How common are engine problems on the 2015 Subaru WRX?

NHTSA lists 18 engine complaints out of 52 total complaints for the 2015 WRX, or 35% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2015 Subaru WRX engine?

Yes. Recall 16V162000 covers 2015-2016 WRX vehicles built between April 10, 2015 and October 21, 2015, for a turbocharger air intake duct that Subaru inspects and replaces as necessary.

At what mileage do 2015 WRX engine problems tend to show up?

NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 86,000 at the time of failure for engine-related complaints.

Did the 2015 WRX engine issues cause any crashes or fires?

NHTSA records zero crashes and zero fires linked to the reported engine complaints for this model year.

2015 Subaru WRX Engine Problems

Engine complaints make up 18 of 52 total complaints (35%) for the 2015 Subaru WRX, with a median failure mileage of 86,000. A related recall (16V162000) covers the turbocharger air intake duct on some 2015-2016 units.

Engine complaints: 18; 35% of 52
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 86,000 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Idle surges or 'ghost blips' unexpectedly from around idle speed to a higher RPM when coasting to a stop.
Rough or unstable idle accompanied by a check engine light, sometimes tied to a catalytic converter fault code.
Engine stalls or loses power suddenly while driving, including a case where the car died on the highway and needed a tow.
Bottom-end failures such as spun rod or main bearings, in one case on a replacement short block with very low added mileage.
Excessive oil consumption and oil leaking near the dipstick, paired with sensor and ignition coil malfunctions.
Turbocharger intake duct cracking that causes rough idle and stalling, matching the concern addressed by recall 16V162000.

When 2015 Subaru WRX engine complaints were filed

First complaint Aug 11, 2015, latest Mar 5, 2024.

18 complaints filed with NHTSA from Aug 2015 to Mar 2024; peak Dec 2019 (2).

Engine recalls for the 2015 Subaru WRX

NHTSA 16V162000Mar 21, 2016Engine18,187 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 WRX vehicles manufactured April 10, 2015, to October 21, 2015, and Forester 2.0XT vehicles manufactured April 10, 2015, to October 20, 2015. The turbocharger air intake duct may crack and possibly result in an engine stall.
Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the turbocharger air intake duct, and replace it as necessary, free of charge, depending on the lot number found on the duct. The recall began April 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTA-62.

Engine complaints by WRX model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20054 (21%)
20065 (36%)
20070 (0%)
20086 (9%)
20095 (12%)
20100 (0%)
20111 (25%)
20122 (100%)
20131 (14%)
20143 (50%)
201518 (35%)
20169 (29%)
201714 (26%)
201811 (26%)
201911 (37%)
20203 (18%)
20215 (38%)
202215 (60%)
20232 (25%)
20241 (8%)
20250 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems on the 2015 Subaru WRX?: NHTSA lists 18 engine complaints out of 52 total complaints for the 2015 WRX, or 35% of all complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2015 Subaru WRX engine?: Yes. Recall 16V162000 covers 2015-2016 WRX vehicles built between April 10, 2015 and October 21, 2015, for a turbocharger air intake duct that Subaru inspects and replaces as necessary.
At what mileage do 2015 WRX engine problems tend to show up?: NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 86,000 at the time of failure for engine-related complaints.
Did the 2015 WRX engine issues cause any crashes or fires?: NHTSA records zero crashes and zero fires linked to the reported engine complaints for this model year.