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EnginePart report

2020 Subaru WRX Engine Problems

Complaints
3about this part
Share
17%of 18 total for the year
Median mileage
30,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the engine of the 2020 Subaru WRX, 17% of the 18 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 30,000 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.

“I purchased the vehicle used with 33800 miles and at 34100 the engine stalled and was hard to start, once started it was knocking severely. I have seen a class action law suit based on the same issues but the 2020 model year is not included”

NHTSA complaint #11615911, filed 2024-09

“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

“The contact owns a 2020 Subaru WRX. The contact stated that while the transmission was shifted into neutral (N), the instrument panel displayed that the transmission was shifted in reverse (R), and the rearview camera image was displayed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact shifted the transmission to drive (D), but the instrument panel displayed that the transmission was still in reverse (R), and the rearview camera was displayed while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. …”

NHTSA complaint #11694019, filed 2025-10, 30,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Engine: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202417%
2023222%
20221560%
2021538%
2020317%
20191137%
20181228%
20171223%
2016826%
20151835%
2014233%
2013114%
2009410%
200823%
2006214%
2005211%
200425%
200220%

Other parts of the 2020 Subaru WRX

Electrical system
6 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
3 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaints
Brakes
2 complaints
Other or unknown
2 complaints
Seat belts
2 complaints
Air bags
1 complaints
Back-over prevention (rear camera)
1 complaints
Exterior lighting
1 complaints
Fuel system
1 complaints
Wheels
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