2002 Subaru WRX
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 427
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 5
- Top problem
- Fuel system, gasoline
Campaigns on file for 2002
Opened by NHTSA
64% of complaints
Complaints per year
2002: 427 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2002 | 427 |
| 2003 | 60 |
| 2004 | 42 |
| 2005 | 19 |
| 2006 | 14 |
| 2007 | 0 |
| 2008 | 65 |
| 2009 | 41 |
| 2010 | 1 |
| 2011 | 4 |
| 2012 | 2 |
| 2013 | 7 |
| 2014 | 6 |
| 2015 | 52 |
| 2016 | 31 |
| 2017 | 53 |
| 2018 | 43 |
| 2019 | 30 |
| 2020 | 17 |
| 2021 | 13 |
| 2022 | 25 |
| 2023 | 8 |
| 2024 | 13 |
| 2025 | 2 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Fuel system, gasoline
64% · 275 reportsMost commonly citing hoses, lines/piping, and fittings and delivery.
Service brakes
19% · 83 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic and air.
Show complaint excerpts
I work as a valet attendant. I have parked a large number of vehicles. I had to park this vehicle in a parking spot. To park in this spot I had to make a right to line up for the spot. The car accelerated suddenly.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-12-03
Also filed under Vehicle speed control
Fuel system, other
6% · 27 reportsMost commonly citing hoses, lines/piping, and fittings and delivery.
Power train
4% · 19 reportsMost commonly citing manual transmission and clutch assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
While returning to las vegas from a camping trip on ventura freeway near the tarzana exit our 2003 WRX experienced a loss of braking at approximately 25 MPH in stop and go traffic on clear, dry, rain grooved highway.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-06-25
Also filed under Service brakes, hydraulic
Engine and engine cooling
4% · 16 reportsMost commonly citing gasoline and exhaust system.
Show complaint excerpts
Exhaust system overheats, causing carpeting inside passenger's compartment to get very hot after the vehicle has been driven over a long period of time. Also, due to vehicle overheating metal has turned into a cherry color.
NHTSA ODI report, 2001-08-23
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 5 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2002Complaint volume 427 complaints filed for this model year.
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2003-07-08Preliminary evaluationClosed 2003-11-19 Braking system/ABS
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2003-11-19Engineering analysisClosed 2005-07-12 Extended stopping distances
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2004-01-07Preliminary evaluationClosed 2004-05-27 Fuel line leakage in engine compartment
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2006-08-01Exterior lighting06E060000 Certain aai motorsports combination lamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above list passenger vehicles. Combination lamps not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform with the…
Remedy: Aai motorsports will notify owners and replace the lamps free of charge. The recall began on August 1, 2006. Owners may contact aai motorsports at 909-923-9188.
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2009-03-10Preliminary evaluationClosed 2009-07-02 Fuel line leak
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2009-07-02Engineering analysisClosed 2009-12-14 Fuel line leak
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2009-12-31Fuel system, gasoline09V468000 Subaru is recalling certain model year 2002 and 2003 Impreza WRX vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of South Dakota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Minnesota, Idaho, Iowa…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel line free of charge. The recall began on December 31, 2009. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
Buy-smart checklist
2002 Subaru WRX — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Fuel system, gasoline: 275 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 83 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel system, other: 27 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 06E060000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 09V468000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2002 Subaru WRX reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2002 Subaru WRX is rated "significantly worse".
- What are the most common problems with the 2002 Subaru WRX?
- The most-reported component is fuel system, gasoline, accounting for 64% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2002 Subaru WRX have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.