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Subaru · Compact · 2012–2016 Custom Search

Subaru Impreza GP

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 1 engine variants · How we rate

Body Variants

The Subaru Impreza GP is available as Sedan and Hatchback — choose your body type for specific insurance data:

Generations

Engine Overview

The Subaru Impreza GP is available with one engine variant at 150 hp.

2.0L NA · Petrol· 150 PS
2012 2016

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.

  • !! Recall: Valve Spring Fracture

    Recall WTY-84: 2012-2014 Impreza, 2013 BRZ, 2013 Crosstrek — 140,249 US vehicles. Valve springs fracture, engine stalls. Repair time 7-12 hours.

    0–0 $
  • !! Oil Consumption Early Models (2012-2014) from 50,000 km

    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
    4,000–5,000 $
    Ad 12033AB340 piston ring set FB20piston rings Subaru FB20oil control ring FB20
  • ! Timing Chain Tensioner Cold-Start Rattle from 60,000 km

    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
    300–800 $
    Ad 13142AA090 timing chain tensioner FB2013142AA103 timing chain tensioner FB20timing chain tensioner Subaru FB20

+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!CVT Judder and Shift Problems

Lineartronic CVT shudders on takeoff or shows delayed engagement. Subaru extended the CVT warranty to 10 years/100,000 miles for affected 2012–2017 vehicles.

Symptoms: Juddering on takeoff, hesitation under light throttle, transmission warning light
from 90,000 km
Ad CVT Subaru Impreza GP LineartronicCVT-F fluid Subaru
 High
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below average
746 complaints · 2012–2016
  1. 01 Airbags
    237 ⚠ 20
  2. 02 Engine
    160 ⚠ 5
  3. 03 Electrical
    113 ⚠ 3
  4. 04 Powertrain
    83 ⚠ 3
  5. 05 Other
    74 ⚠ 2

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Airbags (237 complaints)
⚠ Engine (160 complaints)
⚠ Electrical (113 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues +

A total of 8 weaknesses have been documented for the Subaru Impreza GP (2012–2016) — 4 engine-related and 4 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Gearbox, Electronics, Suspension, Brakes.

Impreza (FB20, 2012–2016) — Be Careful: Recall: Valve Spring Fracture, Oil Consumption Early Models (2012-2014), Timing Chain Tensioner Cold-Start Rattle. Power: 150 PS.

What to watch out for with the Subaru Impreza? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Subaru Impreza GP have? +
The Subaru Impreza GP has 4 known engine weaknesses and 4 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Subaru Impreza GP? +
faq.watch_a_none
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: FB20 (2.0L NA). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the FB20 (2.0L NA).
Which Subaru Impreza GP engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Subaru Impreza GP — rated: "Decent". {description} 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.
Is the Subaru Impreza GP worth buying used? +
The Subaru Impreza GP requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Subaru Impreza GP? +
The Subaru Impreza GP is available with engine variants from 150 to 156 hp. Petrol: FB20 (2.0L NA).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee