repaired · 2024 Q4
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An incorrectly installed inflator may not properly inflate the passenger air bag, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
2005 Subaru WRXProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 19 owner complaints about the 2005 Subaru WRX, most often about the fuel system, gasoline. It is covered by 4 safety recalls, and for recall 20V-003 the manufacturer reports only 69% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through February 13, 2023. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2005 Subaru WRX has problems
19 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
6Fuel system, gasoline
5Fuel/propulsion system
4Suspension
2Engine and engine cooling
2Engine
2Power train
1Fuel system, other
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel system, gasoline | 6 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 5 | 0 |
| Suspension | 4 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 2 | 0 |
| Engine | 2 | 0 |
| Power train | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel system, other | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2005 Subaru WRX recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2023 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2023 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2023 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Subaru.
Best & worst years
2005 vs. every other WRX year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the WRX median. How we score
'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
In owners' words
What WRX owners report
Recent fuel system, gasoline complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
STRONG RAW FUEL SMELL IN CABIN WHEN STARTING IN TEMPS <30 DEGREES. FUEL IS CLEARLY VISIBLE LEAKING FROM LINES BELOW MANIFOLD. *TR
WHEN I STARTED MY CAR THE OTHER MORNING (~14 DEGREES F) I SMELLED A STRONG FUEL ODOR IN THE CABIN. I OPENED THE HOOD OF THE CAR AND ALSO SMELLED IT THERE AS WELL. I DROVE THE CAR ABOUT 2 MILES AND THE SMELL WENT AWAY. ONCE STOPPED AND IDLING, THE ODOR RETURNED. IT IS A VERY STRONG RAW GASOLINE…
STRONG GASOLINE ODOR SMELL INSIDE CAR. HAPPENS WHEN THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE IS VERY COLD, BELOW 15 DEGREES. THIS ISSUE IS SIMILAR TO THAT REPORTED IN EARLIER MODEL WRXS. SEE RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V468000 WHICH ADDRESSED LEAKING FUEL LINES AT COLD TEMPERATURES. OTHER COMPLAINTS LIKE THIS…
Own a 2005 WRX?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.