2005 Subaru WRX
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2005 Subaru WRX. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
5 recalls name the 2005 Subaru WRX. Newest first.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2004-2005 Impreza and WRX vehicles that received replacement front passenger air bag inflators under a previous recall. The replacement air bag inflators may have been installed incorrectly.
Risk and remedy
Risk
An incorrectly installed inflator may not properly inflate the passenger air bag, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the passenger inflator and if necessary, install a new inflator kit, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 14, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRF-23.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (STI included), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto…
Risk and remedy
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators with alternate inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-20.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri…
Risk and remedy
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-20.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New…
Risk and remedy
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-20.
Certain aai motorsports combination lamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above list passenger vehicles. combination lamps not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Risk and remedy
Risk
Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and may possibly result in a vehicle crash
Remedy
Aai motorsports will notify owners and replace the lamps free of charge. the recall began on august 1, 2006. owners may contact aai motorsports at 909-923-9188.
Owner complaints
19 complaints
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Fuel/propulsion system
As I was driving this morning started smelling strong raw fuel odor. *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system
2005 STI, 42,000 miles..... Cold mn weather caused my fuel system under the hood leak gas all over. Inside of car smelt of gas very very bad. Popped the hood, even stronger gas smell, located fuel leaks under the intake manifold drivers side. Towed it to nearest subaru dealer do to fear of fire.…
2005 STI, 42,000 miles..... Cold mn weather caused my fuel system under the hood leak gas all over. Inside of car smelt of gas very very bad. Popped the hood, even stronger gas smell, located fuel leaks under the intake manifold drivers side. Towed it to nearest subaru dealer do to fear of fire. Not covered under the 2 warranties I purchased when I bought the car or under subaru recall of 2003-2004 wrx/sti's for the same problem.....charges will be $600+...... Bought the car from a subaru dealer here in mn, second owner, expensive low miles used car, just plain stupid subaru does not fix this..... *tr
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
During cold weather, there IS a strong fuel smell in the cabin. Rubber fuel lines on the passenger side leak, causing fuel to puddle on top of the engine block, creating an extreme fire hazard. *tr
- Suspension
After investigating a small leak it was discovered that my front sway bar mount connected to my lower control arm( recall number "wvx-34 lower control arm) mount had snapped and separated. This could have cause serious injury to myself, family and others driving around me at the time IS snapped.…
After investigating a small leak it was discovered that my front sway bar mount connected to my lower control arm( recall number "wvx-34 lower control arm) mount had snapped and separated. This could have cause serious injury to myself, family and others driving around me at the time IS snapped. Subaru confirms that the lower control arm has a corrosion issue but refuses to cover this problem due to the location of the breakage. *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system
Fuel smell inside passenger compartment in outside temperatures <20 degrees f. This IS apparently a known problem, and a tsb was issued for 2002 and 2003 subaru WRX for a fuel leak, but not for the 2005. Have been told the owner IS responsible for repair costs. Online search finds many identical complaints from other owners. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
On cold days, the car smells like gas - many reports online about fuel leaks in cold weather for subaru. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
Strong raw fuel smell in cabin when starting in temps <30 degrees. Fuel IS clearly visible leaking from lines below manifold. *tr
- Engine · Fuel system, gasoline
When I started my car the other morning (~14 degrees f) I smelled a strong fuel odor in the cabin. I opened the hood of the car and also smelled it there as well. I drove the car about 2 miles and the smell went away. Once stopped and idling, the odor returned. It IS a very strong raw gasoline…
When I started my car the other morning (~14 degrees f) I smelled a strong fuel odor in the cabin. I opened the hood of the car and also smelled it there as well. I drove the car about 2 miles and the smell went away. Once stopped and idling, the odor returned. It IS a very strong raw gasoline smell. Upon further research, I found that many other subaru owners are experiencing the same exact issue. It turns out to be a faulty clamp and/or hose, which results in leaking gasoline out of the fuel line. this concerns me for numerous reasons, but the main reason IS that it IS leaking gasoline in the engine bay, which could result in a fire and ultimately injury/death. the smell it produces in the cabin IS also something that concerns me, especially if children are in the car. this only happens when temperatures are very cold, probably below 20 or 25 degrees f. please look into this issue and you will find many are experiencing the same thing with their vehicles. thanks *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system
When started, temperatures under 20 degrees (f), vehicle will emit a strong gasoline odor under hood and will come in through heater vents. dealer says they know of the problem, but no current recalls. the previous model years had a recall for the same exact problem. subaru of america claims the…
When started, temperatures under 20 degrees (f), vehicle will emit a strong gasoline odor under hood and will come in through heater vents. dealer says they know of the problem, but no current recalls. the previous model years had a recall for the same exact problem. subaru of america claims the model year I have has an update, but after researching this problem online and with subaru dealers, there IS still a known problem. there IS a rubber fuel line under the intake manifold that IS the culprit. my dealer claims "they all do this when it's cold." I am not satisfied with this answer and subaru of america has been no help either. they claim it IS up the ntsb to issue a recall. *tr
- Fuel system, other
