2024 Subaru WRX

Owner complaints

What owners report most

1. Unknown or other6
2. Power train3
3. Forward collision avoidance3
4. Visibility1
5. Service brakes, hydraulic1
6. Engine1
7. Structure1

Latest complaints

• Oct 9, 2026TX
  Power train
  Vehicle: 2024 Subaru WRX (Manual Transmission) Description of Safety Hazard: While operating my 2024 Subaru WRX at normal highway speeds in clear conditions, the vehicle suffered a sudden and catastrophic drivetrain failure. Without any warning lights, unusual noises, or prior symptoms, the front…

  Vehicle: 2024 Subaru WRX (Manual Transmission) Description of Safety Hazard: While operating my 2024 Subaru WRX at normal highway speeds in clear conditions, the vehicle suffered a sudden and catastrophic drivetrain failure. Without any warning lights, unusual noises, or prior symptoms, the front differential experienced a violent mechanical lock-up. This unexpected locking of the drivetrain instantly disrupted the vehicle's forward momentum at highway speeds, threatening control of the vehicle and creating an immediate risk of a high-speed collision with surrounding traffic. I was forced to navigate the vehicle to the shoulder under extreme mechanical resistance. The vehicle was towed to an authorized Subaru dealership, where a catastrophic internal failure of the front differential/transaxle assembly was confirmed. The vehicle is 100% factory stock with no modifications, and has been serviced exclusively at authorized Subaru dealerships according to the manufacturer's maintenance schedule. A sudden, uncommanded mechanical lock-up of the driven wheels at highway velocities represents a severe, life-threatening manufacturing defect that requires federal tracking and investigation.

• Mar 18, 2026NM
  Power train
  On February 3, 2026, while driving approximately 80 mph on Interstate 10, the manual transmission shifter bypassed the 6th gear detent entirely and moved toward the reverse gear position, creating an immediate and severe safety hazard. I prevented full reverse engagement only through physical…

  On February 3, 2026, while driving approximately 80 mph on Interstate 10, the manual transmission shifter bypassed the 6th gear detent entirely and moved toward the reverse gear position, creating an immediate and severe safety hazard. I prevented full reverse engagement only through physical intervention. Had the transmission engaged reverse at 80 mph, catastrophic drivetrain damage and loss of vehicle control would have resulted. The vehicle was taken to El Paso Subaru for a Subaru-authorized inspection on February 9, 2026. As of March 18, 2026 (37+ days), the transmission remains disassembled. A Subaru corporate engineer inspected the vehicle but the report has not been shared with me. The vehicle maintenance app confirms the car was last moved March 12 and has been sitting idle since. Subaru is pursuing a warranty denial based on aftermarket modifications without demonstrating specific causation as required under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. Subaru Case #260204-2202126.

• Dec 17, 2025MI
  Structure › Body
  The component failing is the side skirts or, as officially described in the Subaru parts diagram, the „Side Spoiler“. It can also be found as part numbers 96051, and 96051A. It can be easily visually inspected. This puts others at risk because it may end up dragging on the road, or falling off…

  The component failing is the side skirts or, as officially described in the Subaru parts diagram, the „Side Spoiler“. It can also be found as part numbers 96051, and 96051A. It can be easily visually inspected. This puts others at risk because it may end up dragging on the road, or falling off entirely which poses a major safety risk to other drivers because it is a piece of plastic nearly the length of the entire wheelbase. After talking with other owners, they have had the same issue, and in my case I had the issue a few months after purchasing the car. Then when the rear of the car was replaced and fixed due to an accident, they fixed this issue, but it came back a month after being repaired. I do not know if it has been inspected by Subaru or police or insurance, but they may see it as a recurring issue. There were know warning lamps or messages. I only noticed when inspecting my car before use or while washing it.

