Subaru WRX years to avoid and best years
Newer Subaru WRX years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2015 has the most complaints per year, at 7 (52 complaints). Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2021 at 1 (from 13 complaints), 2023 at 2 (from 8 complaints), and 2020 at 3 (from 17 complaints). The Subaru WRX 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet. On the 2015 Subaru WRX, 11 of 52 complaints name Powertrain.
Data as of .
2021
2023
2020
2025–26
Subaru WRX reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market Subaru WRX. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Too early | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 21.5 |
| 2025 Too early | 1 | 2 | 0 | Electrical system, Back-over prevention | 21.5 |
| 2024 → | 4 | 13 | 0 | Powertrain | 21.5 |
| 2023 → Fewest | 2 | 8 | 1 | Engine | 21.5 |
| 2022 → | 7 | 25 | 1 | Engine | 21.5 |
| 2021 → Fewest | 1 | 13 | 1 | Powertrain | 20.7 |
| 2020 → Fewest | 3 | 17 | 1 | Electrical system | 21 |
| 2019 → | 3 | 30 | 2 | Electrical system | 21 |
| 2018 → | 6 | 42 | 2 | Engine | 20.3 |
| 2017 → | 5 | 53 | 1 | Powertrain | 21 |
| 2016 → | 5 | 34 | 3 | Electrical system | 21 |
| 2015 → Most | 7 | 52 | 3 | Powertrain | 21.3 |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- Sedan
- Oil
- 5W-30 synthetic (FA20 turbo) · 5.1 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 245/40R18, 245/35R19 (trim dependent)
Known issues for this generation
NHTSA safety recall 22V522000 covers affected vehicles after the agency found that subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2021 WRX vehicles. The backup light switch may corrode and become inoperative, which can result in the backup lights not illuminating and the rearview camera image not displaying when the vehicle is in reverse. Inoperative backup lights and an inoperative rearview camera can reduce vehicle visibility and driver awareness, increasing the risk of a crash. Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the backup light switch, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-22. When NHTSA lists multiple Subaru nameplates in one campaign, the published unit count is shared across them.
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- Body styles
- Sedan
- Oil
- 5W-30 synthetic (FA24 turbo) · 5.4 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 245/40R18
Frequently asked questions
Which Subaru WRX years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2021 at 1 (from 13 complaints), 2023 at 2 (from 8 complaints), and 2020 at 3 (from 17 complaints).
Which Subaru WRX year has the most owner complaints?
2015 has the most complaints per year, at 7 (52 complaints). On the 2015 Subaru WRX, 11 of 52 complaints name Powertrain.
How do Subaru WRX owner complaints compare by year?
Newer Subaru WRX years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones.
Which Subaru WRX years are too early to compare?
The Subaru WRX 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet.
What oil does a Subaru WRX take?
VA (2015-2021 FA20 turbo) and VB (2022+ FA24 turbo) US models commonly use 5W-30 synthetic (about 5.1 qt VA; about 5.4 qt VB with filter).
Does NHTSA recall 22V522000 cover the Subaru WRX?
It covers certain 2015-2021 WRX vehicles: the backup light switch may corrode and prevent the reverse lamps from illuminating; dealers replace the switch.
What generation is a 2020 Subaru WRX?
VA generation (2015-2021). The VB redesign starts in 2022.