CarRecallWatchThe 2016 Subaru WRX has 3 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 31 complaints with NHTSA, including 1 crash, 2 fires.
The most-reported problem area is Electrical System (10 reports).
2016 Subaru WRX recalls
Backup lights and rearview camera can fail in reverse
The backup light switch can corrode and stop working.
Cracked Turbo Air Duct Can Stall Engine and Raise Crash Risk
The turbocharger air intake duct can crack, which may cause the engine to stall while driving.
Automatic Braking May Fail to Activate, Raising Crash Risk
A failing brake light switch can disable the automatic pre-collision braking function of the Eyesight Driver Assist System.
Most common 2016 Subaru WRX problems
Problem areas named in the 31 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | 10 |
| Engine | 8 |
| Unknown Or Other | 6 |
| Power Train | 4 |
| Service Brakes | 2 |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 2 |
| Steering | 2 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 |
| Visibility | 1 |
| Tires | 1 |
What owners report
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
I have faulty rear lights and a faulty rear view camera. According to MotorSafety.org there is currently a recall for this exact issue for WRXâs from 2015-2021. https://www.motorsafety.org/subaru-recalls-wrx-cars-over-faulty-rear-lights-rearview-camera-issue/
2016 Subaru WRX questions
Does the 2016 Subaru WRX have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2016 Subaru WRX: Backup lights and rearview camera can fail in reverse; Cracked Turbo Air Duct Can Stall Engine and Raise Crash Risk; Automatic Braking May Fail to Activate, Raising Crash Risk. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Subaru WRX?
Based on 31 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (10), Engine (8), Unknown Or Other (6).
How do I check if a recall on my 2016 Subaru WRX has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.