2012 Subaru Impreza
Common problems & what to know before you buy
Before you message the seller, know the documented failure patterns, repair cost exposure, and risk level for the 2012 Subaru Impreza.
What to watch for on the 2012 Subaru Impreza
Excessive Oil Consumption (2011 to 2015)
Early FB-series engines, about 2011 to 2015, can burn oil through their piston rings.
Which of these apply to your 2012 Impreza?
Your guide shows which apply to the exact car, and what to ask the seller.
Recalls on the 2012 Subaru Impreza
Exterior lighting: switch
Subaru of America, Inc.
Electrical system
Subaru of America, Inc.
Air bags: occupant classification
Subaru of America, Inc.
3 more in the guide, with whether each one was done on the car you're looking at.
Source: NHTSA
What 243 owners reported
Source: NHTSA
2012 Subaru Impreza at a glance
- Trims
- 2.0i2.0i Limited2.0i Premium2.0i Sport Limited2.0i Sport PremiumWRXWRX LimitedWRX Premium
- Engine
- 2.0L Flat-4, 2.5L Flat-4 Turbo
- Transmission
- Manual 5-spd, CVT, Manual 6-spd
- Drivetrain
- AWD
- Fuel
- Gasoline
- Body style
- Hatchback
Other Subaru Impreza years
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Frequently asked questions
What are the common problems with the 2012 Subaru Impreza?
Owners have filed 243 complaints about the 2012 Subaru Impreza with NHTSA, most often about the air bags. There are 6 recall campaigns covering this model year. Known problems on its engines include excessive oil consumption. Squeezed's free research-backed buyer guide cross-references these against documented failure patterns and mileage-stage risks, sorted by severity, in about a minute.
Is the 2012 Subaru Impreza reliable?
Reliability depends heavily on the specific configuration and how the car was maintained. Start with the 6 open recall campaigns on this model year and confirm the work was completed. Generate a Squeezed buyer guide for this exact vehicle to see a reliability snapshot, repair-cost exposure, and the questions to ask the seller before you buy.
Should I still get a pre-purchase inspection on a 2012 Subaru Impreza?
Always. A Squeezed buyer guide is the triage step before the inspection: it shows you the documented failure patterns and what to check so you can decide which 2012 Subaru Impreza listings are even worth a mechanic's time, then walk into the PPI knowing exactly what to look for.
Squeezed is a buyer guide based on public data and industry patterns, not a mechanical inspection. Always get a professional pre-purchase inspection before you buy.