2013 Subaru Impreza Brakes Problems

The brakes failed due to a leak in the brake lines (pedal to the floor). Location of the leak is just after a union on the passenger side rear (just in front of the rear tire). Location is not well protected from corrosion similar to other recalls for the wrx and sti version of the impreza. Image shows the corroded area, and is taken after the protective coating was cut bqck to expose well maintained lines. The corrosion occurred where no protective coating was present. Both the left and right rear brake lines were found to be leaking. Luckily this was noticed in the driveway and did not result in a crash.

NHTSA ID

11755639

Incident

Aug 8, 2026

Vehicle Fire Summary – Arvada, CO On [XXX] at approximately [XXX], the Arvada Fire Department responded to a report of a vehicle fire on [XXX] . The vehicle involved was a 2013 gray Subaru Impreza WRX. The driver reported noticing smoke coming from the engine compartment before pulling over to the shoulder. Within minutes, flames became visible. Fire crews arrived promptly and extinguished the fire. Both the driver and one passenger were able to evacuate the vehicle safely, and no injuries were reported. The vehicle sustained a total loss due to fire damage. Preliminary findings suggest a possible mechanical or electrical malfunction, though the exact cause remains under investigation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11684703

Incident

Sep 2, 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that upon entering the vehicle, he noticed small, yellow-colored drops of liquid on the ground around the vehicle. Upon starting the vehicle, the brake warning light appeared on the instrument panel. The contact checked the parking brake lever; however, the light remained illuminated. The contact stated that while driving and depressing the brake pedal the brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard and the vehicle coasted to a stop. Despite the failure, the contact drove the vehicle home. The contact called the dealer and was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

NHTSA ID

11512031

Incident

Mar 15, 2023

Mileage

125,000 mi

The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that the key would become stuck in the ignition switch. The failure would occur intermittently however it was progressively worsening. The contact contacted the dealer who stated that the CVT parking brake switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed the extended warranty however they did not qualify due to the vehicle being a rebuilt vehicle. The approximate failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11459000

Incident

Dec 1, 2021

Check engine/break/ABS/traction control/ cruise control and AT OIL TEMP lights are all on. Now my back break lights are not working! Car jerks at times. Read on a few forms that this was an issue for Subaru Imprezas 2012 and up. There was also a recall on this issue on April 2019. Please have this recalled again.

NHTSA ID

11435695

Incident

Aug 21, 2021

Malfunction with my dashboard lights. ABS/ AT OIL TEMP/TRACKTION CONTROL/ HILL LIGHT and CRUISE CONTROL GAGE. Are all on car seems to run somewhat alright until car jerks then all of the mentioned issues comes on.

NHTSA ID

11434303

Incident

Aug 20, 2021

The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated while driving approximately 20-25 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but hesitated to respond causing a 3-feet stopping distance delay. The contact also stated that the brake pedal was vibrating and would rest on the floorboard when depressed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the front brake rotors, brake pads, and calipers needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that no issues were found. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving. The ABS warning light and the traction control warning light were illuminated. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 138,000.

NHTSA ID

11429309

Incident

Dec 28, 2020

Mileage

138,000 mi

On Friday July 23, 2021 my 1013 Subaru Impressa experienced a failure of the hydraulic braking system, exhibited by the brake warning light and loss of braking ability. Fortunately I was able to safely get to the Subaru dealer (Bath Subaru in Woolwich, Maine) where they determined that the problem was corrosion of the 4 way joint connector which is totally exposed (no cover or protective shield). This is a particular hazard on my car because both hydraulic braking circuits pass through through this connector. Currently the dealer is preparing and estimate for repair but I am concerned that this issue is a design defect and serious safety hazard that should have been subject to recall. I have since noted that a June 27, 2014 letter from Subaru to the NHTSA (Ref No.: GR14-042) identified this exact issue in many of the other Subaru models manufactured between 2005 and 2014. From my comparison of the descriptions and photos shown in the referenced letter, I believe that my car has the same identified defect and should also have been subject to this recall and the exclusion of my car from the original recall was an oversight. i am hopeful that Subaru will stand behind their product, provide a timely repair and provide assurance that the underlying cause has been corrected.

NHTSA ID

11426457

Incident

Jul 23, 2021

Slowing down to pull into a parking space when I put my foot on the brake to shift into park, the car lurched forward and accelerated over a parking barrier and into a brick wall. Unexplained acceleration. This was not driver error. I felt a few unexplained accelerations previously but thought it was a mistake on my end. In this instance, my foot was nowhere near the acceleration pedal. It was very very frightening. I am now waiting for the insurance adjusters. My car was damaged. I damaged the building and another car tat was parked inside the building. This is a significant safety issue. Consumer stated insurance provider stated it is a total loss and wants to take possession of the car.

