Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 0 | −43% | 2 | — | Few |
| 2013 | 2 | 1.3× | 2 | Engine | Few |
| 2012 | 1 | −14% | 2 | — | Few |
| 2011 | 1 | −14% | 2 | Traction Control | Few |
| 2010 | 1 | −14% | 2 | Electrical | Few |
| 2009 | 2 | 1.3× | 2 | Brake | Few |
| 2008 | 3 | 1.7× | 2 | Body | Few |
* Complaints compared with the median WRX STI year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Subaru WRX STI problems
Latest Subaru WRX STI recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Impreza, 2008-2014 WRX and STI, and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, currently, or formerly, registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York,…
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will apply an anti-corrosion wax to the four-way joint connector area of the brake line system, free of charge. The recall began on January 27, 2015.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Outback and Legacy, 2008-2011 Impreza and 2008-2014 Impreza WRX/STI, and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, currently, or formerly, registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New…
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will test the brake system by depressing the brake pedal and inspecting for brake fluid leaks.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Subaru WRX STI should you avoid?
None of the Subaru WRX STI years has an unusually high number of complaints compared with the others at the same age.
What is the best year for the Subaru WRX STI?
2014 has the fewest complaints compared with other WRX STI years at the same age. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Subaru WRX STI problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the brakes (3), body & structure (2) and transmission & drivetrain (2). Brake complaints peak in the 2008 model year.
How many recalls has the Subaru WRX STI had?
2 recalls across 2008–2014. The model year with the most is 2008.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.