Subaru WRX STI Problems by Year
NHTSA has 19 owner complaints and 2 safety recalls on file for the Subaru WRX STI, across 11 model years (2008–2019). The 2016 model year has the most complaints (3). The most reported problem area overall is engine.
Subaru WRX STI years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
No WRX STI model year stands out with more than twice the complaints of a typical year.
Model years with the most complaints
- 2016 WRX STI: 3 complaints, 0 recalls
- 2015 WRX STI: 3 complaints, 0 recalls
- 2008 WRX STI: 3 complaints, 2 recalls
Model years with the fewest complaints
- 2010 WRX STI: 1 complaint, 2 recalls
- 2011 WRX STI: 1 complaint, 2 recalls
- 2012 WRX STI: 1 complaint, 2 recalls
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common Subaru WRX STI problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 5 | 4 | 0 |
| Structure | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Electrical System | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Exterior Lighting | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Power Train | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Air Bags | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 1 | 0 |
All Subaru WRX STI model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 WRX STI | 1 | 0 | — | Electrical System | |
| 2018 WRX STI | 2 | 0 | — | Air Bags | |
| 2016 WRX STI | 3 | 0 | — | Engine | |
| 2015 WRX STI | 3 | 0 | — | Engine | |
| 2014 WRX STI | 0 | 2 | — | — | |
| 2013 WRX STI | 2 | 2 | — | Engine | |
| 2012 WRX STI | 1 | 2 | — | Unknown or Other | |
| 2011 WRX STI | 1 | 2 | — | Electronic Stability Control (esc) | |
| 2010 WRX STI | 1 | 2 | — | Electrical System | |
| 2009 WRX STI | 2 | 2 | — | Power Train | |
| 2008 WRX STI | 3 | 2 | — | Unknown or Other |
More from Subaru: all Subaru models · Subaru VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Subaru WRX STI years should you stay away from?
No year stands out at twice the typical count; the most complaints are for 2016 (3), 2015 (3), 2008 (3). Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the Subaru WRX STI?
Engine, with 5 complaints across 4 model years.
How many recalls does the Subaru WRX STI have?
2 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.