Research · Midsize Cars

2023 Subaru WRXRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 9 owner complaints for the 2023 Subaru WRX. Most complaints involve air bags (2) and service brakes (2). The EPA rates it 21–22 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
21–22mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Nov 2023
Owner complaints
9
Top: air bags
Fuel cost / yr
$3,600est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Power train: driveshaft

Free remedy

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Crosstrek, Impreza, 2023-2024 Forester, and 2023 WRX vehicles. The front driveshaft assemblies' outer race may develop cracks and break.

Power trainReported Nov 9, 2023NHTSA 23V754000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

9 complaints filed with NHTSA · Aug 2023 – Oct 2026
  1. Air bags2
  2. Service brakes2
  3. Suspension2
  4. Engine2
  5. Power train1
  6. Seat belts1
  7. Seats1
  8. Other / unknown1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each WRX model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
201555
201634
201753
201845
201930
202018
202113
202225
20239
202414
20253
20261
Crashes reported
2
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Air bags

2 reports1 crash
“The failing component system is the drivers side impact airbags. Subaru of America did their own inspection and has listed their findings in an email (it can be forwarded to you if needed). The vehicle is currently at a collision center appointed by our insurance company but has not yet been inspected there. Our vehicle sat at NEW MOTORS dealership so that Subaru of America could do their investigation. They had our vehicle for 50 days to do this inspection (no repairs). Yes our safety could potentially be at risk as the airbag system deployed while the car was not moving/running in our driveway. We were standing outside of the vehicle both front doors were open when the back driver side door was closed causing the airbags to deploy. Subaru found that the seatbelt had been shut in the door causing airbag deployment. We argue this finding due to the fact that the seatbelt was buckled at the time so that the seatbelt bell alarm was not going to go off as we drove with our bloodhound in the back seat. A 80+ lb bloodhound would cause the fasten seatbelt alarm to go off while driving. There was no warning or failures prior to the deployment. The problem has not been…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 25, 2026Air bags, Seat belts, SeatsODI 11759540

Service brakes

2 reports1 crash
“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 purchasing brake pads provides stopping power. Subaru knows this and did it with 2007 wrx”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 18, 2026Service brakesCrash reportedODI 11732084

Suspension

2 reports
“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 surfaces. To isolate the issue, the springs were completely removed from the strut assemblies. The noise persisted when manually rotating the top hat and shaft, confirming an internal defect in the OEM strut mount bearing (Subaru part #20320FL010). This eliminates the springs as the source of the issue. The component remains installed and is available for inspection. This defect poses a safety concern, as the strut bearing appears to bind during steering input. This can compromise vehicle stability and steering responsiveness—especially during evasive maneuvers or rough road conditions. The dealership acknowledged the noise but blamed the aftermarket springs. Subaru of America (SOA) opened a formal case but backed the dealership’s position without independent verification. The failure has been reproduced and confirmed by an independent mechanic, even with the aftermarket springs removed.…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 7, 2025SuspensionODI 11659521
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Midsize Cars
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl turbo
Transmissions
Manual 6-spd · Automatic (AV-S8)
Drive
All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
WRX
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
192622$3,600407
WRX
Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
192521$3,800419
  • WRX
    Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo
    19 city · 26 hwy · $3,600/yr
    22
    mpg comb.
  • WRX
    Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo
    19 city · 25 hwy · $3,800/yr
    21
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5
Subaru WRX 4 DR AWD
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
5 of 5
Rollover risk
9.0%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 28, 2026Vehicle 18432
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2023 WRX questions

How many recalls does the 2023 Subaru WRX have?

1 safety recall as of Oct 28, 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.

What are the most common 2023 Subaru WRX problems?

Owners filed 9 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (2), service brakes (2), suspension (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2023 Subaru WRX get?

The EPA rates the 2023 Subaru WRX at 21–22 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

How safe is the 2023 Subaru WRX?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2023 Subaru WRX 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026