2015 Subaru WRX
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Engine
Engine leads by volume: 20 of 55 complaints (36%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Steering include more reported injuries (1) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | vs. 2015 Compact Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 3,250–4,100 | 3,350–4,100 | 3,350–4,100 | |
| Combined MPG | 19–24 | 19–23 | 19–23 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 17–21 / 23–28 | 17–20 / 23–27 | 17–20 / 23–27 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 374–459 | 385–459 | 385–458 | |
| Complaints filed | 55 | 34 | 53 | |
| Recalls issued | 3 | 3 | 1 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 2 | 1 | 8 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 1 | 2 | 2 | |
| Injuries reported | 1 | 0 | 7 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 3 | 3 | 3 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2015 Subaru WRX have?
3 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2015 Subaru WRX?
Engine: 20 of 55 NHTSA complaints (36%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2015 Subaru WRX get?
EPA rates it 19–24 MPG combined across 3 configurations.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2015 Subaru WRX?
EPA estimates $3,250–$4,100 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (3)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Manual 6-spd | 4 | 2.0L | All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 21 mpg (high) | 28 mpg (high) | 24 mpg (high) | $3,250 (low) | 374 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 2 | Manual 6-spd | 4 | 2.5L | All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 17 mpg (low) | 23 mpg (low) | 19 mpg (low) | $4,100 (high) | 459 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic (AV-S8) | 4 | 2.0L | All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 19 mpg | 25 mpg | 21 mpg | $3,700 | 407 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 20 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 18 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 5 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (3)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BACK UP LIGHTS:SWITCH · Campaign 22V522000 · Jul 21, 2022
Defect: 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.
Consequence: Inoperative backup lights and an inoperative rearview camera can reduce vehicle visibility and driver awareness, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the backup light switch, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-22.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING · Campaign 17V625000 · Oct 10, 2017
Defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015 WRX and WRX/STI vehicles, equipped with an optional factory-installed subwoofer in the trunk. Items in the trunk may cause the subwoofer wiring to contact the subwoofer metal frame, possibly resulting in an electrical short.
Consequence: An electrical short may damage the subwoofer amplifier, and may result in the subwoofer overheating, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the subwoofer wire, install a wire retainer clip, and, as necessary, replace the subwoofer, free of charge. The recall began October 31, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTQ-76.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER · Campaign 16V162000 · Mar 21, 2016
Defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 WRX vehicles manufactured April 10, 2015, to October 21, 2015, and Forester 2.0XT vehicles manufactured April 10, 2015, to October 20, 2015. The turbocharger air intake duct may crack and possibly result in an engine stall.
Consequence: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the turbocharger air intake duct, and replace it as necessary, free of charge, depending on the lot number found on the duct. The recall began April 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTA-62.