Subaru WRX Power Train Problems
Owners have filed 173 complaints with NHTSA about power train problems on the Subaru WRX across 20 model years. The 2008 model year has the most (48). The words owners use most often: “clutch pedal” (31% of reports).
- 173power train complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 1mention a crash
- 0mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 32%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Clutch pedal: mentioned in 54 of 173 complaints (31%)
- Spot welds: mentioned in 32 of 173 complaints (18%)
- Firewall broken: mentioned in 18 of 173 complaints (10%)
- Throw bearing: mentioned in 12 of 173 complaints (7%)
At what mileage do power train problems happen?
Based on 138 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 173 complaints, 1 mention a crash, 1 a fire.
Subaru WRX power train complaints by model year
| Model year | Power Train complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 WRX | 3 | 21% | — |
| 2022 WRX | 4 | 16% | — |
| 2021 WRX | 6 | 46% | — |
| 2020 WRX | 2 | 12% | 30,000 |
| 2019 WRX | 2 | 7% | 30,000 |
| 2018 WRX | 6 | 14% | 13,532 |
| 2017 WRX | 11 | 21% | 42,422 |
| 2016 WRX | 4 | 13% | 10,100 |
| 2015 WRX | 18 | 35% | 23,000 |
| 2014 WRX | 1 | 17% | 44,000 |
| 2013 WRX | 6 | 86% | 18,650 |
| 2012 WRX | 1 | 50% | 56,000 |
| 2011 WRX | 1 | 25% | 38,000 |
| 2009 WRX | 33 | 80% | 65,845 |
| 2008 WRX | 48 | 74% | 69,500 |
| 2006 WRX | 4 | 29% | 28,550 |
| 2005 WRX | 2 | 11% | 27,125 |
| 2004 WRX | 1 | 2% | — |
| 2003 WRX | 4 | 7% | 5,025 |
| 2002 WRX | 16 | 4% | 35,695 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Power train:driveline:driveshaft
Model years: 2023
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.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
Vehicle: 2024 Subaru WRX (Manual Transmission) Description of Safety Hazard: While operating my 2024 Subaru WRX at normal highway speeds in clear conditions, the vehicle suffered a sudden and catastrophic drivetrain failure. Without any warning lights, unusual noises, or prior symptoms, the front…
The car has randomly on multiple occasions failed to accelerate then jump forward hitting the rev limiter. This has happened while merging back into traffic including 55 mph roads creating concern for being rear ended and also concerns for hitting vehicles in front when the car jumps forward as…
Car all the sudden stall/ lock up tires at high way speeds due to sudden no warning engine failure causing a massive safety concern My car locked up during a normal drive up a slowly passing a semi when my car died no power steering no engine power transmission locking due engine failure Car was…
On February 3, 2026, while driving approximately 80 mph on Interstate 10, the manual transmission shifter bypassed the 6th gear detent entirely and moved toward the reverse gear position, creating an immediate and severe safety hazard. I prevented full reverse engagement only through physical…
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru WRX. The contact stated that while the transmission was shifted into neutral (N), the instrument panel displayed that the transmission was shifted in reverse (R), and the rearview camera image was displayed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Subaru WRXs have power train problems?
No. NHTSA has 173 owner complaints about power train for the Subaru WRX. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Subaru WRX power train?
Yes: 1 safety recall list power train. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about power train problems on the Subaru WRX?
The most frequent phrase is “clutch pedal”, in 54 of 173 complaints, followed by “spot welds” (32).
Other Subaru WRX problems
- Fuel System, Gasoline problems (318)
- Engine problems (106)
See all Subaru WRX problems.