Transmission complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 3 | 21% | — |
| 2022 | 4 | 16% | — |
| 2021 | 6 | 46% | — |
| 2020 | 2 | 12% | 30,000 miles |
| 2019 | 2 | 7% | 30,000 miles |
| 2018 | 6 | 14% | 14,000 miles |
| 2017 | 11 | 21% | 49,000 miles |
| 2016 | 4 | 13% | 10,000 miles |
| 2015 | 18 | 35% | 24,000 miles |
| 2014 | 1 | 17% | 44,000 miles |
| 2013 | 6 | 86% | 30,000 miles |
| 2012 | 1 | 50% | 56,000 miles |
| 2011 | 1 | 25% | 38,000 miles |
| 2009 | 33 | 80% | 66,000 miles |
| 2008 | 48 | 74% | 70,000 miles |
| 2006 | 4 | 29% | 35,000 miles |
| 2005 | 2 | 11% | 33,000 miles |
| 2004 | 1 | 2% | — |
| 2003 | 4 | 7% | 7,000 miles |
| 2002 | 16 | 4% | 36,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Vehicle: 2024 Subaru WRX (Manual Transmission) Description of Safety Hazard: While operating my 2024 Subaru WRX at normal highway speeds in clear conditions, the vehicle suffered a sudden and catastrophic drivetrain failure. Without any warning lights, unusual noises, or prior symptoms, the front differential experienced a violent mechanical lock-up. This unexpected locking of the drivetrain instantly disrupted the vehicle's forward momentum at highway speeds, threatening control of the vehicle and creating an immediate risk of a high-speed collision with surrounding traffic. I was forced to navigate the vehicle to the shoulder under extreme mechanical resistance. The vehicle was towed to an authorized Subaru dealership, where a catastrophic internal failure of the front differential/transaxle assembly was confirmed. …
On February 3, 2026, while driving approximately 80 mph on Interstate 10, the manual transmission shifter bypassed the 6th gear detent entirely and moved toward the reverse gear position, creating an immediate and severe safety hazard. I prevented full reverse engagement only through physical intervention. Had the transmission engaged reverse at 80 mph, catastrophic drivetrain damage and loss of vehicle control would have resulted. The vehicle was taken to El Paso Subaru for a Subaru-authorized inspection on February 9, 2026. As of March 18, 2026 (37+ days), the transmission remains disassembled. A Subaru corporate engineer inspected the vehicle but the report has not been shared with me. The vehicle maintenance app confirms the car was last moved March 12 and has been sitting idle since. …
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. …
Car has some type of black silicone inside oil pan. Inside upper pan as well. Also has clogged a screen that oil passed through. I have seen many people online do this pan drop time and time again and still having big chunks blocking its path to engine. I'm afraid of oil deprivation. This with ultimately destroy the entire motor. This could lead to serious injury or death if the motor suddenly goes. I believe this needs to be looked into to help prevent this. More of these 2022 Subaru wrxs being manufactured in this manner could ultimately destroy a 30,000$ vehicle and lead to crashing out unexpectedly. My phone number is [redacted] thank you for your time. ,[redacted]
Mileage is 19,300 On 4/5/23 i was entering the gated community where i live stoped pressed remote to open gate then with clutch engaged shifted my wrx into first and the entire steel shaft broke at base where pin secures shaft to linkage this is a wrx sti short throw shifter pn C1010VA001 445 dollar option the Subaru of Ontario repair department indicated that they have never seen such an issue in all ther years and did not have a clue as to why the steel thick shifter broke in half other than the obvious in which that i am in fact superman. The dealership Subaru of Ontario They called back and told me the defective steel rod was not covered under warranty and said that i caused the issue and i have to pay 1,200 with no eta or anything. …
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. …
When accelerating from a stop, the car is having trouble accelerating despite having the accelerator fully depressed. The engine sounds like it is roaring, but hardly any power is being produced. When the vehicle hits about 35-40mph, the engine surges and then full power is produced. It feels like potentially an issue with the turbo or the transmsission. This is creating a significant safety hazard as the vehicle is behaving unpredictable and could lead to an accident when having to accelerate into traffic or merge. The vehicle has already had 3 CVT transmission replacements under factory warranty. The vehicle currently has approximately 47,000 miles but is outside factory warranty now.
The transmission began leaking fluid and has experienced slippage while driving. I took the vehicle to Hendrick Subaru in Feb. 2023 for diagnostics and was told the leak was unserviceable and needed replacement. I was told they detected minor slippage at the time. It is now June 2023 and the dealer is telling me that the transmission is not going to be replaced, but rather "resealed" and they are now claiming there is no record of it ever slipping and they cannot replicate it. Subaru took months to approve any type of repair so I was forced to drive my vehicle while it continued to leak transmission fluid, which could have potentially caused additional damage.
Related recalls (1)
Power train › Driveline › Driveshaft
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.
Frequently asked questions
Which Subaru WRX years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2008 (48), 2009 (33), 2015 (18), 2002 (16) and 2017 (11) model years. Transmission complaints make up 74% of all complaints for the 2008.
Is there a recall for Subaru WRX transmission problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 23V-754 (driveshaft, Nov 9, 2023). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Subaru WRX transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 52,000 miles; 45% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the manual transmission (16 mentions), followed by the clutch assembly (14).
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.