Fuel smell inside passenger compartment in outside temperatures <20 degrees f. this IS apparently a known problem, and a tsb was issued for 2002 and 2003 subaru WRX for a fuel leak, but not for the 2005. have been told the owner IS responsible for repair costs. online search finds many identical complaints from other owners. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline · Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
Strong gasoline odor smell inside car. Happens when the outside temperature IS very cold, below 15 degrees. this issue IS similar to that reported in earlier model wrxs. see recall nhtsa campaign number: 09v468000 which addressed leaking fuel lines at cold temperatures. other complaints like this one have been filed for wrxs years not covered by the recall. *Tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
Gas leak that causes very strong gas fumes in the car during cold starts and significant gas loss overnight. Local subaru dealership determines it's faulty fuel line gaskets and $900 to repair. The fumes are so strong that I fear something will ignite the vapors and start a fire. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
Gas leak causing strong odors inside car. This started with the cold weather. Most likely hoses became brittle or weak claiming force in cold weather allowed gas leakage. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling
Car: 2005 subaru impreza STI. Problem: factory defect in the turbo oil supply. The factory recommends immediate removal of the turbo inline oil filter. If this filter becomes clogged the turbo will be ruined. This IS per subaru factory bulletin no. 02-103-07. Why IS this not a factory recall? *tr
- Suspension › Rear
Subaru will not replace/fix strut clunk noise coming from the rear. Many others have complain and there IS still no solution. This can cause the owner $1350 for something that all 2004+ subaru STI cars experience. *Tr
- Power train › Manual transmission
I own a 2005 subaru impreza WRX STI. I am having problems shifting into 5TH gear. the transmission grinds and resists going into gear. this IS only a problem with 5TH gear, all of the other gears are smooth and responsive. since experiencing this problem, I have done quite a bit of research and…
I own a 2005 subaru impreza WRX STI. I am having problems shifting into 5TH gear. the transmission grinds and resists going into gear. this IS only a problem with 5TH gear, all of the other gears are smooth and responsive. since experiencing this problem, I have done quite a bit of research and discovered that this IS a common problem in 2004 and 2005 stis. apparently, subaru of america put an inferior synchro in 5TH gear. 1ST, 2ND, 3RD, 4TH, and 6TH all have upgraded synchros. starting in 2006, subaru began putting the upgraded synchros in all 6 gears. the car only has 34,000 miles on it and so it IS still under factory powertrain warranty. I am in the process of submitting this for a warranty claim, but unfortunately it appears that it will most likely be denied. subaru of america IS notorious for denying claims on all stis on the basis that they were abused, regardless of the truth of this accusation. I am rather upset about this, as I recently purchased the car with the understanding that subaru would honor their warranty - especially because the car has not been abused or modified (other than a removal of the large, unattractive wing, a cosmetic modification only). there are several other people having these same problems, both with the failure of 5TH gear in their 2004 or 2005 STI and with subaru denying their claim and charging them huge fees for disassembling and inspecting the engine. I can provide a link to the online record (on a subaru enthusiast website), as well as contact info for other owners affected. my main concern IS that subaru obviously knows that there IS a defect with the 5TH gear synchro, evidenced by the fact that they had to upgrade the synchro in 2006+ models, and that they have not issued a recall or some sort of way to fix the problem for current subaru STI owners. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Turbo/supercharger · Suspension › Front
Normal city and highway commuting. While traveling on the highway vehicle had a violent drop in speed , and a metal clanking noise. Was heard. The engine died, as a result lost power steering. I managed to safely bring the car to a stop. It was as able to drive it despite the engine shutting…
Normal city and highway commuting. While traveling on the highway vehicle had a violent drop in speed , and a metal clanking noise. Was heard. The engine died, as a result lost power steering. I managed to safely bring the car to a stop. It was as able to drive it despite the engine shutting off frequently to the dealer. They reported to me that the turbocharger failed, and I had 4 twisted axles, half-shafts replaced. they had to place a call to subaru to see about covering the failure. I heard nothing, but after calling they said subaru would not cover the failure, but would not say why. I went in later and requested a written statement that they refused to cover it and why. It was then I found out that it was due to alleged abuse. The proof of this was the presence of club stickers and aftermarket parts which had no bearing on the defective parts. They stated the presence of these things implied abuse to the car. They refused to fix it unless I payed. they offered nothing , but a 800 number to complain to subaru of america. I am currently in the process with soa and everyone IS being very uncooperative. I felt being discriminated against because of my age. I am younger , therefore, I must be abused or race the car.*ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission · Power train › Clutch assembly
Under normal city driving and highway commuting the transmission and clutch pedal stopped delivering power on the highway. I managed to safely get off the highway and had the car towed to dealership. Dealer refused to cover worn clutch under warranty despite wear items covered under the 3…
Under normal city driving and highway commuting the transmission and clutch pedal stopped delivering power on the highway. I managed to safely get off the highway and had the car towed to dealership. Dealer refused to cover worn clutch under warranty despite wear items covered under the 3 year//36000 mile coverage. Car was around 20000 miles. Dealer gave me a feeling that I was discriminated against because I was a young man with a sporty car, therefore, I must race it and abuse it. I have old parts in my garage. They did, however, cover brake pads at another time.*ak
- Suspension › Rear
There IS a clunking noise at slow speed coming from the rear of the car. a lot of owner in the internet forums are having the same problem. this problem seemed to be the strut going bad after couple thousand miles. *jb
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11010925This annocement is to inform dealers to the Gen 3.1 Head Unit OTA will be available via Wi-Fi. The update will take place in multiple batches with the first beginneing November 15th and the last being Decemeber 3rd. This update is for approximatelt 714,000 VINs.
