2016 Subaru WRX: common problems and reliability
One of the weaker WRX years.
34 owner complaints, most about electrical system. 3 recalls.
Should I buy a 2016 WRX?The 2016 Subaru WRX has 34 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and engine.
Safety record for the 2016 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2016 Subaru WRX vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other WRX years only. How we score it
Is 2016 a good year for the WRX?
Across the 16 WRX model years we track, complaint volume runs from 2 (2010) to 68 (2008). With 34 complaints, the 2016 WRX sits above the model's median of 25.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2016 WRX
forward collision avoidance: crash imminent braking
Campaign 15V366000Subaru 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.
engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger
Campaign 16V162000Subaru 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.
exterior lighting:back up lights:switch
Campaign 22V522000Subaru 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.
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is highly dependent on generation and owner expectations.
Owner insights cover all generations of the WRX. See the full WRX owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used WRX listings typically run $18,349–$28,400.
Other WRX model years
Compare every WRX year side by side to see how 2016 ranks against the rest.
Compare the WRX against its rivals
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