Powered byNHTSA|EPA|Community Reports
HomeSubaruWrxYears to Avoid

Subaru Wrx — Years to Avoid

Reliability breakdown of every Subaru Wrx model year. Based on NHTSA owner complaints, federal recalls, and safety investigations.

Model Years
25
Best Years
2026, 2025, 2007
2026Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls
2025Best Year
1 complaints0 recalls13 TSBs
2024
14 complaints0 recalls132 TSBs
2023
6 complaints1 recalls169 TSBs
2022
30 complaints1 recalls219 TSBs
2021
20 complaints1 recalls190 TSBs
2020
23 complaints1 recalls263 TSBs
2019
37 complaints2 recalls344 TSBs
2018
61 complaints2 recalls321 TSBs
2017
69 complaints1 recalls364 TSBs
2016
40 complaints3 recalls382 TSBs
2015
73 complaints3 recalls393 TSBs
2014
9 complaints10 recalls199 TSBs
2013
11 complaints11 recalls204 TSBs
2012
4 complaints12 recalls190 TSBs
2011
5 complaints11 recalls176 TSBs
2010
3 complaints12 recalls164 TSBs
2009
72 complaints10 recalls154 TSBs
2008
119 complaints7 recalls151 TSBs
2007Best Year
0 complaints3 recalls92 TSBs
2006
14 complaints4 recalls103 TSBs
2005
24 complaints5 recalls138 TSBs
2004
46 complaints5 recalls1 invest.155 TSBs
2003
65 complaints2 recalls5 invest.98 TSBs
2002
461 complaints2 recalls5 invest.101 TSBs

How we calculate this

Each year receives a composite risk score based on NHTSA owner complaints, federal recalls, safety investigations, and technical service bulletins. Years scoring more than 2x the model's average are flagged as “years to avoid.” Years in the lowest risk bracket are marked as “best years.” All data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Which Subaru Wrx Years Should You Avoid?

The Subaru Wrx shows relatively consistent reliability across model years, with no single year standing out as significantly worse than others.

If you're shopping for a used Subaru Wrx, consider the 2026, 2025, 2007 model years — these have the fewest reported issues relative to other years.

25 model years analyzed