Parts for your 2013 Subaru Impreza-Power steering fluid

2013 Subaru Impreza power steering fluid — do you actually need it?

Short answer: no, the 2013 Subaru Impreza (non-WRX/STI, chassis codes GP/GJ) doesn’t use power steering fluid. It runs electric power steering (EPS), so there’s no hydraulic pump, no hoses and no fluid reservoir under the bonnet. That’s not a quirk — it’s how the steering is designed from factory.

This isn’t a guess. Technical sources including the 2013 Subaru Impreza Owner’s Manual and the factory Service Manual (Steering System – Electric Power Steering for GP/GJ) specify an EPS system. Subaru’s service literature and diagnostic bulletins for EPS warning lights on 2012–2014 Impreza models also back this up. In other words, if someone’s chasing “power steering fluid” for this model, they won’t find any because there’s nothing to top up.

Why no fluid? EPS uses an electric motor and control module to assist the steering rather than a belt-driven hydraulic pump. That means fewer leak points, less parasitic load on the engine and improved efficiency. It also removes a maintenance item — there’s no fluid to inspect, flush or replace across the vehicle’s service life.

What should be looked after instead? Even without fluid, steering still needs a bit of love during servicing. A good workshop will:

• Check for play in tie-rod ends and the steering column universal joints
• Inspect rack boots/gaiters for splits and any signs of contamination
• Confirm wheel alignment and even tyre wear
• Scan for EPS fault codes if the steering warning light’s been on
• Verify battery and charging-system health (EPS relies on stable voltage)

One small caveat: performance variants like the 2013 WRX/STI (different platform to the GP/GJ Impreza) were equipped with hydraulic power steering and do use power steering fluid. If the car in question is a standard 2.0i Impreza hatch or sedan, it’s EPS-only and fluid-free.

If the steering feels heavy, notchy or shows a warning light, it’s not a fluid issue — it’s time for a proper diagnostic check of the EPS motor, torque sensor, wiring, alignment and tyres. Kept in good nick, the system is robust and hassle-free, which suits Aussie and Kiwi commuting just fine.

• Does a 2013 Subaru Impreza need power steering fluid?
  It doesn’t. The GP/GJ 2013 Impreza uses electric power steering, so there’s no hydraulic fluid to check or replace. If the steering feels off, focus on tyres, alignment and EPS diagnostics rather than fluid.
• Where’s the power steering fluid reservoir on a 2013 Impreza?
  There isn’t one on the standard 2013 Impreza. If someone has seen a reservoir, it’s likely a different Subaru (or a WRX/STI of the same year, which is a different model and does use fluid).
• What steering maintenance should be done on a 2013 Impreza?
  Regularly inspect tie-rod ends and rack boots, keep tyres properly inflated and aligned, and ensure the battery/charging system is healthy. If an EPS light comes on, have the codes read and the system tested.