The 2019 Impreza with the FB20 2.0L boxer engine is generally reliable but shares the platform's known weak points: CVT cooler line leaks, transmission mounts that wear prematurely, and occasional oil consumption issues that can escalate to catastrophic engine failure if ignored.
CVT Transmission Oil Cooler Line Leaks
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Red ATF puddles under the front of the car, Low transmission fluid warning light, Burnt fluid smell or slipping during acceleration
Fix: Replace both cooler lines (they fail where crimped to the fittings) and top off CVT fluid. Takes 1.5-2 hours including fluid flush if contaminated.
Estimated cost: $400-700
Transmission Mount Failure
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, Excessive vibration at idle in Drive, Visible sagging or torn rubber on the rear transmission mount
Fix: Replace rear transmission mount (most common) or pitch stop mount. Simple job, 0.8-1.2 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $200-350
Excessive Oil Consumption Leading to Engine Failure
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Low oil warning light between oil changes, Needing to add 1+ quart every 1,500-2,000 miles, Blue smoke on cold starts or hard acceleration, Eventual rod knock or spun bearing if oil starvation occurs
Fix: Early stage: piston ring service or valve stem seals if caught early (8-12 hours). Advanced: short block replacement required after bearing damage (15-20 hours plus machine work).
Estimated cost: $3,500-8,000
Fuel Pump Failure (Recall-Related)
Occasional · high severity
Symptoms: No-start condition with cranking but no fuel pressure, Stalling at idle or under load, Rough running or hesitation during acceleration
Fix: Low-pressure fuel pump inside the tank fails due to impeller defect. Covered under recall WTJ-20 if VIN affected; otherwise 2.5-3 hours to drop tank and replace pump module.
Estimated cost: $600-900
Headlight Condensation and Bulb Failure
Occasional · low severity
Symptoms: Water droplets visible inside headlight lens, Frequent halogen bulb burnout (non-LED models), Corrosion on bulb sockets
Fix: Reseal headlight housing or replace assembly if vent tubes are clogged. Recall 20V-420 addresses some units. 0.5-1 hour per side.
Estimated cost: $150-400
Software Glitches in Infotainment/Eyesight System
Occasional · low severity
Symptoms: Infotainment system freezing or rebooting randomly, Eyesight pre-collision warnings activating without obstacles, Backup camera black screen intermittently
Fix: Dealer-level software reflash required (TSBs 13-177-19R and others). Usually 0.5-1 hour diagnostic and update time. Covered under recalls WUJ-54/WUK-54 if applicable.
Estimated cost: $0-150
Owner tips
Check oil level every 1,000 miles religiously — FB20 engines can quietly develop oil consumption and owners often don't notice until it's too late
Verify CVT fluid condition at 60k and replace if dark/burnt, even though Subaru says it's 'lifetime' — cheap insurance against $5k+ CVT failure
Confirm recall compliance on fuel pump and software updates before purchase; these are no-cost fixes that prevent headaches
Avoid extended idle time in Drive; use Park or Neutral at long lights to reduce transmission mount stress
Solid daily driver with lower risk than older Subarus, but treat oil consumption monitoring like religion and budget for CVT cooler lines around 60k — pass on any high-miler burning oil.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
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Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Impreza vehicles. The left and right side reflex reflector and left side low beam reflector may inadequately reflect light. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence: Reflectors that do not provide adequate illumination reduce the driver's ability to see and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front headlamp assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 15, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-22.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Consequence: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE · 21V264000
2021-04-15
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Subaru Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, causing a short circuit.
Consequence: A short circuit in the ignition coils may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECM software, replace the ignition coils and, if necessary, the front exhaust pipe, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 1, 2021. Owners can contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-21. Note: This recall includes all vehicles previously repaired under Recall 19V743.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Impreza, Outback, Legacy, and Ascent vehicles. The low pressure fuel pump may become inoperative.
Consequence: If the low pressure fuel pump fails, the engine may stall without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRD-20.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE · 19V743000
2019-10-18
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, which could result in a short circuit and blown fuse.
Consequence: If a short circuit occurs while driving, the vehicle may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECM software and inspect and replace the ignition coil, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, on vehicles with confirmed ignition coil damage and a certain stored diagnostic trouble code (DTC), Subaru will replace the front exhaust pipe, free of charge. The recall began December 4, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUQ-02.
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