2005 Subaru WRX Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 11%of 19 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 27,125miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2005 Subaru WRX, 11% of the 19 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 27,125 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.
“I own a 2005 Subaru impreza WRX sti. I am having problems shifting into 5th gear. The transmission grinds and resists going into gear. This is only a problem with 5th gear, all of the other gears are smooth and responsive. Since experiencing this problem, I have done quite a bit of research and discovered that this is a common problem in 2004 and 2005 stis. Apparently, Subaru of america put an inferior synchro in 5th gear. 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 6th all have upgraded synchros. Starting in 2006, Subaru began putting the upgraded synchros in all 6 gears. …”
NHTSA complaint #10228254, filed 2008-05, 33,000 miles“Under normal city driving and highway commuting the transmission and clutch pedal stopped delivering power on the highway. I managed to safely get off the highway and had the car towed to dealership. Dealer refused to cover worn clutch under warranty despite wear items covered under the 3 year//36000 mile coverage. Car was around 20000 miles. Dealer gave me a feeling that I was discriminated against because I was a young man with a sporty car, therefore, I must race it and abuse it. I have old parts in my garage. They did, however, cover brake pads at another time.”
NHTSA complaint #10191008, filed 2007-05, 21,250 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11033056May 4, 2026This announcement provides information on the remanufactured CVT transmission program.
- 11032040Apr 24, 2026This bulletin announces the service manual correction regarding clutch master cylinder reservoir service procedures.
- 11022305Aug 11, 2025Subaru Service Technical Support Newsletter special edition.
- 11005624Jul 24, 2024This annoucement provides parts personnel information about remanufactured transmissions that will no longer be available.
- 10186364Jan 12, 2021This bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 3 | 21% |
| 2023 | 1 | 11% |
| 2022 | 4 | 16% |
| 2021 | 6 | 46% |
| 2020 | 3 | 17% |
| 2019 | 2 | 7% |
| 2018 | 6 | 14% |
| 2017 | 11 | 21% |
| 2016 | 4 | 13% |
| 2015 | 18 | 35% |
| 2014 | 1 | 17% |
| 2013 | 6 | 86% |
| 2009 | 33 | 80% |
| 2008 | 48 | 74% |
| 2006 | 4 | 29% |
| 2005 | 2 | 11% |
| 2004 | 1 | 2% |
| 2003 | 4 | 7% |
| 2002 | 16 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2005 Subaru WRX
← All problems reported for the 2005 Subaru WRX
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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