• Dec 8, 2025TN
  Unknown or other
  On 12/3/2025 at approximately 9:46 am, I was driving at about 30 mph when a SiriusXM advertisement suddenly appeared on the infotainment screen. The pop-up took over the entire display and required manual dismissal to regain access to navigation and audio controls. This interruption forced me to…

  On 12/3/2025 at approximately 9:46 am, I was driving at about 30 mph when a SiriusXM advertisement suddenly appeared on the infotainment screen. The pop-up took over the entire display and required manual dismissal to regain access to navigation and audio controls. This interruption forced me to divert my eyes and hand from the road. I have video evidence showing the ad appearing while the car was actively moving but can only attach a screenshot in this report. This poses a significant safety risk, especially at highway speeds or in poor weather conditions. Other Subaru owners have reported similar issues, indicating this may be a widespread software or UX defect. I am submitting this complaint to request investigation into whether Subaru’s infotainment system violates safety-critical UI standards by permitting advertisements to display while the vehicle is in motion.

• Dec 7, 2025FL
  Unknown or other

  While driving a full screen advertisement for SirusXM takes over the entire screen on your infotainment system. You must select to close or accept the sales offer to close the advertisement and have access to the controls or navigation on your infotainment screen. This is a dangerous distraction as you are driving to have something take over the display and then it shows as a sales ad.

• Dec 5, 2025IL
  Unknown or other
  On Dec 4 around 6pm driving in Chicago area. Weather has been very bad, with snow and extreme cold, leaving roadways and especially alleyways (as they do not receive regular city plow/salt) covered in snow and ice. While creeping over hardpacked snow and ice down an alleyway to access my apartment…

  On Dec 4 around 6pm driving in Chicago area. Weather has been very bad, with snow and extreme cold, leaving roadways and especially alleyways (as they do not receive regular city plow/salt) covered in snow and ice. While creeping over hardpacked snow and ice down an alleyway to access my apartment parking area, the dashboard screen suddenly came on in order to display an ad for SiriusXM. I keep the dashboard screen off specifically because I find it extremely distracting, even when static. When it came on suddenly, I experienced a crisis response, slamming on the brakes, resulting in slide forward and to the side. In this instance, I was fortunate not to hit anything or have anything further occur, but it could easily have been very different. Why can an ad server turn this screen on when closed by the owner? Why can it serve ads in private vehicles at all? I attempted to contact the dealer regarding this and they placed me on hold and eventually hung up on me. I have scheduled an appointment with legal counsel to discuss my further options.

• Nov 24, 2025OH
  Unknown or other
  Sirius XM advertisement took over driver infotainment system while driving casuong a significant distraction in driver attention. Infotainment system handles some car functions such as climate control, navigation, and relays information for eyesight system to other modules of the vehicle. There…

  Sirius XM advertisement took over driver infotainment system while driving casuong a significant distraction in driver attention. Infotainment system handles some car functions such as climate control, navigation, and relays information for eyesight system to other modules of the vehicle. There have been other complaints from drivers. The sudden change in display locks drivers out of climate control and other functions until advertisement is acknowledged.

• Nov 24, 2025MO
  Unknown or other

  While driving, I get a pop-up ad Sirius XM. It is beyond annoying, invasive and possibly dangerous. This shouldn't be allowed and there should be regulations against ads preventing distracted driving.

• Oct 2, 2025NJ
  Forward collision avoidance › Warnings
  I understand that every manufacturer is racing to get these vehicles autonomous or something similar to it and I can fully appreciate a world that would be as I'm sick of distracted drivers as it is these days and the police's complicity or the lack of enforcement doesn't help. That said, the…

