Parts for your 2013 Subaru Impreza-Head gasket

2013 Subaru Impreza head gasket — what it does and when to sort it

Yes, a head gasket is absolutely used on the 2013 Subaru Impreza. Technical references that confirm this include the Subaru Factory Service Manual for the 2012–2016 Impreza (FB engine, Cylinder Head section) and Subaru’s official parts catalogue (FAST), both of which list the cylinder head gasket for the FB20 2.0‑litre boxer engine. That engine has two cylinder heads, so there’s a head gasket on each bank.

On this model, the head gasket’s job is to seal three critical things at once: the combustion chambers (so all that pressure stays where it should), the coolant passages (to keep the engine temperature in check), and the oil galleries (for smooth lubrication). Subaru uses a multi‑layer steel (MLS) gasket on the FB20, engineered to cope with heat cycling and the unique clamping loads of the flat‑four layout. When it’s healthy, owners get stable temps, solid compression, and clean oil and coolant that don’t mix.

Servicing-wise, there’s no routine “replacement interval” for a head gasket, it’s a fix‑as‑needed item. What does matter is keeping the cooling system spot‑on. Running the correct long‑life Subaru blue coolant (as specified in the maintenance schedule), bleeding air properly after any cooling work, and sorting leaks early all help the gasket live a long life. Subaru’s FB20 is generally far less prone to gasket dramas than older EJ engines, but neglecting coolant or letting the car overheat can still toast it.

• Watch‑outs: unexplained coolant loss, bubbling in the overflow bottle, sweet‑smelling white exhaust when warm, rough cold starts, overheating under load, or milky residue under the oil filler cap.
• Good practice during replacement: machine‑check head flatness, clean deck surfaces meticulously, fit a quality MLS gasket, and follow the factory torque‑and‑angle sequence for the head bolts. Most workshops replace the torque‑to‑yield bolts rather than re‑use them.
• Smart add‑ons while in there: fresh thermostat, new coolant, and inspection of the water pump and hoses. On a boxer, access can be tight, so doing related items once can save hassle later.

If a 2013 Impreza ever does need head gasket work, it’s a biggish job that benefits from an experienced Subaru tech, proper surface prep, and the right fluids on refill. Look after the cooling system and it’ll usually look after the gasket for the long haul, kilometre after kilometre.

Popular questions about 2013 Subaru Impreza head gaskets

Do 2013 Imprezas commonly blow head gaskets?
Not commonly. The FB20 engine in the 2013 Impreza is notably more robust than the earlier EJ series for head gasket issues. Failures tend to trace back to overheating, incorrect coolant, or long‑term neglect rather than an inherent design flaw.

What are the signs of a failing head gasket on this model?
Typical clues include creeping coolant loss, overheating, white exhaust vapour with a sweet smell, bubbles in the coolant reservoir, poor heater performance, or oil that looks milky. A cooling‑system pressure test and a combustion‑gas test in the coolant can help confirm it.

Can someone keep driving with a suspected blown head gasket?
Best not. Continuing to drive risks warping the heads and turning a repair into a full rebuild. If the temp gauge spikes or coolant vanishes, it’s wise to stop, let it cool, and organise a tow to prevent further damage.