Subaru Impreza
Naturally aspirated boxer with 2.0L — the Impreza/Crosstrek engine. Watch for valve spring recall on 2012-2014 models. Oil consumption on early examples (class action settlement). Significantly improved from 2015. Reliable everyday engine with no ambitions — does its job and stays quiet.
Compact boxer with AWD — the entry into Subaru
Standard AWD in a compact — nobody else offers this at the same price. No sporting character, but a compelling argument in snow and rain. The base Subaru.
Engine Weaknesses 4
Recall WTY-84: 2012-2014 Impreza, 2013 BRZ, 2013 Crosstrek — 140,249 US vehicles. Valve springs fracture, engine stalls. Repair time 7-12 hours.
Class action: 2012-2013 Impreza, 2013 Crosstrek. Settlement with 8 year/100k mile warranty extension. Significantly improved after 2014.
Symptoms: Oil level warnings, elevated oil consumption between changes
Hydraulic timing chain tensioner bleeds down when parked. Cold start produces 3-5 seconds of metallic rattling until oil pressure is restored. TSB exists: replace left tensioner with modified part.
Symptoms: Metallic rattling on cold start for 3-5 seconds, sounds like chain noise, disappears at operating temperature
Robot-applied RTV sealant on cam carrier and timing cover fails around 50,000-60,000 miles. Very labor-intensive: engine must be removed. Known FB engine problem affecting both FB20 and FB25.
Symptoms: Oil seeping from cylinder head side or front of engine, oil smell after driving, dropping oil level
Vehicle Weaknesses 2
Class action: windshields crack disproportionately fast. EyeSight requires Subaru OEM glass for recalibration. Settlement: 8-year warranty + free replacement.
Class action (2013-2021 models): EyeSight randomly disables on the highway. Cold-sensitive below -22°F. Expensive recalibration needed after windshield replacement.