2023 Subaru Wrx: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2023 Subaru Wrx? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 7 complaints, with Brake System as the top reported area.
2023 Subaru Wrx Fuel Economy
β EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2023 Subaru Wrx trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 2 trims analysed.
2023 Subaru Wrx Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
9% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
9% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2023 Subaru Wrx has 7 owner complaints, 2 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign on record. The most frequently reported component is Brake System. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Subaru
- Model
- Wrx
- Model year
- 2023
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 7
- Crash-related complaints
- 2
- Safety recall campaigns
- 1
- Top reported component
- Brake System
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 22
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 19 / 26
- Fuel type
- Premium Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 5/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2023 Subaru Wrx Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Brake System
Suspension Failures
Engine Problems
Complaint patterns center on Brake System, Suspension Failures, Engine Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2023 Subaru Wrx?
The 2023 Subaru Wrx shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2023 Subaru Wrx
Inspection Focus
- Inspect brake system for any signs of premature wear or malfunction.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for brake, suspension, and engine repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect suspension components and engine before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect brake system for any signs of premature wear or malfunction.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for brake, suspension, and engine repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect suspension components and engine before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2023 Subaru Wrx, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 7 NHTSA complaints for the 2023 Subaru WRX, issues appear concentrated in the brake system, suspension, and engine. Two crash-related complaints were reported, but the low sample size limits confidence. One recall was issued for this model year.
- Brake system, suspension, and engine each account for 2 complaints.
- Airbag malfunctions were reported in 1 complaint.
- Two complaints are crash-related.
- Brake System
- Suspension Failures
- Engine Problems
All 2023 Subaru Wrx Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2023 Subaru Wrx. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brake System | 2 | 1 | β | β | |
| Suspension Failures | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Engine Problems | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 1 | 1 | β | β |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2023 Subaru Wrx. Type a keyword (e.g. βtransmissionβ, βstallingβ, βbrakesβ) to filter.
Factory brake system is weak to slow down. The tree on the road stopped my car faster than the brakes did. Many videos and internet posts document this. Quick google search will provide a lot of information. Many owners with money upgrade calipers from tr model Amazon reviews purβ¦
I was heading to work on a stretch of road. I was traveling at about 45-50mph. A car pulled out in front of me and we had an accident. The airbags in the older Subaru of the person who collided with me went off and mine did not. Surprisingly. My head was slammed against the B piβ¦
My vehicle has a hand brake built into the vehicle and at 25,000 miles my hand brake started to fail and wouldnβt hold the car in place. I had it repaired under warranty and the whole emergency/handbrake assembly was replaced, I looked at it and tested it before I left the dealerβ¦
I am reporting a potential safety-related defect involving the front suspension of my 2023 Subaru WRX. After installing aftermarket lowering springs, I began noticing loud popping, clicking, and cracking noises from the front struts during low-speed turns and uneven road surfacesβ¦
Popping sound on the right side when i turn the wheel fully to either side and move slowly in either direction.
I would just like to complain about the excess Rtv on the engine oil pan that has been demonstrated on numerous videos of people opening up the oil drain pan and finding chunks of Rtv blocking some of the engine oil pickup tube. I have not opened up my oil drain pan due to cost. β¦
oil pickup tube was clogged with rtv that was over used to seal the oil pan, which causes less oil flow into the engine and can cause failure.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2023 Subaru Wrx.
2023 Subaru Wrx Recalls
1 campaignNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2023 Subaru Wrx. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2023 Subaru Wrx Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2023 Subaru Wrx reliable?βΎ
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 7 owner complaints, 2 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign for this model year. The 2023 Subaru Wrx shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Subaru Wrx?βΎ
#1: Brake System (2 complaints). #2: Suspension Failures (2 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (2 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2023 Subaru Wrx?βΎ
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2023 Subaru Wrx?βΎ
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2023 Subaru Wrx, NHTSA complaints include 2 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 7 total complaints. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2023 Subaru Wrx have any recalls?βΎ
Yes. 1 NHTSA recall campaign affect the 2023 Subaru Wrx. A major recall area is POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2023 Subaru Wrx?βΎ
The 2023 Subaru Wrx shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Brake System during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Subaru Wrx reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2023 Subaru Wrx based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.