2020 Subaru WRX Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
53/100
#8 most-complained of 16 WRX years
The 2020 Subaru WRX has 17 NHTSA complaints, a complaint index of 53, and ranks 8th worst out of 16 model years, earning a Caution verdict. Electrical System issues lead with 5 complaints (29% share), and one recall covers a backup light switch defect.
- Complaints
- 17
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes / fires
- 1 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 21
- 18 city / 24 hwy
Top 2020 Subaru WRX problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System5 (29%)
- Engine3 (18%)
- Visibility & Wipers3 (18%)
- Brakes2 (12%)
- Other2 (12%)
- Seat Belts2 (12%)
- Transmission & Powertrain2 (12%)
- Airbags1 (6%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras1 (6%)
- Fuel System1 (6%)
What owners report
- Battery fails repeatedly, sometimes multiple times within the ownership period, even after dealer replacement.
- Vehicle randomly dies or bogs down while driving, with warning lights appearing across the dash.
- Windshield or rear windshield cracks or develops a hole on its own with no impact, in one case at 5,200 miles.
- Vehicle fails to start, later traced by an independent mechanic to a telematics control module needing replacement.
- Rear seatbelt webbing frays without warning, and the dealership declines to treat it as a warranty issue.
- Brakes fail to stop the vehicle in an emergency situation, leading to a crash where airbags did not deploy and the seat belt failed to lock.
2020 Subaru WRX recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.
2020 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.
2020 compared with other WRX years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2020 Subaru WRX reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2020 WRX has a complaint index of 53 and ranks 8th worst of 16 WRX model years, earning a Caution verdict relative to other WRX years.
- What is the most common problem with the 2020 Subaru WRX?
- The Electrical System is the top problem area, with 5 complaints making up 29% of all complaints, mostly related to battery failures, at a median mileage of 20,000 miles.
- Does the 2020 Subaru WRX have any recalls?
- Yes, one recall (campaign 22V522000) covers a backup light switch that can corrode and stop working, affecting rearview camera image and backup lights, on 2015-2021 WRX vehicles.
- How does the 2020 WRX compare to other years?
- The 2020 WRX's complaint index of 53 is lower than the worst years like 2017 (100) and 2015 (80), both rated Avoid, but higher than better years like 2014 (20, rated Best) and 2013 (27, rated Good).