2016 Subaru Wrx Problems

Typical for Model

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2016 Subaru Wrx.

20152017
Complaints
40
Crashes
1
Fires
2
Injuries
0
Fatalities
Recalls
3

Worst 2016 Subaru Wrx Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#110 complaints

Electrical Faults

Avg mileage:44,300 mi
Fires:1
#28 complaints

Engine Problems

Avg mileage:34,306 mi
Crash-related:1
Fires:1
#34 complaints

Transmission / Drivetrain

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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2016 Subaru Wrx.

Electrical Faults
10
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
44,300
Engine Problems
8
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
1
Avg Miles
34,306
Transmission / Drivetrain
4
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electronic Stability Control
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Fuel System
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Brakes
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Steering Defects
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Headlight/Taillight Failures
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Tire Defects
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Unintended Acceleration
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Sunroof/Moonroof
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2016 Subaru Wrx. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Recalls for 2016 Subaru Wrx

3 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~149,831 vehicles.

22V522000Exterior Lighting:back Up Lights:switch
~59,934 affected

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.

16V162000Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger
~18,187 affected

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.

15V366000Forward Collision Avoidance: Crash Imminent Braking · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch
~71,710 affected

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.

Other Subaru Wrx Years

2016 Subaru Wrx — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2016 Subaru Wrx reliable?
Verdict: Typical for Model. The 2016 Subaru Wrx has 40 NHTSA complaints, 1 crash-related, and 3 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Electrical Faults with 10 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2016 Subaru Wrx?
Top reported problems: Electrical Faults (10 complaints, avg 44,300 mi); Engine Problems (8 complaints, avg 34,306 mi); Transmission / Drivetrain (4 complaints). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 2016 Subaru Wrx?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 39,858 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 2016 Subaru Wrx?
NHTSA complaints for the 2016 Subaru Wrx include 1 crash-related reports, 2 fire reports, 0 injuries, and 0 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 2016 Subaru Wrx have any recalls?
Yes — 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 149,831 vehicles. Recalls are free to fix at the dealer. Always verify by VIN whether the specific car you're looking at has had its recalls addressed.
Should I buy a 2016 Subaru Wrx?
Complaint levels are in line with what's expected. Normal used-car due diligence applies — check the specific VIN for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full Subaru Wrx reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

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