The 2015 Subaru Wrx carries 3 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering wiring and turbo/supercharger. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Clutch failure / won't shift into gear.” Subaru's symmetrical AWD system places unusually high demands on differential fluid and transfer case service — skipping these is the most common cause of premature drivetrain wear. Older Subarus with the EJ25 engine (pre-2011) require timing belt replacement; FB and FA engines (2011+) use a maintenance-free chain. Subaru's published intervals below align with the owner's manual Schedule II (severe) which most US drivers qualify for.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Campaign #17V625000 · Jun 10, 2017
Issue: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015 WRX and WRX/STI vehicles, equipped with an optional factory-installed subwoofer in the trunk. Items in the trunk may cause the subwoofer wiring to contact the subwoofer metal frame, possibly resulting in an electrical short.
Risk: An electrical short may damage the subwoofer amplifier, and may result in the subwoofer overheating, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the subwoofer wire, install a wire retainer clip, and, as necessary, replace the subwoofer, free of charge. The recall began October 31, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTQ-76.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER
Campaign #16V162000 · Mar 21, 2016
Issue: 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.
Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BACK UP LIGHTS:SWITCH
Campaign #22V522000 · Jul 21, 2022
Issue: 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.
Risk: Inoperative backup lights and an inoperative rearview camera can reduce vehicle visibility and driver awareness, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2015 Subaru Wrx.
POWER TRAIN
13 NHTSA complaints · 2014-05 → 2021-08
“SQUEAKY CLUTCH PEDAL AND WHIRRING NOISE WHEN CLUTCH DEPRESSED”
“THE CLUTCH KEEPS GOING BAD IN A FEW THOUSAND MILES UNDER NORMAL USE. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME ONLY AFTER 2000 MILES. SUBARU TELLS ME I ABUSE THE CLUTCH AND DON'T KNOW HOW TO DRIVE. I HAVE DRIVEN ONLY MANUAL TRANSMISSION CARS, NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS BEFORE WITH ANY CAR”
ENGINE
5 NHTSA complaints · 2017-12 → 2023-03
“VEHICLE HAD A BRAND NEW SHORT BLOCK WITH APPROXIMATELY 6,000 MILES ON IT, AND SPUN A BEARING”
“Engine has rod knock present common amongst owners. Short block replaced under warranty at 55k miles. How can a stock engine with synthetic oil changes commonly fail? Flaws”
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
5 NHTSA complaints · 2015-02 → 2017-01
“DRIVERS SIDE HEADLIGHT IS RANDOMLY DISABLED. LIKE THE MAJORITY OF OTHERS HAVING THIS ISSUE, MY CAR HAS BEEN IN A COLDER CLIMATE (MINNESOTA) WHEN THIS STARTED OCCURRING. THERE IS NO WAY OF TURNING IT BACK ON. *TR”
“HEADLIGHTS DISABLED. STARTED THE CAR, "HEADLIGHTS DISABLED" MESSAGE ON DASHBOARD. HEADLIGHTS WERE NON-FUNCTIONAL. THIS WAS IN VERY COLD WEATHER, APPROXIMATELY -10F”
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
3 NHTSA complaints · 2021-05 → 2022-01
“Car battery is constantly drained even when car is used every other day”
“Battery lasted only less than 2 year s”
STRUCTURE
2 NHTSA complaints · 2021-03 → 2021-04
“RUST IS ON THE INSIDE OF THE TRUNK”
“RUST APPEARING ON DOOR(S) FRAME INSIDE NEAR WEATHER STRIP, BUBBLING OUTWARDS AND SHOWING OUTSIDE ON B-PILLAR”
VISIBILITY/WIPER
2 NHTSA complaints · 2018-05 → 2019-04
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 SUBARU WRX. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED”
“I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY ON MY WAY TO WORK NOT FOLLOWING ANYONE CLOSELY. I DID NOT GO UNDER ANY OVERPASSES OR TREES AND I HAD MY SUNROOF CLOSED WITH THE SHADE VISOR OPEN AT THE TIME”
ENGINE
5 NHTSA complaints · 2015-08 → 2021-12
“Turbocharger intake cracked and causes the engine to have an extremely rough idle and stall. My vehicle has the same issue as NHTSA campaign number 16V16200 however it was manufactured before April 10th 2015 so it is not included in that recall”
“THE RPM DROP AND THE ENGINE STALLS, BUT NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS COME ON. IT ONLY HAPPENS IN FIRST GEAR, FROM WHAT I'VE NOTICED”
Issues on other model years
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.
