Subaru WRX years to avoid (and the best years)
276 NHTSA owner complaints and 6 recalls across 9 model years, 2015 to 2024. Built from NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, generated October 26, 2026.
- 276complaints
- 6recalls
- 20reported crashes
- 7reported fires
- 11reported injuries
Which Subaru WRX years should you avoid?
No Subaru WRX model year stands out from the others in NHTSA owner complaints. The typical Subaru WRX year has 30 complaints on file. The busiest years are the 2017 (53) and 2015 (52).
What are the best Subaru WRX years?
The Subaru WRX years with the fewest complaints on file are the 2021 (13), 2020 (17) and 2022 (25). Model years after 2023 are left out: they have not been on the road long enough to compare.
NHTSA does not publish sales figures, so these are complaint counts, not a rate per car on the road. A year that sold more cars collects more complaints, and older years have had longer to collect them.
Every model year
| Year | Complaints | vs typical year | Recalls | Crashes | Injuries | Our read | Most reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 13 | 0.4× | 0 | 0 | 0 | Few red flags | Forward collision avoidance system |
| 2022 | 25 | 0.8× | 1 | 3 | 0 | Few red flags | Engine |
| 2021 | 13 | 0.4× | 1 | 0 | 0 | Few red flags | Transmission and drivetrain |
| 2020 | 17 | 0.6× | 1 | 1 | 1 | Few red flags | Electrical system |
| 2019 | 30 | 1.0× | 2 | 0 | 0 | Few red flags | Electrical system |
| 2018 | 42 | 1.4× | 2 | 5 | 2 | Few red flags | Engine |
| 2017 | 53 | 1.8× | 1 | 8 | 7 | Some concerns to check | Electrical system |
| 2016 | 31 | 1.0× | 3 | 1 | 0 | Few red flags | Electrical system |
| 2015 | 52 | 1.7× | 3 | 2 | 1 | Some concerns to check | Transmission and drivetrain |
Most reported problem areas
Share of the 68 complaints sorted by system, all years together.
- Engine & powertrain29 (43%)
- Electrical & infotainment17 (25%)
- Structure & body8 (12%)
- Brakes6 (9%)
- Steering, suspension & tires3 (4%)
Recalls (6)
Safety · 23V016000 · Jan 2023 · model year 2022
Incorrect instructions for adjusting the sensitivity of the High Beam Assist function contained in the owner's manual may cause the lights to not be adjusted as intended, increasing the risk of a crash.
Exterior lighting · 22V522000 · Jul 2022 · model years 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021
Inoperative backup lights and an inoperative rearview camera can reduce vehicle visibility and driver awareness, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fuel system · 21V587000 · Jul 2021 · model years 2018, 2019
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Electrical system · 17V625000 · Oct 2017 · model year 2015
An electrical short may damage the subwoofer amplifier, and may result in the subwoofer overheating, increasing the risk of a fire.
Engine · 16V162000 · Mar 2016 · model years 2015, 2016
An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Safety · 15V366000 · Jun 2015 · model year 2016
If the automatic pre-collision braking system does not function as intended, the vehicle will not react to an obstacle in its path, increasing the risk of a crash.