Subaru Wrx ReliabilityAll Years Ranked (2002–2025)
Side-by-side AutoScores, risk levels, and owner-cost projections for every Subaru Wrx we've analyzed. Identify the best years to buy, the ones to avoid, and the problems that follow the Wrx across generations.
Average AutoScore
74/100
Best Year
2023 Subaru Wrx
Score 85
Weakest Year
2002 Subaru Wrx
Score 68
Every Subaru Wrx Ranked
Sorted by AutoScore. Each link opens the full year-specific report.
A thrilling and capable machine, but its long-term reliability heavily depends on responsible ownership and avoiding performance modifications.
Top risks: Clutch & Manual Transmission (6MT) · Engine Tuning & Detonation · Infotainment System (STARLINK)
A thrilling machine that demands respect and meticulous care to remain reliable.
Top risks: FA20DIT Engine Durability · Manual Transmission & Clutch · Oil Consumption & PCV System
A robust performance sedan, but its reliability is directly tied to the owner's commitment to maintenance and driving style.
Top risks: Engine & Turbocharger System · Clutch & Manual Transmission · Electrical & Infotainment
A thrilling, capable performance sedan that rewards diligent ownership but can punish neglect.
Top risks: Clutch & Manual Transmission · Engine Oil System & Turbocharger · Electrical & Infotainment System
A thrilling and capable car, but its reliability is highly dependent on prior ownership and ongoing maintenance rigor.
Top risks: Engine (FA20DIT) · Clutch & Transmission · Suspension & Steering
A potent performance machine that rewards diligent ownership but punishes neglect or abuse.
Top risks: Engine (FA20DIT) · Clutch and Transmission · Suspension Components
A high-performance sedan that delivers thrills, but its longevity is directly tied to a diligent previous owner and unwavering maintenance.
Top risks: Engine Internal Components (FA20DIT) · Intake Valve Carbon Buildup · Clutch Assembly and Transmission (Manual)
A potent AWD performer that demands meticulous care and a careful eye for potential abuse from prior ownership.
Top risks: Turbocharger System · Clutch & Transmission · Engine - Carbon Buildup
A thrilling performance sedan that requires a committed owner for sustained reliability.
Top risks: Engine (FA24DIT) · Manual Transmission & Clutch · Suspension Components
A high-performance thrill ride that requires a significant reliability gamble and dedicated upkeep.
Top risks: Engine Internals (EJ255) · Manual Transmission (5-speed) · Rust and Body Corrosion
A high-performance compact that offers immense fun, but demands rigorous maintenance and inspection to avoid significant financial pitfalls.
Top risks: FA20DIT Engine Health · Clutch & Manual Transmission · Electrical & Sensors
A thrilling AWD sedan that offers a raw driving experience, but requires diligent maintenance and a keen eye to avoid costly engine or rust-related repairs.
Top risks: Engine Internal Components · Turbocharger Oil Supply · Rust/Corrosion
A potent performance car that offers immense fun, but demands vigilance and a significant maintenance commitment to avoid costly repairs.
Top risks: Engine (EJ255) · Turbocharger · Transmission (5-speed Manual)
A high-performance thrill ride that demands a meticulous maintenance history and careful pre-purchase inspection to avoid financial heartbreak.
Top risks: Engine Internals (EJ255) · Turbocharger System · Clutch and Manual Transmission
A high-performance machine that requires a knowledgeable owner, diligent maintenance, and a thorough pre-purchase vetting.
Top risks: Engine (EJ255) · Turbocharger System · Manual Transmission/Clutch
A high-performance machine that can be exhilarating but demands meticulous care and a robust maintenance budget.
Top risks: Engine Internal Components · Clutch & Transmission · Steering Rack / Power Steering
An exciting, capable performance car that demands meticulous maintenance and careful pre-purchase scrutiny to avoid significant powertrain repair bills.
Top risks: Engine (EJ205) · Turbocharger System · Manual Transmission
An iconic performance car that demands significant attention and budget to maintain its rally heritage.
Top risks: Engine (EJ205) · Turbocharger · Rust and Corrosion
A potent, rewarding machine for the educated enthusiast, but a ticking time bomb for the uninformed buyer.
Top risks: Engine (EJ205) · Manual Transmission · Rust and Corrosion
A high-performance thrill, but a known enthusiast's car with several critical reliability caveats that demand attention.
Top risks: EJ255 Engine Internals · 5-Speed Manual Transmission · Rust and Corrosion
A potent, fun-to-drive machine that demands a knowledgeable owner, diligent maintenance, and a contingency fund for potential engine woes.
Top risks: Engine (EJ255) · Manual Transmission/Clutch · Suspension Components
A potent performance machine with a high potential for costly engine and drivetrain issues if not rigorously maintained or if previously abused.
Top risks: Engine Internals (EJ255) · Turbocharger Failure · 5-Speed Manual Transmission
A potent performer with a notoriously fragile heart if not diligently maintained or if previously abused.
Top risks: Engine (EJ255) · Transmission (5-speed Manual) · Clutch & Flywheel
A potent, all-weather performance car, but the infamous EJ255 engine demands respect and thorough pre-purchase diligence.
Top risks: Engine Internals · Clutch & Drivetrain Components · Rust & Corrosion
Problems That Follow the Wrx Across Generations
Issues that appear in the top-3 risks across multiple model years — the cost of ownership you can actually predict.
Turbocharger System
Appears in 4 model years · 17% of generations
Engine (EJ255)
Appears in 4 model years · 17% of generations
Engine (EJ205)
Appears in 3 model years · 12% of generations
Rust and Corrosion
Appears in 3 model years · 12% of generations
Engine Internals (EJ255)
Appears in 3 model years · 12% of generations
Suspension Components
Appears in 3 model years · 12% of generations
Clutch & Manual Transmission
Appears in 3 model years · 12% of generations
Clutch & Transmission
Appears in 3 model years · 12% of generations
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