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Electrical systemPart report

2020 Subaru WRX Electrical system Problems

Complaints
6about this part
Share
33%of 18 total for the year
Median mileage
20,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the electrical system of the 2020 Subaru WRX, 33% of the 18 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 20,000 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.

“Have had this car since late 2019 around November and it is now 2022 and I'm at 25k miles in my battery is already failing I have had it tested and the cold cranking amps are why below where they should be causing the car not be able to start at time . I've had other car batteries that lasted long than 2 and a half years.”

NHTSA complaint #11465605, filed 2022-05

“The vehicle seems to randomly die and bog out then all of the lights appear on the dash, I myself had to pay out of pocket for a new battery because autonation subaru arapahoe in colorado decided not to check it like I had asked and after getting my car back the issue was still there which is why I replaced it today. not only this but they sold me a highly modified vehicle without disclosing any of that info to me in the sale process.”

NHTSA complaint #11449483, filed 2022-01

“Parasitic battery problem My car battery keeps dying on my Subaru sti 2020 after one day of not driving. I have had the car checked with Subaru dealership and a local shop but no issues were found. This morning I had to get my car jumped again after not driving it for one day. This battery was purchased brand new on nov 2024.At this point I am not sure what to do. I don’t want to keep changing batteries every 3 months. Already contacted Subaru America and they have asked me to go back to the dealership and have them provide a diagnostic assessment.”

NHTSA complaint #11634545, filed 2025-01

“-Flickering head lights -Driver window loose -Windshield wipers did not work on the passenger side (I don't know how it passed inspection) -When shifted into 4th gear the stick was making odd movements and jumping -Mechanical noises like cranking coming from the engine or under the car”

NHTSA complaint #11773142, filed 2026-10

“The contact owns a 2020 Subaru WRX. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle would not start. The vehicle was diagnosed by the dealer but no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that telematics control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 20,000.”

NHTSA complaint #11513689, filed 2023-03, 20,000 miles

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 2020 Subaru WRX

Engine
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsWheels
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2020 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