2016 SUBARU WRX — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
N/A
Safety Rating
40
Owner Complaints
3
Recalls
31
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 2016 SUBARU WRX
The 2016 SUBARU WRX has received a total of 40 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 4 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BACK UP LIGHTS:SWITCH, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: CRASH IMMINENT BRAKING. 31 technical service bulletins have been issued by Subaru of America, Inc. for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Electrical System (10 complaints), Engine (8 complaints), and Unknown Or Other (6 complaints).
Recalls for the 2016 SUBARU WRX
NHTSA has recorded 4 recalls for the 2016 SUBARU WRX, potentially affecting up to 221,541 vehicles.
Recall 22V522000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BACK UP LIGHTS:SWITCH
| 59,934 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: Inoperative backup lights and an inoperative rearview camera can reduce vehicle visibility and driver awareness, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the backup light switch, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-22.
View full details →Recall 16V162000 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER
| 18,187 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the turbocharger air intake duct, and replace it as necessary, free of charge, depending on the lot number found on the duct. The recall began April 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer...
View full details →Recall 15V366000 — FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: CRASH IMMINENT BRAKING
| 71,710 vehicles affected
Defect: 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,...
Consequence: If the automatic pre-collision braking system does not function as intended, the vehicle will not react to an obstacle in its path, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the driver assist system, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQS-54.
View full details →Recall 15V366000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
| 71,710 vehicles affected
Defect: 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,...
Consequence: If the automatic pre-collision braking system does not function as intended, the vehicle will not react to an obstacle in its path, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the driver assist system, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQS-54.
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2016 SUBARU WRX
40 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2016 SUBARU WRX. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 10 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 8 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown Or Other | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Power Train | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electronic Stability Control Esc | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuelpropulsion System | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tires | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibilitysunmoon Roof Assembly | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Most Recent Complaints
The Seconary Air Injection pump stayed on for days. Burnt a hole in the side, relay possibly damaged, and now setting off other components and computers.
Driving and a loud explosion, sound, like a gunshot then a ton of pinging. The sunroof exploded and glass flew down my car and chipped a bunch of paint.
While driving, the clutch became stiff and unusable. Ultimately the car could not be shifted resulting in using a lower gear than normal to limp the car to safety. The car had to be towed to a mechanic. During the repair the mechanic identified that the cause of the failure was the clutch fork pivot ball punched through the stamped steel clutch fork. Looking online this seems to be a common failure since aftermarket re-designed parts are offered. I feel this is a manufacturer defect which resulted in the clutch failure and a 2500.00 repair. This car is only 7 years old with 67K miles on it. The clutch fork should not have failed catastrophically at this point in the car's life.
I PURCHASED A 2016 SUBARU WRX (PREMIUM) USED FROM A SUBARU DEALER IN ALBANY, NY WITH UNDER 26K MILES FOR APPROXIMATELY $25K IN 2018. ON A DRIVE IN DECEMBER 2022 I EXPERIENCED HESITATION AND/OR STUTTERING UNDER LOAD OR WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE, AND CAR BEGAN GETTING VERY HOT, AND CLOSE TO OVERHEATING, AND THE ENGINE WAS KNOCKING LOUDLY. AFTER TURNING ENGINE OFF AND THEN RESTARTING, THE KNOCKING (INTENSITY) WAS NOT AS NOTICEABLE AS THE INITIAL INCIDENT. INITIALLY I REPLACED ALL COIL OVER PLUGS, AS CYLINDER #4 INITIALLY WAS REPORTING A MISFIRE CODE AFTER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THIS APPEARED TO RELIEVE THE MISFIRE BRIEFLY, BUT THE ISSUE IMMEDIATELY RETURNED, THIS TIME WITH PISTON #3 REPORTING MISFIRES AND ALSO EXHIBITING SIGNS OF A POSSIBLE FAILED RINGLAND, WITH OIL SEEPING PAST RINGS (ON TO / IN SPARK PLUG) CAUSING THE ENGINE TO RUN VERY POORLY. PRESENTLY UPON STARTUP WHITE SMOKE COMES FROM EXHAUST OUT THE TAILPIPE AND THE ENGINE IS HESITATING AND/OR MISSING, RUNNING POORLY AND I FEEL IT CANNOT BE DRIVEN SAFELY WITH THE DIMINISHED PERMORMANCE OR COMPLETE LACK OF ABILITY TO ACCELERATE NORMALLY LIKE A MOTOR VEHICLE SHOULD. I HAVE ENGAGED A MECHANIC TO INSPECT THE ENGINE, BUT HAVE NOT YET PROCEEDED WITH INSPECTION/REPAIRS DUE TO THE CLASS ACTION LITIGATION. CURRENT MILEAGE IS: 73563. THIS CAR HAS AN FA20 ENGINE.
