Subaru WRX Reliability Problems

WRX owners have made 75 complaints over 6 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 14th in overall reliability out of 17 Subaru models, with real clutch and transmission concerns.

5 Common Subaru WRX Problems

A list of some of the most common issues WRX owners have to deal with.

  1. CAN System Parasitic Drain on the Battery

    Too many owners of newer Subaru vehicles are waking up to cars that won't start due to dead batteries. The batteries aren't defective, but just lack the capacity to handle the electrical system draw particularly while the vehicle is turned …

    Continue reading article "CAN System Parasitic Drain on the Battery" Overhead view of the battery inside a Subaru engine

  2. Lineartronic CVT Reliability

    Once praised for its design, Subaru's CVT is showing problems with age. It can shake occupants back and forth as it wobbles its way though gears. In extreme cases it can hesitate so much it causes the engine to stall, forcing Subaru to exte…

    Continue reading article "Lineartronic CVT Reliability"

  3. Rodents Chew Subaru's Soy Wires

    Rodents just can't resist the soy-derived wire coatings used in many Subaru vehicles. The chewed up wires are costing owners hundreds, and sometimes thousands of dollars in repairs but Subaru, like other automakers, insists this isn't a def…

    Continue reading article "Rodents Chew Subaru's Soy Wires" A very fat mouse.

  4. Subaru EyeSight Problems

    Subaru's EyeSight technology has been known to fall asleep on the job, particularly in bad weather driving. And while newer versions have improved, the system is generally regarded as bulky and an overly expensive upgrade on higher trim lev…

    Continue reading article "Subaru EyeSight Problems" Image looking through the windshield towards a pair of EyeSight cameras flanking the rearview mirror.

What WRX Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

Full Lists on CarComplaints.com

WRX Generations

The WRX has 2 generations, each with their own issues. Using the same PainRank™ system we've determined that you're better off avoiding the 4th generation (2015–2016).

WRX Key Numbers

  1. 75 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  2. 340 service bulletins

    Documenting the process of troubleshooting common problems.

  3. 3 recall campaigns

    Time-sensitive, free repairs for widespread safety problems.

WRX Class-Action Lawsuits

The WRX has been named as a class vehicle in the following lawsuits.

  • Sampson, et al., v. Subaru of America, Inc., et al.

    1. Case Filed

      A Subaru class action lawsuit includes 2013-2021 vehicles equipped with automatic emergency braking (AEB), which includes pre-collision braking and reverse automatic braking. Additionally, the lawsuit includes 2013-2021 Subaru vehicles equipped with lane keep assist (LKA).

Recent WRX News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.

  1. Cheryl Sauer says her 2014 Forester XT was never the same after it came back from a 2016 emissions recall.

    The engine would surge and stall. So naturally, Subaru must have installed some secret software under the guise of an emissions fix to de-tune the engine in an effort to address a long-running ignition timing issue.

    Naturally.…

    keep reading article "Conspiracy About Subaru's 'Secret Software Update' to Turbocharged Engines Gets Mostly Dismissed in Court"

  3. A new lawsuit accuses Subaru of using a 2016 emissions recall as a cover to secretly update engine software meant to prevent surging and stalling issues.

    If true, that’s both devious and cunning because ”by calling it an official emissions recall, an owner wouldn't be able to renew their vehicle registration until the recall work was complete.”

    The lawsuit only names 2014-2016 vehicles with turbocharged engines, including the Forester XT, WRX and WRX STI.

    keep reading article "Did Subaru Use an Emissions Recall to Secretly Install Engine Software?"

  6. After some prodding, Subaru has decided to extend the warranty on their Lineartronic CVT.

    A Subaru transmission warranty extension has been issued for 2010-2015 Legacy and Outback, 2012-2015 Impreza, 2013-2015 Crosstrek, 2014-2015 Crosstrek Hybrid, 2014-2015 Forester and 2015 WRX vehicles, all equipped with continuously variable transmissions (CVTs).

    However, it’s a limited time offer. Inspections or repairs need to be completed by July 31, 2018.

    keep reading article "Subaru Extends Their CVT Warranty, but it’s a Limited Time Offer"

  7. Subaru has been sued over its use of a soy-based wire coating, which one owner claims is attracting rodents and leading to thousands of dollars in damage.

    Plaintiff Joy Diane Shuey says she purchased a new 2015 Subaru Forester, but about a month later she took the SUV back to the dealer because of a fuel odor and an illuminated check engine light.…

    keep reading article "Soy Vey! Hawaiian Lawsuit Says Subaru’s Soy-Based Wire Coatings Are Getting Chewed Up"

See All WRX News

What Owners Say About Their WRX

Long story short, when the vehicle gets built at the assembly line, they're supposed to paint the flywheel bolt with green paint to show that they torqued it to spec. There was no paint which meant that [the flywheel] was not torqued properly.

2015 WRX Owner in Ontario

Other Subaru Models