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Electrical systemPart report

2016 Subaru WRX Electrical system Problems

Complaints
10about this part
Share
32%of 31 total for the year
Median mileage
46,900miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the electrical system of the 2016 Subaru WRX, 32% of the 31 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 46,900 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.

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.

“Passenger side headlights went out. I kept getting headlight disabled message on dash, with condensation building up on the passenger headlight, but the headlight kept working so I gave it a week and now passenger side is completely out. I took it to Subaru and they said they will replace the bulb. After taking my car in to replace the bulb, they realized my car requires a full replacement of the headlight. It's only been two years and it costs $840 for the headlight and $1000+ with labor just to fix a low beam. I have extended warranty complete package and it wasn't covered. …”

NHTSA complaint #11081454, filed 2018-03, 46,900 miles

“ABS, cruise control, and other driving assistance features are disabled while driving at night. I checked for recalls on Subaru WRXs and noticed a recall was issued for the same problems on 2011-2015 models. My vehicle is a 2016 model and demonstrates all the same failures observed from the recall of the 2011-2015 models.”

NHTSA complaint #11451282, filed 2022-02

“The battery on my 2016 Subaru WRX has drained - twice - while parked for a week or less. This has occurred before and after replacing the battery at the dealership. Both times the battery was recharged by AAA and driven for 30-45 minutes to bring the battery back to full charge.”

NHTSA complaint #11448280, filed 2022-01

“Several batteries that have died prematurely, last one only 2 months since last use. Vehicle has refused to start on several occasions, despite the battery being okay. Suspect issues with controller area network.”

NHTSA complaint #11448307, filed 2022-01

“2016 WRX drains its battery while the vehicle is turned off. After 3 days of being outside in 20-40 degree Fahrenheit weather, the battery was completely flat and would not start. This has happened 2 winters in a row now.”

NHTSA complaint #11444185, filed 2021-12

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 2016 Subaru WRX

Engine
8 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsElectronic stability control
2 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsTires
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2016 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