NHTSA ID

11422728

Incident

Jun 28, 2021

Brake line is rusted at rear distribution block. We were driving the vehicle on a highway (~60mph). When the driver pressed the brake pedal, it did not respond and we had to pull the emergency brake. When the brake pedal is depressed, it takes much longer (and more pressure) to stop the vehicle than it did previously. We had it inspected by a mechanic who had the brake line at the rear distribution block is rusted out. The car is registered in Upstate NY where there is a lot of road salt. Our safety and the safety of the others was at risk because the brakes did not respond as expected making stopping time much longer. There were no warnings or symptoms prior to the problem.

NHTSA ID

11420816

Incident

May 31, 2021

CAR WAS PARKED DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF RESIDENTIAL GARAGE. I STARTED THE CAR TO PULL IT INTO THE GARAGE. AS SOON AS I PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE, WITH MY FOOT STILL ON THE BRAKE, IT SHOT FORWARD AT FULL SPEED AND CRASHED INTO A TRAILER AT THE BACK OF THE GARAGE. THE IMPACT FROM THE TRAILER BROKE A HOLE IN THE GARAGE WALL. TOTAL DISTANCE TRAVELED WAS ABOUT 25'.

NHTSA ID

11388673

Incident

Nov 22, 2020

Mileage

71,747 mi

MY CARS BREAK LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING. MY CAR WILL LOSE POWER ON THE ROAD TO WHERE IT WILL COMPLETELY DIE AND I HAVE TO TURN THE IGNITION OFF AND TURN IT BACK ON TO KEEP GOING. MY EMERGENCY BRAKE LIGHT IS ON MY TIRE SENSOR LIGHTS ARE ON EVEN THOUGH TIRE PRESSURE IS CORRECT THERE ARE TIMES WHEN I CANNOT GET MY CAR INTO GEAR. IT WILL MAKE A VERY LOUD CLUNKING NOISE AND THEN A WHIZZING NOISE WHEN YOU TURN THE AIR CONDITIONER ON AND THEN YOU GET NO POWER AT ALL TO THE CAR. I CANNOT GO UP A STEEP HILL ON THE HIGHWAY BECAUSE IT WILL ONLY GO UP TO 35 MILES AN HOUR. WHEN IT LOSES POWER ON THE HIGHWAY AND I HAVE TO THE RESTART THE CAR THAT'S VERY DANGEROUS.

NHTSA ID

11340075

Incident

Jul 18, 2020

Mileage

67,404 mi

I RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF 2 SAFETY RECALLS FOR MY VEHICLE: SUBARU RECALL WTY-84 (NHTSA ID 18V-772) AND SUBARU SAFETY RECALL WUE-90 (NHTSA RECALL ID 19V-149.) I PURCHASED MY CAR ON THE ISLAND OF O'AHU AND LIVE ON THE ISLAND OF MOLOKA'I. SERVCO SUBARU WILL NOT PAY FOR MY CAR TO BE SHIPPED BY BARGE FOR REPAIRS. SINCE THE VALVE SPRINGS AFFECTED ARE A DEFECT IN THE ENGINE UPON MANUFACTURE, I FEEL THAT I SHOULD RECEIVE REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE COST OF SHIPPING. MY BUDGET IS TIGHT AND THIS WILL BE A HARDSHIP.

NHTSA ID

11267766

Incident

Jul 15, 2019

SPOT WELDS TO THE FIREWALL FAIL/BREAK FOR THE CLUTCH AND BRAKE PEDALE ASSEMBLY SO ITLLL HAVE A DELAY IN ACTUATION OVER TIME DUE TO THE WELDS BREAKING AND BECAUSE OF THAT THE ASSEMBLY BAR WILL FRACTURE AND BREAK OVER TIME WHICH WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED OR ELSE BRAKING ACTUATION WILL BE DELAYED WHEN PRESSED, THIS IS ALL WHILE IN MOTION OVER TIME OF PRESSING AND DEPRESSING, POPULAR COMPLAINT AND ISSUE KNOWN THAT OUTSIDE COMPANIES SELL BRACKETS TO HELP WITH THE WELDS FAILING AND THE ASSEMBLY CRACKING

NHTSA ID

11265287

Incident

Jan 1, 2018

Mileage

80,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU IMPREZA. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT IT FAILED TO ENGAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,996.

NHTSA ID

11186289

Incident

Mar 10, 2019

Mileage

15,996 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT WAS INVOLVED IN TWO CRASHES IN 2013. FOR BOTH CRASHES, WHILE THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO STOP THE VEHICLE IN TRAFFIC, IT UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATED AND REAR ENDED THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED IN BOTH CASES. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY IN EITHER CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVING 35 MPH AND TOWED AFTER THE FIRST CRASH. THE CONTACT SUSPECTED THAT SHE WAS SOLD A VEHICLE WITH MULTIPLE FAILURES IN 2013. THE CONTACT FOUND OUT THAT SOMEONE BOUGHT THE VEHICLE AND RETURNED IT PRIOR TO IT BEING PURCHASED BY THE CONTACT. THE CONTACT THOUGHT THE VEHICLE WAS BRAND NEW. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED FROM AUTONATION SUBARU WEST (16351 W COLFAX AVE, GOLDEN, CO 80401, (303) 578-6120). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000.

