2016 Subaru Wrx: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2016 Subaru Wrx: 3 recalls, 31 owner complaints and up to 23 mpg combined.
Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Forward collision avoidance, Exterior lights Vehicle recall #15V366000 · 2015 · 71,710 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: 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.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #16V162000 · 2016 · 18,187 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #22V522000 · 2022 · 59,934 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (10): the most common themes are electrical failure (6).
- Engine (8): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (4), warning light on (2).
- Other / unknown (6): the most common themes are noise or vibration (2).
- Transmission & drivetrain (4): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (2).
The 2016 Subaru Wrx has 31 owner complaints, ranking #9 of 24 Wrx model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 41). Complaints peaked in 2022 (7 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 25,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2015 (52 complaints, 3 recalls), 2017 (53 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 23 | Premium |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AV-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 24 | 21 | Premium |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 23 | 19 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2016 Subaru Wrx.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2016 Subaru Wrx have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2016 Subaru Wrx. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2016 Subaru Wrx problems?
Owners have filed 31 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (10), engine (8), other / unknown (6).
What gas mileage does the 2016 Subaru Wrx get?
EPA ratings run up to 23 mpg combined (2.0 L, Manual 6-spd), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2016 Subaru Wrx repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.