2002 Subaru WRX Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 80about this part
- Share
- 19%of 427 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 21,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 80 complaints about the brakes of the 2002 Subaru WRX, 19% of the 427 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 21,500 miles. 14 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The brake pedal on my 2002 Subaru sometimes gets soft (looses brake pressure), specially when it's cold and the sits parked for several hours. The dealer has changed an expansion valve( ? ), but the problem comes back on occasion. This problem makes me feel insecure about my brake system. The dealer says everything is ok, but the problem persists.”
NHTSA complaint #10227244, filed 2008-05, 60,000 miles“When braking over uneven surfaces or bumps on dry pavement, the ABS kicked in and the brake pedal went to the floor leaving me with absolutely no brakes for a second until I lifted my foot off the pedal and reapplied pressure. This caused me to almost crash into the car in front of me which was stopped at the stoplight. I had to change into the right turn lane to avoid an accident.”
NHTSA complaint #10054609, filed 2004-01, 11,005 miles“Whenever I brake over uneven (jiggly) terrain, the ABS on my 2002 WRX kicks in and braking is reduced and braking distance is lengthened. No other car that I have owned with ABS over the past 15 years has had this problem. No accidents or injuries, but numerous scary moments when braking was diminished while going over bumps.”
NHTSA complaint #10028489, filed 2003-07, 100 miles“While applying the brakes, something is banging in the front end. Only happens the first time I back up and apply brakes. Move forward and it bangs again but only the first time I move in that direction. Dealer tells me the brake shoes are moving but nothing can be done, they claim it is not a problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10092950, filed 2004-09, 21,000 miles“I would like to add to your review of the ABS issues with these cars. It is a known problem among all WRX owners that the ABS system is faulty. I have been in several instances where I was trying to stop and would hit a pothole and the ABS became overactive and I actually went partly through the light. It only takes a small bump to drastically hamper the braking performance. The most recent occurance was just last month.”
NHTSA complaint #10028389, filed 2003-07, 22 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11002725Jun 25, 2024This bulletin provides diagnosis and procedure information to be applied when diagnosing potential fluid leaks on front and rear brake calipers. This information has been…
- 10163525Jul 11, 2019This Service Information bulletin announces instruction for application of additional lubrication between the brake caliper support and pad clips. This will prevent the pad from…
- 10154419Jan 25, 2019This Service Information bulletin announces instruction for application of additional lubrication between the brake caliper support and pad clips. This will prevent the pad from…
- 10016436Aug 19, 2005(abs) anti-lock braking system control unit customer satisfaction program.
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 | 7% |
| 2023 | 2 | 22% |
| 2022 | 1 | 4% |
| 2020 | 2 | 11% |
| 2018 | 1 | 2% |
| 2017 | 2 | 4% |
| 2016 | 2 | 6% |
| 2014 | 3 | 50% |
| 2013 | 2 | 29% |
| 2009 | 11 | 27% |
| 2008 | 25 | 38% |
| 2004 | 1 | 2% |
| 2003 | 20 | 33% |
| 2002 | 80 | 19% |
Other parts of the 2002 Subaru WRX
295 complaintsEngine cooling
16 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
16 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
8 complaintsSuspension
6 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsEngine
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Subaru WRX
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology