Subaru WRX problems by year
868 owner complaints filed with NHTSA across 20 Subaru WRX model years. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaint totals are lifetime counts — years that have been on the road longer accumulate more reports.
Years with the most complaints
2002 (427)
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most reported problem | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 13 | 0 | — | |
| 2023 Fewer complaints | 7 | 1 | — | |
| 2022 | 25 | 1 | Engine | |
| 2021 | 13 | 1 | — | |
| 2020 | 17 | 1 | — | |
| 2019 | 30 | 2 | Electrical System | |
| 2018 | 42 | 2 | Engine | |
| 2017 | 53 | 1 | Electrical System | |
| 2016 | 31 | 3 | Electrical System | |
| 2015 | 52 | 3 | Engine | |
| 2014 Fewer complaints | 6 | 10 | — | |
| 2013 Fewer complaints | 7 | 11 | — | |
| 2011 Fewer complaints | 4 | 11 | — | |
| 2009 | 41 | 10 | Power Train | |
| 2008 | 65 | 7 | Power Train | |
| 2006 | 14 | 3 | — | |
| 2005 | 19 | 4 | — | |
| 2004 | 42 | 4 | Fuel System, Gasoline | |
| 2003 | 60 | 1 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | |
| 2002 Most complained | 427 | 1 | Fuel System, Gasoline |
How to read this. Complaints are unverified reports owners file with NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation, counted once per case number. Raw totals are not adjusted for sales volume, and recent model years have had less time on the road. “Most complained” flags years well above the model’s median; treat it as a signal for deeper research, not a verdict. This page is not affiliated with Subaru.