We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.
Critical for safety and preventing major damage
Replace 0W-20 full-synthetic oil and filter every 6,000 miles. WRX/STI 2.0L/2.5L turbo: 3,750 miles. Non-turbo FB engines: 6,000 miles severe / 10,000 normal.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$120–$160
Shop
~$85–$115
DIY
~$25–$55
Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.
Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. Critical on Subaru AWD — uneven tread depth across all 4 tires (>2/32") forces the center differential to bind, damaging the AWD coupling.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$85
Shop
~$60
DIY
Free
Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.
Inspect brake pads, rotors, calipers, and parking brake every 7,500 miles. Outback and Forester pads commonly last 35,000-50,000 miles depending on terrain.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$85
Shop
~$60
DIY
Free
Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.
Replace front differential and manual transmission fluid every 30,000 miles. CVT models use proprietary Subaru CVT fluid — a separate item.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$150–$195
Shop
~$105–$135
DIY
~$20–$50
Replace rear differential fluid every 30,000 miles. Use Subaru 75W-90 GL-5 — substitutes can cause whining noises within months.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$150–$195
Shop
~$105–$135
DIY
~$20–$50
Subaru CVT models (Outback, Legacy, Forester, Crosstrek, Impreza, Ascent): replace Lineartronic CVT fluid every 30,000 miles severe / 60,000 normal. Subaru High-Torque CVT-II fluid only — incorrect fluid destroys the chain-and-pulley system.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$360–$500
Shop
~$255–$355
DIY
~$80–$180
CVT fluid is manufacturer-specific and pricey — do NOT substitute conventional ATF.
Older Subarus with the EJ25 boxer engine (Forester, Outback, Legacy 1996-2010): replace timing belt every 105,000 miles. FB and FA boxer engines (2011+) use a chain — no scheduled replacement.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$935–$1175
Shop
~$655–$825
DIY
Pro only
On interference engines, a snapped belt destroys valves. Worth doing on schedule. Bundle water pump + tensioner — labor is already there.
Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 30 months. Subaru's brake hold and EyeSight automatic emergency braking depend on uncontaminated fluid.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$180–$200
Shop
~$125–$140
DIY
~$10–$25
DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.
Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently
Replace engine air filter every 30,000 miles. WRX/STI: inspect every oil change due to the higher airflow demand of the turbo intake.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$60–$95
Shop
~$45–$70
DIY
~$15–$40
5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.
Iridium plugs every 60,000 miles on FB engines. WRX/STI 2.5L turbo: 30,000 miles due to higher cylinder pressures and EGT.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$285–$390
Shop
~$200–$275
DIY
~$25–$100
Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.
Subaru Super Coolant (blue): first change at 137,500 miles or 11 years, then every 30,000 miles. Do not substitute green or orange — head gasket sealing chemistry depends on the formula.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$285–$330
Shop
~$200–$235
DIY
~$25–$60
Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.
Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort
Replace cabin air filter every 15,000 miles. Behind the glove box on most Subaru models.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$60–$95
Shop
~$45–$70
DIY
~$15–$40
Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.
Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)
38 crashes 2010–2024
FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number
Owner-reported problem signals
Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.
2
complaints mentioning a crash
1
complaints mentioning a fire
Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle
Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.
How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.
This maintenance schedule for the 2015 Subaru Wrx reflects Subaru's published service intervals. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.