I PURCHASED A 2016 SUBARU WRX (PREMIUM) USED FROM A SUBARU DEALER IN ALBANY, NY WITH UNDER 26K MILES FOR APPROXIMATELY $25K IN 2018. ON A DRIVE IN DECEMBER 2022 I EXPERIENCED HESITATION AND/OR STUTTERING UNDER LOAD OR WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE, AND CAR BEGAN GETTING VERY HOT, AND CLOSE TO OVERHEATING, AND THE ENGINE WAS KNOCKING LOUDLY. AFTER TURNING ENGINE OFF AND THEN RESTARTING, THE KNOCKING (INTENSITY) WAS NOT AS NOTICEABLE AS THE INITIAL INCIDENT. INITIALLY I REPLACED ALL COIL OVER PLUGS, AS CYLINDER #4 INITIALLY WAS REPORTING A MISFIRE CODE AFTER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THIS APPEARED TO RELIEVE THE MISFIRE BRIEFLY, BUT THE ISSUE IMMEDIATELY RETURNED, THIS TIME WITH PISTON #3 REPORTING MISFIRES AND ALSO EXHIBITING SIGNS OF A POSSIBLE FAILED RINGLAND, WITH OIL SEEPING PAST RINGS (ON TO / IN SPARK PLUG) CAUSING THE ENGINE TO RUN VERY POORLY. PRESENTLY UPON STARTUP WHITE SMOKE COMES FROM EXHAUST OUT THE TAILPIPE AND THE ENGINE IS HESITATING AND/OR MISSING, RUNNING POORLY AND I FEEL IT CANNOT BE DRIVEN SAFELY WITH THE DIMINISHED PERMORMANCE OR COMPLETE LACK OF ABILITY TO ACCELERATE NORMALLY LIKE A MOTOR VEHICLE SHOULD. I HAVE ENGAGED A MECHANIC TO INSPECT THE ENGINE, BUT HAVE NOT YET PROCEEDED WITH INSPECTION/REPAIRS DUE TO THE CLASS ACTION LITIGATION. CURRENT MILEAGE IS: 73563. THIS CAR HAS AN FA20 ENGINE.
Safety Rating for the 2016 SUBARU WRX
NHTSA has not yet tested the 2016 SUBARU WRX in its New Car Assessment Program.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2016 SUBARU WRX
Subaru of America, Inc. has issued 31 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2016 SUBARU WRX. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
12-288-20R — SEATS
This bulletin announces a design change made to the Slide Rail components of the left and right front power seat frame / track assembliesd.
09-78-21 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This bulletin announces the availability of Engine Control Module (ECM) reprograming files to correct DTC P015A and/or P015B.
06-59-17R — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
This Service Information bulletin announces availability of a new front brake pad shim kit to specifically address customer concerns of a squeaking or squealing sound on the models listed above.
12-290-20 — EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
This Bulletin announces a design change made to the front seat backrest cover trim material on the models listed. The new material has enhanced wear resistance, especially in the side bolster area which may show wear over time from getting in and out of the seat.
07-174-20 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This service bulletin provides details of a correction to the diagnostic procedure for DTC B2350- REAR RADAR COMMUNICATION ERROR on the models listed.
07-146-19R — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
"This bulletin announces a design change made to the engine wiring harness to improve resistance to moisture. A detailed illustration describing the change is supplied below."
06-65-18R — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
This bulletin announces a new Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) Module and Hydraulic Control Unit (VDCCM&HCU). The new part was designed to address a small number of customer concerns regarding a clicking or ticking-type sound heard coming from the driverâs side footrest area. The new modules incorporate logic with enhanced internal...
07-150-19 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
This bulletin provides a procedure for replacing the rear combination lamp wiring harness. The harness is now available as a service part separate from the lamp assembly.
06-68-19 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
This Service Information bulletin announces instruction for application of additional lubrication between the brake caliper support and pad clips. This will prevent the pad from dragging due to corrosion buildup which may result in uneven or premature wear of the replacement brake pads. This additional instruction applies to all models...
03-79-18R — POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY:PEDAL/HAND LEVER(MOTORCYCLE)
This bulletin announces a change to the clutch system components optimizing their durability and resistance to certain severe driving conditions including high-temperature operation.
Showing 10 of 31 technical service bulletins.
NHTSA Investigations for the 2016 SUBARU WRX
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the SUBARU WRX
- 2011 SUBARU WRX — 5 complaints
- 2012 SUBARU WRX — 4 complaints
- 2013 SUBARU WRX — 11 complaints
- 2014 SUBARU WRX — 9 complaints
- 2015 SUBARU WRX — 73 complaints
- 2016 SUBARU WRX (current)
- 2017 SUBARU WRX — 69 complaints
- 2018 SUBARU WRX — 61 complaints
- 2019 SUBARU WRX — 37 complaints
- 2020 SUBARU WRX — 23 complaints
- 2021 SUBARU WRX — 20 complaints
Other SUBARU Models
- SUBARU OUTBACK — 12,068 total complaints
- SUBARU FORESTER — 8,432 total complaints
- SUBARU LEGACY — 4,117 total complaints
- SUBARU IMPREZA — 3,406 total complaints
- SUBARU CROSSTREK — 1,431 total complaints
- SUBARU ASCENT — 1,230 total complaints
- SUBARU SVX — 373 total complaints
- SUBARU XV CROSSTREK — 354 total complaints