CarFix Answers

2012–2013 Subaru Impreza: Burning oil between changes (2.0L FB20)

Likely causes, ranked

  1. Oil control rings not sealing (short block replaced under Subaru's program)Shop

Real-owner fix counts will appear here as reports come in.

DIY or shop: See DIY or shop section

Parts to check

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Symptom: The low-oil light comes on between changes with no leaks.

Likely causes

  1. Oil control rings. Subaru's bulletin covers certain FB20 engines by VIN and engine number. A dealer test that finds consumption above the threshold leads to a short block replacement. Club Crosstrek owners discuss the same bulletin.

DIY or shop?

Dealer for the test. The extended coverage window has passed, so ask about goodwill.

Useful steps

  1. Check the oil level every fill-up.
  2. Ask the dealer to run the oil consumption test.
  3. Keep service records.

Vehicle focus: 2012–2013 Subaru Impreza.

Safety / mechanic note

Low oil can ruin an engine. Check it often.

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Recalls & service bulletins

Technical service bulletins

  • Subaru FB20 oil consumption bulletin Short block replacement for certain 2012–2013 Impreza (and Crosstrek) FB20 engines that fail a dealer oil consumption test. Details

NHTSA complaints: 27 keyword-matched complaints (of 490 unique complaints filed under NHTSA model names IMPREZA, 2012–2013; NHTSA complaints API by model year, queried 2026-10-15).

Always check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Sources

What actually fixed it?

Had this problem? Tell other owners what the real fix was. Reports are counted above; we never show made-up numbers.

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