2023 Subaru WRX Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Aug 25, 2026 · 8 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other WRX years
Not enough data 17th of 24 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
5 out of 5 stars

Owners have filed 8 complaints with NHTSA about the 2023 Subaru WRX. That ranks 17th out of 24 WRX model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is air bags (2 complaints, 25%). Complaints mention 2 crashes. There is 1 safety recall covering this model year.

Subaru WRX
Subaru WRX S4 STI Sport R-Black Limited. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: TTTNIS, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2023 Subaru WRX problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Air Bags2
Engine2
Service Brakes2
Suspension2
Seat Belts1
Seats1
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Air Bags225%———
Engine225%———
Service Brakes225%———
Suspension225%———
Seat Belts113%———
Seats113%———

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2026, with 3 complaints
2023: 1202312024: 2202422025: 2202522026: 320263

n = 8 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2023 Subaru WRX recalls (1)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Power train:driveline:driveshaftNov 9, 2023 · NHTSA campaign 23V754000 · 4,701 vehicles

Problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Crosstrek, Impreza, 2023-2024 Forester, and 2023 WRX vehicles. The front driveshaft assemblies' outer race may develop cracks and break.

Risk: A broken driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power while driving or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is in park without the parking brake engaged. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the left and right front driveshafts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRP-23.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

The failing component system is the drivers side impact airbags. Subaru of America did their own inspection and has listed their findings in an email (it can be forwarded to you if needed). The vehicle is currently at a collision center appointed by our insurance company but has not yet been…

Air Bags · received Aug 25, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11759540

Factory brake system is weak to slow down. The tree on the road stopped my car faster than the brakes did. Many videos and internet posts document this. Quick google search will provide a lot of information. Many owners with money upgrade calipers from tr model Amazon reviews purchasing brake pads…

Service Brakes · received Apr 18, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11732084

I was heading to work on a stretch of road. I was traveling at about 45-50mph. A car pulled out in front of me and we had an accident. The airbags in the older Subaru of the person who collided with me went off and mine did not. Surprisingly. My head was slammed against the B pillar and a small…

Air Bags · received Jan 15, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11711115

My vehicle has a hand brake built into the vehicle and at 25,000 miles my hand brake started to fail and wouldn’t hold the car in place. I had it repaired under warranty and the whole emergency/handbrake assembly was replaced, I looked at it and tested it before I left the dealership and noticed…

Service Brakes · received Dec 11, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11704382

I am reporting a potential safety-related defect involving the front suspension of my 2023 Subaru WRX. After installing aftermarket lowering springs, I began noticing loud popping, clicking, and cracking noises from the front struts during low-speed turns and uneven road surfaces. To isolate the…

Suspension · received May 7, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11659521

Other Subaru WRX years

← 2022 WRX · 2024 WRX →

See all Subaru WRX problems by year, every Subaru model, or the Subaru VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2023 Subaru WRX?

Owners most often report air bags, engine, service brakes problems. The top one, air bags, accounts for 2 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2023 Subaru WRX?

Yes, 1 safety recall. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2023 Subaru WRX a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other WRX model years, the 2023 has too little data to compare, and NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.