2015 Subaru Wrx Safety Report
2015 SUBARU WRX Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2015 Subaru Wrx
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2015 Subaru Wrx. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (3) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Moderate (52) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 3 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Power Train | Compare power train issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2021 | Compare against the 2021 Subaru Wrx with 12 complaints and 1 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2017 | Check the 2017 Subaru Wrx before buying across this generation. |
Subaru Wrx Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Subaru Wrx years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Subaru Wrx | 34 | 3 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2017 Subaru Wrx | 51 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2018 Subaru Wrx | 40 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2019 Subaru Wrx | 27 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2020 Subaru Wrx | 17 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2021 Subaru Wrx | 12 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2015 Subaru Wrx Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2015 Subaru Wrx, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Power Train
11 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Subaru onlyEngine
10 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Subaru onlyPower Train,Engine
4 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train,Engine issues Subaru onlyExterior Lighting
4 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Exterior Lighting issues Subaru onlyElectrical System
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Subaru onlyUnknown Or Other
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Subaru onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2015 Subaru Wrx
Reliability Score
The 2015 Subaru Wrx receives a reliability score of 87 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
Known Issues for the 2015 Subaru Wrx
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2015 Subaru Wrx:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Rod Knock Common amongst owners, short block replacement under warranty at 55k miles. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Turbocharger Intake Crack Causes rough idle and stalling, documented in NHTSA campaign. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Electrical System Wiring Recalled in certain 2015 WRX and WRX/STI vehicles, equipped with a specific wiring issue. |
High | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Backup Light Switch Recalled by Subaru of America, Inc. for potential failure of backup lights. |
Medium | Common | 2015-2021 miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2015 Subaru Wrx:
Engine issues, including rod knock and turbocharger intake cracks, are common.
Electrical system issues, such as wiring problems, are frequent.
Steering issues, such as clunking during turns, are reported.
Back up light switch issues are reported.
Recall Details for the 2015 Subaru Wrx
The following 3 recalls have been issued for the 2015 Subaru Wrx by NHTSA:
Summary: 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.
Consequence: Inoperative backup lights and an inoperative rearview camera can reduce vehicle visibility and driver awareness, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Summary: 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.
Consequence: An electrical short may damage the subwoofer amplifier, and may result in the subwoofer overheating, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: 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.
Summary: 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.
Consequence: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2015 Subaru Wrx
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2015 Subaru Wrx with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 2 complaints involved crashes. 1 involved fires. 1 reported injuries or fatalities.
My engine starting making like a clunking sound I always have took my car for service at the dealership i own the 2015 subaru wrx premium i haven’t move the car after the noise due to scare I might mess something with the engine
The contact owns a 2015 Subaru WRX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he heard an abnormal sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed failures with the drive belt, front drive axles, rear axle differential seals, and windshield washer reservoir. The vehicle was not repaired. The manu...
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.
The secondary o2 pump will burn out or continue running causing unsafe risk to short circuit a fire. Recall has already been previously documented in the -2014 models however Subaru uses the same design and part number. My car Secondary o2 Pump was replaced under warrenty at 55k miles now at 90knmiles have the same CEL code.
I first noticed the car engine began making a loud ticking sound and significantly lost power as I exited the freeway heading toward my home after work. After towing the vehicle to the Subaru dealership, they tore apart the engine and found a connecting rod bearing had failed. It had slid out between the rod and crankshaft and shattered in the oil system sending shards of metal into the engine and...
-Engine Head Gasket (Blown), Yes. -Engine coolant created cloud of white vapor while driving, impairing ability to visually assess the road. Leaked hazardous fluid over freeway possibly contaminating soils and affecting local wildlife. -The problem has been reproduced and confirmed by Eastside Subaru in Kirkland, WA. -The vehicle has been inspected by Eastside Subaru in Kirkland, WA. -There was n...
* Battery charging system damaging battery resulting failure of battery. Suspecting overcharging or constant draining of battery below cycling. * Improper charging of battery could result in catastrophic battery failure which may cause battery to catch on fire. * Failure of battery in inclimate/severe weather may impede egress from elements and/or not allow for certain functions of the veh...
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.
Car battery is constantly drained even when car is used every other day
DEFECTIVE OEM THROW-OUT BEARING and FORK in the SIX SPEED manual transmission completely BURNING the clutch. I was going up a hill and the car just started rolling back. No gear would work on the car.
The engine blew up around 75k miles, it had blown a rod barring even though the car had been maintained. The clutch prematurly went out causing me to have to replace everything but the flywheel at under 75k miles. The clockspring is bad in the car affecting the horn and air bags. Having to get that replaced as well. The car is currently at a dealership getting everything resolved other than the cl...
Battery lasted only less than 2 year s
I OWN A 2015 WRX LIMITED CVT. WHEN I GO TO MY CAR TO GO TO WORK AND I START IT, THE CAR SPUTTERS. I'VE ONLY NOTICED THIS ON COLD STARTS ONLY, ONCE THE CAR IS WARMED UP IT'S FINE. FOR SOME REASON THOUGH WHEN THE CAR IS SPUTTERING ON START UPS IT WILL TRIP MY CEL AND BASICALLY PUT THE CAR INTO 'GET HOME' MODE, BUT IT ONLY SEEMS TO TRIGGER THE CEL WHEN IT WANTS TO. THE CAR WILL ALWAYS SPUTTER ON STAR...