NHTSA ID

11182394

Incident

Feb 20, 2013

Mileage

2,000 mi

TAKATA RECALL: PLEASE NOTE SHIFT LEVEL GEAR CONTROL LOCKS WHEN CAR IS TURNED ON, IN PARK, FOOT ON BRAKE. THE TRACTION CONTROL SENSORS, EMERGENCY BRAKE SENSORS, AND HILL SENSORS TURN ON WHEN THIS HAPPENS. THE GEAR LOCKS AND THE CAR WILL NOT TURN ON OR OFF COMPLETELY WHEN THESE SENSORS ARE ON. IT WILL ONLY TURN OFF WHEN THE BRAKE HAS BEEN APPLIED FOR SO LONG. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS AND PLACES, PARKING LOTS, DRIVEWAYS, AND IN AREAS WHEN CHANGING GEARS NEEDS TO OCCUR AND SIMPLE WILL NOT

NHTSA ID

11063414

Incident

Dec 20, 2017

Mileage

48,000 mi

DRIVING UP A SLIGHT GRADE INTO HOME GARAGE I DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR VERY SLIGHTLY . THE CAR SHOT SUDDENLY FORWARD AND FOOTBRAKE DID NOT RESPOND. CAR SIDESWIPED OTHER CAR AND BROKE THRU REAR PANEL OF GARAGE BEFORE I COULD STOP IT WITH HANDBRAKE. MAJOR DAMAGE TO FRONT END OF CAR.

NHTSA ID

11056599

Incident

Dec 23, 2017

Mileage

27,000 mi

THE BRAKE SENSOR SWITCH FAILS TO REPORT POSITION OF THE BRAKE AND TURNS OFF ANTI LOCKING BREAKING SYSTEM. IF FAILS YOU CAR TURNING THE CAR APPLY BRAKE AND THE FOLLOWING LIGHTS TURN ON. HILL ASSIST,ABS,SKID CONTROL. WHEN THIS COMES ON ABS DOES NOT WORK. IT SOMETIMES LOCKS THE CAR IN PARK. THIS HAPPEN THEN TRIED TO STOP QUICKLY IN THE RAIN AND BRAKING SYSTEM DID NOT WORK CORRECTLY. REAR-ENDED A CAR. REPORTED THIS TO A DEALER YEAR AGO THEY DID NOT KNOW WHAT CAUSED IT. I FOUND IT QUICKLY WHEN SEARCHING THE WEB. COMMON ISSUE THAT COULD BE DEADLY.

NHTSA ID

11042830

Incident

Oct 28, 2017

Mileage

60,000 mi

ON TWO OCCASIONS OF A REAR END COLLISION ON DRY PAVEMENT, WHILE TRYING TO AVOID COLLISION AND APPLYING THE BRAKES EXTREMELY HARD, I FELT LIKE THE VEHICLE SHOULD HAVE COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. INSTEAD THE VEHICLE DIDN'T STOP BUT SLID INTO VEHICLE AHEAD OF ME. I KNOW IT SOUNDS LIKE I'M BLAMING THE CAR FOR MY ACCIDENT BUT I HAVE HAD CARS STOP ON A DIME. THIS CAR DID NOT STOP ON A DIME. I HAD THE BRAKES APPLIED HARD ENOUGH THAT IT SHOULD HAVE STOPPED INSTEAD IT CONTINUED TO MOVE FORWARD HITTING THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. BOTH INCIDENCES OCCURRED DURING STOP AND GO TRAFFIC UNDER THE SPEED OF 10-15MPH. I FELT LIKE THE CAR JUST CONTINUED TO MOVE SLIDING INTO THE OTHER CAR WHILE ON DRY PAVEMENT.

NHTSA ID

10934581

Incident

Dec 10, 2016

Mileage

50,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU IMPREZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE VIBRATED UNCONTROLLABLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,777.

NHTSA ID

10745224

Incident

Feb 28, 2015

Mileage

8,777 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARA IMPREZA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE MASTER CYLINDER WAS REPLACED HOWEVER THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,000.

