Engine complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 | 7% | — |
| 2023 | 2 | 25% | — |
| 2022 | 15 | 60% | — |
| 2021 | 5 | 38% | — |
| 2020 | 3 | 18% | 30,000 miles |
| 2019 | 11 | 37% | 49,000 miles |
| 2018 | 12 | 28% | 9,000 miles |
| 2017 | 12 | 23% | 26,000 miles |
| 2016 | 8 | 26% | 34,000 miles |
| 2015 | 18 | 35% | 87,000 miles |
| 2014 | 2 | 33% | 34,000 miles |
| 2013 | 1 | 14% | 30,000 miles |
| 2012 | 1 | 50% | 56,000 miles |
| 2011 | 1 | 25% | 97,000 miles |
| 2009 | 4 | 10% | 76,000 miles |
| 2008 | 2 | 3% | 130,000 miles |
| 2006 | 5 | 36% | 105,000 miles |
| 2005 | 4 | 21% | 140,000 miles |
| 2004 | 4 | 10% | 91,000 miles |
| 2003 | 4 | 7% | 82,000 miles |
| 2002 | 18 | 4% | 30,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Subaru's negligence strikes again with the SAME problem their other cars have had in previous years. The RTV silicone, a substance utilized to seal various components in the engine block was excessively applied in surplus. Therefore, this RTV ends up clogging essential components of the engine block, such as, however not limited to, the tube used to draw and release oil from the oil pan. There is also potential evidence that other components and chambers in the engine block may also be affected. This RTV blockage, if ignored, may cause oil starvation, damaging or outright DESTROYING various essential components of the engine block and therefore leaving the engine totaled and unrepairable. What I ask is we force a recall on Subaru's part as a standard required check-up for this issue to have these blockages cleared and excess removed. …
Low engine oil levels came on just last week. I had gotten my complimentary oil/rotate last month. I've heard and seen videos on this vehicle having excessive RTV sealant on the oil pan. Makes me very concerned seeing how the RTV clogs the oil pickup resulting in oil deprivation. Seeing how this is my only car I rely a lot on this vehicle. The engine could've seized up on me anytime. When the light had come on I checked my dipstick and found that there was hardly any oil in the engine. T dipstick was practically dry. I have documentations to prove it as well. I've topped up my own oil and will be monitoring this problem. If I reproduce the same problem I will be back to complain again/headed to the dealership. This needs to be fixed ASAP. Seeing how my car only has 18,000 miles it's ridiculous. …
I am filing this complaint to report a serious safety concern involving my 2021 Subaru WRX, which is currently covered under the manufacturer's powertrain warranty as well as an extended warranty. Subaru of Ontario, an authorized Subaru dealership, failed to properly diagnose or repair ongoing engine issues during multiple service visits. Despite documented problems, the vehicle was released to me in a condition that was unsafe to operate since their location did not have a loaner, fully aware of the issues at hand, exposing me and my family to serious risk while driving. As a result of this negligence, the engine has now deteriorated to the point of needing a full replacement. Subaru of Ontario is attempting to charge me $3,000 for an engine replacement, despite warranty coverage that should fully apply. …
In October 2024, my vehicle, a 2021 Subaru WRX STI, was purchased from a Toyota dealership (Fort Bend Sterling McCall Toyota). The dealership sold the vehicle with an oil issue and a modified ECM. This issue caused catastrophic engine failure while driving. The vehicle stalled and could not be started. Subaru dealership technicians confirmed the cause as improper service leading to catastrophic oil starvation. The failure put both myself and others at risk, as the engine lost power mid-operation on a busy road. The vehicle was towed to a certified Subaru dealership, where it has been detained since December 2024. Despite being under warranty, repairs have been delayed for over 6 months due to blame disputes between the dealership, the manufacturer, and the extended warranty provider. …
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.
The contact stated owns a 2019 SUBARU WRX. The contact stated that while her spouse was driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle started making an abnormal sound as if the engine was sputtering. The driver was concerned that fuel was not running through the engine correctly. The vehicle began to fail to accelerate forward then lose motive power. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated the driver was able to pull to the side of the road. The vehicle made a large popping sound and white smoke was coming from the tailpipe. The contact cooled off the timing belt to cool off the vehicle. There was no fire reported. No injuries or medical attention is needed. The vehicle was towed. The contact stated that earlier that day while starting the vehicle it had backfired. …
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru WRX. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, there was an abnormal popping sound detected, and the engine seized. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who informed the contacts that the repair was not covered under the warranty. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The technician checked the black box, which indicated that the vehicle had been driven at 144 MPH, the turbo was spun, and the warranty was declined. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.
Related recalls (1)
Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Turbo/supercharger
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 WRX vehicles manufactured April 10, 2015, to October 21, 2015, and Forester 2.0XT vehicles manufactured April 10, 2015, to October 20, 2015. The turbocharger air intake duct may crack and possibly result in an engine stall.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the turbocharger air intake duct, and replace it as necessary, free of charge, depending on the lot number found on the duct. The recall began April 2016.
Frequently asked questions
Which Subaru WRX years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2002 (18), 2015 (18), 2022 (15), 2017 (12) and 2018 (12) model years. Engine complaints make up 4% of all complaints for the 2002.
Is there a recall for Subaru WRX engine problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 16V-162 (turbo/supercharger, Mar 21, 2016). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Subaru WRX engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 59,000 miles; 52% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine › gasoline (7 mentions), followed by the exhaust system (4).
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.