🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Impreza

Model Variant:

WRX / WRX STI

Year:

2012

Chassis Code Prefix:

GVE

Vin Code Year:

C

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Performance Sedan/Hatchback

Niche:

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) performance, Rally-inspired heritage

Direct Competitors:

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Volkswagen Golf GTI, Ford Focus RS (though often a step above in price/performance)

Drivetrain:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) standard on WRX and WRX STI

Engine:

Turbocharged Boxer Engines (EJ255 for WRX, EJ257 for WRX STI)

Suspension:

Performance-tuned suspension for enhanced handling

Body Styles:

Offered in Sedan and Hatchback variants for 2012

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Full Factory Service Workshop Repair

Secondary Coverage:

Maintenance, Repair, Diagnosis

Specific Models Covered:

Subaru Impreza WRX, Subaru Impreza WRX STI

Estimated Pages:

3000+

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM)

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

File Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Fully Searchable Text

Printability:

Printable Pages

Organization:

Chapter-based with detailed index and cross-referencing

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Fuel System, Exhaust System

Chassis:

Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Wheels, Tires

Electrical:

Body Electrical, Powertrain Control Modules (PCM), Lighting, HVAC Controls, Infotainment Wiring

Body:

Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Interior Trim, Exterior Trim, Sealing

Maintenance:

Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes, Filter Replacements, Inspections

Repair:

Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Brake Caliper Replacement, Suspension Component Installation, Electrical Component Repair

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Symptom-Based Diagnosis

Technical Data:

Torque Specifications, Clearances, Tolerances, Wiring Diagrams

Depth:

Comprehensive (from basic fluid checks to full engine/transmission disassembly and reassembly)

Diagnostic Tools:

References Subaru Select Monitor (SSM) procedures and data

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Wrx Engine Code:

EJ255

Wrx Engine Type:

2.5L Turbocharged DOHC Flat-4 (Boxer)

Wrx Horsepower:

265 hp @ 6000 RPM

Wrx Torque:

244 lb-ft @ 2000 RPM

Wrx Sti Engine Code:

EJ257

Wrx Sti Engine Type:

2.5L Turbocharged DOHC Flat-4 (Boxer) with intercooler sprayer (some markets/trims)

Wrx Sti Horsepower:

305 hp @ 6000 RPM

Wrx Sti Torque:

290 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

Induction:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) with Turbocharger and Intercooler

ECU:

Subaru Engine Control Unit (ECU) - specific part numbers vary by model/trim

🔧 Transmission

Wrx Transmission:

6-Speed Manual Transmission

Wrx Sti Transmission:

6-Speed Manual Transmission (with DCCD - Driver Controlled Center Differential)

Transmission Options:

No Automatic Transmission option for WRX/WRX STI in 2012

Drivetrain Type:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD)

Center Differential:

Viscous coupling limited-slip center differential (WRX), Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) with automatic and manual modes (WRX STI)

Manual Transmission Fluid Type:

Subaru Extra Gear Oil API GL-5 75W-90 (or equivalent)

Manual Transmission Fluid Capacity Approx:

2.1 Liters (4.4 US Quarts)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Sedan:

103.2 inches (2620 mm)

Wheelbase Hatchback:

103.2 inches (2620 mm)

Length Sedan:

179.5 inches (4560 mm)

Length Hatchback:

173.8 inches (4415 mm)

Width:

70.7 inches (1795 mm)

Height:

58.1 inches (1475 mm)

Curb Weight Wrx Sedan Approx:

3350 lbs (1520 kg)

Curb Weight Wrx Sti Sedan Approx:

3415 lbs (1550 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Varies by model/trim, consult manual for specific chassis codes

Towing Capacity:

Not Recommended for Towing

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5x100mm

Wheel Size:

WRX: 17x8 inches, WRX STI: 18x8.5 inches

Tire Size:

WRX: 225/45R17, WRX STI: 245/40R18

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Overall Rating:

4/5 Stars (for 2012 Impreza model range)

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

Yes (for 2012 Impreza model range)

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard

Ebs:

Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) standard

Bas:

Brake Assist (BA) standard

Traction Control:

Traction Control System (TCS) standard

Stability Control:

Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) standard

Airbags:

Frontal airbags, Side curtain airbags, Front side airbags

Seatbelts:

3-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

Base audio system with CD player, MP3 compatibility, and auxiliary input. Optional navigation system available.

Display:

Multi-function display in instrument cluster for vehicle information.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control

Climate Control:

Manual or automatic climate control depending on trim

Bluetooth:

Available Bluetooth hands-free connectivity on higher trims

Usb Port:

Available USB port for media playback and charging

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval Synthetic:

5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions)

Air Filter Replacement Interval:

15,000-30,000 miles or 2-3 years (inspect more frequently)

Cabin Air Filter Replacement Interval:

15,000-20,000 miles or 1-2 years

Spark Plug Replacement Interval Platinum:

60,000-100,000 miles (depending on type)

Coolant Replacement Interval:

30,000-60,000 miles or 4-5 years

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 0W-30, API SN, ILSAC GF-5 (Subaru recommends their own brand but equivalent is acceptable)

Engine Oil Capacity:

WRX: 4.8 US Quarts (4.5L), WRX STI: 5.1 US Quarts (4.8L)

Coolant Type:

Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent silicate-free/OAT coolant

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Ej Engine Ringland Failure:

Premature ringland failure, particularly on aggressively tuned or high-mileage EJ25 engines. Manual provides torque specs and internal inspection procedures.

Clutch Wear:

Heavy clutch wear can occur with aggressive driving, especially in WRX STI. Manual details clutch replacement procedure.

Hatch Rattle Noise:

Common for hatch models, often related to rear latch/trim. Manual includes body sealing and trim adjustment guidance.

Oil Consumption:

Some EJ engines can be prone to oil consumption. Manual provides oil level checking procedures and internal component checks.

Turbo Oil Line Leaks:

Oil lines to the turbocharger can develop leaks. Manual covers turbocharger removal and service.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Origin:

Japan

Brand Focus:

All-Wheel Drive technology, Boxer engines, Safety

Impreza Introduction Year:

1992

Wrx Introduction Year:

1994 (Japan), 2001 (Global)

Wrx Sti Introduction Year:

1994 (Japan), 2003 (Global)

Current Generation Codes:

GH/GR/GV (2008-2014, though WRX/STI often had unique chassis codes or updates)

Manufacturing Location:

Japan (Gunma Prefecture)

Production Years Gd Chassis For Wrx/Sti Variations:

2000-2007 (GD Chassis WRX/STI)

Production Years Gr Gv Chassis For Wrx/Sti Variations:

2008-2014 (GR/GV Chassis WRX/STI)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Press Awards:

Consistently praised by automotive media for performance, handling, and AWD capabilities. Specific awards vary year by year, but the Impreza WRX/STI platform is a perennial performance benchmark.

Rally Heritage Recognition:

Strong association with Subaru's WRC (World Rally Championship) success, influencing consumer perception and brand loyalty.

Emissions Certification:

Compliant with EPA and CARB emissions standards for its model year. Manual details emissions system components and testing procedures.