What are the most common Subaru WRX problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 6,380+ owner reports, the 2002-2025 Subaru WRX has 17 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Piston Ringland Failure, Firewall Spot-Weld Cracking and Clutch Pedal Bracket Flex Causing Hard Shifting or Clutch Engagement Problems, Excessive Oil Consumption. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Subaru WRX reliable?

The 2002-2025 Subaru WRX has 17 known issues documented across 6,380+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Piston Ringland Failure and Firewall Spot-Weld Cracking and Clutch Pedal Bracket Flex Causing Hard Shifting or Clutch Engagement Problems. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Subaru WRX problems?

Repair costs for known Subaru WRX issues range from $0 to $10,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Piston Ringland Failure, typically costs $4,000-$10,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What year Subaru WRX is the most reliable?

Reliability varies across model years of the Subaru WRX. Based on owner reports, issues are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2002-2025 Subaru WRX with 17 documented issues from 6,380+ owner reports.

Subaru WRX Problems: 17 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2002-2025 model years · 6,380+ owner reports · Updated April 2026

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According to Au7o's analysis of 6,380+ owner reports, the 2002-2025 Subaru WRX has 17 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are Piston Ringland Failure ($4,000-$10,000 repair) and Firewall Spot-Weld Cracking and Clutch Pedal Bracket Flex Causing Hard Shifting or Clutch Engagement Problems ($400-$1,800 repair). The most commonly reported issue is Throttle Rev-Hang (Slow RPM Drop) with 1,200 owner reports. Across all issues, repair costs range from $0 to $10,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

Subaru WRX Problems: 17 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 17 Known Issues

When Issues Typically Appear

Other Subaru Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Subaru WRX problems?

Is the Subaru WRX reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Subaru WRX problems?

What year Subaru WRX is the most reliable?