The Subaru WRX spans 2015–2026 with 17 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 4.5/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 2017, 2015, 2018 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 2026, 2025, 2023. It delivers up to 24 mpg combined and 5-star NHTSA safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Subaru WRX is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 2015 to 2026 across multiple generations.
How to read a Subaru WRX VIN — every digit explained
Every Subaru WRX carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Subaru and the country it was built in (real Subaru codes below).
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this WRX.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
- JapanJF1 · JF2 · JF3 · JF4
- USA4S3 · 4S4
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your WRX, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Subaru WRX have?
The Subaru WRX has 17 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2015–2026. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
2023 Subaru WRX recalls 1
Power Train:driveline:driveshaft
What's wrong. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Crosstrek, Impreza, 2023-2024 Forester, and 2023 WRX vehicles. The front driveshaft assemblies' outer race may develop cracks and break.
Risk. A broken driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power while driving or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is in park without the parking brake engaged. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will inspect and replace the left and right front driveshafts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRP-23.
2022 Subaru WRX recalls 1
Equipment:other:owners/service/other Manual
What's wrong. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2022 WRX vehicles equipped with the "Eyesight" feature. The owner's manual may contain incorrect instructions for adjusting the sensitivity of the High Beam Assist function. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk. 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.
Fix. Subaru will mail an owner's manual insert containing the correct information, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 15, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRA-23.
2021 Subaru WRX recalls 1
Exterior Lighting:back Up Lights:switch
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. Inoperative backup lights and an inoperative rearview camera can reduce vehicle visibility and driver awareness, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. 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.
2020 Subaru WRX recalls 1
Exterior Lighting:back Up Lights:switch
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. Inoperative backup lights and an inoperative rearview camera can reduce vehicle visibility and driver awareness, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. 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.
2019 Subaru WRX recalls 2
Exterior Lighting:back Up Lights:switch
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. Inoperative backup lights and an inoperative rearview camera can reduce vehicle visibility and driver awareness, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. 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.
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump
What's wrong. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Risk. Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.
2018 Subaru WRX recalls 2
Exterior Lighting:back Up Lights:switch
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. Inoperative backup lights and an inoperative rearview camera can reduce vehicle visibility and driver awareness, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. 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.
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump
What's wrong. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Risk. Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.
2017 Subaru WRX recalls 1
Exterior Lighting:back Up Lights:switch
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. Inoperative backup lights and an inoperative rearview camera can reduce vehicle visibility and driver awareness, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. 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.
2016 Subaru WRX recalls 3
Exterior Lighting:back Up Lights:switch
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. Inoperative backup lights and an inoperative rearview camera can reduce vehicle visibility and driver awareness, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. 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.
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger
What's wrong. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 WRX vehicles manufactured April 10, 2015, to October 21, 2015, and Forester 2.0XT vehicles manufactured April 10, 2015, to October 20, 2015. The turbocharger air intake duct may crack and possibly result in an engine stall.
Risk. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Fix. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the turbocharger air intake duct, and replace it as necessary, free of charge, depending on the lot number found on the duct. The recall began April 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTA-62.
Forward Collision Avoidance: Crash Imminent Braking
What's wrong. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015 Legacy vehicles manufactured March 10, 2014, to April 16, 2015, Outback vehicles manufactured February 24, 2014, to April 16, 2015, Impreza vehicles manufactured September 9, 2014, to April 14, 2015, XV Crosstrek vehicles manufactured October 16, 2014, to April 15, 2015, and 2016 WRX vehicles manufactured March 23, 2015, and equipped with the Eyesight Driver Assist System. If the switch that activates the brake lights fails, the automatic pre-collision braking component of the driver assist system will not function.
Risk. 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.
Fix. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the driver assist system, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQS-54.
2015 Subaru WRX recalls 3
Exterior Lighting:back Up Lights:switch
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. Inoperative backup lights and an inoperative rearview camera can reduce vehicle visibility and driver awareness, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. 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.
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger
What's wrong. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 WRX vehicles manufactured April 10, 2015, to October 21, 2015, and Forester 2.0XT vehicles manufactured April 10, 2015, to October 20, 2015. The turbocharger air intake duct may crack and possibly result in an engine stall.
Risk. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Fix. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the turbocharger air intake duct, and replace it as necessary, free of charge, depending on the lot number found on the duct. The recall began April 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTA-62.
Electrical System:wiring
What's wrong. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015 WRX and WRX/STI vehicles, equipped with an optional factory-installed subwoofer in the trunk. Items in the trunk may cause the subwoofer wiring to contact the subwoofer metal frame, possibly resulting in an electrical short.
Risk. An electrical short may damage the subwoofer amplifier, and may result in the subwoofer overheating, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the subwoofer wire, install a wire retainer clip, and, as necessary, replace the subwoofer, free of charge. The recall began October 31, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTQ-76.
Best and worst years for the Subaru WRX
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 12 tracked years, the worst years are 2017, 2015, 2018 and the best (fewest complaints) are 2026, 2025, 2023.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 WRX | Engine | Avoid | |
| 2016 WRX | Electrical System | Average | |
| 2017 WRX | Electrical System | Avoid | |
| 2018 WRX | Engine | Avoid | |
| 2019 WRX | Electrical System | Average | |
| 2020 WRX | Electrical System | Average | |
| 2021 WRX | Power Train | Average | |
| 2022 WRX | Engine | Average | |
| 2023 WRX | Service Brakes | Best | |
| 2024 WRX | Power Train | Average | |
| 2025 WRX | Electrical System | Best | |
| 2026 WRX | — | Best |
What are the most common Subaru WRX problems?
The most-reported Subaru WRX problems are Seats (3 reports), Tires (2 reports) and Engine (87 reports) — out of 287 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Subaru WRX specifications & dimensions
The 2023 Subaru WRX measures 184″ long on a 106″ wheelbase, with a curb weight near 3,340 lb. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Subaru WRX window sticker.
| Years | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 184″ | 72″ | 58″ | 106″ | 3,340 lb |
| 2015–2020 | 181″ | 70″ | 57″ | 104″ | 3,269 lb |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Subaru WRX cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the WRX holds — passengers and cargo. EPA measures its interior at 99 cu ft of passenger volume and 12 cu ft of cargo. Seating capacity and legroom vary by trim.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Subaru WRX tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Subaru WRX get?
The Subaru WRX returns up to 24 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $3,200/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 2026 Subaru WRX (2.4L 4-cyl) gets 22 mpg combined and costs about $3,500/yr to fuel, emitting 412 g/mi CO₂ (GHG 4/10) — about $6,500 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 WRX | 19 | 26 | $3,500 | 412 | — | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 2025 WRX | 19 | 26 | $3,500 | 413 | 2/10 | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 2024 WRX | 19 | 26 | $3,500 | 408 | 3/10 | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 2023 WRX | 19 | 26 | $3,500 | 407 | 3/10 | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 2022 WRX | 19 | 26 | $3,500 | 407 | 3/10 | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 2021 WRX | 20 | 27 | $3,350 | 390 | 1/10 | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 2020 WRX | 21 | 27 | $3,350 | 382 | 1/10 | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 2019 WRX | 21 | 27 | $3,350 | 383 | 1/10 | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 2018 WRX | 21 | 27 | $3,350 | 383 | 1/10 | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 2017 WRX | 20 | 27 | $3,350 | 385 | 5/10 | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 2016 WRX | 20 | 27 | $3,350 | 385 | 5/10 | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 2015 WRX | 21 | 28 | $3,200 | 374 | 5/10 | 2L 4-cyl |
Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.
See how the WRX stacks up against the most fuel-efficient sedans, or calculate this WRX's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the Subaru WRX have? Power & range
The Subaru WRX is offered with 1 powertrain — 2.4L 4-cyl. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4-cyl | 2.4L · 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | AWD | Premium |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
How much does a Subaru WRX cost to own?
A used Subaru WRX sells for a median of about $35,988 for a 2025 — most listed between $35,988 and $35,988, from 623 real US listings we track. That real market price is what depreciation eats into, so it's the true anchor of the cost to own:
| Year | Typical price | Market range | Listings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 WRX | $35,988–$35,988 | 4 | |
| 2024 WRX | $17,900–$33,495 | 26 | |
| 2023 WRX | $17,950–$31,988 | 27 | |
| 2022 WRX | $19,999–$29,900 | 43 | |
| 2021 WRX | $16,000–$37,990 | 34 | |
| 2020 WRX | $18,800–$32,995 | 40 |
For every model year mileage-adjusted, trade-in vs private-party vs dealer pricing and a good-deal check, see what a WRX is worth today, or browse used-market prices for sedans.
A Subaru WRX holds its value well. A typical example keeps roughly 56% of its value after five years — losing about 44% to depreciation. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 84% | $25,200 | −$4,800 |
| Year 2 | 76% | $22,800 | −$7,200 |
| Year 3 | 68% | $20,400 | −$9,600 |
| Year 4 | 61% | $18,300 | −$11,700 |
| Year 5 | 56% | $16,800 | −$13,200 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this WRX loses about 44% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $16,000 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the WRX ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
How much is a Subaru WRX to insure?
A Subaru WRX costs about $1,468 a year to insure for a typical driver on full coverage — roughly 2% above the average car. That's from its real HLDI insurance-loss index (102, where 100 = average car); your own rate moves with state, age, record and coverage.
Estimate = US-average premium × the WRX's HLDI loss index. See Subaru insurance cost by model, cost by state, or compare any car.
Is the Subaru WRX safe?
The Subaru WRX earns up to 5-star NHTSA overall safety — real government crash-test data. Ratings by year:
| Year | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 WRX | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| 2025 WRX | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| 2024 WRX | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| 2023 WRX | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| 2022 WRX | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| 2021 WRX | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| 2020 WRX | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested model years.
Want the safest pick? Compare crash-test scores across the safest cars.
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How many miles does a Subaru WRX last?
A well-maintained Subaru WRX typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 4.5/5.
Check your Subaru WRX’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this WRX’s VIN free →All Subaru WRX model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Subaru WRX — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 WRX | 0 | ★★★★★ | |
| 2025 WRX | 1 recall | ★★★★★ | |
| 2024 WRX | 1 recall | ★★★★★ | |
| 2023 WRX | 1 recall | ★★★★★ | |
| 2022 WRX | 1 recall | ★★★★★ | |
| 2021 WRX | 1 recall | ★★★★★ | |
| 2020 WRX | 1 recall | ★★★★★ | |
| 2019 WRX | 2 recalls | — | |
| 2018 WRX | 2 recalls | — | |
| 2017 WRX | 1 recall | — | |
| 2016 WRX | 3 recalls | — | |
| 2015 WRX | 3 recalls | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the WRX?
By owner-complaint volume, 2017, 2015, 2018 drew the most reports. 2026, 2025, 2023 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the WRX have?
17 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2015–2026. Always check open recalls by your VIN. See all Subaru recalls and reliability across every model.
What MPG does the WRX get?
Up to 24 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
Is the WRX safe?
The WRX earns up to 5-star NHTSA overall crash-test safety; ratings vary by model year.
How many miles does a WRX last?
A well-maintained WRX typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the WRX reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the WRX is 4.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Subaru WRX warranty?
New Subaru models carry a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Subaru dealer.
Where is the Subaru WRX made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your WRX's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Subaru may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much ground clearance does the WRX have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.