IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2012 Subaru Impreza Mk4 (GJ/GP)

Early Mk4 cars are the ones most commonly tied to oil-consumption complaints on the FB20 petrol engine.

3
Known Issues
1
Serious
2
Moderate
0
Minor

All Known Issues

Lineartronic CVT Valve Body Failure

SeriousGearbox & Transmission

The Mk4 Impreza’s CVT can suffer solenoid or valve body faults that show up as shunting, hesitation and warning-light clusters.

Est. Repair Cost: £800–£1,800
Warning Signs:

Judder pulling away, Transmission warning lights, Delayed engagement

What to Inspect:
  • Drive it from cold and then fully warm
  • Check for smooth ratio changes
  • Ask whether the CVT fluid has ever been replaced
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Excessive Oil Consumption

ModerateEngine

Early FB20 engines can use oil quickly enough to require frequent top-ups between services, and neglected low oil levels can lead to bigger engine wear.

Est. Repair Cost: Monitoring / £2,000+
Warning Signs:

Low oil warning between services, Noticeable oil use, Sooty exhaust tip

What to Inspect:
  • Check the dipstick during the viewing
  • Ask the owner how often they top up
  • Look for receipts for extra oil purchases
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Air-Conditioning Condenser Damage

ModerateCooling System

The low-mounted condenser is vulnerable to stone damage and corrosion, leaving some cars with weak or completely failed air conditioning.

Est. Repair Cost: £300–£650
Warning Signs:

AC blows warm, Cooling fades after regas, Visible oily marks on condenser

What to Inspect:
  • Test AC thoroughly from cold
  • Inspect the condenser through the grille
  • Be wary if a seller says it only needs gas again
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Buying Tips for 2012 Subaru Impreza Mk4 (GJ/GP)

  • ✓A cautious buyer should treat a dry dipstick on a 2012 car as a major warning sign, not a minor oversight.
2013–2014
Check a 2012 Subaru Impreza Mk4 (GJ/GP) by Registration