Most common 2020 Subaru WRX problems
Share of the 17 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Subaru WRX complaints by model year
Best WRX years: 2010, 2012, 2011. Years to avoid: 2017, 2015, 2022, 2009, 2024. Compare all years →
2020 Subaru WRX recalls (1)
Exterior lighting › Back up lights › Switch
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.
What 2020 Subaru WRX owners say
Electrical system
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru WRX. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle would not start. The vehicle was diagnosed by the dealer but no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that telematics control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 20,000.
Parasitic battery problem My car battery keeps dying on my Subaru sti 2020 after one day of not driving. I have had the car checked with Subaru dealership and a local shop but no issues were found. This morning I had to get my car jumped again after not driving it for one day. This battery was purchased brand new on nov 2024.At this point I am not sure what to do. I don't want to keep changing batteries every 3 months. Already contacted Subaru America and they have asked me to go back to the dealership and have them provide a diagnostic assessment.
Windows, wipers & sunroof
Sitting at a stoplight, a loud pop occurs and when I look back, there is a hole in the middle of the rear windshield. It is approximately 2 inches tall and at least 18 inches wide. It was likely an implosion. No objects were found near, on, or in the car. The windshield crumbled after that, as each acceleration dropped more glass inside the car. Nothing prompted it, just sitting stationary at a stoplight. Defroster was not on, temperature was approximately 45 fahrenheit with minimal wind. Had been driving for 10 minutes. My rear facing car seat, with child in it, collected a fair amount of the glass.
Got in the car to drive to work and the front windshield just cracked on its own with nothing hitting it.
Engine & cooling
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru WRX. The contact stated that while the transmission was shifted into neutral (N), the instrument panel displayed that the transmission was shifted in reverse (R), and the rearview camera image was displayed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact shifted the transmission to drive (D), but the instrument panel displayed that the transmission was still in reverse (R), and the rearview camera was displayed while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V522000 (Exterior Lighting); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
The vehicle seems to randomly die and bog out then all of the lights appear on the dash, I myself had to pay out of pocket for a new battery because autonation subaru arapahoe in colorado decided not to check it like I had asked and after getting my car back the issue was still there which is why I replaced it today. not only this but they sold me a highly modified vehicle without disclosing any of that info to me in the sale process.
2020 Subaru WRX engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 6-speed manual | AWD | 21 / 27 / 23 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | CVT | AWD | 18 / 24 / 21 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | 6-speed manual | AWD | 16 / 22 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2020 Subaru WRX a good car?
Based on 17 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2020 WRX rates average: 22% fewer complaints than a typical year of the WRX at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2020 Subaru WRX?
The electrical system — 5 complaints, 29% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the windows, wipers & sunroof (3) and engine & cooling (3).
How many recalls does the 2020 Subaru WRX have?
There is 1 recall for the 2020 Subaru WRX, the most recent from July 21, 2022 (switch). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Subaru WRX?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2010, 2012 and 2011. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2017, 2015, 2022, 2009 and 2024. See the full Subaru WRX years comparison.
At what mileage do 2020 Subaru WRX problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 14,000 miles; 100% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.