2021 Subaru Impreza maintenance schedule

Written in plain English and reviewed by the eli5cars editorial team · Last reviewed June 2026

2.0L FB20 4-cylinder boxer (152 hp) — Subaru Lineartronic CVT or 5-speed manual (Base/Premium); Symmetrical AWD standard on all trims, sedan and 5-door hatchbackBasePremiumSportMSRP $18,700

⚠ 2 open recalls for this vehicle

A recall means the manufacturer found a safety problem and is required to fix it — these aren't normal wear-and-tear repairs. Check your specific VIN at NHTSA.gov to confirm your car is affected.

✓ Recall repairs are always FREE at any dealer, no matter who currently owns the car or where it was bought.

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2021 Impreza vehicles. The left-front lower control arm weld may fail, allowing the control arm to separate from the crossmember.

Why it matters: A separated control arm may cause the tire to contact the wheel well, resulting in a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the control arm as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 3, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRI-21.

Reported 30/08/2021 · Campaign #21V675000 — look up your VIN at NHTSA.gov →

POWER TRAIN:SHIFT LINKAGE/CABLE/ROD

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2021 Outback and Impreza vehicles. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) select lever cable nut may not have been tightened properly, allowing the nut to loosen.

Why it matters: A loose nut can lead to a lost of retention in the CVT select lever cable and the gear selector not functioning properly, increasing risk of crash.

The fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and, if necessary, tighten the nut, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRA-21.

Reported 26/01/2021 · Campaign #21V024000 — look up your VIN at NHTSA.gov →

Jump to a mileage milestone:

30k miles 60k miles 90k miles 120k miles

Full service timeline

Mileage	Service items	Details
6k mi	Engine oil and filter change — 0W-20 full synthetic (Subaru factory spec for the FB20) — Subaru's normal schedule is 6,000 mi/6 months, whichever comes first Tire rotation Inspect brake pads, rotors, lines and hoses Inspect CVT fluid level (Subaru CVTF-II) — inspect only under normal driving; manual-transmission cars: inspect gear oil level Inspect coolant, brake fluid, and washer fluid levels Inspect exhaust system and CV boots Check tire pressure to door-placard spec
15k mi	Engine oil and filter change (0W-20 full synthetic) Tire rotation Inspect brake system front and rear Replace cabin air filter if dusty or restricted Inspect engine air filter — replace if needed Inspect CVT fluid condition and level (or manual transmission gear oil) Inspect AWD driveline: rear differential and transfer clutch operation
30k mi	Engine oil and filter change (0W-20 full synthetic) Tire rotation Replace engine air filter Replace cabin air filter Inspect spark plugs — NGK iridium; Subaru factory interval is approximately 60,000 mi, do not replace at 30k CVT fluid change recommended under severe-duty conditions; inspect-only under normal use (manual-transmission cars: inspect/replace gear oil per severe-duty schedule) Replace rear differential gear oil — typically 75W-90 Inspect brake fluid — replace if moisture-contaminated Inspect coolant condition — Subaru Super Coolant (long-life) Inspect timing chain tensioner (FB-series engines use a timing chain, not a belt)	View →
60k mi	Engine oil and filter change (0W-20 full synthetic) Tire rotation Replace spark plugs — NGK iridium (Subaru factory long-life interval for FB-series engines) Replace cabin air filter Replace engine air filter CVT fluid change — Subaru CVTF-II (commonly recommended preventive service even under normal use; manual cars: replace gear oil) Replace rear differential gear oil Replace brake fluid Inspect coolant — top off or replace if contaminated Inspect wheel bearings, ball joints, and suspension bushings	View →
90k mi	Engine oil and filter change (0W-20 full synthetic) Tire rotation Inspect spark plugs — condition and gap Inspect CVT fluid level and condition Replace brake fluid Inspect timing chain, tensioner, and guides — lifetime component under normal use Inspect accessory drive belt; replace if cracked or glazed Full brake inspection front and rear	View →
120k mi	Engine oil and filter change (0W-20 full synthetic) Tire rotation Replace spark plugs — NGK iridium (second full replacement interval) Replace CVT fluid (or manual transmission gear oil) Replace rear differential gear oil Replace coolant — Subaru Super Coolant flush and refill Replace brake fluid Replace accessory drive belt Full suspension and steering inspection Inspect wheel bearings front and rear	View →

Common symptoms for this vehicle

Check engine light on? Get a free code scan

If your check engine light is on, most auto-parts stores (AutoZone, O'Reilly, Advance) will read the code for FREE — no purchase required, just walk in. Bring the code back here and look it up at eli5cars.com/obd2 for the plain-English explanation.

Note: a scan only helps when there's an active fault code. For purely mechanical symptoms (noises, vibrations, leaks), a scan may show nothing — the suspects listed above are your starting point.