2013 Subaru WRX
Only 7 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
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.
Only 7 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
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
Only 7 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
6 of 7 total reports mention: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
CLUTCH RELEASE BEARING (AKA THROW OUT BEARING) IN THE VEHICLE PREMATURELY WEARS OFF, RESULTING IN LOSS OF POWER WHILE DRIVING. MY WRX MADE SQUEAKY NOISE IN THE COLD MORNING, BUT DISAPPEARS IN AFTERNOON.
NHTSA ODI report, 20181101
THE CLUTCH FIREWALL WELDS HAVE BROKEN LOOSE, CAUSING THE CLUTCH TO FEEL SOFT AND FLEX. OVER TIME THIS WILL BECOME A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE RESULTING IN AN INOPERABLE TRANSMISSION. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20140401
2 of 7 total reports mention: service brakes.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
DRIVING EAST BOUND ON THE LONG ISLAND EXPRESSWAY NEAR EXIT 38 IN THE LEFT LANE, SUDDENLY TRAFFIC WAS BECOMING A DEAD STOP AGAIN AND I PRESSED DOWN ON THE FOOT BRAKE AND NOTHING HAPPENED SO I HIT IT AGAIN AND LOOKED TO MAKE SURE I HAD HIT THE CORRECT...
NHTSA ODI report, 20140704
THE CLUTCH FIREWALL WELDS HAVE BROKEN LOOSE, CAUSING THE CLUTCH TO FEEL SOFT AND FLEX. OVER TIME THIS WILL BECOME A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE RESULTING IN AN INOPERABLE TRANSMISSION. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20140401
1 of 7 total reports mentions: structure.
1 of 7 total reports mentions: engine.
SAFETY TIMELINE
Subaru of America, Inc.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will test the brake system by depressing the brake pedal and inspecting for brake fluid leaks. If no brake fluid seepage is observed, the affected areas will be rustproofed with anti-corrosion wax.
Campaign 14V311000 — check if this car was fixed
Subaru of America, Inc.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will apply an anti-corrosion wax to the four-way joint connector area of the brake line system, free of charge. The recall began on January 27, 2015.
Campaign 14V830000 — check if this car was fixed
Subaru of America, Inc.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783.
Campaign 18V012000 — check if this car was fixed
Subaru of America, Inc.
Remedy: Subaru is notifying owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-19.
Campaign 19V008000 — check if this car was fixed
Subaru of America, Inc.
Remedy: Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-19.
Campaign 19V007000 — check if this car was fixed
Subaru of America, Inc.
Remedy: Subaru is notifying owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614.
Campaign 19V009000 — check if this car was fixed
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90.
Campaign 19V149000 — check if this car was fixed
Subaru of America, Inc.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ignition switch, replacing the ignition switch, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 10, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614.
Campaign 19V297000 — check if this car was fixed
Subaru of America, Inc.
Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614.
Campaign 20V002000 — check if this car was fixed
Subaru of America, Inc.
Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators with alternate inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020.
Campaign 20V001000 — check if this car was fixed
Subaru of America, Inc.
Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614.
Campaign 20V003000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2013 Subaru WRX — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 14V311000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V830000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V012000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V008000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V007000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V009000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V149000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V297000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V002000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V001000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V003000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2013 Subaru WRX reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Subaru WRX?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 86% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2013 Subaru WRX have?
11 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.