Reliability & cost of ownership
Subaru WRX STI Reliability & Common Problems
How reliable is the Subaru WRX STI? Compare every model year side by side — NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and crash-test stars where on file — then open the year you're shopping for its AI reliability outlook where NHTSA has enough data.
Subaru WRX STI problems by model year
14 recall entries across 7 model years and 19 owner complaints across 11 model years on file, sourced from the federal NHTSA database. We couldn't confirm the NHTSA recall list for the remaining 4 model years — check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | NCAP stars | Full report |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 WRX STI | Not confirmed | 1 | No overall rating on file | Recalls & complaints → |
| 2018 WRX STI | Not confirmed | 2 | No overall rating on file | Recalls & complaints → |
| 2016 WRX STI | Not confirmed | 3 | No overall rating on file | Recalls & complaints → |
| 2015 WRX STI | Not confirmed | 3 | No overall rating on file | Recalls & complaints → |
| 2014 WRX STI | 2 | None on file at try.vin | No overall rating on file | Recalls & complaints → |
| 2013 WRX STI | 2 | 2 | No overall rating on file | Recalls & complaints → |
| 2012 WRX STI | 2 | 1 | No overall rating on file | Recalls & complaints → |
| 2011 WRX STI | 2 | 1 | No overall rating on file | Recalls & complaints → |
| 2010 WRX STI | 2 | 1 | No overall rating on file | Recalls & complaints → |
| 2009 WRX STI | 2 | 2 | No overall rating on file | Recalls & complaints → |
| 2008 WRX STI | 2 | 3 | No overall rating on file | Recalls & complaints → |
Most-complained-about components
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA against the Subaru WRX STI, grouped by the component each complaint names — the fastest read on where this model gives trouble.
- unknown or other5 complaints
- engine5 complaints
- structure3 complaints
- power train2 complaints
- service brakes2 complaints
- electrical system2 complaints
- exterior lighting2 complaints
- service brakes, hydraulic1 complaint