Subaru WRX Complaints

61 consumer complaints on file.

#11668269June 21, 2025
ENGINE
In October 2024, my vehicle, a 2021 Subaru WRX STI, was purchased from a Toyota dealership (Fort Bend Sterling McCall Toyota). The dealership sold the vehicle with an oil issue and a modified ECM. This issue caused catastrophic engine failure while driving. The vehicle stalled and could not be started. Subaru dealership technicians confirmed the cause as improper service leading to catastrophic oil starvation. The failure put both myself and others at risk, as the engine lost power mid-operation on a busy road. The vehicle was towed to a certified Subaru dealership, where it has been detained since December 2024. Despite being under warranty, repairs have been delayed for over 6 months due to blame disputes between the dealership, the manufacturer, and the extended warranty provider. There were no prior dashboard warnings or messages before failure, only loss of power and engine noise at the time of the incident. The vehicle has been fully inspected and documented by the Subaru service center, and all evidence has been preserved. I have been without a primary vehicle for over 7 months.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11666353June 11, 2025
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE
I am filing this complaint to report a serious safety concern involving my 2021 Subaru WRX, which is currently covered under the manufacturer’s powertrain warranty as well as an extended warranty. Subaru of Ontario, an authorized Subaru dealership, failed to properly diagnose or repair ongoing engine issues during multiple service visits. Despite documented problems, the vehicle was released to me in a condition that was unsafe to operate since their location did not have a loaner, fully aware of the issues at hand, exposing me and my family to serious risk while driving. As a result of this negligence, the engine has now deteriorated to the point of needing a full replacement. Subaru of Ontario is attempting to charge me $3,000 for an engine replacement, despite warranty coverage that should fully apply. The dealership has refused to acknowledge their failure in prior inspections or take accountability for releasing an unsafe vehicle back onto the road. I am reporting this as a vehicle safety hazard and potential warranty fraud, as the dealership’s actions directly led to unsafe operating conditions and are now being used as justification to deny coverage. I urge the NHTSA to investigate both this specific incident and whether this may reflect a larger pattern among Subaru service centers. I am prepared to provide service records, warranty documentation, dealership communications, and supporting evidence upon request.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11660985May 14, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Driving kids home from school and while making a left hand turn through a large intersection, when shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear I heard an immediate pop and then it lost all power in third while sounding like a bag of gravel under the car. I could have easily lost power while merging on a highway instead of a lower speed turn and endangered the welfare of my two daughters. Subsequent tear down by Parkway Subaru confirmed that 3rd gear had experienced catastrophic failure with hardly any gear teeth remaining on 3rd gear. I have found the problem reported numerous times online, specifically third gear. The transmission was inspected by a Subaru of America specialist, who then denied that it was a manufacturer issue. No warnings or signs of mechanical failure prior to the incident. Shifting had been normal and routine throughout lifetime of the car (1 year 15k miles). I had to wait 2 weeks to be told they were denying warranty or good will assistance on a year old vehicle purchased new. I have been driving a rental car since the incident while my car has been sitting at the dealership. Dealer has been unable to provide specific reasoning for denial of warranty beyond stating that "they feel it is not a manufacturer or material defect". Feelings aren't empirical evidence of failure last time I checked. I have tried to reach SoA agent assigned to my case for three straight days with no communication until this afternoon (5/15) in which I missed their call and they did not respond when I called back within 5 minutes. Attached below are pictures from other consumers who experienced the same failure, as well as a picture of my own failure and are a report on subaru 2022+ wrx models and issues relating to 3rd gear specifically.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11659521May 7, 2025
SUSPENSION
I am reporting a potential safety-related defect involving the front suspension of my 2023 Subaru WRX. After installing aftermarket lowering springs, I began noticing loud popping, clicking, and cracking noises from the front struts during low-speed turns and uneven road surfaces. To isolate the issue, the springs were completely removed from the strut assemblies. The noise persisted when manually rotating the top hat and shaft, confirming an internal defect in the OEM strut mount bearing (Subaru part #20320FL010). This eliminates the springs as the source of the issue. The component remains installed and is available for inspection. This defect poses a safety concern, as the strut bearing appears to bind during steering input. This can compromise vehicle stability and steering responsiveness—especially during evasive maneuvers or rough road conditions. The dealership acknowledged the noise but blamed the aftermarket springs. Subaru of America (SOA) opened a formal case but backed the dealership’s position without independent verification. The failure has been reproduced and confirmed by an independent mechanic, even with the aftermarket springs removed. Despite the clear evidence of a factory component failure, SOA refused to cover the repair under warranty, stating that the presence of aftermarket parts voids the claim. This is contrary to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, which requires proof that a modification caused a failure. No warning lamps or messages appeared prior to the issue. The symptoms—repetitive loud noises from the front suspension. I believe this may point to a broader defect with this OEM strut bearing and respectfully request investigation by NHTSA.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11650068March 24, 2025
ENGINE, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Driving my car as any person would, at the 3519 mile mark on the odometer the engine low oil light came on, it took (1.5Q) of oil to top it off. This is a brand new car no one buys a new car to add oil to it, then to get told by the dealership that it’s normal for up to (2Q) of oil to be added because it’s the only AWD boxer, but yet the 24 crosstreks have boxers and doesn’t burn oil?????
