2023 SUBARU WRX Problems

Complaints Reported

Complaints by Component

SUSPENSION

2 complaints

I am reporting a potential safety-related defect involving the front suspension of my 2023 Subaru WRX. After installing aftermarket lowering springs, I began noticing loud popping, clicking, and cracking noises from the front struts during low-speed turns and uneven road surfaces. To isolate the issue, the springs were completely removed from the strut assemblies. The noise persisted when manually rotating the top hat and shaft, confirming an internal defect in the OEM strut mount bearing (Subaru part #20320FL010). This eliminates the springs as the source of the issue. The component remains installed and is available for inspection. This defect poses a safety concern, as the strut bearing appears to bind during steering input. This can compromise vehicle stability and steering responsiveness—especially during evasive maneuvers or rough road conditions. The dealership acknowledged the noise but blamed the aftermarket springs. Subaru of America (SOA) opened a formal case but backed the dealership’s position without independent verification. The failure has been reproduced and confirmed by an independent mechanic, even with the aftermarket springs removed. Despite the clear evidence of a factory component failure, SOA refused to cover the repair under warranty, stating that the presence of aftermarket parts voids the claim. This is contrary to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, which requires proof that a modification caused a failure. No warning lamps or messages appeared prior to the issue. The symptoms—repetitive loud noises from the front suspension. I believe this may point to a broader defect with this OEM strut bearing and respectfully request investigation by NHTSA.

May 07, 2025

Popping sound on the right side when i turn the wheel fully to either side and move slowly in either direction.

Nov 21, 2024

ENGINE

2 complaints

I would just like to complain about the excess Rtv on the engine oil pan that has been demonstrated on numerous videos of people opening up the oil drain pan and finding chunks of Rtv blocking some of the engine oil pickup tube. I have not opened up my oil drain pan due to cost. This has not lead to failure as of yet but it is worrisome. Thank you

Jul 18, 2024

oil pickup tube was clogged with rtv that was over used to seal the oil pan, which causes less oil flow into the engine and can cause failure.

Aug 16, 2023

SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

My vehicle has a hand brake built into the vehicle and at 25,000 miles my hand brake started to fail and wouldn’t hold the car in place. I had it repaired under warranty and the whole emergency/handbrake assembly was replaced, I looked at it and tested it before I left the dealership and noticed the same issue, I brought it up to the dealership and they noticed the same issue also after testing it again themselves, and they also stated there were other vehicles of the same model with less miles having the same issue and also said it could possibly be a recall. I drive a car with a manual transmission so the hand/emergency brake is what parks and holds the vehicle in place. I originally took it there because my handbrake was no longer holding my car in place to avoid hitting other vehicles especially being parked on an incline or decline.

Dec 11, 2025

4.2/5.0

37 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 2023 SUBARU WRX have?

The 2023 SUBARU WRX currently has 5 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 2023 SUBARU WRX?

The most common problems reported for the 2023 SUBARU WRX are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 2023 SUBARU WRX problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2023 SUBARU WRX comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.