2012 Subaru Impreza Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 55about this part
- Share
- 23%of 243 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 31,655miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 55 complaints about the engine of the 2012 Subaru Impreza, 23% of the 243 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 31,655 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“At 150,000 miles I noticed that in the mornings on cold start up I will get a large cloud of bluish smoke that smells like it's burning, I understand that this is indicative of burning oil. I only knew till recently there was a campaign to fix this issue and that it is now closed but at 150,000 miles it seems like it may be pretty excessive.”
NHTSA complaint #11302710, filed 2020-01, 151,050 miles“The Impreza consumes a lot of oil. Between 800-1200 miles im having to top it off. I have been having issues with it shutting off immediately after starting it in my driveway. I have had it in the shop several times with no ideas. No lights turn on to figure out what's going on. It's throwing no code either.”
NHTSA complaint #11174568, filed 2019-02, 66,343 miles“The check engine light, the traction light and oil warning light came up on the dashboard. Initially, the dealer recommended replacing the oil valve. I did but the the problem persist. Now the engine is hunting. The dealer informs me that engine is not pumping enough oil despite the fact that service has been done regularly at interval recommended by the Subaru dealership. Now I am told that I need a new engine.”
NHTSA complaint #11384756, filed 2020-12, 68,000 miles“Bought the car used 90k miles in 2017. It is now at 125,000 and the transmission has completely failed. The car is accelerating and reving even when decelerating. I took it to the mechanic and was told I need a total replacement. I drive less than 20 mi/wk with the occasional roadtrip. This car should have lasted for many years but, this problem is known given that Subaru has offered extended warranties in regards to this transmission failure.”
NHTSA complaint #11317251, filed 2020-03, 125,000 miles“I sideswiped a parked car and the momentum caused my car to flip over and land on its roof. Have not heard from the adjuster but it is obvious the car is totaled . Writing to you to let you know that I also wrote to Subaru to advise them that I think that the airbags should have deployed but none of them did. The accident occurred in union, n.j.”
NHTSA complaint #10609858, filed 2014-07, 19,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11027982Jan 12, 2026This Bulletin provides the diagnostic procedure for the STARLINK® Remote Engine Start (RES).
- 11027083Dec 8, 2025This Service Information Bulletin provides the Service Manual Correction to the diagnostic procedure for DTC B2A16 (Immobilizer Key Collation Diagnosis).
- 11022305Aug 11, 2025Subaru Service Technical Support Newsletter special edition.
- 11017452Apr 22, 2025This Bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be followed when diagnosing engine oil leakage on FA and FB type engines.
- 11016224Mar 24, 2025The purpose of this bulletin is to advise of SOA’s revised Catalytic Converter Recycling Program shipping procedure.
- 11008282Sep 27, 2024This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
- 11008281Sep 26, 2024This Service Information Bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be followed when diagnosing engine oil leakage on FA and FB type engines.
- 11008267Sep 17, 2024This bulletin announces availability of the NEW genuine Subaru engine oil filter.
- 11006934Aug 5, 2024The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.
- 11005608Jul 11, 2024This thermo control valve video contains information on the replacement of thermo control valve.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 20% |
| 2024 | 2 | 6% |
| 2022 | 1 | 7% |
| 2021 | 1 | 7% |
| 2020 | 3 | 4% |
| 2019 | 8 | 4% |
| 2018 | 11 | 7% |
| 2017 | 14 | 11% |
| 2016 | 3 | 4% |
| 2015 | 10 | 13% |
| 2014 | 20 | 19% |
| 2013 | 75 | 30% |
| 2012 | 55 | 23% |
| 2011 | 3 | 5% |
| 2010 | 7 | 15% |
| 2009 | 13 | 13% |
| 2008 | 13 | 7% |
| 2007 | 8 | 12% |
| 2006 | 5 | 9% |
| 2005 | 5 | 7% |
| 2003 | 1 | 2% |
| 2002 | 3 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2012 Subaru Impreza
105 complaintsElectrical system
30 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
26 complaintsBrakes
15 complaintsSeats
15 complaintsOther or unknown
13 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsSteering
10 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsWheels
7 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Subaru Impreza
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology