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2016 subaru WRX engine problems

severe 8 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100

Complaints
8
Recalls
0
Crashes
1
Avg fix
$3,100

What owners are reporting 7 most recent

engine · filed 11/15/2018

FRONT END COLLISION VS DEER ON INTERSTATE AT APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH. 4-5 MINUTES AFTER THE ACCIDENT THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS. NO ONE WAS INJURED. WE ALL WERE OUT OF THE CAR AT THE TIME THE FIRE STARTED.

engine · filed 11/02/2022

Started having issue with the engine making loud rattle noises and oil pressure was not consistent. Upon further investigating I removed the oil pan and removed the oil pickup. The oil pickup screen was full of RTV sealant causing the oil pickup to struggle with maintaining proper oil pressure and flow to the engine. I ended up having to change my timing belt tensioners because one went bad. Proba…

engine · filed 09/06/2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 SUBARU WRX STI. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD OVERHEAT, BUT NO SMOKE WAS PRESENT. THE ODOMETER GAUGE NEEDLE MOVED TO THE HOT INDICATOR. THE CONTACT WOULD TURN OFF AND RESTART THE VEHICLE, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO SPURR SUBARU (6331 BROCKPORT SPENCERPORT RD, BROCKPORT, NY 14420, (585)-637-9582) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE T…

engine · filed 08/24/2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 (NA) SUBARU WRX. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN RESET P CODES 1449, 1604, AND THE ENGINE LIGHT. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOW UP TO SUBARU STANDARDS; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAG…

engine · filed 06/03/2018

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND THE CAR LOST A LITTLE POWER START TO SLOW DOWN TILL IT EVENTUALLY STALLED OUT AND NOW IT STARTS BUT DOES NOT STAY RUNNING.

engine · filed 05/28/2019

"TAKATA RECALL" TOOK MY CAR TO A LOCAL SHOP BECAUSE IT WAS LACKING POWER AND HAD LOW MPG READINGS. FOUND A BOOST LEAK IN THE TOP INTER-COOLER AND EXPRESSED THAT ALL THE 2016 WRX THAT COME IN THIS HAPPENS QUITE OFTEN. FORUMS AND ONLINE POSTS VERIFIED THIS PROBLEM, THE CAR IS A 2016 SO ITS FAIRLY NEW THIS SHOULDN'T BE HAPPENING.

engine · filed 05/26/2018

AFTER LEAVING WORK AND DRIVING LESS THAN ONE MILE, THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE STALLED WHILE APPROACHING A CONTROLLED INTERSECTION. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE PLACED INTO PARK AND RESTARTED. THE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE WAS 80 DEGREES; MOST AUXILIARY SYSTEMS WERE NOT IN USE AT THE TIME THE INCIDENT OCCURRED EXCEPT FOR THE RADIO. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT BEING OPERATED IN ITS OPTIONAL "PADDLE SHIFTER" MODE--IT WAS IN…

Common questions

How serious is the engine problem on the 2016 subaru WRX?

It's a meaningful issue. 8 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.

At what mileage does the engine typically fail?

Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.

What does it cost to fix?

Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.

Are there any recalls related to engine?

No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.

Other problem areas on this vehicle

Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.
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