Last updated: 2026-04-20
Subaru WRX Reliability by Year
The Subaru WRX averages 75/100 across 8 model years, rated good.
Subaru WRX Reliability Overview
The Subaru WRX, covering model years 2018 to 2026, holds an average reliability score of 75/100, classified as "Good" according to Auto Reliability Index standards. Common issues reported by owners include electrical system failures, particularly battery drainage, and engine problems such as rod bearing failures and RTV sealant blockages, with repair costs averaging $682 annually, which is higher than the compact car average. Notably, the 2026 model year shows improved reliability with a score of 81/100 and no reported complaints, indicating potential enhancements in recent production.
Current generation: 5th gen (2022–2023).
Best & Worst Subaru WRX Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Subaru WRX Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Subaru WRX year is 2024 with a reliability score of 78/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2025 (77/100) and 2023 (75/100).
Subaru WRX Years to Avoid
No Subaru WRX years are statistical outliers in our data.
All model years score consistently well. The Subaru WRX maintains one of the highest industry standards for long-term durability across its entire production span.
Subaru WRX Reliability Score Trend
Subaru WRX reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 75/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 71/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 72/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 75/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 75/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 73/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 75/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 78/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 77/100 | Good |
Year-by-Year Reliability
2026 Subaru WRX
0 recalls · 0 complaints
The 2026 Subaru WRX has excellent reliability. There are 0 recalls and 0 owner complaints on file for the 2026 Subaru WRX.
2025 Subaru WRX
0 recalls · 1 complaints
The 2025 Subaru WRX has good reliability. There are 0 recalls and 1 owner complaint on file for the 2025 Subaru WRX. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (1).
2024 Subaru WRX
0 recalls · 13 complaints
The 2024 Subaru WRX has good reliability. There are 0 recalls and 13 owner complaints on file for the 2024 Subaru WRX. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (6), Power Train (2), Structure (1).
2023 Subaru WRX
1 recalls · 6 complaints
The 2023 Subaru WRX has good reliability. There are 1 recall and 6 owner complaints on file for the 2023 Subaru WRX. Severity signals include 1 crash-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Suspension (2), Engine (2), Air Bags (1).
2022 Subaru WRX
1 recalls · 23 complaints
The 2022 Subaru WRX has good reliability. There are 1 recall and 23 owner complaints on file for the 2022 Subaru WRX. Severity signals include 2 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (12), Unknown Or Other (3), Power Train (3).
2021 Subaru WRX
1 recalls · 12 complaints
The 2021 Subaru WRX has good reliability. There are 1 recall and 12 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Subaru WRX. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (6), Engine (2), Visibility Wiper (2).
2020 Subaru WRX
1 recalls · 17 complaints
The 2020 Subaru WRX has good reliability. There are 1 recall and 17 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Subaru WRX. Severity signals include 1 crash-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (5), Visibility Wiper (3), Power Train (2).
2019 Subaru WRX
2 recalls · 27 complaints
The 2019 Subaru WRX has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 27 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Subaru WRX. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (11), Engine (6), Unknown Or Other (2).
2018 Subaru WRX
2 recalls · 40 complaints
The 2018 Subaru WRX has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 40 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Subaru WRX. Severity signals include 5 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (8), Engine (8), Steering (7).
Found Your Subaru WRX? Check Its History
Every Subaru WRX has a different past. Before you buy, a VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, and open recalls.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
Subaru WRX Repair Costs
Reliability Rating
3.5/5
Annual Repair Cost
$682
Repair Frequency
0.3/yr
Major Repair Risk
14%
$156 above the compact cars average of $526/yr.
Ranked #32 of 36 among compact cars.
Subaru WRX Years to Avoid
See which model years have the most problems
Most Reliable Subaru Models
Compare all Subaru models by reliability
Compare Subaru WRX With Similar Sedans
The Subaru WRX competes with other compact sedans such as Volkswagen Golf, Mazda 3, and Honda Civic.
Volkswagen Golf reliability
9 years tracked · 394 complaints
Mazda 3 reliability
8 years tracked · 217 complaints
Honda Civic reliability
9 years tracked · 2921 complaints
Hyundai Elantra reliability
9 years tracked · 1219 complaints
Acura Integra reliability
4 years tracked · 268 complaints
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Subaru WRX reliable?
- The Subaru WRX has good reliability with an average score of 75/100. Some model years are stronger than others — check individual years before buying.
- What is the best year for the Subaru WRX?
- The best year for the Subaru WRX is 2024 with a reliability score of 78/100, rated good. It has 0 recalls and 13 owner complaints on record. See full 2024 Subaru WRXanalysis →
- What are the Subaru WRX years to avoid?
- No Subaru WRX years in our database are statistical outliers — all tracked model years score consistently within the model average. See full years-to-avoid analysis →
- How much does it cost to maintain a Subaru WRX?
- The Subaru WRX has an estimated annual repair cost of $682, which is $156 above the compact cars average of $526. This includes both scheduled maintenance and unscheduled repairs based on independent repair data.
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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