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Electrical systemPart report

2002 Subaru WRX Electrical system Problems

Complaints
3about this part
Share
1%of 427 total for the year
Median mileage
37,001miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the electrical system of the 2002 Subaru WRX, 1% of the 427 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 37,001 miles.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Traveling on a damp, bumpy asphalt road in seattle (tempurature was in the mid-40's). Light ahead turns red - I apply the brakes as usual, but the peddle suddenly sinks about an inch and I feel ABS come on. It feels as if the brakes have no stopping power and are only working at about 10%. I let up on the brakes and tried again, and was able to stop before hitting the car in front of me. This has also happened once before, on some metal drawbridge grating. It seems as if the ABS comes on in times when it should not, which causes the brakes to practically not work. …”

NHTSA complaint #10102970, filed 2004-12, 35,500 miles

“Noticed a strong gasoline odor coming from ventilation system. Outside ambient temperature was -8f. Opened hood and noticed a visible vapor cloud of gasoline. Immediately took to dealer's service department, as I felt that the car was no longer safe to drive. Was told that parts were on national backorder . (this indicates to me that this must be a widespread problem.) car was repaired (after a wait of one week) at a cost of $534.55 (car is out of warranty). Repairs included r&r intake manifold replaced fuel delivery pipe , using parts pipe cp fuel return , hose , gasket intake manifold . …”

NHTSA complaint #10057131, filed 2004-02, 38,502 miles

“I own a 02 WRX I live in armidale australia. I just spent a lot of money fixing this problem. Please be careful when the car heats up it can burn out the exhaust sensor and cause major problems with the turbo.I notice once there was no sensor left it gave my car computer nothing to go off . In result costing me 3000 dollars to fix .WRX drivers take care and please get your sensors checked to see if they are in anyway faulty.”

NHTSA complaint #10320354, filed 2010-03

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2022312%
2021215%
2020633%
20191447%
20181023%
20171426%
20161032%
2015612%
200812%
200312%
200231%

Other parts of the 2002 Subaru WRX

Fuel system
295 complaintsBrakes
80 complaintsEngine cooling
16 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
16 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
8 complaintsSuspension
6 complaintsAir bags
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 27, 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