  I understand that every manufacturer is racing to get these vehicles autonomous or something similar to it and I can fully appreciate a world that would be as I'm sick of distracted drivers as it is these days and the police's complicity or the lack of enforcement doesn't help. That said, the pre-collision system in Subaru needs a bit of an overhaul or an option to shut it off permanently and not every single time we start the vehicle. There were two separate instances where the collision warning picked up "something" that caused it to brake unexpectedly and hard causing ABS to trigger and everything getting thrown off the seats. I have no idea what even caused it. One other instance is when the vehicle in front of me suddenly braked unexpectedly. Seeing as I do not tailgate, I had plenty of time to move over to the other lane. In the process of this, the car detected the braking vehicle in front and just slammed the pre-collision brakes on me causing all sorts of panic for myself and every driver around me. The car tried to stop on the parkway at 55 mph because I wanted to merge left (and had plenty of space to do so) whereas the car just wanted to stop. The lane I was merging to didn't have anyone so it was fine but the person behind me probably freaked out a bit. Subaru needs to give us the ability to adjust the sensativity of these systems or just the ability to turn them off permanently. I love this car and love the brand but I feel they could do better. I'd like to say these manufacturers need to stop trying to baby and coddle us but when I see the drivers these days, I can understand where they are coming from.

• Jun 23, 2025VA
  Visibility › Rearview mirrors/devices › Exterior
  The Drivers side mirror (LEFT) When sitting still is distorted and wavy if you look around in the mirror. It makes the earth bend or any objects in the mirror bend, the best way to put it when driving or sitting still it looks like a funhouse mirror. And once at about 40 MPH the Same mirror also…

  The Drivers side mirror (LEFT) When sitting still is distorted and wavy if you look around in the mirror. It makes the earth bend or any objects in the mirror bend, the best way to put it when driving or sitting still it looks like a funhouse mirror. And once at about 40 MPH the Same mirror also vibrates while driving. The retailer I choose has replaced the mirror glass twice and the mirror housing once, it had done nothing to fix it.

• May 14, 2025NC
  Power train
  Driving kids home from school and while making a left hand turn through a large intersection, when shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear I heard an immediate pop and then it lost all power in third while sounding like a bag of gravel under the car. I could have easily lost power while merging on a highway…

  Driving kids home from school and while making a left hand turn through a large intersection, when shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear I heard an immediate pop and then it lost all power in third while sounding like a bag of gravel under the car. I could have easily lost power while merging on a highway instead of a lower speed turn and endangered the welfare of my two daughters. Subsequent tear down by Parkway Subaru confirmed that 3rd gear had experienced catastrophic failure with hardly any gear teeth remaining on 3rd gear. I have found the problem reported numerous times online, specifically third gear. The transmission was inspected by a Subaru of America specialist, who then denied that it was a manufacturer issue. No warnings or signs of mechanical failure prior to the incident. Shifting had been normal and routine throughout lifetime of the car (1 year 15k miles). I had to wait 2 weeks to be told they were denying warranty or good will assistance on a year old vehicle purchased new. I have been driving a rental car since the incident while my car has been sitting at the dealership. Dealer has been unable to provide specific reasoning for denial of warranty beyond stating that "they feel it is not a manufacturer or material defect". Feelings aren't empirical evidence of failure last time I checked. I have tried to reach SoA agent assigned to my case for three straight days with no communication until this afternoon (5/15) in which I missed their call and they did not respond when I called back within 5 minutes. Attached below are pictures from other consumers who experienced the same failure, as well as a picture of my own failure and are a report on subaru 2022+ wrx models and issues relating to 3rd gear specifically.

• Mar 24, 2025OH
  Engine · Forward collision avoidance › Adaptive cruise control · Forward collision avoidance › Warnings

  Driving my car as any person would, at the 3519 mile mark on the odometer the engine low oil light came on, it took (1.5Q) of oil to top it off. This is a brand new car no one buys a new car to add oil to it, then to get told by the dealership that it’s normal for up to (2Q) of oil to be added because it’s the only AWD boxer, but yet the 24 crosstreks have boxers and doesn’t burn oil?????

