repaired · 2024 Q2
Back up lights: switch
Risk. Inoperative backup lights and an inoperative rearview camera can reduce vehicle visibility and driver awareness, increasing the risk of a crash.
2016 Subaru WRXProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 31 owner complaints about the 2016 Subaru WRX, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 22V-522 the manufacturer reports only 48% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 27, 2024. Updated daily. Photo: Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2016 Subaru WRX has problems
31 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
10Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
8Engine1 crash/fire/injury
4Power train
2Service brakes
2Electronic stability control (ESC)
2Fuel/propulsion system
2Steering
1Tires
1Exterior lighting
22 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 10 | 1 |
| Engine | 8 | 1 |
| Power train | 4 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 2 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 2 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 0 |
| Tires | 1 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 1 | 0 |
| 2 other systems | 2 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2016 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 · 2017 Q3
Gasoline: turbo/supercharger
Risk. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2016 Q4
Brake lights: switch
Risk. 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…
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
2016 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
NHTSA crash tests
2016 Subaru WRX safety ratings
2016 Subaru WRX 4 DR AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Optional
- Lane departure warning: Optional
In owners' words
What WRX owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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.
I have faulty rear lights and a faulty rear view camera. According to MotorSafety.org there is currently a recall for this exact issue for WRX’s from 2015-2021. https://www.motorsafety.org/subaru-recalls-wrx-cars-over-faulty-rear-lights-rearview-camera-issue/
recurring battery drain, which has happened before. subaru dealer replaced the battery for the same reason less than 2 years ago. now it needs it again. car is inoperable as is.
Own a 2016 WRX?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.