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11640227February 2, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE
Excessive blow by contaminating MAP sensors & creating lean/rich conditions. This causes loss of power, stalling and will lead to catastrophic engine failure. EGR system is faulty
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11634566January 7, 2025
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
During driving, especially when it is cold outside, the Subaru Eyesight Pre-Collision system (automatic emergency braking) can be triggered by exhaust smoke from a vehicle in front of it. The braking system can be falsely activated, which could cause your vehicle to be hit from behind. There is no way to adjust the sensitivity of this system. It is only meant to be activated by objects, but since the system is camera-based it might think that a large cloud of exhaust is actually solid. In the specific instance when this happened, I was waiting at a red light behind a GMC Acadia. When the light turned green, a lot of exhaust came from that car, and the pre-collision braking was activated, causing the car to activate the brakes very abruptly. At the next light, the same thing happened, but the car didn't hit the brakes that time since I lifted off the accelerator, but the warning buzzer still activated. Video showing the problem: [XXX] The loud grinding noise after the pre-collision warning beeps is the sound of the brakes when they are applied by pre-collision. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Pre-collision prevention How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Vehicle can stop unexpectedly which could cause a rear-end collision. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? No. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11633973January 3, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2024 Subaru WRX. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the ABS did not function as intended. The contact stated that while merging into another lane, the ABS independently activated, and the vehicle independently stopped. Additionally, the contact stated that due to the failure, the vehicle was almost rear-ended. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11630097December 11, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I’m driving with my eyes on the road and out of my peripheral vision I notice a change on my cars information screen. I instinctively respond and it’s an advertisement from Sirius XM taking up my whole screen. This of course distracted me momentarily and luckily there were no other cars close enough to cause an incident. It made my blood boil. This is completely unacceptable and unsafe. Shame on Subaru for allowing this.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11626554November 21, 2024
SUSPENSION
Popping sound on the right side when i turn the wheel fully to either side and move slowly in either direction.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11603762July 22, 2024
STRUCTURE:BODY
Hood vibration (visual) when driving and going over minor bumps.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11603282July 18, 2024
ENGINE
I would just like to complain about the excess Rtv on the engine oil pan that has been demonstrated on numerous videos of people opening up the oil drain pan and finding chunks of Rtv blocking some of the engine oil pickup tube. I have not opened up my oil drain pan due to cost. This has not lead to failure as of yet but it is worrisome. Thank you
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11587849May 9, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES
My son moved my car onto the driveway, stopped it with the foot brake with the manual transmission in neutral. The hill assist was activated, so when he got out of the car the brake held long enough for him to get out of the car and walk away before the brake released, about 2 seconds. The car then rolled down the driveway into a tree. This could have been a disaster if the tree wasn’t there to stop the driverless vehicle.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11577261March 14, 2024
POWER TRAIN
NHTSA ID:#10186366 SUBARU TSB #[XXX] This bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing. PRODUCTION CHANGE INFORMATION: The new clutch release bearing was incorporated into production starting with VIN [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11576251March 8, 2024
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
Lifetime Tracking Data Displayed Incorrectly with higher data results. High rev's max speed 131mp. I have never gone over 89 mp. MANUFACTURER COMMUNICATION NUMBER: 09-79-21 Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING NHTSA ID Number: 10201791 Manufacturer Communication Number: 09-79-21 Summary This bulletin announces availability of ECM reprogramming files to address isolated concerns of inaccurate values being displayed when accessing Lifetime Tracking Data using the Subaru Select Monitor and / or a Generic Scan Tool (GST). 1 Affected Product Vehicle MAKEMODELYEAR SUBARUWRX2021
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11576067March 7, 2024
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
Severe engine failure! Was driving steady speed on highway, then I let off the throttle and heard a bad knocking noise on deceleration. The engine oil temp increased to around 230F. I slowed down to limp it to the next exit and it started jerking. I made it to an exit and the engine stalled at the red light. No smoke, oil level good, coolant level good. Had it towed to Subaru dealer, where they said the engine has severe damage and needs a Short Block Engine Assembly. Warranty was denied because it has a cold air intake. Complained to Subaru Corporate because an intake should not cause catastrophic engine failure at only 38,000 miles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11572772February 19, 2024
