CarRecallDB

2016 Subaru WRX recalls and problems

3 recalls and 31 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2016 Subaru WRX.

3
recalls
31
owner complaints
1
complaints mentioning a crash
2
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2016 Subaru WRX recalls

Exterior lighting: back up lights, switch

NHTSA campaign 22V522000 · reported July 21, 2022 · Subaru of America, Inc. · 59,934 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
Inoperative backup lights and an inoperative rearview camera can reduce vehicle visibility and driver awareness, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
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.

Engine and engine cooling: engine, gasoline, turbo/supercharger

NHTSA campaign 16V162000 · reported March 21, 2016 · Subaru of America, Inc. · 18,187 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
The fix
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.

Forward collision avoidance: crash imminent braking · Exterior lighting: brake lights, switch

NHTSA campaign 15V366000 · reported June 12, 2015 · Subaru of America, Inc. · 71,710 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015 Legacy vehicles manufactured March 10, 2014, to April 16, 2015, Outback vehicles manufactured February 24, 2014, to April 16, 2015, Impreza vehicles manufactured September 9, 2014, to April 14, 2015, XV Crosstrek vehicles manufactured October 16, 2014, to April 15, 2015, and 2016 WRX vehicles manufactured March 23, 2015, and equipped with the Eyesight Driver Assist System. If the switch that activates the brake lights fails, the automatic pre-collision braking component of the driver assist system will not function.
The risk
If the automatic pre-collision braking system does not function as intended, the vehicle will not react to an obstacle in its path, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the driver assist system, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQS-54.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Aug 27, 2024 · Electrical system · fire reported

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.

Mar 1, 2024 · Unknown or other

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.

May 10, 2023 · Power train

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…

Apr 10, 2023 · Engine

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…

Feb 22, 2023 · Electrical system

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 WRX’s from 2015-2021. https://www.motorsafety.org/subaru-recalls-wrx-cars-over-faulty-rear-lights-rearview-camera-issue/

WRX model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2013 11710
2014 10600
2015 35221
2016 33112
2017 15382
2018 24351
2019 23000

Across all years, the 2002 WRX has the most complaints (427). All Subaru WRX years →

Questions

Does the 2016 Subaru WRX have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2016 Subaru WRX, the most recent reported on July 21, 2022 (Exterior lighting: back up lights, switch). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Subaru WRX?
Owners have filed 31 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (10 complaints), followed by engine (8).
How many 2016 Subaru WRX complaints mention a crash or fire?
1 of 31 complaints report a crash and 2 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received August 27, 2024.