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 severityTypical 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 severityTypical 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 severityTypical 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 severitySymptoms: 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 severitySymptoms: 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 severitySymptoms: 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
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.