Major Problems with Subaru WRX Derived from Complaints & Recalls

Learn about the common problems with a used Subaru WRX to avoid purchasing a bad year of the model.

Subaru WRX complaint overview

75 recorded complaints across model years
Years covered 2015–2020
Most recorded categories POWER TRAIN (22), ENGINE (18), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (11)
Highest recorded count 31 in 2015

Complaint counts are reports, not confirmed defect rates. Older model years have had more time to accumulate reports, and sales volume and reporting coverage differ by year. A higher count does not by itself make a year the least reliable, and these figures are not a failure probability.

Compare two model years

Year A Year B

Problem category

Subaru WRX FlawScore

Best and Worst Years for Subaru WRX

Explore the chart showing how many complaints have been filed for each year of Subaru WRX.

Model Year	Complaints
2020 WRX	1
2019 WRX	1
2018 WRX	12
2017 WRX	15
2016 WRX	15
2015 WRX	31

Worst 3 Subaru WRX complaints

2018 Subaru WRX AIR BAGS Victims: 1 Mileage: 1055 miles

2018 Subaru WRX STEERING Victims: 1 Mileage: 24500 miles

2017 Subaru WRX AIR BAGS Victims: 1 Mileage: 37000 miles

Browse Subaru WRX complaints by category

Problems with POWER TRAIN, ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER and FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM are the most frequent issues recorded by the NHTSA from Subaru WRX owners.

Problem Category	Number of Problems
POWER TRAIN tl* the contact owns a 2015 subaru wrx. the contact stated while driving approximately 50 mph the manual transmission failed...	22 ~ 22592 miles
ENGINE 2015 wrx 2.0l manual transmission while driving the car in everyday situations i have had (3) distinct problems associated with...	18 ~ 26262 miles
UNKNOWN OR OTHER purchased the vehicle new with less than ten miles on odometer. from new the vehicle produced a strong odor of...	11 ~ 33149 miles
STEERING driving on straight road. steering wheel stopped working. vehicle crossed other lane of traffic and crashed into sign and drainage	10 ~ 24226 miles
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM driving on the freeway at night a light came on my dash that displayed "headlights disabled." the headlights were still...	9 ~ 26956 miles
AIR BAGS avoiding a vehicle in blind spot. the vehicle in front of the truck in front of me hit his breaks...	6 ~ 12763 miles
EXTERIOR LIGHTING headlights disabled. started the car "headlights disabled" message on dashboard. headlights were non-functional. this was in very cold weather approximately...	5 ~ 12036 miles
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM automatic transmission was in manual mode. left stop sign and used the upshift paddle shifter to change gears. car would	5 ~ 13930 miles
WHEELS tl* the contact's son owns a 2018 subaru wrx. while making a left turn at 25 mph the front driver...	4 ~ 10076 miles
VISIBILITY/WIPER tl* the contact owns a 2015 subaru wrx. while driving 65 mph the sun roof exploded without warning. there were...	3 ~ 36667 miles
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL i was driving my 2016 subaru wrx down a main road at about 11pm. i was in 3rd gear going...	3 ~ 24867 miles
SERVICE BRAKES i was driving my 2016 subaru wrx down a main road at about 11pm. i was in 3rd gear going...	3 ~ 23583 miles
BODY > STRUCTURE avoiding a vehicle in blind spot. the vehicle in front of the truck in front of me hit his breaks...	3 ~ 6933 miles
SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY > VISIBILITY tl* the contact owns a 2015 subaru wrx. while driving 65 mph the sun roof exploded without warning. there were...	2 ~ 22350 miles
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 2015 wrx 2.0l manual transmission while driving the car in everyday situations i have had (3) distinct problems associated with...	2 ~ 23750 miles
SUSPENSION driver seat cushioning has completely separated from the metal frame of the seat as well as the middle portion of...	1 ~ 81000 miles
SEATS driver seat cushioning has completely separated from the metal frame of the seat as well as the middle portion of...	1 ~ 81000 miles
WHEEL BEARING > FRONT > SUSPENSION tl* the contact owns a 2017 subaru wrx. while driving at an unknown speed an unusual noise was heard coming...	1 ~ 22000 miles
TIRES firestone firehawk wide oval tires cracking in sidewalls after 13834 miles on vehicles. three of the four tires were growing...	1 ~ 16110 miles
SIDEWALL > TIRES firestone firehawk wide oval tires cracking in sidewalls after 13834 miles on vehicles. three of the four tires were growing...	1 ~ 16110 miles
SEAT BELTS avoiding a vehicle in blind spot. the vehicle in front of the truck in front of me hit his breaks...	1 ~ 5100 miles
MANUAL TRANSMISSION > POWER TRAIN tl* the contact owns a 2015 subaru wrx. the contact stated while driving approximately 50 mph the manual transmission failed...	1 ~ 1500 miles

FAQ

What year Subaru WRX is the most reliable?

Speaking of the models produced in the last 6 years, Subaru WRX models of 2020, 2019, 2018 year of manufacture have had the least number of complaints.

What year was a bad year for Subaru WRX?

Subaru WRX models of 2015 and 2016 are probably the years to be avoided like the plague due to a higher than an average number of issues reported.

