WRX (4th)
Data covers 2 NHTSA model names
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
DIB Turbo
2.0L 4-cyl Turbo / 268 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
2.5T-I4-Gas
2.5L 4-cyl TurboView details
Complaint Breakdown
Subaru WRX Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Subaru WRX, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2015-2021 Subaru WRX
On a used 2015-2021 Subaru WRX, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the engine (73), the electrical system (63) and the transmission and drivetrain (49). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 73 owner complaints on the 2015-2021 Subaru WRX about the engine, all engines combined.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 63 owner complaints on the 2015-2021 Subaru WRX about the electrical system.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 49 owner complaints on the 2015-2021 Subaru WRX about the transmission and drivetrain, all engines combined.
- Let the engine idle for five minutes, walk around the car and smell for fuel.Safety. NHTSA has 23 owner complaints on the 2015-2021 Subaru WRX about the fuel system, all engines combined.
- Turn the wheel from lock to lock while parked, then drive straight on a level road with a light grip.Safety. NHTSA has 19 owner complaints on the 2015-2021 Subaru WRX about the steering.
Recalls (5)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
All Generations
Alternatives in Compact Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2015-2021 Subaru WRX complaints?
Owners have filed 248 complaints with NHTSA about the 2015-2021 Subaru WRX. The systems they name most often are the engine, the electrical system and the transmission.
Is the 2015-2021 Subaru WRX a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 248 complaints with NHTSA about the 2015-2021 Subaru WRX. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2015-2021 Subaru WRX have?
NHTSA has 248 owner complaints on file for the 2015-2021 Subaru WRX as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2015-2021 Subaru WRX?
NHTSA lists 5 recalls covering some 2015-2021 Subaru WRX vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Subaru WRX?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the engine, the electrical system and the transmission, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the WRX?
The 2021 Subaru WRX received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 5 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 5 stars (10.1% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Optional. Lane Departure Warning: Optional. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 248 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.