NHTSA ID

10561763

Incident

Dec 3, 2013

Mileage

7,000 mi

BRAKE FAILURE AT LOW SPEED COMING TO STOP AT TRAFFIC LIGHT, TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON,BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON. RETURNED TO DEALER TO REPAIR. DEALER TOOK 2 DAYS TO REPAIR . AT WITCH IT LASTED TILL TODAY(12/30/2013). THE SAME THING HAS HAPPENED AGAIN. VERY SCARY YOU WONDER IF THE CAR IS RELIABLE AND ALWAYS AFRAID TO TRAVEL NOW. HAVE GRANDCHILDREN AND CANNOT TRUST THIS CAR. I HOPE SOMEONE CAN HELP. HAVE TO RETURN TO DEALER (AGAIN) TO HAVE THEM LOOK AT IT (AGAIN). WONDER IF THEY KNOW HOW TO FIX IT. *TR

NHTSA ID

10557906

Incident

Dec 11, 2013

Mileage

13,700 mi

IN AN OUTSIDE PARKING LOT WITH PARKING BLOCKS STARTED THE CAR AND MOVED FORWARD TOWARD AND OVER THE PARKING BLOCK AT STARTING SPEED. THE CAR LEAPED FORWARD AND LOST BRAKING POWER, WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL GOING TO THE FLOOR. CAR LEAPED AHEAD ACROSS THE ASPHALT ROAD TO NEXT PARKING ROW ON GRAVEL WITH DRIVER TURNING RIGHT, TO AVOID A POLE AND STANDING CARS AHEAD, AND NON-ACCELERATING STEADY-SPEED MOVEMENT CONTINUED OVER SEVERAL PARKING BLOCKS ON GRAVEL WITHOUT ABILITY FOR THE DRIVER TO STOP USING BRAKE PEDAL. THE CAR COULD NOT BE STOPPED, WITH BRAKES DROPPING, EVEN WHEN BACK ON ASPHALT ROAD. MOVEMENT ONLY STOPPED WHEN SHIFT PUT IN PARKING POSITION. IN TOTAL THE BRAKING POWER WAS LOST FOR AT LEAST 5 SECONDS. THE TRIGGER FOR EVIDENCED BRAKE DISFUNCTION WAS LOW-SPEED FRONT-WHEEL COLLISION WITH THE CONCRETE BELOW-BUMPER PARKING BLOCK, OR PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL WHEN GOING OVER THE BLOCK, OR A COMBINATION OF THESE AND POSSIBLY OTHER FACTORS. DEALER STATED NO BRAKE FAILURE, NO FLUID LEAK, NO ERROR CODES. DRIVER HOLD RESPONSIBLE FOR THE > $2400 COST TO REPLACE DAMAGED EXHAUST SYSTEM AND SCRATCHED DRIVER-SIDE FRONT WHEEL. HOWEVER, MOST OF THE DAMAGE WAS CAUSED NOT BY THE INITIAL COLLISION WITH THE PARKING BLOCK, BUT THE SUBSEQUENT UNCONTROLLABLE MOVEMENT OVER SEVERAL (4-6) PARKING BLOCKS DUE TO LOSS OF BRAKE PEDAL FUNCTION. HAD THERE BEEN PEOPLE, CARS OR BIGGER OBJECTS AHEAD OF THE CAR, THE ACCIDENT COULD HAVE CAUSED SERIOUS INJURY OR EXTENSIVE PROPERTY DAMAGE. THE HEIGHT OF THE PARKING BLOCK WAS JUST SLIGHTLY HIGHER THAN THE HEIGHT OF A STANDARD SPEED BUMP. WE ENCOURAGE INVESTIGATION ON SUBARU IMPREZA 2013 BRAKE AND ABS FUNCTION WHEN BRAKING OVER SPEED BUMPS, CURBS AND OTHER LOW OBSTACLES OR FOLLOWING A LOW-SPEED, LOW-OBSTACLE FRONT-WHEEL COLLISION. *TR

NHTSA ID

10549683

Incident

Oct 23, 2013

Mileage

8,000 mi

2013 SUBARU IMPREZA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO BRAKE ASSIST SYSTEM. *SMD ACCORDING TO THE SUBARU MANUAL, THE BRAKE ASSIST SYSTEM ASSISTED THE BRAKE POWER WHEN THE DRIVER CANNOT DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL STRONGLY AND THE BRAKE POWER WAS INSUFFICIENT. BRAKE ASSIST GENERATED THE BRAKE POWER ACCORDING TO THE SPEED AT WHICH THE DRIVER DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING IN THE RIGHT LANE, ON A RURAL INTERSTATE HIGHWAY, WITH VERY LITTLE TRAFFIC. WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL SET AT 65 MPH, HE IMMEDIATELY HAD TO HIT THE BRAKE, AS ANOTHER DRIVER MOVED INTO HIS LANE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE POWER ASSIST FORCEFULLY SLOWED THE VEHICLE DOWN, AGAINST HIS WILL. THE CONSUMER STATED HE FOUND HIMSELF STRUGGLING WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, TO TRY AND GAIN SPEED.

NHTSA ID

10506096

Incident

Dec 1, 2012