• Jan 3, 2025CA150 mi
  Service brakes, hydraulic
  The contact owns a 2024 Subaru WRX. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the ABS did not function as intended. The contact stated that while merging into another lane, the ABS independently activated, and the vehicle independently stopped. Additionally, the contact stated that due to the…

  The contact owns a 2024 Subaru WRX. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the ABS did not function as intended. The contact stated that while merging into another lane, the ABS independently activated, and the vehicle independently stopped. Additionally, the contact stated that due to the failure, the vehicle was almost rear-ended. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150.

• Dec 11, 2024MN
  Unknown or other
  I’m driving with my eyes on the road and out of my peripheral vision I notice a change on my cars information screen. I instinctively respond and it’s an advertisement from Sirius XM taking up my whole screen. This of course distracted me momentarily and luckily there were no other cars close…

  I’m driving with my eyes on the road and out of my peripheral vision I notice a change on my cars information screen. I instinctively respond and it’s an advertisement from Sirius XM taking up my whole screen. This of course distracted me momentarily and luckily there were no other cars close enough to cause an incident. It made my blood boil. This is completely unacceptable and unsafe. Shame on Subaru for allowing this.

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.

• 11010932"This bulletin announces availability of new reprogramming files developed to address the two symptoms described below: SYMPTOM 1: A jerk or judder sensation felt from the powertrain during braking with the air conditioning on. SYPMTOM 2: A shudder is felt from the powertrain along with a screeching type of sound. NOTE: Both of these symptoms are not related with a fault code."
• 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.
• 11010911The following information announces reprogramming file availability and provides a software update installation procedure to optimize the new Gen 4.5 Denso CP1.5 Audio and Navigation head units utilized in the models listed.
• 11010910This bulletin provides guidance when diagnosing chain slip, judder, shudder, and hesitation concerns on the TR690 model CVT transmissions used in the models listed.
• 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.
• 11009699This bulletin announces availability of new reprogramming files developed to address symptoms which a jerk or judder sensation can be felt from the powertrain during braking with air conditioning on, or a shudder felt from the powertrain along with a screeching type of sound.
• 11009694This bulletin provides guidance when diagnosing chain slip, judder, shudder, and hesitation concerns on the TR690 model CVT transmissions used in the models listed.
• 11009689This bulletin following information announces reprogramming file availability and provides a software update installation procedure to optimize the new Gen 4.5 Denso CP1.5 Audio and Navigation head units utilized in the models listed.
• 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.
• 11008277This bulletin announces availability of new reprogramming files developed to address the two symptoms, a jerk or judder sensation felt from the powertrain during braking with the air conditioning on, or a shudder is felt from the powertrain along with a screeching type of sound.
• 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.
• 11008265This bulletin announces availability of new reprogramming files developed to address of a a jerk or judder sensation felt from the powertrain during braking with air conditioning on, or a shudder felt from the powertrain along with a screeching type of sound.
• 11008261This bulletin announces availability of new reprogramming files developed to address where EyeSight camera may be exposed to high humidity/temperature. The cooling fans may become inoperable and DTC B28C7 is detected by the camera assembly. A temporary halt mode with an E5 halt code may also be detected by the camera assembly.
• 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.
• 11005620This bulletin announces reprogramming file availability and provides a software update installation procedure to optimize the new Gen 4.5 Denso CP1.5 Audio and Navigation head units utilized in the models listed.
• 11005617This bulletin provides updated parts information and a service procedure to follow for removing accumulated carbon deposits from fuel injectors and internal engine components (e.g. intake valves and / or manifold, and combustion chambers).
• 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.
• 11005589This bulletin announces availability of reprogramming files to optimize the Engine Control Module (ECM).
• 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.
• 11002729This bulletin announces reprogramming file availability and provides a software update installation procedure to optimize the new Gen 4.5 Denso CP1.5 Audio and Navigation head units utilized in the models listed.
• 11002728This Bulletin outlines a new required procedure to follow when performing immobilizer-related repairs.
• 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.
• 11000835This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.

Every Subaru WRX model year

Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.