Subaru WRX Problems by Year

We compared every Subaru WRX model year from 2002–2024 using 974 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 23 recalls and federal defect investigations. The years to avoid are 2017, 2015, 2022, 2009 and 2024, which drew far more complaints than other WRX years at the same age. The best years are 2010, 2012 and 2011.

23model years
974complaints
23recalls
2017, 2015worst years
2010, 2012best years

Complaints by model year

’02’03’04’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24427604219146541142765231534330171325814
Owner complaints per model year, Subaru WRX. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
2024142.5×—TransmissionCaution
202381.3×1EngineAverage
2022253.3×1EngineCaution
202113typical1TransmissionAverage
202017−22%1ElectricalAverage
2019301.2×2ElectricalAverage
2018432.1×2EngineAvoid
2017533.4×1ElectricalAvoid
2016312.1×3ElectricalAvoid
2015523.4×3TransmissionAvoid
20146−72%10BrakeGood
20137−69%11TransmissionGood
20122−86%12AccelerationGood
20114−79%11BrakeGood
20101−90%12BodyGood
2009412.6×10TransmissionAvoid
2008653.6×7TransmissionAvoid
20070−93%3—Good
200614−52%3EngineGood
200519−45%4Fuel SystemGood
2004421.8×4Fuel SystemCaution
2003603.4×1BrakeAvoid
200242725.8×1Fuel SystemAvoid

* Complaints compared with the median WRX year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common Subaru WRX problems

Latest Subaru WRX recalls

Power train › Driveline › Driveshaft

NHTSA recall 23V-754 · Nov 9, 2023 · 4,701 vehicles

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Crosstrek, Impreza, 2023-2024 Forester, and 2023 WRX vehicles. The front driveshaft assemblies' outer race may develop cracks and break.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the left and right front driveshafts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614.

Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module

NHTSA recall 23V-076 · Feb 13, 2023 · 130 vehicles

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2004-2005 Impreza and WRX vehicles that received replacement front passenger air bag inflators under a previous recall. The replacement air bag inflators may have been installed incorrectly.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the passenger inflator and if necessary, install a new inflator kit, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 14, 2023.

Equipment › Other › Owners/service/other manual

NHTSA recall 23V-016 · Jan 23, 2023 · 4,615 vehicles

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2022 WRX vehicles equipped with the "Eyesight" feature. The owner's manual may contain incorrect instructions for adjusting the sensitivity of the High Beam Assist function.

Remedy: Subaru will mail an owner's manual insert containing the correct information, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 15, 2023.

Exterior lighting › Back up lights › Switch

NHTSA recall 22V-522 · Jul 21, 2022 · 59,934 vehicles

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2021 WRX vehicles. The backup light switch may corrode and become inoperative, which can result in the backup lights not illuminating and the rearview camera image not displaying when the vehicle is in reverse.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the backup light switch, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614.

Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump

NHTSA recall 21V-587 · Jul 29, 2021 · 175,968 vehicles

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614.

All 23 Subaru WRX recalls by year →

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Subaru WRX should you avoid?

2017, 2015, 2022, 2009, 2024 and 2018 — these years have the most complaints relative to other WRX years at the same age, led by electrical system problems in the 2017.

What is the best year for the Subaru WRX?

2010 has the fewest complaints compared with other WRX years at the same age, followed by 2012 and 2011. 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 problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the fuel & propulsion system (393), transmission & drivetrain (173) and brakes (155). Fuel System complaints peak in the 2002 model year.

How many recalls has the Subaru WRX had?

23 recalls across 2002–2024. The model year with the most is 2010. See all Subaru WRX recalls by year.

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.