MYRModel Year Report

2016 Subaru WRX

▲ Better than typical
2016 Subaru WRX
RENDERED 2026-08-02T09:20:07.945Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than 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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Subaru WRX Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2016 highlighted. 2002: 427 complaints 2002 2003: 60 complaints 2004: 42 complaints 2005: 19 complaints 2005 2006: 14 complaints 2007: 0 complaints 2008: 65 complaints 2008 2009: 41 complaints 2010: 1 complaints 2011: 4 complaints 2011 2012: 2 complaints 2013: 7 complaints 2014: 6 complaints 2014 2015: 52 complaints 2016: 31 complaints 2016 2017: 53 complaints 2017 2018: 42 complaints 2019: 30 complaints 2020: 17 complaints 2020 2021: 13 complaints 2022: 24 complaints 2023: 7 complaints 2023 2024: 13 complaints 2025: 2 complaints 2025
2016: 31 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
2002427
200360
200442
200519
200614
20070
200865
200941
20101
20114
20122
20137
20146
201552
201631
201753
201842
201930
202017
202113
202224
20237
202413
20252

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 32%

32% of complaints: electrical system — 10 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

The Seconary Air Injection pump stayed on for days. Burnt a hole in the side, relay possibly damaged, and now setting off other components and computers.

NHTSA ODI report, 20240827

PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT. I KEPT GETTING "HEADLIGHT DISABLED" MESSAGE ON DASH, WITH CONDENSATION BUILDING UP ON THE PASSENGER HEADLIGHT, BUT THE HEADLIGHT KEPT WORKING SO I GAVE IT A WEEK AND NOW PASSENGER SIDE IS COMPLETELY OUT.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180327

ENGINE 26%

26% of complaints: engine — 8 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

FRONT END COLLISION VS DEER ON INTERSTATE AT APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH. 4-5 MINUTES AFTER THE ACCIDENT THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS. NO ONE WAS INJURED. WE ALL WERE OUT OF THE CAR AT THE TIME THE FIRE STARTED.

NHTSA ODI report, 20181115

AFTER LEAVING WORK AND DRIVING LESS THAN ONE MILE, THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE STALLED WHILE APPROACHING A CONTROLLED INTERSECTION. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE PLACED INTO PARK AND RESTARTED.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180526

POWER TRAIN 13%

13% of complaints: power train — 4 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

I STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE CLUTCH/TRANSMISSION IN MY 2016 WRX AT 580 MILES. I WAS EXITING A HIGHWAY AND PULLED THE TRANSMISSION OUT OF 6TH.

NHTSA ODI report, 20151209

STEERING 6%

6% of complaints: steering — 2 distinct reports on file.

SERVICE BRAKES 6%

6% of complaints: service brakes — 2 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

I WAS DRIVING MY 2016 SUBARU WRX DOWN A MAIN ROAD AT ABOUT 11PM. I WAS IN 3RD GEAR GOING 30MPH DRIVING STRAIGHT WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY CAME TO A GRINDING HALT.

NHTSA ODI report, 20160330

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20150720 — exterior lighting, forward collision avoidance

Subaru of America, Inc.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the driver assist system, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQS-54.

Campaign 15V366000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20160415 — engine and engine cooling

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 WRX vehicles manufactured April 10, 2015, to October 21, 2015, and Forester 2.0XT vehicles manufactured April 10, 2015, to October 20, 2015.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the turbocharger air intake duct, and replace it as necessary, free of charge, depending on the lot number found on the duct. The recall began April 2016.

Campaign 16V162000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20220916 — exterior lighting

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2021 WRX vehicles.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the backup light switch, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614.

Campaign 22V522000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2016 Subaru WRX — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (10 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine issues (8 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (4 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 15V366000 (exterior lighting, forward collision avoidance) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 16V162000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 22V522000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2019 ● 2009 ● 2004

WORST YEARS

■ 2002 ◆ 2008 ◆ 2003

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2016 Subaru WRX reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 Subaru WRX is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Subaru WRX?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 32% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2016 Subaru WRX have?

3 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.