2023 Subaru WRX Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
GoodComplaint Index
47/100
#9 most-complained of 16 WRX years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
NHTSA lists 8 complaints and 1 recall for the 2023 Subaru WRX, giving it a Complaint Index of 47 and a rank of 9th out of 16 model years. That places it in the Good category compared with other WRX years, well below the 2017 model's index of 100.
- Complaints
- 8
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes / fires
- 2 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 21.5
- 19 city / 25.5 hwy
Top 2023 Subaru WRX problems
NHTSA owner 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%)
What owners report
- Airbags failed to deploy during a frontal collision at roughly 45-50 mph, resulting in head and leg injuries.
- Factory brakes were described as weak, with drivers reporting longer stopping distances than expected.
- Excess RTV sealant in the oil pan was found clogging the oil pickup tube, raising concern about reduced oil flow and potential engine failure.
- A popping sound occurred from the right side suspension when turning the wheel fully and moving slowly.
- The parking/emergency brake failed to hold the car in place at 25,000 miles and reportedly still had the same issue after a warranty repair.
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 shows 8 complaints and 1 recall for the 2023 WRX, giving it a Complaint Index of 47. Compared to other WRX model years, this ranks 9th out of 16 and falls into the Good category.
- What problems does the 2023 Subaru WRX have?
- Owners reported issues split evenly across Airbags, Brakes, Engine, and Suspension, Wheels & Tires, each accounting for 25% of complaints. One complaint involved a seat belt and one involved structure/body concerns.
- Does the 2023 Subaru WRX have a recall?
- Yes, NHTSA recall 23V754000 covers front driveshaft assemblies whose outer race may crack and break; it is not a do-not-drive recall, and dealers will inspect and replace driveshafts as needed.
- How does the 2023 WRX compare to other bad WRX years?
- The 2023 WRX's Complaint Index of 47 is far lower than the 2017 WRX's index of 100 and the 2015 WRX's index of 80, both rated Avoid, making 2023 a comparatively Good year.