The 2013 Impreza represents Subaru's fourth-generation platform with improved fuel economy but carries forward some classic boxer-engine headaches. The CVT transmission introduced this year has proven more durable than previous automatics, but head gasket and internal engine issues remain the platform's Achilles' heel.
Head Gasket Failure (2.5L H4)
Common · high severityTypical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: White smoke from exhaust on cold start, Coolant loss with no visible leaks, Overheating or erratic temperature gauge, Milky oil cap residue or oil in coolant reservoir
Fix: Both head gaskets, timing components, resurfacing heads if warped. 12-16 hours labor. If caught late, can hydrolock cylinders or warp heads requiring full engine rebuild.
Estimated cost: $2,200-3,500
CVT Transmission Oil Cooler Line Leaks
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Red fluid pooling under engine bay center, Transmission temperature warning light, Burning smell during highway driving, Low CVT fluid level on dipstick
Fix: Replace corroded cooler lines and fittings, drain/refill CVT fluid. 2-3 hours labor. The steel lines rust where they route near the subframe.
Estimated cost: $400-700
Piston Ring Land Failure (2.0L H4)
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption (1 quart per 1,000 miles or worse), Blue smoke on acceleration, Misfire codes P0301-P0304, Loss of compression in one or more cylinders
Fix: Requires short block replacement or full rebuild with updated pistons. 18-24 hours labor. This was a known defect; some extended warranty coverage existed but expired by now.
Estimated cost: $4,500-7,000
Rear Wheel Bearing Failure
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Growling or humming noise that increases with speed, Noise changes with turns (louder turning one direction), ABS warning light occasionally, Wheel play when jacked up
Fix: Replace hub assembly per side. 2-3 hours labor per side. The sealed units fail more frequently than older serviceable bearings.
Estimated cost: $350-550 per side
Brake Light Switch Failure (NHTSA Recall)
Occasional · medium severitySymptoms: Brake lights stay on constantly, Brake lights don't illuminate when pedal pressed, Cruise control won't disengage, Cannot shift out of park
Fix: Replace brake light switch at pedal assembly. 0.5 hours labor. Should be covered under recall 14V-636, but verify VIN eligibility as many already completed.
Estimated cost: $80-150 if not recall-eligible
Front Lower Control Arm Bushing Deterioration
Common · low severityTypical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking over bumps from front end, Steering feels vague or wandering, Uneven tire wear on inside edge, Alignment won't hold after adjustment
Fix: Replace front lower control arms (bushings not serviceable separately on most aftermarket parts). 2-3 hours labor plus alignment. OEM lasts longer than cheap aftermarket.
Estimated cost: $500-800 including alignment
Buy the 2.5L over the 2.0L if possible, budget $3K for eventual head gaskets, and absolutely verify CVT maintenance history — otherwise a solid commuter with manageable issues if maintained properly.
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.