EngineHigh
FB20 oil consumption.
- Typically appears
- 60,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Check oil level and consumption history.
- Typical repair
- Oil leak trace & seal / gasket · £180–£700
Is the 2012–2016 Subaru Impreza reliable?
Scored from 8 documented faults · reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team
Quick answer
5.2/ 10
MixedOn our documented-fault scoring the Subaru Impreza rates 5.2 out of 10 · mixed. We hold 8 known faults for it and 2 are rated high severity, so the risk is real but contained. The weak points cluster around engine, transmission and suspension. A well-serviced example with evidence for the big-ticket items is usually a safe buy; the score describes the model, not the specific car in front of you.
Verdict · Negotiate · budget for the known faults
What the score is built from
- Critical
- 0
- High
- 2
- Medium
- 4
- Low
- 2
Weak points cluster around engine, transmission, suspension, hvac.
Two faults free · full checklist for this exact Subaru Impreza for $9.
Check this carThe faults that decide it
EngineHigh
Burning oil smell through the cabin vents and visible oil seepage above the exhaust manifold.
- Typically appears
- 70,000-100,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Shine a torch down the sides of the engine block near the exhaust manifolds to check for fresh oil weeping from the cam carrier RTV sealant joints.
- Typical repair
- Exhaust / emissions component · £200–£950
TransmissionMedium
CVT drone and occasional shudder.
- Typically appears
- 70,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Feel for shudder on acceleration.
- Typical repair
- Routine repair · £180–£700
SuspensionMedium
Wheel bearing wear.
- Typically appears
- 80,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Listen for a bearing hum.
- Typical repair
- Suspension refresh (per axle) · £250–£1,100
ElectricalMedium
VDC/ABS warning lights illuminated, inability to shift out of Park, or push-to-start failure.
- Typically appears
- 40,000-70,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Press the brake pedal repeatedly while observing the brake lights and listening for the shift interlock solenoid clicking in the centre console.
- Typical repair
- Brakes (discs, pads, caliper) · £200–£800
Costs are indicative UK independent-garage bands for budgeting and negotiation · never a quote.
Inspecting a Subaru Impreza?
See two faults free, then get the full tickable checklist for this exact car · what to look at, what it costs and how serious it is. Full report $9.
Check this exact car