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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
2007
2026
1 complaints0 recalls46 TSBs
2025
6 complaints0 recalls56 TSBs
2024
16 complaints0 recalls180 TSBs
2023
12 complaints1 recalls212 TSBs
2022
36 complaints1 recalls260 TSBs
2021
21 complaints1 recalls215 TSBs
2020
26 complaints1 recalls288 TSBs
2019
44 complaints2 recalls371 TSBs
2018
64 complaints2 recalls348 TSBs
2017
73 complaints1 recalls389 TSBs
2016
40 complaints3 recalls406 TSBs
2015
73 complaints3 recalls417 TSBs
2014
9 complaints10 recalls219 TSBs
2013
11 complaints11 recalls224 TSBs
2012
4 complaints12 recalls210 TSBs
2011
5 complaints11 recalls196 TSBs
2010
3 complaints12 recalls184 TSBs
2009
72 complaints10 recalls174 TSBs
2008
119 complaints7 recalls171 TSBs
2007Best Year
0 complaints3 recalls112 TSBs
2006
14 complaints4 recalls123 TSBs
2005
24 complaints5 recalls158 TSBs
2004
46 complaints5 recalls1 invest.175 TSBs
2003
65 complaints2 recalls5 invest.118 TSBs
2002
461 complaints2 recalls5 invest.121 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 2007 model year — these have the fewest reported issues relative to other years.

25 model years analyzed