2023 Subaru WRX Problems
- Complaints
- 9filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- —no mileage reported
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- Too newThis model year is less than 4 years old, so a trend is not meaningful yet.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall
- EPA fuel economy
- 22 mpgcombined, 2.4L 4-cyl AWD · 19 city / 26 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2023 Subaru WRX (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 9 consumer complaints for the 2023 Subaru WRX. The part named most often is air bags, with 2 complaints (22% of the total), followed by brakes (2) and engine (2). Of all complaints, 2 involved a crash, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 212 technical service bulletins for this model year. Air bags complaints overlap with 2 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Brakes complaints overlap with 3 technical service bulletins filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Air bags2 22%
- Brakes2 22%
- Engine2 22%
- Suspension2 22%
- Other or unknown1 11%
- Seat belts1 11%
- Seats1 11%
Example complaints
Air bags: “The failing component system is the drivers side impact airbags. Subaru of America did their own inspection and has listed their findings in an email (it can be forwarded to you if needed). The vehicle is currently at a collision center appointed by our insurance company but has not yet been inspected there. Our vehicle sat at NEW MOTORS dealership so that Subaru of America could do their investigation. They had our vehicle for 50 days to do this inspection (no repairs). …”
NHTSA complaint #11759540, filed 2026-08Brakes: “My vehicle has a hand brake built into the vehicle and at 25,000 miles my hand brake started to fail and wouldn’t hold the car in place. I had it repaired under warranty and the whole emergency/handbrake assembly was replaced, I looked at it and tested it before I left the dealership and noticed the same issue, I brought it up to the dealership and they noticed the same issue also after testing it again themselves, and they also stated there were other vehicles of the same model with less miles having the same issue and also said it could possibly be a recall. …”
NHTSA complaint #11704382, filed 2025-12Engine: “I would just like to complain about the excess Rtv on the engine oil pan that has been demonstrated on numerous videos of people opening up the oil drain pan and finding chunks of Rtv blocking some of the engine oil pickup tube. I have not opened up my oil drain pan due to cost. This has not lead to failure as of yet but it is worrisome. Thank you”
NHTSA complaint #11603282, filed 2024-07Suspension: “I am reporting a potential safety-related defect involving the front suspension of my 2023 Subaru WRX. After installing aftermarket lowering springs, I began noticing loud popping, clicking, and cracking noises from the front struts during low-speed turns and uneven road surfaces. To isolate the issue, the springs were completely removed from the strut assemblies. The noise persisted when manually rotating the top hat and shaft, confirming an internal defect in the OEM strut mount bearing (Subaru part #20320FL010). This eliminates the springs as the source of the issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #11659521, filed 2025-05Complaints by year filed
This model year is less than 4 years old, so a trend is not meaningful yet.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2023 Subaru WRX. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WRX · sedan AWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 · 9.0% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2023 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking optional.
Neighbouring years: 2022: same overall rating; 2024: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2023 Subaru WRX version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WRX AWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | 19 | 26 | 22 | $3,750 |
| WRX AWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | CVT | 19 | 25 | 21 | $3,900 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 23V754000Nov 9, 2023Power train › Driveline › DriveshaftCovers: Subaru WRX 2023, Forester 2023–2024, Impreza 2024 +1 more
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Crosstrek, Impreza, 2023-2024 Forester, and 2023 WRX vehicles. The front driveshaft assemblies' outer race may develop cracks and break.
Recall details for the 2023 Subaru WRX → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 212 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037943Oct 5, 2026Other or unknown, Electrical system. This announcement provides information on a new software update for the Midtronics Dss and DCA machines.
- 11037942Sep 28, 2026Electrical system, Transmission and drivetrain. This announcement provides information on an enhancement of the TechShare CVT diagnostic assitance application.
- 11037940Sep 18, 2026Other or unknown. This bulletin provides paint code information for 2027 model year vehicles.
- 11037938Sep 18, 2026Electrical system. "This Bulletin announces additional troubleshooting steps for the following DTCs: DTC C1956: RH Actuator Circuit DTC C1957: LH Actuator Circuit"
- 11037930Sep 15, 2026Other or unknown. This announcement provides an update to all 2027 model year Subaru warranty coverages for wear items and adjustments.
- 11037929Sep 14, 2026Other or unknown, Electrical system. This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. This is an revised version of the original bulletin.
- 11037928Sep 14, 2026Electrical system, Other or unknown. In the interest of customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is extending the New Car Limited Warranty coverage for the CP1 & Gen 3.1 Head Unit used in the listed models and model years…
- 11037927Sep 14, 2026Electrical system. This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. This is an revised version of the original bulletin.
- 11036820Aug 31, 2026Electrical system, Seats. This bulletin announces design changes to the front seat bottom heat unit.
- 11036804Aug 21, 2026Transmission and drivetrain, Electrical system. This Announcement provides diagnostic assistance for CVT issues.
Other model years of the Subaru WRX
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 14 | 150 | 0 | 5 | 22 | — | Too new |
| 2023 | 9 | — | 1 | 5 | 22 | — | Too new |
| 2022 | 25 | 19,800 | 1 | 5 | 22 | 56 · Typical | Rising |
| 2021 | 13 | — | 1 | 5 | 21 | — | Not enough data |
| 2020 | 18 | 9,600 | 1 | 5 | 21 | — | Stable |
| 2019 | 30 | 27,250 | 2 | — | 21 | 33 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2018 | 43 | 14,500 | 2 | — | 21 | 64 · Typical | Stable |
| 2017 | 53 | 36,000 | 1 | — | 21 | 49 · Typical | Falling |
| 2016 | 31 | 25,000 | 3 | — | 21 | 51 · Typical | Falling |
| 2015 | 52 | 31,250 | 3 | — | 21 | 65 · More | Falling |
| 2014 | 6 | 34,000 | 10 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2013 | 7 | 10,500 | 11 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2009 | 41 | 71,327 | 10 | — | — | 0 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2008 | 65 | 80,000 | 7 | — | — | 0 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2006 | 14 | 66,870 | 3 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2005 | 19 | 48,000 | 4 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 2004 | 42 | 69,990 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2003 | 60 | 23,800 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2002 | 427 | 40,000 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Subaru WRX model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2023 Subaru WRX have?
NHTSA recorded 9 consumer complaints for the 2023 Subaru WRX as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2023 Subaru WRX is reported most often?
Air bags is named most often, in 2 complaints (22% of the total), followed by brakes with 2.
Has the 2023 Subaru WRX been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2023 Subaru WRX do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2023 Subaru WRX 5 out of 5 stars overall. Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2023 Subaru WRX get?
The EPA rates the 2023 Subaru WRX (WRX, 2.4L 4-cyl) at 22 mpg combined, 19 city and 26 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,750 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.