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 PER YEAR
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 | 42 |
| 2019 | 30 |
| 2020 | 17 |
| 2021 | 13 |
| 2022 | 24 |
| 2023 | 7 |
| 2024 | 13 |
| 2025 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
36% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 155 distinct reports on file.
FIRE INJURY20% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 85 distinct reports on file.
FIRE INJURY13% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 54 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20030625
WHEN BRAKING ON BUMPS (WET OR DRY), CAR DOES NOT STOP SAFELY. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20020228
ABS FAILS ON BUMPS, BRAKE EFFECTIVENESS BECOMES MARGINAL OR DISAPSEARS. I PULLED THE ABS FUSE AND BRAKES ARE OK. AFTER THE INCIDENT I REPLACED THE OEM BRIDGESTONE RE92 TIRES WITH TOYO PROXES T!-S (225-50/16W) AND THE BRAKES WERE MUCH IMPROVED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20020207
4% of complaints: fuel system, other — 18 distinct reports on file.
3% of complaints: service brakes, air — 13 distinct reports on file.
CRASHSAFETY TIMELINE
BRAKING SYSTEM/ABS
EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCES
FUEL LINE LEAKAGE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT
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 RE
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.
Campaign 06E060000 — check if this car was fixed
FUEL LINE LEAK
FUEL LINE LEAK
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, MONT
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.
Campaign 09V468000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2002 Subaru WRX — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (155 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (85 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (54 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 06E060000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09V468000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings, accounting for 36% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 Subaru WRX have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.