They talk about low oil lights and adding quarts between changes, and some say the dealer called it normal[3].

Brakes. There are 25 brake complaints, and 6 mention a crash[12]. In the sample of 12 we read, 7 describe the car not slowing or stopping as the owner expected, or a pedal that did not respond[12]. Median mileage at failure is 48,000[12].

Other groups. Two of the 12 electrical complaints we read describe a melted wire harness for the blower motor switch[11]. Speed control has 13 complaints, and 7 of them mention a crash[16]. We did not read the text of those complaints, so we cannot say what owners describe.

Recalls

Four recalls are on file. Each one covers certain vehicles, so check the VIN with Subaru or NHTSA before assuming a car is included. In all four, dealers fix the problem for free.

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on the engine and gearbox. The EPA annual fuel cost uses current fuel prices, not the price when the car was new.

Version City / highway / combined MPG Annual fuel cost
Impreza AWD, 2.0L, automatic (variable gear ratios)[10] 27 / 35 / 30 $2,250
Impreza Wagon AWD, 2.0L, automatic (variable gear ratios)[17] 27 / 35 / 30 $2,250
Impreza AWD, 2.0L, manual 5-spd[18] 24 / 33 / 28 $2,400
Impreza Wagon AWD, 2.0L, manual 5-spd[19] 24 / 33 / 27 $2,500
Impreza AWD, 2.5L turbo, manual 5-spd[20] 19 / 25 / 21 $3,900
Impreza AWD, 2.5L turbo, manual 6-spd[21] 17 / 23 / 19 $4,350

The turbo versions use premium fuel, and the 2.0L versions use regular[20][10]. The Wagon AWD turbo versions match the sedan ratings at 21 and 19 combined MPG[22][23]. In short, the 2.0L automatic cars cost about $1,650 to $2,100 less per year to fuel than the turbo cars by EPA's math[10][20][21].

Safety ratings

NHTSA gives both the wagon (SW AWD) and the 4 door (4 DR AWD) an overall rating of 5 stars[4][24]. Frontal crash is 4 stars, side crash is 5 stars and rollover is 5 stars[4][24]. The rollover risk is listed at 10.1%[4][24].

Engine and size

EPA lists the 2.0L 4-cylinder at 148 hp[25]. The 2.5L 4-cylinder is rated 265 to 305 hp depending on version[26]. Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US cars.

Version Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
4 door sedan 2.0i[27] 180 in 69 in 58 in 104 in 2,910 lb
5 door hatch 2.0i[28] 174 in 69 in 58 in 104 in 2,910 lb
WRX 4 door sedan AWD[29] 180 in 71 in 58 in 103 in 3,208 lb
WRX STI 4 door sedan AWD[30] 180 in 71 in 58 in 103 in 3,384 lb

How 2013 compares with other years

1995: 46 complaints, 1 recalls19951996: 20 complaints, 0 recalls1997: 30 complaints, 0 recalls19971998: 30 complaints, 0 recalls1999: 22 complaints, 0 recalls19992000: 41 complaints, 0 recalls2001: 11 complaints, 0 recalls20012002: 292 complaints, 6 recalls2003: 62 complaints, 6 recalls20032004: 96 complaints, 8 recalls2005: 75 complaints, 6 recalls20052006: 60 complaints, 10 recalls2007: 68 complaints, 9 recalls20072008: 213 complaints, 14 recalls2009: 119 complaints, 14 recalls20092010: 46 complaints, 15 recalls2011: 58 complaints, 14 recalls20112012: 243 complaints, 6 recalls2013: 251 complaints, 4 recalls25120132014: 108 complaints, 3 recalls2015: 79 complaints, 2 recalls20152016: 75 complaints, 1 recalls2017: 125 complaints, 7 recalls2017
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Impreza/Outback Sport model year. The 2013 is highlighted[9].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
1995461
1996200
1997300
1998300
1999220
2000410
2001110
20022926
2003626
2004968
2005756
20066010
2007689
200821314
200911914
20104615
20115814
20122436
20132514
20141083
2015792
2016751
20171257

NHTSA lists 23 model years for the Impreza/Outback Sport[9]. The 2013 model has 251 complaints and 4 recalls[9]. Only 2002 has more complaints, at 292[9]. The 2012 model is close behind with 243 complaints and 6 recalls[9]. The 2014 model has 108 complaints and 3 recalls[9].

For recalls, 2010 has the most at 15[9]. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so a higher count does not prove a worse car. It is fair to compare years of this same model.

