GradeSubaru WRX Reliability Grade
Above-average reliability
Grade a specific Subaru WRX
Reliability changes from year to year. Pick a model year to see its grade, then add mileage and price to get a deal score and estimated miles remaining.
The Subaru WRX earns a B overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with a B for its engine and a B for its transmission. It ranks 4th of 5 sports cars we grade. Its engine (B) and transmission (B) grade about the same, so neither stands out as a weak point. Grades are based on 643 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013-2023 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.
Subaru WRX reliability by year
Overall grade for each model year, from owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Tap a year to see its full grade.
Best years: 2005, 2006, 2019, 2020 and 2023
Years to avoid: 2002 (fuel leak / fuel smell), 2012 (oil burning) and 2013 (transmission slipping / rough shifting)
Faded years are recent, so fewer complaints have come in. Their grades may change.
How long does the Subaru WRX last?
A rough estimate for the model across all years, not measured for each model year.
Subaru WRX vs. other sports cars
| Model | Engine | Trans. | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dodge Charger | A- | B+ | A- |
| Dodge Challenger | A- | A- | A- |
| Chevrolet Camaro | A- | B- | B+ |
| Subaru WRX | B | B | B |
| Ford Mustang | B- | C+ | B- |
Own a Subaru WRX?
Tell other buyers how yours has held up: mileage, engine, and any problems with what they cost to fix. It takes about a minute, and your first car earns a free full report.
Rate your WRXSubaru WRX reliability FAQ
Is the Subaru WRX reliable?
Above-average reliability. The Subaru WRX earns a B overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with a B for its engine and a B for its transmission. It ranks 4th of 5 sports cars we grade. Its engine (B) and transmission (B) grade about the same, so neither stands out as a weak point. Grades are based on 643 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013-2023 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.
How many miles will a Subaru WRX last?
We estimate a well-maintained Subaru WRX lasts around 150,000 miles. That's a rough figure for the model across all years, not measured for each model year, so check the grade for the year you're looking at.
What are the best years for the Subaru WRX?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most reliable Subaru WRX model years are 2005, 2006, 2019, 2020 and 2023.
What Subaru WRX years should I avoid?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the Subaru WRX years to be most careful with are 2002, 2012 and 2013. The 2002 grades an F overall (engine F, transmission C-), and its most common complaint is fuel leak / fuel smell, which a recall covers. The 2012 grades a D overall (engine D, transmission D), and its top engine/transmission problem is oil burning.
Is the Subaru WRX transmission reliable?
GradeMyCar grades the Subaru WRX transmission a B (above-average reliability). Reliability varies by model year, so grade the specific year you're looking at.
Is the Subaru WRX engine reliable?
GradeMyCar grades the Subaru WRX engine a B (above-average reliability).