2002 Subaru WRX Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 1%of 427 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 75,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the body and structure of the 2002 Subaru WRX, 1% of the 427 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 75,000 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.
“Subframe near passenger/right front control arm is rusted through and has holes. Subaru of cherry hill, nj stated that it should be replaced and was at significant risk of breaking when removed for control arm recall (wvx34).dealership said the case with pictures was reported to Subaru headquarters and dealership stated it was the first time they have seen it. I discovered many other cases reported dating back as far as may 2009. Documented with pictures of my own.”
NHTSA complaint #10439262, filed 2011-12, 139,900 miles“The body is deteriorating so fast. I laugh at the Subaru commercial where the parents give their kids the old car. I would not trust the old Subaru to keep my children safe. I've had to replace the frame, and am letting the body rust. The sickening smell of fumes like gas in the winter are horrible. When I keep the Subaru in the garage, it makes my whole house toxic with fumes. Subaru will not honor the recall on it, because I am in ohio, and ohio is not a cold-weather state, but do they realize we have tons of snow and frigid temperatures in the winter. …”
NHTSA complaint #10936296, filed 2016-12, 75,000 miles“I'm filing my complaint with all the others about the strong fuel smell during the cold months. I cannot believe ohio is not included in the recall. I've taken my car to the dealer numerous times to be told that the car is okay. Frankly, this past cold winter has been awful. The smell makes it's way into the house. It is awful. I cannot believe Subaru does not believe ohio is cold and will not stand by its autos. Also, when I brought the auto in for a recall on the front control arms, they only rustproofed them and never told me the frame was rusted out. This was at 125,000 miles. …”
NHTSA complaint #10627180, filed 2014-08, 1,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11022304Aug 11, 2025This bulletin provides information on paint codes for vehicles in the 2026 line up.
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 | 7% |
| 2022 | 1 | 4% |
| 2018 | 1 | 2% |
| 2017 | 1 | 2% |
| 2015 | 4 | 8% |
| 2014 | 1 | 17% |
| 2013 | 1 | 14% |
| 2009 | 13 | 32% |
| 2008 | 26 | 40% |
| 2006 | 1 | 7% |
| 2002 | 3 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2002 Subaru WRX
295 complaintsBrakes
80 complaintsEngine cooling
16 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
16 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
8 complaintsSuspension
6 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsElectrical system
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