Should you buy a used 2013 Impreza/Outback Sport?

The crash ratings are strong, with 5 stars overall[4]. The 2.0L cars are cheap to fuel, with an EPA combined rating of 30 MPG for the automatic[10]. The complaint record is the concern. This model year has the second highest complaint count of the 23 years listed[9], and owners describe passenger air bag light problems and engine oil use[2][3]. Those are samples of complaints, so they show what owners report, not how often it happens. Before buying, check the VIN for open recalls, since all four have free dealer remedies[5][6][7][8]. Ask for service records that show how the oil level was handled, and have the passenger air bag light checked.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2013 Subaru Impreza?
By complaint count, air bags (79) and engine (76) lead, then electrical (34) and brakes (25)[2][3][11][12]. In the samples we read, owners describe passenger air bag light problems and engine oil use[2][3].
Does the 2013 Subaru Impreza have recalls?
NHTSA lists four recalls in our data: brake light switch (19V149), valve springs (18V772), air injection pump relay (16V738) and remote starter key fob (13V061)[5][6][7][8]. Each has a free dealer remedy, and each covers certain vehicles only.
What gas mileage does the 2013 Subaru Impreza get?
The 2.0L automatic is rated 27 city, 35 highway and 30 combined MPG[10]. The 2.5L turbo with a 6-speed manual is rated 17 city, 23 highway and 19 combined MPG[21].
How safe is the 2013 Subaru Impreza?
NHTSA gives 5 stars overall, 4 stars for frontal crash, 5 for side crash and 5 for rollover[4][24].
Is the 2013 Impreza better than the 2014?
By the numbers on file, 2014 has fewer complaints (108 against 251) and fewer recalls (3 against 4)[9]. Counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat this as a rough guide.

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 251 owner complaints on file for the 2013 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport (13 mention a crash, 7 a fire, 4 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 79 complaints name the air bags component group (4 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 61,660). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. 76 complaints name the engine component group (1 crashes, 4 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 66,800). NHTSA vehicle records
  4. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SW AWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 5 stars; rollover risk 10.1%. NHTSA vehicle records
  5. Recall 19V149, filed February 28, 2019: Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch. NHTSA recall database
  6. Recall 18V772, filed November 1, 2018: Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine. NHTSA recall database
  7. Recall 16V738, filed October 13, 2016: Electrical System. NHTSA recall database
  8. Recall 13V061, filed February 25, 2013: Equipment. NHTSA recall database
  9. Owner complaints and recalls for every Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  10. EPA rating for Impreza AWD, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 27 city / 35 highway / 30 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,250. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  11. 34 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 81,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 25 complaints name the brakes component group (6 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 48,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 23 complaints name the power train component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 94,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. 21 complaints name the unknown or other component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 60,800). NHTSA vehicle records
  15. 14 complaints name the steering component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 49,550). NHTSA vehicle records
  16. 13 complaints name the speed control component group (7 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 44,260). NHTSA vehicle records
  17. EPA rating for Impreza Wagon AWD, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 27 city / 35 highway / 30 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,250. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. EPA rating for Impreza AWD, 2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 24 city / 33 highway / 28 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,400. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for Impreza Wagon AWD, 2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 24 city / 33 highway / 27 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,500. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. EPA rating for Impreza AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 5-spd, Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 25 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. EPA rating for Impreza AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 23 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  22. EPA rating for Impreza Wagon AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 5-spd, Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 25 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  23. EPA rating for Impreza Wagon AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 23 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  24. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR AWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 5 stars; rollover risk 10.1%. NHTSA vehicle records
  25. EPA Test Car List, 2013 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 148 hp. www.epa.gov
  26. EPA Test Car List, 2013 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport with 2.5L 4-cylinder: rated 265 to 305 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
  27. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, IMPREZA 4DR SEDAN 2.0i/2.0i TOURING/2.0i SPOR: length 180 in, width 69 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 104 in, curb weight 2,910 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  28. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, IMPREZA 5DR HATCH 2.0i/2.0i TOURING/2.0i SPOR: length 174 in, width 69 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 104 in, curb weight 2,910 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  29. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, IMPREZA WRX/WRX LIMITED 4DR SEDAN AWD: length 180 in, width 71 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 103 in, curb weight 3,208 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  30. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, IMPREZA WRX STI/SPORT-TECH 4DR SEDAN AWD: length 180 in, width 71 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 103 in, curb weight 3,384 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.