2023 Subaru WRX Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2023 Subaru WRX has a complaint index of 50, ranking 11th worst among 21 model years, with a Caution verdict. NHTSA lists 8 complaints, 1 recall, and 2 crashes, with Airbags, Brakes, Engine, and Suspension each accounting for 25% of reported problems.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 50/100
- #11 of 21 WRX years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 8
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 2
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Airbags
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 21.5
- 19 city / 25.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2023 Subaru WRX problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Airbags2 (25%)
- Brakes2 (25%)
- Engine2 (25%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (25%)
- Seat Belts1 (13%)
- Structure & Body1 (13%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy during a moderate-speed collision, leaving the driver's head to strike the B pillar.
- Owners describe factory brakes as weak, saying stopping power feels insufficient compared to aftermarket pads or calipers.
- Some owners report excess RTV sealant used on the oil pan clogged the oil pickup tube, restricting oil flow to the engine.
- A popping sound from the right side suspension occurs when turning the wheel fully and moving slowly.
- One owner reported the hand brake/parking brake assembly failed to hold the car at 25,000 miles, and a dealership replacement showed the same problem.
2023 Subaru WRX recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 23V754000Nov 9, 2023Transmission & Powertrain4,701 vehicles
Power train:driveline:driveshaft
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.
Risk: 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.
2023 Subaru WRX fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 19 MPG
- Highway
- 25.5 MPG
- Combined
- 21.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,725
- 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.
2023 compared with other WRX years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2023 Subaru WRX reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2023 WRX a complaint index of 50 and a Caution verdict, ranking 11th worst out of 21 model years for this model. It has fewer complaints (8) than many other WRX years but shows issues across airbags, brakes, engine, and suspension.
- Does the 2023 Subaru WRX have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists one recall (campaign 23V754000) for cracking in the front driveshaft assembly's outer race, which can lead to breakage. It is not a do-not-drive recall.
- What are the most common problems with the 2023 Subaru WRX?
- NHTSA complaint data shows Airbags, Brakes, Engine, and Suspension, Wheels & Tires each account for 25% of the 8 reported complaints, with Seat Belts and Structure & Body each at 13%.
- How does the 2023 WRX compare to other WRX model years?
- With a complaint index of 50, the 2023 WRX ranks better than years like 2017 (index 100, Avoid) and 2022 (index 90, Avoid), but worse than 2021 (index 45, Good).