2016 Subaru WRX problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 40 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.7 times the median WRX year — the 2016 model ranks #10 of 24 WRX years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 12 reports (30% of the total).

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2016 compare to other WRX years?

WRX NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all WRX years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Subaru WRX problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Electrical System	12	30%	▲ up
Engine	8	20%	▼ down
Other	6	15%	— flat
Transmission	4	10%	▼ down
Brakes	2	5%	▼ down
Fuel System	2	5%	▼ down
Steering	2	5%	— flat
Visibility & Wipers	1	3%	▼ down
Tires & Wheels	1	3%	— flat
Lighting	1	3%	▼ down
Speed Control	1	3%	— flat

Does the 2016 Subaru WRX have recalls?

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

22V522000LightingJuly 21, 2022 · 59,934 units

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2021 WRX vehicles. The backup light switch may corrode and become inoperative, which can result in the backup lights not illuminating and the rearview camera image not displaying when the vehicle is in reverse.

Consequence

Inoperative backup lights and an inoperative rearview camera can reduce vehicle visibility and driver awareness, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the backup light switch, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-22.

16V162000EngineMarch 21, 2016 · 18,187 units

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 WRX vehicles manufactured April 10, 2015, to October 21, 2015, and Forester 2.0XT vehicles manufactured April 10, 2015, to October 20, 2015. The turbocharger air intake duct may crack and possibly result in an engine stall.

Consequence

An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the turbocharger air intake duct, and replace it as necessary, free of charge, depending on the lot number found on the duct. The recall began April 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTA-62.

15V366000Driver AssistanceJune 12, 2015 · 71,710 units

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015 Legacy vehicles manufactured March 10, 2014, to April 16, 2015, Outback vehicles manufactured February 24, 2014, to April 16, 2015, Impreza vehicles manufactured September 9, 2014, to April 14, 2015, XV Crosstrek vehicles manufactured October 16, 2014, to April 15, 2015, and 2016 WRX vehicles manufactured March 23, 2015, and equipped with the Eyesight Driver Assist System. If the switch that activates the brake lights fails, the automatic pre-collision braking component of the driver assist system will not function.

Consequence

If the automatic pre-collision braking system does not function as intended, the vehicle will not react to an obstacle in its path, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the driver assist system, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQS-54.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“The Seconary Air Injection pump stayed on for days. Burnt a hole in the side, relay possibly damaged, and now setting off other components and computers.”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 11, 2022 · fire

“FRONT END COLLISION VS DEER ON INTERSTATE AT APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH. 4-5 MINUTES AFTER THE ACCIDENT THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS. NO ONE WAS INJURED. WE ALL WERE OUT OF THE CAR AT THE TIME THE FIRE STARTED.”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 11, 2018 · crash · fire

“VEHICLE DID NOT MEET INSPECTION / WHEEL ALIGNMENT VEHICLE WAS PARKED NEAR A HIGH VOLTAGE POWER LINE DURING WHICH ATMOSPHERIC / AND NATURAL OCCOURANACE ELECTRIC DISTURBANCE CAUSED A ELECTRIC DISTURBANCE VEHICLE IS BEEN RECALLED HOMELESS AT THE TIME OF THE VEHICLE WAS SCHEDULED TO BE TURNED OVER TO…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · March 29, 2019

“IN MY 2016 SUBARU WRX I HAVE HAD THE CONSISTENT PROBLEM OF GETTING IT FROM NEUTRAL INTO 1ST GEAR. IT IS EITHER EXTREMELY DIFFICULT OR IMPOSSIBLE TO GET THE CAR INTO FIRST FROM A (I.E. TRAFFIC LIGHT) STOP. IT FEELS LIKE THERE IS SOMETHING BLOCKING THE SLOT FOR THE GEAR- SOMETIMES THE ONLY WAY TO GET…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 30, 2016

“RECALL CLUTCH CHANGE BRAKES ELECTRICAL AND EMISSIONS SEEM TO BE FAILING TUCSON, AZ SUBARU PALM SPRINGS ,CA SUBARU IN MOTION SYSTEMS SYSTEMS FAILURE”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · January 30, 2019

2016 Subaru WRX — common questions

Is the 2016 Subaru WRX reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 40 complaints put the 2016 model at #10 of 24 WRX years. It is one of the WRX years to avoid.

What are the most common 2016 WRX problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (12 complaints), engine (8 complaints), other (6 complaints).

Does the 2016 Subaru WRX have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 Subaru WRX. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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 2016 compare to other WRX years?

What are the most common 2016 Subaru WRX problems?

Does the 2016 Subaru WRX have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2016 Subaru WRX — common questions

Is the 2016 Subaru WRX reliable?

What are the most common 2016 WRX problems?

Does the 2016 Subaru WRX have recalls?

Which Subaru WRX years should you avoid?

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