2013 Subaru Impreza Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 34about this part
- Share
- 14%of 251 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 81,500miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 34 complaints about the electrical system of the 2013 Subaru Impreza, 14% of the 251 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 81,500 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“My car is having the same exact behavior described in a recall for the 2012 model year (NHTSA campaign number 15v419000, Subaru recall number wqt-55). My car is not covered by the recall, but it seems like it should be since my problem appears to be identical to that which is described.”
NHTSA complaint #10882671, filed 2016-07, 43,000 miles“Warning lamps for stability control air bag randomly light up on my dash board panel. The passenger air bag will also switch to off even when a passer is sitting in the seat or the passenger seat belt warning sound will go off if a small object is placed on the seat. My mechanic can't find the issue as I cannot recreate the circumstances that cause the lamps to switch on or the warning siren to chime. Computer readings do not return any codes if the lamps aren't on.”
NHTSA complaint #11151073, filed 2018-11, 79,000 miles“My passenger airbag sensor never turns on. Even if I have a passenger in the seat, the light still remains off. I know that the 2012 models used the same occupancy sensor as the 2013 Impreza but the 2013 models haven't been recalled. This doesn't make any sense because they're the same exact models so they should also be recalled so they can be fixed. The seat has never been wet and I haven't been in any accidents, so this is a faulty occupancy sensor. I don't know why I shoul dhave to pay $1500 for a faulty sensor.”
NHTSA complaint #11385935, filed 2020-12, 89,000 milesRelated recalls
- 16V738000Oct 13, 2016Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2008-2014 Impreza vehicles and 2009-2013…Covers: Subaru Impreza 2008–2014, Forester 2009–2013, Outback 2007–2009 +1 more
Related service bulletins
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- 11037927Sep 14, 2026This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. This is an revised version of the…
- 11036807Aug 20, 2026This Service Information Bulletin outlines a systematic procedure for diagnosing parasitic draw (dark/standby current) in vehicles experiencing battery drain when the ignition is…
- 11036796Aug 13, 2026This Bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. (This is an revised version of the…
- 11036794Aug 5, 2026Techtips newsletter locator index.
- 11036789Aug 1, 2026This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. This is an revised version of the…
- 11034242Jun 2, 2026This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body which incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability. (This is an revised version of the…
- 11033063May 13, 2026This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body which incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability.
- 11030560Mar 26, 2026This bulletin announces the new procedure and Warranty Fail Code for FirstTime air conditioning (A/C) performance concerns possibly resulting from an undetected A/C refrigerant…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 3 | 9% |
| 2022 | 1 | 7% |
| 2020 | 4 | 5% |
| 2019 | 19 | 10% |
| 2018 | 12 | 8% |
| 2017 | 21 | 17% |
| 2016 | 14 | 19% |
| 2015 | 20 | 26% |
| 2014 | 17 | 16% |
| 2013 | 34 | 14% |
| 2012 | 30 | 12% |
| 2011 | 9 | 16% |
| 2010 | 5 | 11% |
| 2009 | 8 | 8% |
| 2008 | 8 | 5% |
| 2007 | 7 | 10% |
| 2005 | 2 | 3% |
| 2004 | 1 | 1% |
| 2002 | 6 | 2% |
| 2001 | 1 | 9% |
| 1998 | 3 | 10% |
| 1997 | 2 | 7% |
| 1995 | 4 | 9% |
| 1993 | 2 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2013 Subaru Impreza
79 complaintsEngine
75 complaintsBrakes
25 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
23 complaintsOther or unknown
21 complaintsSteering
14 complaintsVehicle speed control
13 complaintsSeats
9 complaintsExterior lighting
7 complaintsSeat belts
6 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsFuel 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 28, 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