Torque wrench

EPAuto 1/2-inch Drive Click Torque Wrenc...
- Durable Ratchet Head: Made from Hardened treated Chrome Vanadium steel alloy (Cr-V) Corrosion-Retardant: Satin Finish. Made in Taiwan
- Easy Storage: A sturdy plastic storage case is included. Non-Slip Grip: Knurled handle
- Easy to Read: High...
LEXIVON 1/2-Inch Drive Click Torque Wren...
- PRECISE - Ships pre-calibrated to +/- 4% accuracy and ready to use. Include calibration certificate with traceable serial number.
- DURABLE - Reinforced ratchet gear head constructed from hardened, heat-treated Chrome Vanadium alloy steel.
- LONGEVITY -...
LEXIVON 1/2-Inch Drive Click Torque Wren...
- PRECISION - Ships pre-calibrated to +/- 4% accuracy and ready to use. Include calibration certificate with traceable serial number.
- DURABLE - Reinforced ratchet gear head constructed from hardened, heat treated Chrome Vanadium alloy steel.
- LONG-LASTING...
LEXIVON 3/8-Inch Drive Click Torque Wren...
- PRECISION - Ships pre-calibrated to +/- 4% accuracy and ready to use. Include calibration certificate with traceable serial number.
- DURABLE - Reinforced ratchet gear head constructed from hardened, heat treated Chrome Vanadium alloy steel.
- LONG-LASTING...
LEXIVON Inch Pound Torque Wrench 1/4-Inc...
- PRECISION - Ships pre-calibrated to +/- 4% accuracy and ready to use. Include calibration certificate with traceable serial number.
- DURABLE - Reinforced ratchet gear head constructed from hardened, heat treated Chrome Vanadium alloy steel.
- LONG-LASTING...
TEKTON 3/8 Inch Drive Micrometer Torque ...
- Includes 1-pc. 3/8 in. drive torque wrench; Storage case; Product manual with torque conversion chart
- Wrench emits a click that can be heard and felt when the preset value is reached
- Permanently marked, high-contrast dual-range...

Mechanic tool set

Crescent 180 Pc. Professional Tool Set i...
- The Crescent Professional Tool Set has a newly designed 72T quick release ratchet
- Carefully selected assortment of hand tools for most industrial, mechanical, and consumer applications
- Get incredible access from combination wrenches with narrow heads,...
Craftsman Mechanic Tool Set, 215 Piece, ...
- MINIMAL ARCH SWING: 72-tooth 1/4 in. and 3/8 in. Drive Ratchets produce a 5-degree arc swing. Ideal balance between access and durability.
- VERSATILE: Comprehensive set of 1/4 in., 3/8 in. Drive Sockets and Drive Tool...
Craftsman Mechanic Tool Set, 230 Piece w...
- TACKLE A VARIETY OF PROJECTS: Complete automotive jobs and general mechanic fixes with this heavy-duty, 230-piece all-in-one mechanic tool set
- OPEN AND CLOSE THE DRAWERS WITH ONE HAND as you work with a spring-loaded locking...
DEWALT Mechanics Tool Set, 1/4" & 3/8" &...
- 72 tooth count ratchet providing a 5 degree arc swing for maneuverability in restricted areas
- Anti-slip driver handle provides maximum comfort
- Housed in a durable carrying case with metal latches
- Full-polish chrome for corrosion resistance
DEWALT Mechanics Tools Kit and Socket Se...
- Socket sets include 72 tooth count ratchets which allow for a 5 degree arc swing for maneuverability in restricted areas
- Ratchets include a low profile directional lever to help reduce catch points and for easy...
Amazon Basics Mechanic's Tool Set with C...
- Mechanic tool kit and socket set for tackling multiple sizes and types of fasteners, especially nuts and bolts
- Includes a 201-piece set that combines most popular sockets, wrenches, hex keys, and screwdriver bits
- Both metric...

Tool box

TUFFIOM 8-Drawer Rolling Tool Chest w/Lo...
- LARGE STORAGE CAPACITY: The rolling tool chest is designed with 8 drawers and 1 bottom cabinet for storing tools, small equipment or other objects. And the bottom cabinet features side hooks for hanging tools like...
beyond by BLACK+DECKER BLACK+DECKER BDST...
- Sturdy + Stackable: Durable Auto-Lock Latches Make Connecting These Stackable Units Quick And Easy
- Quick Access: The Quick-Release On The Locking Latch Allows You To Easily Separate Each Module When Stacked For Quick Access To...
BIG RED ANTBD133-XB Torin 20" Portable 3...
- Heavy duty tool box is made of thick steel, with powder coat red paint finish, beautiful and easy to clean
- Measures 20.5" L x 8.5" W x 12" H, and is equipped with 3 drawers...
DEKOPRO 228 Piece Socket Wrench Auto Rep...
- HIGH QUALITY&STANDARDS:Forged from high-quality steel and finished in high-polish chrome,strength, durability, anti-corrosion protection.All the tools meet or exceed ANSI critical standards
- COMPLETE VARIETIES:Contains tools needed for most small repairs and basic DIY projects around the...
Torin 17-Inch Plastic Tool Box,3-Tiers M...
- Tough metal latches are solid and easy to open and close, with long use life
- Foldable three-tier tray provides you with more storage space and you can separate metric and imperial tools to take them...
CARTMAN 148 Piece Automotive and Househo...
- Comprehensive Tool Set: The Cartman 148-Piece Tool Kit includes all the crucial tools needed for everyday home repairs and maintenance, from cutting to tightening, measuring to hammering.
- Durable and Corrosion-Resistant: All tools in the kit...