POWER TRAIN, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
10,510 miles, a more pressing issue arose: the transmission started to bind while in gear. As I pressed the gas pedal, my WRX refused to accelerate, and instead, the engine RPMs surged. This occurred while I was on a three-lane street, in the lane furthest from the shoulder. Despite my attempts to pull over, the WRX wouldn’t engage in gear. I narrowly avoided collisions three times before managing to reach the nearest safe area to stop, which was a side road. The experience was harrowing, especially with my three children in the car. I had no choice but to have the car towed to the dealership on a flatbed. To this day, the dealership has been unable to diagnose the issue. I suspect that approximately 50 new miles were added to my odometer during its time there. The following parts were replaced in an attempt to address the problem: oil seal, main transmission shaft, LK Nut-23x11, LK Wash 23x35x2.3, and Gasket case R. The transmission work included replacing the clutch and associated components: pressure plate, throw-out bearing, fork, flywheel, cover CP-Clutch, bearing Clutch R, flywheel AY Flex, Complete Clutch Disk, Spring release lever, and High-Performance Gear oil 75W90. Additionally, the 5th/6th synchro set and sleeve/hub, Sleeve & Hub NO 2, and Ring Baulk were replaced. My WRX was in the shop for nearly 60 days. I communicated with the dealership and the manufacturer’s representatives via calls and text messages five times on the first day the dealer received the WRX, and three more times before the work order was created. "while in 2nd gear and preparing to shift at 3,500 RPMs. I thought about pushing in the clutch. However, before doing so the vehicle became unresponsive without any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to the failure." Then was told voided warranty for several different reasons after the next reason: first, due to mud found under the WRX; second, the use of unauthorized parts; third, allegations of racing/speeding; and fourth, c
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11557157November 28, 2023
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
Low engine oil levels came on just last week. I had gotten my complimentary oil/rotate last month. I’ve heard and seen videos on this vehicle having excessive RTV sealant on the oil pan. Makes me very concerned seeing how the RTV clogs the oil pickup resulting in oil deprivation. Seeing how this is my only car I rely a lot on this vehicle. The engine could’ve seized up on me anytime. When the light had come on I checked my dipstick and found that there was hardly any oil in the engine. T dipstick was practically dry. I have documentations to prove it as well. I’ve topped up my own oil and will be monitoring this problem. If I reproduce the same problem I will be back to complain again/headed to the dealership. This needs to be fixed ASAP. Seeing how my car only has 18,000 miles it’s ridiculous. Recall the vehicles already and get this issue resolved before someone gets seriously injured. No way I’m paying for something production messed up on.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11538807August 16, 2023
ENGINE
oil pickup tube was clogged with rtv that was over used to seal the oil pan, which causes less oil flow into the engine and can cause failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11530306July 4, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN, ENGINE
The electric pushbutton would not function. I have a standard transmission and I let the clutch out too soon by accident. It killed the engine but the electrical components stayed on, such as lights, interior dash gauge, air conditioning, radio, everything else functioned as if the car were on and running however, i couldn't start the vehicle and the push button did not generate any response from the vehicle. Opening and shutting the door did not work, getting out and locking the car did not do anything. It was just like when a desktop computer freezes with the screen still functioning. This is the third time it has happened, the first 2 times it was 1. In a store parking lot 2. In my garage. 3. Today it happened as I was trying to leave the house, in my garage again. Each time, letting off the clutch too soon is what caused the car to behave this way. The first time I sat in the parking lot for about 15 minutes, same with the second time. This time I made sure to look at a clock and it happened at 10:50 am CST, it is 11:21 am CST currently and still no response from the car, it will not turn on. My safety so far has not been a concern as I was in a parking lot or garage each time this has happened but if this happens in traffic or in an intersection, it will be deadly. It will kill people both myself and other motorists. I have slipped off of the clutch before in this vehicle and this malfunction does not happen each time. It is sporadic. I don't know why it happens only sometimes. The problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. The vehicle or component has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or any other people. The first occurrences have been in the month of June 2023. There were no other warning lamps on to indicate any problems. The dash lights, air, etc remain on after it happens just like when you switch the car to the "Accessories" position however the engine will not Crank.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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