2012–2013 Subaru Impreza: Burning oil between changes (2.0L FB20)
Likely causes, ranked
- 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
- 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
- Check the oil level every fill-up.
- Ask the dealer to run the oil consumption test.
- Keep service records.
Vehicle focus: 2012–2013 Subaru Impreza.
Safety / mechanic note
Low oil can ruin an engine. Check it often.
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.