2013 Subaru WRX Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 86%of 7 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 18,650miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2013 Subaru WRX, 86% of the 7 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 18,650 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.
“Clutch release bearing (aka throw out bearing) in the vehicle prematurely wears off, resulting in loss of power while driving. My WRX made squeaky noise in the cold morning, but disappears in afternoon. It just comes and goes, so I thought it was just noise at first. Few days later, I was driving on the freeway, and as soon as I stepped on my clutch, I felt some grinding noise, and white smoke started coming out from my front hood. My clutch was not engaging anymore and I was fortunate enough to cruise and pull the vehicle to the side of the freeway. …”
NHTSA complaint #11144668, filed 2018-11, 61,000 miles“The clutch pedal on my 2013 WRX makes a loud creaking noise every time it's depressed. When I investigated the noise, I noticed that the entire clutch pedal bracket assembly (attached to the forward firewall) shifts approx 1/4 inch every time the clutch pedal is depressed. I found that the three spot welds securing the clutch pedal bracket to the forward firewall could be broken. From the outside of the firewall, just under the windshield wipers, I saw the spot welds pulling away from the firewall every time the clutch pedal was depressed. …”
NHTSA complaint #10910647, filed 2016-09, 60,000 miles“I purchased a my 2013 WRX with only 7miles on it and after the 'break-in period of 1000 miles the engine through a connecting rod. The engine was replaced under warranty. Granted the effort to have soa take care this major failure was painful. At mile 29k this past may. I heard a faint knocking/ticking while on the highway. After 20 mins the noise got louder, by the time I was home it sounded like marbles were in my engine. The dealer had to do tear-down and told me the engine failed and had to be replaced,they then told me that the clutch was abused' and had to be replaced. …”
NHTSA complaint #10744338, filed 2015-07, 29,500 miles“Brand new off the lot clutch failed after 500 miles. Replaced at no cost, but dealer accused 76-year-old driver of burning rubber. Second clutch good, but still engages very high and quick. Frequent stalls result.”
NHTSA complaint #10853049, filed 2016-04, 500 miles“The clutch firewall welds have broken loose, causing the clutch to feel soft and flex. Over time this will become a catastrophic failure resulting in an inoperable transmission.”
NHTSA complaint #10576207, filed 2014-04, 7,800 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.
- 11017444Apr 22, 2025This bulletin announces design changes made to the rear axle hubs. These changes have been implemented to reduce cases water intrusion further leading to harmonic, humming, and…
- 11005624Jul 24, 2024This annoucement provides parts personnel information about remanufactured transmissions that will no longer be available.
- 10160492Mar 11, 2019In the interest of customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is extending the New Car Limited Powertrain Warranty coverage for the turbocharged 2.5L ?EJ? short block…
- 10055441Feb 20, 2014Subaru: the custiomer may complain of the intermittent operation of the hill start assist warning lamp. Stored dtc c0076 with detail codes 2610h and/or 2620h.
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 2013 Subaru WRX
← All problems reported for the 2013 Subaru WRX
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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