VehicleVerdict

2020 Subaru WRX problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 23 complaints on file for the 2020 Subaru WRX — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

23

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2020 compare to other WRX years?

WRX NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted461 complaints2002: 461 complaints2003: 65 complaints2004: 46 complaints2005: 24 complaints2006: 14 complaints2007: 0 complaints2008: 119 complaints2009: 72 complaints2010: 3 complaints2011: 5 complaints2012: 4 complaints2013: 11 complaints2014: 9 complaints2015: 73 complaints2016: 40 complaints2017: 73 complaints2018: 62 complaints2019: 44 complaints2020: 23 complaints2021: 21 complaints2022: 33 complaints2023: 7 complaints2024: 15 complaints2025: 4 complaints
WRX NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all WRX years to avoid →

What are the most common 2020 Subaru WRX problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System522%
Visibility & Wipers313%
Engine313%
Seat Belts29%
Other29%
Brakes29%
Transmission29%
Fuel System14%
Driver Assistance14%
Airbags14%
Tires & Wheels14%

Does the 2020 Subaru WRX have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 17, 2022

“SITTING AT A STOPLIGHT, A LOUD POP OCCURS AND WHEN I LOOK BACK, THERE IS A HOLE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE REAR WINDSHIELD. IT IS APPROXIMATELY 2 INCHES TALL AND AT LEAST 18 INCHES WIDE. IT WAS LIKELY AN IMPLOSION. NO OBJECTS WERE FOUND NEAR, ON, OR IN THE CAR. THE WINDSHIELD CRUMBLED AFTER THAT, AS EACH…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · January 16, 2021

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 30, 2022

“Battery drainage occurring often. I have been left stranded at night time in unsafe areas. The car was taken to the dealer twice and both times the battery has been “recharge”. I”ve had the car for less than 3 years. No symptoms occur before this happens. This seems to happen when the car has…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 23, 2022

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2020 SUBARU WRX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HE SON WAS DRIVING AT 40 MPH, HE ATTEMPTED TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP, RUNNING A RED LIGHT, THE VEHICLE WAS T-BONED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IMPACT CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO HIT A LIGHT POST,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · April 5, 2020 · crash

2020 Subaru WRX — common questions

Is the 2020 Subaru WRX reliable?

The record is thin — 23 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2020 WRX problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (5 complaints), engine (3 complaints), visibility & wipers (3 complaints).

Does the 2020 Subaru WRX have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2020 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.

How safe is the 2020 Subaru WRX?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2020 Subaru WRX earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.