Last updated: 2026-10-10
2023 Subaru WRX Reliability Report
The 2023 Subaru WRX rates good for reliability, but owners flag oil pan sealant that can block the oil pickup tube, and one power train recall is on file.
Recalls
1
Complaints
6
Complaint Rate
2.4per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$682
Annual Fuel Cost
$3,150–$3,300
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Final year of the fifth generation, with good reliability and a 5-star crash rating, plus a few owner reports of sealant blocking the oil pickup tube.
Top Issues to Watch
- SUSPENSION (2)
- ENGINE (2)
- AIR BAGS (1)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2023 is the last model year of the Fifth generation (VB).
- Final-year models are typically the most refined version of a generation.
- 5th generation WRX (US).
What this means for buyers
Final-year models are usually the most polished version of a generation, but resale value may dip as buyers anticipate the next redesign.
2022: Fifth generation (VB) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2023: This Model Year
2023 is the last model year of the Fifth generation (VB).
Should You Buy the 2023 Subaru WRX?
Good, with a few caveats. Owner complaints are low for the number sold, federal crash testing gave 5 of 5 stars, and it ranks above average among 2023 sedans. Repair costs run higher than the class, about $682 a year against $526. The 2022 rates about the same, and the 2024 rates better.
Two issues appear, each with only 2 complaints. Excess oil pan sealant can break loose and partly block the oil pickup tube, cutting oil flow. One owner found the tube clogged. The other has seen no failure. Neither gives a mileage. Front struts can pop and click at slow speed with the wheel turned. One report blames the strut mount bearing, on a car with aftermarket lowering springs. Federal records show one power train recall.
Ask for proof the power train recall was completed. Ask whether the oil pan has ever been opened and whether the suspension is stock. A 2024 has fewer complaints and no recalls.
Compared to the 2024 Subaru WRX, which scored 3 points higher. See also the 2022 Subaru WRX for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- +Low major repair risk (14%)
- +Low recall count
Cons
- −Above-average repair costs for its class
- −SUSPENSION issues reported (2 complaints)
- −ENGINE: Excess RTV sealant used on the oil pan can break loose and partly block the... (2 complaints)
Compare 2023 Subaru WRX With
2023 Volkswagen Golf
Reliability: 75/100
2023 Mazda 3
Reliability: 78/100
2023 Honda Civic
Reliability: 74/100
2023 Hyundai Elantra
Reliability: 75/100
2023 Acura Integra
Reliability: 63/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 1 manufacturer recall issued
Other
HIGH RISK- SUSPENSION (2)
- ENGINE (2)
Recall Overview
1
recall on record
The 2023 Subaru WRX carries 1 recall — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
2.4
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 14.4
Safety Incidents
1
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2023 Subaru WRX Recall Details
1 recall has been issued for the 2023 Subaru WRX. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
POWER TRAIN
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.
Consequence
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.
Remedy
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.
Buying a used 2023 Subaru WRX? Check its history first
Suspension problems lead owner complaints about the 2023 Subaru WRX, and 1 recall was issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2023 Subaru WRX NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 9.0%
Safety Technologies
Subaru WRXRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$682
vs $526 avg for compact cars
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.3
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
14%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
21–22 MPG
Running cost: $3,850–$4,000/yr
Fuel + repair
19 city / 25–26 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2023 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WRX 2.4L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 19 | 26 | 22 | $3,150 |
| WRX 2.4L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S8) | 19 | 25 | 21 | $3,300 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2023 Subaru WRX.
Turn the wheel fully left and right while creeping forward, and listen for popping from the front.
Drive slowly over rough or uneven pavement and listen for clicking or cracking from the front struts.
Ask whether the suspension has been lowered or modified, and look for aftermarket springs.
Ask for service records showing whether the oil pan was removed and the oil pickup tube inspected or cleaned.
Ask the seller whether any sealant debris was found in the oil pan or pickup tube during service.
2023 Subaru WRX Common Problems by Component
6 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
SUSPENSION
2 complaintsPopping, clicking, and cracking noises come from the front struts when the car moves slowly with the wheel turned, especially at full lock or over uneven pavement. Only 2 complaints are on file, so no broad pattern is established. One report traces the noise to the front strut mount bearing and says it continued after aftermarket lowering springs were removed. That car had modified suspension, which matters when weighing the report. Neither complaint describes a crash, a fire, or a loss of steering control, and neither gives a mileage.
ENGINE
2 complaintsExcess RTV sealant used on the oil pan can break loose and partly block the engine oil pickup tube. That cuts oil flow to the engine, and both complaints warn it could lead to engine failure. One owner reports finding the pickup tube clogged with sealant. The other has not opened the oil pan and has seen no failure yet, but cites widely shared reports of the same problem. Neither complaint describes a failure that has already happened or gives a mileage. Only 2 complaints are on file.
AIR BAGS
1 complaintSafety-relatedI 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 bruise on my leg. Insurance is saying my car is totaled. With an accident of that magnitude, my air bags should have deployed. If I was going any faster, I most likely wouldn't be here typing this message. This is a serious concern of mine. I have 0 interest getting back into another Subaru which Consumer Reports quotes as being the safest, most reliable brand.
SERVICE BRAKES (1 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaintMy 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 the same issue, I brought it up to the dealership and they noticed the same issue also after testing it again themselves, and they also stated there were other vehicles of the same model with less miles having the same issue and also said it could possibly be a recall. I drive a car with a manual transmission so the hand/emergency brake is what parks and holds the vehicle in place. I originally took it there because my handbrake was no longer holding my car in place to avoid hitting other vehicles especially being parked on an incline or decline.
Best & Worst Subaru WRX Years
Best Subaru WRX Years to Buy
Based on reliability index score2024
2023
(Current Model)
2021
Subaru WRX Years to Avoid
No Subaru WRX years are statistical outliers in our data.
Scores stay between 71 and 81 across 9 scored model years.
Subaru WRX Reliability Score Trend
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| 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 |
| 2026 | 81/100 | Excellent |
Subaru WRX Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2023 Subaru WRX reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Subaru WRX?
Does the 2023 Subaru WRX have oil pickup tube problems?
Has the 2023 Subaru WRX been recalled?
Is the 2023 Subaru WRX better than the 2024?
Don’t buy a 2023 Subaru WRX without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How we score the 2023 Subaru WRX
Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2023 Subaru WRX does best on recall impact (88/100) and worst on repair costs (70/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Subaru WRX.
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