2002 Subaru WRX power train problems
16 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2002 Subaru WRX — 4% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Soa gold plus added security 7 year/100,000 mi contract coverage so extensive it's easier to list what is not covered! 2002 wrx 64,500 mi now at metric subaru dix hills, ny blew out trans/man clutch assembly & wants $3,600. Metric replaced manual clutch ass 62,980 mi, costing $1,175 & brought back…”
filed Jan 16, 2008
“I own a 2002 subaru impreza wrx with a manual transmission. Every once in awhile when I come to a complete stop and shift into first there is a grind noise. It was intermittent and I reported it at least 3 or 4 times and the dealer couldn't reproduce it.. Finally after doing in for over a year it…”
filed Oct 13, 2005
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
This announcement provides information on the remanufactured CVT transmission program.
SubaruNet Announcement (R · Other · issued May 4, 2026This bulletin announces the service manual correction regarding clutch master cylinder reservoir service procedures.
03-97-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 24, 2026
Power Train problems in other WRX years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 WRX | 4 | 16% |
| 2019 WRX | 2 | 7% |
| 2018 WRX | 6 | 14% |
| 2017 WRX | 11 | 21% |
| 2016 WRX | 4 | 13% |
| 2015 WRX | 18 | 35% |
| 2009 WRX | 33 | 80% |
| 2008 WRX | 48 | 74% |
| 2004 WRX | 1 | 2% |
| 2003 WRX | 4 | 7% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2002 Subaru WRX
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.