Subaru WRX — Specs, Problems & Recalls

Subaru WRX: The Subaru WRX is a vehicle sold in the U.S. market. Enter its 17-character VIN below to pull the exact build from NHTSA vPIC: model year, trim, engine, drivetrain and assembly plant, plus any open safety recalls filed for that model year. Decode a specific VIN below to confirm the exact year, trim and equipment, and to check for open safety recalls.

Research any Subaru WRX model year

Specs, engines, MPG and open safety recalls for each production year.

Each year page has that year's specific specs, EPA MPG, NHTSA crash-test ratings and every open recall campaign filed for that year and model.

Overview
MakeSubaru
ModelWRX
Body StyleVehicle
Production YearsMultiple model years
Country of OriginJapan
Available Engines

Subaru WRX generations

Model-line generations with their production years. Each generation hub lists every model year with its data.

Generations of the Subaru WRX
First gen (GC) 1992–2000
Second gen (GD) 2000–2007
Third gen (GR/GV) 2007–2014
Fourth gen (VA) 2014–2021
Mk4 (VA) 2014–2021
Fifth gen (VB) 2021–2026
Mk5 (VB) 2021–2026

Why Buyers Choose the Subaru WRX

  • Verify the exact build with a free VIN decode
  • Check open NHTSA recalls in seconds
  • Confirm the listing matches the factory specification

Common Problems to Check

Known issues reported for the Subaru WRX. Always inspect the specific vehicle and decode its VIN for recall status.

  • Wear items (brakes, suspension bushings, tires) at a rate set by mileage and prior care
  • Electronics and infotainment faults reported on some model years
  • Any open recall: verify by VIN, since repairs are free at the dealer

Reliability: How long a used Subaru WRX lasts depends mostly on its maintenance history, not the badge. Pull the recall list for the model year, read the service records and pay for an independent inspection before you commit.

Check engine light on your Subaru WRX?

Every 1996-and-newer car uses the OBD-II standard. Enter any stored code, then P0300, P0420, or search our full database of over 2,000 codes, to see what it means and how serious it is.

OBD-II code lookup →

Recent Recalls

Recall data for this model has not been ingested yet. Check the official NHTSA recall lookup or decode a specific VIN — VIN decodes always query the current NHTSA database.

Related Guides for Subaru WRX Owners & Buyers

Other Subaru Models

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I decode a Subaru WRX VIN?

Enter the 17-character VIN in the box above. VinSpecs returns the exact year, trim, engine, drivetrain and assembly plant for your Subaru WRX, plus any open recalls, free.

Is the Subaru WRX reliable?

How long a used Subaru WRX lasts depends mostly on its maintenance history, not the badge. Pull the recall list for the model year, read the service records and pay for an independent inspection before you commit.

How do I check the Subaru WRX for recalls?

Use our free recall checker by year, make and model, or decode a specific VIN for its exact recall status.

What should I check before buying a used Subaru WRX?

Run a VIN decode + recall check here, get a NMVTIS-backed title history report to catch salvage/flood brands, then have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle on a lift. Cross-reference the seller's mileage claim against the odometer history on record.

Where is the VIN located on a Subaru WRX?

The 17-character VIN is stamped in several places: visible through the windshield on the driver's-side dashboard, on a sticker inside the driver's door jamb, and on the vehicle registration and insurance card. All should match, mismatched VINs are a fraud red flag.