2016 Subaru WRX Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2016 Subaru WRX has a complaint index of 65, ranking 8th worst out of 21 model years, and carries a Caution verdict. Electrical system problems lead complaints at 35%, followed by engine issues at 29%, with 3 recalls on file.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 65/100
- #8 of 21 WRX years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 31
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 3
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 21
- 18 city / 24 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2016 Subaru WRX problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System11 (35%)
- Engine9 (29%)
- Other6 (19%)
- Transmission & Powertrain4 (13%)
- Brakes3 (10%)
- Fuel System2 (6%)
- Steering2 (6%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (3%)
- Visibility & Wipers1 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Headlights fail or get disabled, with condensation building inside the housing before the bulb goes out completely.
- The check engine light comes on along with cruise control failure, and dealers replace sensors without fully fixing the issue.
- The engine stalls unexpectedly while driving at low speed or after a short trip, then restarts but runs poorly.
- Getting the transmission from neutral into first gear is difficult or impossible at a stop, sometimes requiring a full restart.
- A clunking noise comes from the steering wheel when turning at a stop or driving over small bumps, persisting after strut replacement.
- The sunroof has shattered from inside the vehicle while driving at highway speed.
2016 Subaru WRX recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 22V522000Jul 21, 2022Electrical System59,934 vehicles
Exterior lighting:back up lights:switch
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2021 WRX vehicles. The backup light switch may corrode and become inoperative, which can result in the backup lights not illuminating and the rearview camera image not displaying when the vehicle is in reverse.
Risk: Inoperative backup lights and an inoperative rearview camera can reduce vehicle visibility and driver awareness, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the backup light switch, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-22.
- 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.
- NHTSA 15V366000Jun 12, 2015Collision Avoidance & Cameras71,710 vehicles
Forward collision avoidance: crash imminent braking
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015 Legacy vehicles manufactured March 10, 2014, to April 16, 2015, Outback vehicles manufactured February 24, 2014, to April 16, 2015, Impreza vehicles manufactured September 9, 2014, to April 14, 2015, XV Crosstrek vehicles manufactured October 16, 2014, to April 15, 2015, and 2016 WRX vehicles manufactured March 23, 2015, and equipped with the Eyesight Driver Assist System. If the switch that activates the brake lights fails, the automatic pre-collision braking component of the driver assist system will not function.
Risk: If the automatic pre-collision braking system does not function as intended, the vehicle will not react to an obstacle in its path, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the driver assist system, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQS-54.
2016 Subaru WRX fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 18 MPG
- Highway
- 24 MPG
- Combined
- 21 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,800
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2016 compared with other WRX years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2016 Subaru WRX reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2016 WRX a complaint index of 65, ranking it 8th worst among 21 model years of the WRX, which puts it in the Caution category relative to other WRX years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2016 Subaru WRX?
- Electrical system issues make up 35% of complaints, most often headlight failures and dashboard warning lights, followed by engine problems at 29%, including stalling.
- Does the 2016 Subaru WRX have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2016 WRX, covering the backup light switch, the turbocharger air intake duct, and a driver assist system reprogram. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- At what mileage do 2016 WRX problems typically show up?
- Median mileage at failure varies by area: transmission complaints centered around 10,100 miles, steering around 19,200 miles, engine around 32,000 miles, and electrical system around 46,900 miles.