2005 Subaru WRX Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 11%of 19 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 145,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the engine of the 2005 Subaru WRX, 11% of the 19 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 145,500 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.
“When I started my car the other morning (~14 degrees f) I smelled a strong fuel odor in the cabin. I opened the hood of the car and also smelled it there as well. I drove the car about 2 miles and the smell went away. Once stopped and idling, the odor returned. It is a very strong raw gasoline smell. Upon further research, I found that many other Subaru owners are experiencing the same exact issue. It turns out to be a faulty clamp and/or hose, which results in leaking gasoline out of the fuel line. …”
NHTSA complaint #10559034, filed 2014-01, 140,000 miles“During cold weather, there is a strong fuel smell in the cabin. Rubber fuel lines on the passenger side leak, causing fuel to puddle on top of the engine block, creating an extreme fire hazard.”
NHTSA complaint #10671494, filed 2015-01, 151,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11027982Jan 12, 2026This Bulletin provides the diagnostic procedure for the STARLINK® Remote Engine Start (RES).
- 11027083Dec 8, 2025This Service Information Bulletin provides the Service Manual Correction to the diagnostic procedure for DTC B2A16 (Immobilizer Key Collation Diagnosis).
- 11022305Aug 11, 2025Subaru Service Technical Support Newsletter special edition.
- 11017452Apr 22, 2025This Bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be followed when diagnosing engine oil leakage on FA and FB type engines.
- 11016224Mar 24, 2025The purpose of this bulletin is to advise of SOA’s revised Catalytic Converter Recycling Program shipping procedure.
- 11008282Sep 27, 2024This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
- 11008281Sep 26, 2024This Service Information Bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be followed when diagnosing engine oil leakage on FA and FB type engines.
- 11008267Sep 17, 2024This bulletin announces availability of the NEW genuine Subaru engine oil filter.
- 11006934Aug 5, 2024The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.
- 11005608Jul 11, 2024This thermo control valve video contains information on the replacement of thermo control valve.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 | 7% |
| 2023 | 2 | 22% |
| 2022 | 15 | 60% |
| 2021 | 5 | 38% |
| 2020 | 3 | 17% |
| 2019 | 11 | 37% |
| 2018 | 12 | 28% |
| 2017 | 12 | 23% |
| 2016 | 8 | 26% |
| 2015 | 18 | 35% |
| 2014 | 2 | 33% |
| 2013 | 1 | 14% |
| 2009 | 4 | 10% |
| 2008 | 2 | 3% |
| 2006 | 2 | 14% |
| 2005 | 2 | 11% |
| 2004 | 2 | 5% |
| 2002 | 2 | 0% |
Other parts of the 2005 Subaru WRX
12 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 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