Parts for your 2013 Subaru Impreza-Oil pump

2013 Subaru Impreza oil pump: what it does and when to sort it

Based on technical references, the 2013 Subaru Impreza absolutely uses an oil pump. The Subaru Factory Service Manual for the 2012–2016 Impreza (FB20 2.0‑litre engine) describes a crankshaft‑driven, internal trochoid/gerotor oil pump mounted at the front of the engine behind the timing chain cover, and Subaru’s parts catalogue lists an Oil Pump Assembly for this model. So yes—an oil pump is fitted and it’s a key bit of kit.

The oil pump’s job is simple but critical: it pressurises and circulates engine oil through the galleries to the crank and rod bearings, cam journals, timing chain and tensioners, and the AVCS (variable valve timing) system. That steady flow of oil keeps friction down, heat in check, and the engine quiet and happy, especially on cold starts and long highway stints.

For most owners, the pump isn’t a regular replacement item. The smartest “maintenance” for the pump is sticking to quality oil and filter changes on time—think every 10,000–12,500 km or around 6 months, using a good full‑synthetic 0W‑20 that meets the Subaru spec. Keep the oil level right, avoid cheap filters that can collapse or bypass too early, and the pump will generally do decades of faithful service.

There are times when the pump or its related bits need attention. Tell‑tales include a low oil pressure warning lamp, rattly starts, ticking lifters, AVCS faults, or metallic sparkle in the drained oil. If that crops up, a proper oil pressure test with a mechanical gauge is the go, followed by inspection for blocked strainers, leaking O‑rings, a sticky pressure relief valve, or worn/scored rotors.

On the FB20, replacing the pump is a decent job: the crank pulley and front timing cover need to come off, sealing surfaces must be spotless, and the cover is resealed with the correct RTV. Best practice is to replace the front crank seal, relevant O‑rings, and to prime the new pump with assembly lube before first start. Torque values and sealant patterns matter here, so following the factory procedure is key.

• Watch for warning lights, unusual top‑end noise, or oil leaks at the front cover.
• Use the correct oil grade and a quality filter, and don’t stretch service intervals.
• If pressure is low, verify with a gauge before condemning the pump—sometimes the fix is elsewhere.

Popular questions about 2013 Subaru Impreza oil pumps

Does the 2013 Subaru Impreza have an oil pump?
Yes. The factory service information for the FB20 engine and Subaru’s parts listings both confirm a crank‑driven internal oil pump is fitted. It’s essential to engine lubrication and AVCS operation.

When should the oil pump be replaced on a 2013 Impreza?
It’s not scheduled maintenance. Consider replacement only after low oil pressure is confirmed with a gauge and other causes (oil level/grade, blocked strainer, faulty sender, relief valve issues) are ruled out. Noise on cold start, persistent warning lamps, and metal in the oil are red flags.

What oil helps protect the pump and engine?
A quality full‑synthetic 0W‑20 meeting Subaru/ILSAC specs, changed every 10,000–12,500 km (or ~6 months), with a reputable filter. Clean, correct‑grade oil is the best defence against pump and bearing wear.