🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Impreza

Year:

2012

Product Type:

Repair Service Manual

Product Format:

PDF Download

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Car / All-Wheel Drive (AWD) specialist.

Unique Selling Proposition:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (SAWD) across most trims, known for its practicality, safety, and all-weather capability.

Key Competitors:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf.

Differentiation:

Subaru's primary differentiator is its standard AWD system, offering enhanced traction and stability, particularly in adverse weather conditions, which most competitors offer as an optional feature or not at all.

Standard AWD:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as standard equipment on all trims.

Safety Orientation:

Subaru's reputation for safety, often achieving high ratings in crash tests.

Practicality:

Spacious interior for its class, good cargo capacity, and comfortable ride.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Audience:

Professional Technicians

Intended Use:

Repair, Service, Maintenance, Troubleshooting

Estimated Page Count:

Extensive (typically 2000+ pages for a complete factory service manual)

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM)

Language:

English

Digital Format:

Searchable PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, engine electrical, fuel system, ignition system, emission control, lubrication, cooling, exhaust system, engine control module (ECM), engine performance diagnostics, transmission (automatic and manual), clutch, drive axles, transfer case (AWD models).

Chassis:

Suspension (front and rear), steering system, wheels, tires, brakes (hydraulic, ABS, EBD), parking brake.

Electrical:

Body control module (BCM), lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior), power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors), climate control, instrument cluster, airbags (SRS), anti-theft system, audio system, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, battery, charging system, starting system.

Body And Frame:

Body panels, doors, windows, exterior trim, interior trim, seats, roof, chassis structure, collision repair information.

Maintenance:

Oil change, filter replacement, fluid checks and changes, tune-ups, belt replacement, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, brake fluid flush, coolant flush.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides for common symptoms, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their meanings, sensor testing, component testing, circuit analysis.

Repair:

Engine component replacement (e.g., head gasket, pistons, rings), transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair/replacement, body panel repair.

Assembly Disassembly:

Step-by-step instructions for removing and installing major components and sub-assemblies.

Special Tools:

Identification and use of specialized tools required for specific procedures.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complex diagnostics and complete drivetrain and chassis overhauls. Includes detailed specifications, torque values, wiring diagrams, and diagnostic flowcharts.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Text-searchable for quick information retrieval.

Printability:

Printable for physical reference.

Quality Description:

High-resolution scans or digitally created documents ensuring clarity of text and diagrams.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Type:

Naturally Aspirated Boxer (Flat-Four)

Engine Displacement:

2.0 Liters (1995 cc)

Engine Family:

FB20

Bore X Stroke:

84.0 mm x 90.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1

Horsepower:

148 hp @ 6200 rpm

Torque:

145 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended)

ECM Type:

Subaru Engine Control Module (ECM) with specific part numbers identifiable in manual.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-Speed Manual Transmission (MT)

Transmission Type:

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) - Lineartronic

AWD System Cvt:

CVT models typically feature a Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) AWD system with an electronically controlled transfer clutch, differing from the mechanical AWD in manual transmission models.

Manual Transmission AWD:

Manual models utilize a Viscous Coupling All-Wheel Drive (VC-AWD) center differential with a 50/50 front/rear torque split.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

Subaru Extra-S GL-5 75W-90 Gear Oil or equivalent.

Cvt Fluid:

Subaru CVT Fluid Lineartronic (High Torque type), specific part number required from manual.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

104.0 inches (2642 mm)

Length:

173.8 inches (4415 mm)

Width:

68.7 inches (1745 mm)

Height:

57.1 inches (1450 mm)

Curb Weight Manual:

Approx. 3,180 lbs (1442 kg)

Curb Weight Cvt:

Approx. 3,230 lbs (1465 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Refer to vehicle's VIN plate or manual for specific GVWR.

🛡️ Safety Features

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

Yes (for models equipped with optional EyeSight driver-assist system, though EyeSight was less prevalent in 2012 compared to later years).

NHTSA Overall Rating:

Generally received 5-star ratings in frontal and side crash tests.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist.

Traction Control:

Standard Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) - Subaru's Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system.

Airbags:

Advanced front airbags, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags (front and rear).

Seatbelts:

Front seat pretensioner seatbelts, three-point seatbelts for all seating positions.

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system.

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

Base models feature a standard AM/FM/CD stereo with auxiliary input. Higher trims offer touchscreen infotainment systems with Bluetooth, USB connectivity, and optional navigation.

Display Sizes:

Base display typically 6.1 inches, optional navigation displays may be larger.

Eyesight Availability:

Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist system was an optional feature on some higher trims, offering adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, and lane departure warning. Availability might be limited on base 2012 models.

Bluetooth:

Available on higher trim levels for hands-free calling and audio streaming.

Usb Port:

Available for audio playback and device charging.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months for severe driving conditions, 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months for normal driving. Refer to owner's manual for specifics.

Engine Air Filter:

Replace every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions.

Cabin Air Filter:

Replace every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or as needed.

Spark Plugs:

Iridium-tipped spark plugs typically require replacement around 60,000 miles (96,000 km). Consult manual for exact type and interval.

Engine Oil:

SAE 0W-20, API SN or SP certified, ILSAC GF-5 or GF-6 certified. Capacity: 4.8 US quarts (4.5 liters) with filter change for 2.0L engine.

Coolant:

Subaru Super Coolant (blue) or equivalent. Mix 50/50 with distilled water. Capacity: Approx. 6.9 US quarts (6.5 liters).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Oil Consumption:

Some owners have reported higher-than-average oil consumption, especially on early FB20 engines. Regular oil level checks are recommended.

Cvt Hesitation:

Occasional reports of CVT hesitation or rough engagement, which may require software updates or component inspection.

Brake Wear:

Front brake pads and rotors can wear relatively quickly with aggressive driving or frequent use of AWD in varied conditions.

📚 Vehicle History

Subaru Identity:

Fuji Heavy Industries (now Subaru Corporation) has a long history in aviation and automotive manufacturing, known for its horizontally-opposed boxer engines and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.

Fourth Generation Impreza:

The 2012 model year marks the beginning of the fourth generation (GJ/GP chassis) of the Subaru Impreza, representing a significant redesign with a focus on improved fuel economy, a more refined interior, and a sleeker exterior design compared to the previous generation.

Production Plant:

Mainly produced at Subaru's plant in Gunma, Japan.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

IIHS Awards:

Frequently recognized by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for safety performance, often earning 'Top Safety Pick' status.

Kbb Awards:

Often lauded by Kelley Blue Book (KBB) for its value, practicality, and AWD capability in its class.

Resale Value:

Subaru vehicles, including the Impreza, typically hold strong residual values due to their reputation for durability and AWD.