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Air bagsPart report

2013 Subaru Impreza Air bags Problems

Complaints
79about this part
Share
31%of 251 total for the year
Median mileage
57,000miles
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 79 complaints about the air bags of the 2013 Subaru Impreza, 31% of the 251 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 57,000 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“I was involved in an accident on I-10 on 11/27/2019 at 2 pm. I was traveling at 60- to 65 MPH and hit a SUV that had stopped in the left hand lane. The airbags did not deploy ( passenger or driver side) I have reported this to Subaru and so far they have not been helpful. I received contusions from my right hip to my left clavicle but no broken bones.”

NHTSA complaint #11297758, filed 2020-01, 66,000 miles

“The passenger's seat ocs malfunctions with terrifying frequency. The car will be in motion with the passenger's seat occupied and the airbag light will illuminate on the dashboard. Once again while the car is in motion. I have seen many posts detailing the same experience. Subaru has recalled other cars for this problem. My 2013 Impreza needs to be included as well.”

NHTSA complaint #11338652, filed 2020-07, 91,000 miles

“Periodically the passenger air bag off sign illuminates even though someone is in the passenger seat. I bought the car from enterprise rental several years ago and brought to their attention. Somehow their mechanic got light to go off. Problem has persisted but didn't pay much attention until now. My daughter will be driving the car. Do not trust the airbag or seat sensor.on passenger side.”

NHTSA complaint #11374721, filed 2020-11, 70,000 miles

“Every time it rains or is wet outside my air bag light comes on and acts as if I dont have a passenger next to me, but I do. They are sitting with seat belt on in passenger seat. But the lights on my dash say otherwise. This issue only happens when its wet out. And it shows the light on dash when im driving, not when I first start the car.”

NHTSA complaint #11074657, filed 2018-02, 98,000 miles

“Cleaned upholstery and seats slightly damp, when I started car the red air bag light came on and passenger seat showed air bag off even though a passenger was in seat. It has been two days and air bag light is still on and passenger bag shows as off even if passenger is in seat. As soon as I start the car the air bag light comes on and stays on while driving.”

NHTSA complaint #11110044, filed 2018-07, 57,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Air bags: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202413%
202117%
202034%
201942%
201821%
2017119%
2016811%
201579%
20143835%
20137931%
201210543%
20111729%
2010613%
20091212%
20083721%
20072740%
20062036%
20051216%
20041415%
200346%
200210%
2001218%
200025%
199929%
1998310%
1997620%
1996525%
19952043%
19931133%

Other parts of the 2013 Subaru Impreza

Engine
75 complaints
Electrical system
34 complaints
Brakes
25 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
23 complaints
Other or unknown
21 complaints
Steering
14 complaints
Vehicle speed control
13 complaints
Seats
9 complaints
Exterior lighting
7 complaints
Seat belts
6 complaints
Body and structure
6 complaints
Fuel system
5 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2013 Subaru Impreza

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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