2016 Subaru WRX
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.
- Complaints
- 31
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Electrical system
Campaigns on file for 2016
None on file
32% of complaints
Complaints per year
2016: 31 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 | 18 |
| 2021 | 13 |
| 2022 | 25 |
| 2023 | 9 |
| 2024 | 14 |
| 2025 | 3 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Electrical system
32% · 10 reportsShow 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, 2024-08-27
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, 2018-03-27
Engine
26% · 8 reportsShow 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, 2018-11-15
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, 2018-05-26
Power train
13% · 4 reportsShow 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, 2015-12-09
Steering
6% · 2 reportsService brakes
6% · 2 reportsShow 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, 2016-03-30
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2015-07-20Exterior lighting, forward collision avoidance15V366000 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.
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R
2016-04-15Engine and engine cooling16V162000 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.
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R
2022-09-16Exterior lighting22V522000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2016 Subaru WRX — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 10 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 8 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 4 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 15V366000 · Exterior lighting, forward collision avoidance
- Recall 16V162000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 22V522000 · Exterior lighting
Other years of this model
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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.