Research · Midsize Cars
2026 Subaru WRXRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 1 owner complaint for the 2026 Subaru WRX. Most complaints involve engine (1). 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
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
1
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$3,600est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2026 Subaru WRX as of Nov 2, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 2, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
1 complaints filed with NHTSA · Oct 2026 – Oct 2026
- Engine1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 2, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Engine
1 report
“This occurred in a brand new WRX with only 799 miles. I was driving on a very unpopulated road, and I had the high temperature warning display on the dash. The temperature gauge was reading high. I pulled over for a short duration to let the car cool down and then proceeded to limp it home since I was less than two miles away. I parked the car in the driveway, turned it off, exited the car, and noticed coolant leaking from the front of the bumper. I inspected what little amount of radiator that was exposed and could not find anything. I inspected my garage where the vehicle was previously parked and there was no trace of leaking coolant prior to leaving. It was towed to the dealership the next day, and they noted the vehicle was overheating driving it from the lot to the service bay. The dealer claims it failed from an impact. I went and inspected it myself expecting to see a hole in the radiator or obvious damage and couldn't find anything. I had to be assisted by a tech who used phrases like "I think it was in this area" and "near impossible place to be hit by something, but I guess it did." The "diagnostic" video points out an area the size of a tennis ball…”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 2, 2026
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 Nov 2, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WRX Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 22 | $3,600 | 412 |
| WRX Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 21 | $3,800 | 422 |
- 22mpg comb.
- 21mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 2, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5SUBARU WRX 4 DR N/A 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 Nov 2, 2026Vehicle 21695
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| 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 |
- 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.
2026 WRX questions
How many recalls does the 2026 Subaru WRX have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 2, 2026.
What are the most common 2026 Subaru WRX problems?
Owners filed 1 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2026 Subaru WRX get?
The EPA rates the 2026 Subaru WRX at 21–22 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
How safe is the 2026 Subaru WRX?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2026 Subaru WRX 5 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 2, 2026