Subaru Impreza Wiper Motor Guide: 2010-2017
Having trouble with your Impreza's wipers? Here’s what you need to know before buying a new front wiper motor.
- Failure symptoms often include slow operation, not parking correctly, or only working on high speed.
- Always check fuses and electrical connectors before assuming the motor is bad.
- Never operate wipers when frozen to the glass, as this can cause the motor to overheat and fail.
- A quality aftermarket motor from a brand like Cardone offers a good balance of price and reliability for this repair.
Is Your Impreza's Wiper Motor Failing?
A bad wiper motor can cause serious visibility problems. Before the motor fails completely, it usually gives a few warning signs. If you notice any of these issues with your 2010-2017 Impreza, it might be time for a replacement.
Common Symptoms of a Bad Wiper Motor:
- Slow or Erratic Wipers: The wipers move slower than the selected speed, or they seem to speed up and slow down on their own.
- Wipers Only Work on One Speed: You might find that only the high-speed setting works, while the lower or intermittent settings do nothing. This often points to a problem inside the motor.
- Wipers Won't Park Correctly: When you turn the wipers off, they should return to the bottom of the windshield. If they stop in the middle of the glass, the motor's internal park switch has likely failed.
- No Movement at All: The most obvious sign is when the wipers don't move at all. You might hear a humming or buzzing sound from the motor, which means it's getting power but can't move the wiper arms.
Check Fuses and Connections First
Before you replace the motor, it's a good idea to check the simple things. A blown fuse, bad relay, or a corroded electrical connector 🎬 Watch: How to diagnose a non-functioning wiper motor can cause similar symptoms and are much cheaper to fix. Some owners have found that cleaning a corroded connector was all that was needed to get their wipers working again.
Known Issues for 2010-2017 Subaru Impreza
While there isn't a specific wiper motor recall for the 2010-2017 Impreza, it's worth noting that Subaru did issue a recall (NHTSA ID: 16V-694) for the 2010-2014 Legacy and Outback models. This recall addressed an issue where the wiper motor could overheat if the wipers were obstructed by snow or ice, potentially causing the motor to fail and creating a fire risk. The problem was traced to the motor's bottom cover. While your Impreza is not covered by this specific recall, the issue highlights the importance of not running your wipers if they are frozen to the windshield.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Wiper Motor
When shopping for a new aftermarket wiper motor, you'll mainly see two brands: Cardone and Replacement. Understanding the difference can help you make the right choice for your Impreza.
- Cardone: Cardone is a well-known brand that offers both new and remanufactured parts. They are generally considered a reliable mid-tier option that balances quality and cost. Their new motors are engineered to match original equipment (OE) performance. However, some user reviews mention receiving defective parts, so it's important to buy from a retailer with a good return policy.
- Replacement: The "Replacement" brand is a budget-friendly, value-oriented choice. These parts are designed to be a direct-fit, affordable alternative to the original factory part. While they meet basic functional requirements, they may not have the same long-term durability or rigorous testing as more established brands like Cardone or the Subaru OE part.
OEM vs. Aftermarket Quality
For a part like a wiper motor, a quality aftermarket unit from a reputable brand like Cardone can be a good value compared to a more expensive OEM part. The key is ensuring the part has been tested and comes with a warranty. Budget brands can be a viable option if cost is your primary concern, but may have a shorter lifespan.
Subaru Impreza Wiper Motor Cost (2010-2017)
| Part Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New OEM | $250 - $325 |
| New Aftermarket | $79 - $223 |
| Used OEM | $50 - $125 |
| Shop Labor | $140 - $200 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How difficult is it to replace the Impreza's wiper motor?
Replacing the wiper motor is a moderately easy job for a DIYer with basic tools. It involves removing the wiper arms and the plastic cowl cover below the windshield to access the motor and linkage. The entire job typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.
🎬 See this step-by-step wiper motor replacement walkthroughDo I need to replace the wiper linkage at the same time?
Not always, but it's a good idea to inspect it. The linkage connects the motor to the wiper arms. If the joints are worn or one of the shafts has seized, it can put extra strain on the new motor. If the linkage moves stiffly or makes noise, it should be replaced.
🎬 Watch: How to fix a Subaru wiper transmission and linkageMy wipers work, but they chatter or skip across the windshield. Is that the motor?
This is usually not a motor problem. Chattering is most often caused by old or low-quality wiper blades, or a dirty windshield. Some Impreza owners have also noted that a loose connection where the wiper arm attaches to the blade can cause this. Try cleaning your windshield thoroughly and installing a new set of quality wiper blades first.
Why did my wiper motor fail after a snowstorm?
Trying to run the wipers when they are frozen to the windshield or blocked by heavy snow puts immense strain on the motor. This can cause the motor to overheat or strip its internal gears, leading to failure. Always clear ice and heavy snow from your windshield before turning on the wipers.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 86510FG010 86510FG011
This is the front windshield wiper motor. It may or may not come with the wiper linkage/transmission attached, so verify what is included with the part you are ordering. The motor for the 2010-2011 models may differ from the 2012-2017 models, so ensure you select the correct part for your vehicle's year.
We Have This Part in Stock
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Subaru Impreza:
- 🎬 Helpful Videos
- 🛍️ Shop This Part
- Is Your Impreza's Wiper Motor Failing?
- Common Symptoms of a Bad Wiper Motor:
- Check Fuses and Connections First
- Known Issues for 2010-2017 Subaru Impreza
- Choosing the Right Aftermarket Wiper Motor
- OEM vs. Aftermarket Quality
- Subaru Impreza Wiper Motor Cost (2010-2017)
- Frequently Asked Questions
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