RUST IS ON THE INSIDE OF THE TRUNK.
WHEN I TAKE SHARP TURNS (LIKE PARALLEL PARKING OR BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY) MY STEERING COLUMN CLUNKS. MAINLY LEFT TURNS ... BUT IT DOES HAPPEN TIME TO TIME WITH RIGHT TURNS.
RUST APPEARING ON DOOR(S) FRAME INSIDE NEAR WEATHER STRIP, BUBBLING OUTWARDS AND SHOWING OUTSIDE ON B-PILLAR.
VEHICLE IS BURNING OIL, OIL CAME OUT THROUGH WHERE THE DIP-STICK IS PLACED. FOUND OIL ON THE EXHAUST TIPS. MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR IS MALFUNCTIONING. REQUIRES NEW COILS AND SPARK PLUGS EVEN THOUGH I HAVE ALREADY REPLACED THEM. REQUIRED A NEW BATTERY, HOWEVER, REPLACING THE BATTERY DID NOT KEEP THE VEHICLE FROM TURNING OFF BY ITSELF. O2 SENSOR, BANK 1 SENSOR 2, IS ALSO MALFUNCTIONING.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 SUBARU WRX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, A CREAKING NOISE WAS PRESENT COMING FROM THE ENGINE BAY. ALSO, A GRINDING SOUND WAS PRESENT WHEN SHIFTING BETWEEN GEARS AND THE VEHICLE WOULD JOLT WHILE ACCELERATING AND DECELERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER (MID HUDSON SUBARU LOCATED AT 1715 U.S. 9, WAPPINGERS FALLS, NY 12590) WHO DIAGN...
SQUEAKY CLUTCH PEDAL AND WHIRRING NOISE WHEN CLUTCH DEPRESSED
DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT ~70 MPH AND SUDDENLY LOST ALL THROTTLE RESPONSE, THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE ONLY LOOSE SPEED. ENGINE STARTED TO SHUTTER TO LOW RPMS, AND BECAUSE OF THIS DRASTICALLY LOST SPEED AND NEARLY GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT WITH ONCOMING TRAFFIC WHILE MOVING TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY TO PULL OVER. AFTER EVENTUALLY PULLING OVER, ENGINE CONTINUED TO SHUTTER TO LOW RPMS AND COULD NOT HOL...
Showing 20 of 52 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2015 Subaru Wrx
Has the 2015 SUBARU WRX been recalled?
Yes, the 2015 SUBARU WRX has 3 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2015 SUBARU WRX have?
The 2015 SUBARU WRX has 52 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 2 involved crashes. 1 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2015 SUBARU WRX?
The 2015 SUBARU WRX does not have an NHTSA safety rating on file. This can happen for newer model years, specialty vehicles, or models that have not been crash-tested.
What are the most common problems with the 2015 SUBARU WRX?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2015 SUBARU WRX involve power train (11 complaints), engine (10 complaints), power train,engine (4 complaints). Other affected components include exterior lighting, electrical system, unknown or other.
How many crash reports does the 2015 SUBARU WRX have?
There are 2 crash reports associated with the 2015 SUBARU WRX out of 52 total complaints (3.8% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2015 SUBARU WRX have?
There are 1 fire reports for the 2015 SUBARU WRX out of 52 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2015 SUBARU WRX?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2015 SUBARU WRX.
How many injuries are reported for the 2015 SUBARU WRX?
1 injury has been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2015 SUBARU WRX. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2015 SUBARU WRX?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2015 SUBARU WRX is research thoroughly before purchasing. It has 52 complaints, 3 recalls. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2015 SUBARU WRX?
The components with the most failures on the 2015 SUBARU WRX are: 1. POWER TRAIN (11 complaints), 2. ENGINE (10 complaints), 3. POWER TRAIN,ENGINE (4 complaints), 4. EXTERIOR LIGHTING (4 complaints), 5. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (3 complaints). POWER TRAIN is the single most-reported problem area with 11 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2015 SUBARU WRX?
Be cautious of engine and electrical system issues, as they can lead to performance problems and safety risks. The 2015 SUBARU WRX has 52 NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record.
How reliable is the 2015 SUBARU WRX?
The 2015 SUBARU WRX receives a reliability score of 87/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 52 owner complaints, 3 recalls, and 3 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Engine Rod Knock and Turbocharger Intake Crack.
What are the known issues with the 2015 SUBARU WRX?
Known issues with the 2015 SUBARU WRX include: Engine Rod Knock, Turbocharger Intake Crack, Electrical System Wiring, Backup Light Switch. These are based on patterns found across 52 NHTSA complaints. 3 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the common engine issues in the 2015 Subaru WRX?
Common issues include rod knock and turbocharger intake cracks.
Are there any recalls for the 2015 Subaru WRX?
Yes, recalls have been issued for electrical system and backup light switch issues.
What should I do if I notice unusual sounds or performance issues?
Take your car to a dealership for inspection and repair.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of engine and electrical system issues, as they can lead to performance problems and safety risks.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2015 Subaru Wrx
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2015 Subaru Wrx. The data includes 52 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 3 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 2 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 1 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16