NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 18 owner complaints for the 2020 Subaru WRX. Most complaints involve electrical system (6) and power train (3). The EPA rates it 19–23 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“-Flickering head lights -Driver window loose -Windshield wipers did not work on the passenger side (I don't know how it passed inspection) -When shifted into 4th gear the stick was making odd movements and jumping -Mechanical noises like cranking coming from the engine or under the car”
“The contact owns a 2020 Subaru WRX. The contact stated that while the transmission was shifted into neutral (N), the instrument panel displayed that the transmission was shifted in reverse (R), and the rearview camera image was displayed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact shifted the transmission to drive (D), but the instrument panel displayed that the transmission was still in reverse (R), and the rearview camera was displayed while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V522000 (Exterior Lighting); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.”
“I purchased the vehicle used with 33800 miles and at 34100 the engine stalled and was hard to start, once started it was knocking severely. I have seen a class action law suit based on the same issues but the 2020 model year is not included”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WRX Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 21 | 27 | 23 | $3,250 | 382 |
| WRX Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 24 | 21 | $3,600 | 422 |
| WRX Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 19 | $3,950 | 485 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
1 safety recall as of Nov 12, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 18 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (6), power train (3), engine (3). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2020 Subaru WRX at 19–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2020 Subaru WRX 5 out of 5 stars overall.