2002 Subaru WRX problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 461 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 19.6 times the median WRX year — the 2002 model ranks #1 of 24 WRX years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 18 injuries in total across these filings.

The trouble concentrates in one system: fuel system issues account for 67% of all reports (308 of 461), far ahead of brakes at 83.

461

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other WRX years?

WRX NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all WRX years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Subaru WRX problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Fuel System	308	67%	new
Brakes	83	18%	new
Transmission	19	4%	new
Engine	18	4%	new
Visibility & Wipers	8	2%	new
Suspension	6	1%	new
Airbags	3	1%	new
Electrical System	3	1%	new
Other	3	1%	new
Body & Structure	3	1%	new
Tires & Wheels	3	1%	new
Speed Control	2	0%	new
Seat Belts	1	0%	new
Steering	1	0%	new

Does the 2002 Subaru WRX have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

09V468000Fuel SystemDecember 4, 2009 · 5,724 units

Defect

SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002 AND 2003 IMPREZA WRX VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF SOUTH DAKOTA, NEBRASKA, NORTH DAKOTA, MINNESOTA, IDAHO, IOWA, MONTANA, COLORADO, WISCONSIN, NEW YORK, WYOMING, MICHIGAN, ALASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, VERMONT, AND MAINE. DURING COLD STARTS, TYPICALLY UNDER EXTREMELY COLD TEMPERATURES, FUEL LEAKS IN THE FUEL DELIVERY LINE COULD OCCUR WHERE THE LINE CONNECTS WITH A RUBBER HOSE.

Consequence

FUEL LEAKS, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL LINE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 31, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.

06E060000LightingJune 29, 2006 · 87,745 units

Defect

CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Consequence

LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH

Remedy

AAI MOTORSPORTS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AAI MOTORSPORTS AT 909-923-9188.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“MY 2002 MODEL IMPREZA WRX-2.0L EXPERIENCES A FUEL SMELL IN COLD WEATHER. TOOK IT TO DEALER COURTESY MOTORS SUBARU-CHICO CA. THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID HE DIDN'T SMELL ANYTHING SO I LEFT MAD, BUT I LEFT. SINCE THEN, SUBARU HAS ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) REGARDING THIS PROBLEM AND I…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · December 12, 2003 · fire

“I WAS DRIVING MY 02 SUBARU WRX ON THE HIGHWAY. I NEED TO STOP SUDDENLY AND THE BRAKES FAILED. THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, BUT THE CAR DIDN'T SLOW DOWN. THIS CAUSE ME TO REAR END A FORD EXPLORER. THIS CAUSE APPROXIMATELY $3800 IN DAMAGES. *NM”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 4, 2004 · crash

“WHILE RETURNING TO LAS VEGAS FROM A CAMPING TRIP ON VENTURA FREEWAY NEAR THE TARZANA EXIT OUR 2003 WRX EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF BRAKING AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC ON CLEAR, DRY, RAIN GROOVED HIGHWAY. MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE WRX AT THE TIME AND SHE REPORTED THAT THE ABS KICKED IN…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 16, 2003 · crash

“EXHAUST SYSTEM OVERHEATS, CAUSING CARPETING INSIDE PASSENGER'S COMPARTMENT TO GET VERY HOT AFTER THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN DRIVEN OVER A LONG PERIOD OF TIME. ALSO, DUE TO VEHICLE OVERHEATING METAL HAS TURNED INTO A CHERRY COLOR. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER; DEALER STATED THAT IT WAS CAUSED BY…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 20, 2001

“I NOW HAVE AN EIGHT INCH CRACK RUNNING FROM THE BASE OF THE WINDSHIELD TOWARDS THE UPPER RIGHT CORNER. THERE WERE NO VISIBLE CHIPS OR CRACKS THE DAY BEFORE AND THE CAR WAS GARAGED. THERE ARE NUMEROUS THREADS AT CLUBWRX.NET AND I-CLUB.COM PERTAINING TO THIS VERY PROBLEM WITH SUBARU'S WRX…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · October 26, 2002

2002 Subaru WRX — common questions

Is the 2002 Subaru WRX reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 461 complaints put the 2002 model at #1 of 24 WRX years. It is one of the WRX years to avoid.

What are the most common 2002 WRX problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (308 complaints), brakes (83 complaints), transmission (19 complaints).

Does the 2002 Subaru WRX have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2002 Subaru WRX. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2002 Subaru WRX under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 5 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Subaru WRX years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the WRX years to avoid are 2002, 2008, 2017, 2015, 2009, 2003, 2018, 2004, 2019, 2016. The cleanest record among WRX years belongs to 2007.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 2002 compare to other WRX years?

What are the most common 2002 Subaru WRX problems?

Does the 2002 Subaru WRX have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2002 Subaru WRX — common questions

Is the 2002 Subaru WRX reliable?

What are the most common 2002 WRX problems?

Does the 2002 Subaru WRX have recalls?

Is the 2002 Subaru WRX under NHTSA investigation?

Which Subaru WRX years should you avoid?

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