- 11009701This bulletin details an important regulation issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which impacts the way some vehicles with accessories are sold. This regulation applies to any automobile retailer installing accessories on a vehicle prior to its first sale.
- 11009685This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
- 11008283This Service Information Bulletin announces the preferred practices to be used when handling vehicles equipped with Gen2 Telematics which are enrolled in the Subaru STARLINK Security Plus Service featuring Stolen Vehicle Recovery Plus with Immobilizer.
- 11008282This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
- 11008281This Service Information Bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be followed when diagnosing engine oil leakage on FA and FB type engines.
- 11008280This Service Information bulletin is being released as guidance for proper testing and charging of vehicle batteries.
- 11008279This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.
- 11008276The CP1.5 RCs OTA is available for all mid and high grade CP1.5 head units.
- 11008267This bulletin announces availability of the NEW genuine Subaru engine oil filter.
- 11008259This bulletin outlines the judgment criteria to be used when inspecting front transverse link bushings to reduce unnecessary bushing replacement.
- 11006935This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure for 2025MY vehicles.
- 11006934The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.
- 11006932This Service Information Bulletin announces important diagnostic information to utilize when the Data Communication Module (DCM) is being tested as a dark current/standby current source.
- 11006931This Bulletin provides additional diagnostics to follow when addressing a Telematics-related DTC B2A16.
- 11005624This annoucement provides parts personnel information about remanufactured transmissions that will no longer be available.
- 11005615This announcement provides information for retailers to install the latest infotainment system software for Denso CP 1.5.
- 11005614This bulletin announces important diagnostic information to utilize when testing the Data Communication Module (DCM) as a dark current/standby current source. All models equipped with Telematics except Solterra.
- 11005609This announcement provides information on Takata Recall Escalated Towing Program.
- 11005608This thermo control valve video contains information on the replacement of thermo control valve.
- 11005599This Bulletin provides SOA paint codes to help eliminate possible confusion for 2025 MY vehicles.
- 11005595This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
- 11005593This Bulletin provides guidance for diagnosing a leaking front or rear suspension strut.
- 11002730This information announces reprograming file availability for Gen 4.5 Denso CP1.5 Audio and Navigation systems. Inprovement for CarPlay concerns with hands-free calls when the receiving party is not able to hear the caller.
- 11002725This bulletin provides diagnosis and procedure information to be applied when diagnosing potential fluid leaks on front and rear brake calipers. This information has been developed to reduce unnecessary brake caliper replacement.
- 10248223SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. has determined that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain 2003-2014 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2003-2006 model year Baja vehicles, 2009-2013 model year Forester vehicles, 2004-2011 model year Impreza vehicles, and 2004- 2014 WRX (including STI) vehicles equipped with a non-desiccated Takata-sourced passenger-side frontal air bag containing the propellant Phase Stabilized Ammonium Nitrate (PSAN).
- 10248221"Takata Front Passenger Air Bag Inflator Replacement. UPDATE April 2016: New and different inflators are available for affected 2004-2005 Impreza, WRX, and STI vehicles."
- 10244915SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. has determined that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain 2003-2014 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2003-2006 model year Baja vehicles, 2009-2013 model year Forester vehicles, 2004-2011 model year Impreza vehicles, and 2004- 2014 WRX (including STI) vehicles equipped with a non-desiccated Takata-sourced passenger-side frontal air bag containing the propellant Phase Stabilized Ammonium Nitrate (PSAN).
- 10241801The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.
- 10240110This bulletin announces the recommended cleaning procedures to followed when encountering vehicles with long time exposure to pollen on painted surfaces on vehicles imported from Japan. This bulletin does not apply to SIA built vehicles.
- 10237234Takata Front Passenger Airbag Module / Inflator Like for Like Recall
- 10235894Revision to Troubleshooting Information for VDC DTC C0071
- 10235277Takata Front Passenger Airbag Module / Inflator Like for Like Recall
- 10233149Takata Front Passenger Air Bag Inflator Replacement
- 10233107Launch of Remanufactured Turbochargers
- 10233061New Vehicle Receipt- Navigation SD Card Transit Storage Location Change
- 10232879Replacement Key and Immobilizer info
- 10232535Replacement Key and Immobilizer Info
- 10232234Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is initiating this safety recall for certain 2004-2005 model year Impreza (including WRX) vehicles in which the replacement frontal passenger-side air bag inflator may have been incorrectly installed.
- 10232230UPDATE Safety Recall: WRF-23 Improper Air Bag Inflator Installation.
Every Subaru WRX model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.