Last updated: 2026-04-20

RELIABILITY SCORE: 75/100 (GOOD)

2023 Subaru WRX Reliability Report

Name: 2023 Subaru WRX
Brand: Subaru

The 2023 Subaru WRX scores 75/100 ("Good"). With 1 recall and 6 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

Full Breakdown Compare Models

Recalls

Complaints

Complaint Rate

2.4per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$682

Annual Fuel Cost

$3,150–$3,300

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity72/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs70/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact88/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity75/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues to Watch

SUSPENSION (2)
ENGINE (2)
AIR BAGS (1)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Final Year

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?

At 75/100, the 2023 Subaru WRX lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2023 is the last model year of the Fifth generation (VB).

Owners log 6 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.

Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to suspension (2). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.

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 issues reported (2 complaints)

Compare 2023 Subaru WRX With

2023 Volkswagen Golf

Reliability: 75/100

Good

2023 Mazda 3

Reliability: 78/100

Good

2023 Honda Civic

Reliability: 74/100

Good

2023 Hyundai Elantra

Reliability: 75/100

Good

2023 Acura Integra

Reliability: 63/100

Good

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK

1 manufacturer recall issued

Other

HIGH RISK

SUSPENSION (2)
ENGINE (2)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

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 sold

Segment avg: 14.6

LowAvgHigh

Low

Safety Incidents

Crashes

Fires

Injuries

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.

23V7540002023-11-09

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.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2023 Subaru WRX? Check its history first

Every 2023 Subaru WRX has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.

Accidents
Open Recalls
Title History
Odometer Rollback

2023 Subaru WRX NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 5/5

Rollover risk: 9.0%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Advanced Belt Feature (Not Available)Seat Belt Pretensioners (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Seat Belt Load Limiters (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Head Protection (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Torso and/or Pelvis Protection (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (2nd row)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)

View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Subaru WRXRepair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

3.5

Based 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

WRX

$682

Category Avg

$526

All Vehicles

$652

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.

Test handbrake on inclines for proper holding
Inspect front suspension for popping or clicking noises during low-speed turns
Check engine oil pickup tube for RTV blockages
Verify airbag deployment functionality in a controlled environment

2023 Subaru WRX Common Problems by Component

6 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

SUSPENSION (2)ENGINE (2)AIR BAGS (1)SERVICE BRAKES (1)

SUSPENSION

2 complaints

Owners of the 2023 Subaru WRX report issues with the front suspension, specifically involving noises like popping, clicking, and cracking from the struts during low-speed turns and on uneven surfaces. The symptoms are linked to the strut mount bearing, with one owner identifying a defect in the OEM part. These noises are noted even after removing aftermarket modifications, suggesting a potential issue with the factory component itself. Safety implications include compromised vehicle stability and steering responsiveness, particularly during evasive maneuvers or on rough roads. These complaints occur without any warning lights or messages, and the mileage is not specified, making it important for used car buyers to be aware of these potential issues regardless of vehicle age or mileage.

2 complaints total

ENGINE

2 complaints

Owners report issues with the RTV sealant on the 2023 Subaru WRX's engine oil pan, specifically noting excessive application leading to blockages. Complaints frequently mention chunks of RTV obstructing the oil pickup tube, which could potentially reduce oil flow to the engine. While no failures have been directly reported, one owner describes finding the oil pickup tube clogged, which suggests the possibility of engine issues if unaddressed. The complaints do not specify mileage ranges or timelines for these occurrences. There are currently no reports of crashes, fires, or loss of control related to this issue.

2 complaints total

AIR BAGS

1 complaintSafety-related

2026-01-08Crash reported

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 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 complaint

2025-12-10

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 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.

When Do 2023 Subaru WRX Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

25,000 milesService brake failures

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 score

The best Subaru WRX year is 2026 with a reliability score of 81/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2024 (78/100) and 2025 (77/100).

Top Pick

Excellent

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.

See full Subaru WRX years-to-avoid analysis

Subaru WRX Reliability Score Trend

Subaru WRX reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 75/100.

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Subaru WRX reliability scores by year
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

Reliability scores compared across model years
Year	Score	vs Prior Year	Rating	Recalls	Complaints
2026	81/100	+4	Excellent	0	0
2025	77/100	-1	Good	0	1
2024	78/100	+3	Good	0	13
2023(selected)	75/100	+2	Good	1	6
2022	73/100	-2	Good	1	23
2021	75/100	0	Good	1	12
2020	75/100	+3	Good	1	17
2019	72/100	+1	Good	2	27
2018	71/100	—	Good	2	40

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2023 Subaru WRX reliable?

The 2023 Subaru WRX has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 75/100. It is reasonably reliable with 1 recall and 6 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.

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

The most commonly reported problems with the 2023 Subaru WRX include: SUSPENSION (2 complaints), ENGINE (2 complaints), AIR BAGS (1 complaints), SERVICE BRAKES (1 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.

How many recalls does the 2023 Subaru WRX have?

The 2023 Subaru WRX has 1 recall on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.

Is the 2023 Subaru WRX expensive to maintain?

The 2023 Subaru WRX has estimated annual repair costs of $682/year, which is $156 more than the compact cars average of $526. With a reliability score of 75/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

Don’t buy a 2023 Subaru WRX without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Look Up a VIN →

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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