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2013 Subaru WRX problems

The most common problem on the 2013 Subaru WRX is transmission and drivetrain, typically around 29,500 miles. It has fewer complaints than a typical WRX model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
85/100
Owner complaints
7
Recalls
11
Service bulletins
232
Worst area
Transmission

The worst 2013 Subaru WRX problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Transmission
    6
  • Brakes
    2
  • Body
    1
  • Engine
    1

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Transmission
    6
  • Brakes
    2
  • Body
    1
  • Engine
    1

Recalls 11

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported January 2, 2020 · 258,813 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (STI included), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators with alternate inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1‑844‑373‑6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1‑800‑955‑9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-20.

Recall number 20V001000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported January 2, 2020 · 127,547 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1‑844‑373‑6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1‑800‑955‑9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-20.

Recall number 20V002000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported January 2, 2020 · 111,562 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1‑844‑373‑6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1‑800‑955‑9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-20.

Recall number 20V003000 · Recall details

Electrical system: ignition: switchReported April 11, 2019 · 511 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, 2008-2011 Impreza vehicles, 2008-2014 WRX vehicles, 2005-2014 Legacy vehicles, 2005-2014 Outback vehicles and 2006-2008 Tribeca vehicles equipped with a mechanical key ignition switch installed as a replacement part. The ball spring inside the switch may break, reducing the strength of the ignition switch. If this occurs, the weight on the key ring and certain road conditions could cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position to the accessory position, turning off the engine.
Risk
The engine turning off unexpectedly can increase the risk of a crash. If a crash occurs under this condition, the air bag may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ignition switch, replacing the ignition switch, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 10, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1‑844‑373‑6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUF-91.

Recall number 19V297000 · Recall details

Exterior lighting: brake lights: switchReported February 28, 2019 · 1,303,530 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing the brake lights from illuminating and also preventing keyless ignition vehicles from starting and CVT/automatic transmissions from being able to be shifted out of Park.
Risk
Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1‑844‑373‑6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90.

Recall number 19V149000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported January 9, 2019 · 43,394 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Forester, 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Outback, Legacy, and 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk
An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1‑844‑373‑6614. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-19.

Recall number 19V007000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported January 9, 2019 · 330,120 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Outback, and Legacy vehicles, 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles and 2010-2013 Forester vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk
An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Subaru is notifying owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1‑844‑373‑6614. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-19.

Recall number 19V008000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported January 9, 2019 · 452,630 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles and 2010-2013 Forester vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk
An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Subaru is notifying owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1‑844‑373‑6614. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-19.

Recall number 19V009000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported January 9, 2018 · 64,179 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Legacy, Forester, Tribeca, WRX and Outback vehicles, and 2009-2011 Impreza vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk
An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1‑800‑782‑2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-18.

Recall number 18V012000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulicReported December 31, 2014 · 200,064 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Impreza, 2008-2014 WRX and STI, and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, currently, or formerly, registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia that were remedied under recall 14V‑311 prior to December 23, 2014. The brake lines may experience brake line corrosion due to salt water splashing on the brake lines through a gap in the fuel tank protector.
Risk
Brake fluid may leak due to the brake line corrosion and may result in longer distances being required to slow or stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will apply an anti-corrosion wax to the four-way joint connector area of the brake line system, free of charge. The recall began on January 27, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1‑800‑782‑2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQQ-52. Notes: This recall is specific to affected Forester, Impreza, WRX, and STI customers who had their car remedied under the federal safety agency recall no. 14V‑311 prior to December 23, 2014. Subaru has determined that this remedy was inadequate due to incomplete repair instructions provided to dealers. Affected Forester, Impreza, WRX, and STI vehicles that were not repaired under the federal safety agency recall no. 14V‑311 prior to December 23, 2014 will continue to be processed under the federal safety agency recall no. 14V‑311. Affected vehicles not currently, or formerly, registered in the salt belt states identified in this recall are eligible for repair, at no cost to the customer, upon request.

Recall number 14V830000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported June 10, 2014 · 461,338 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Outback and Legacy, 2008-2011 Impreza and 2008-2014 Impreza WRX/STI, and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, currently, or formerly, registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Salt water could splash on the brake lines through a gap in the fuel tank protector, resulting in excessive corrosion of the brake lines. Note that affected vehicles not currently, or formerly registered, in the salt belt states identified above are eligible for repair, at no cost to the customer, upon request.
Risk
Brake line corrosion may result in brake fluid leakage. Fluid leakage may result in longer distances being required to slow or stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will test the brake system by depressing the brake pedal and inspecting for brake fluid leaks. If no brake fluid seepage is observed, the affected areas will be rustproofed with anti-corrosion wax. If brake fluid seepage is observed, the brake lines will be replaced followed by rustproofing with anti-corrosion wax. These services will be performed free of charge. The recall began July 2014 and second notifications will run through November 2014. Owners may contact Subaru at 1‑800‑782‑2783. Subaru's recall campaign number is WQK-47. Note: This recall supersedes recall 13V‑110 which applied to certain 2005-2009 Legacy/Outback vehicles. Vehicles that were remedied under the previous campaign still need additional areas rust-proofed.

Recall number 14V311000 · Recall details

See all 11 recalls for the 2013 Subaru WRX

Technical service bulletins for the 2013 Subaru WRX 232

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 232 bulletins for the 2013 Subaru WRX

What 2013 Subaru WRX owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Nov 1, 2018 · Transmission · 61,000 miles · CA

Clutch release bearing (aka throw out bearing) in the vehicle prematurely wears off, resulting in loss of power while driving. My wrx made squeaky noise in the cold morning, but disappears in afternoon. It just comes and goes, so I thought it was just noise at first. Few days later, I was driving on the freeway, and as soon as I stepped on my clutch, I felt some grinding noise, and white smoke started coming out from my front hood. My clutch was not engaging anymore and I was fortunate enough to cruise and pull the vehicle to the side of the freeway. My technician said the throw out bearing may slipped out, caused damage to the transmission. Subaru released new design for their bearing and there is a tsb for 2015-2017 subaru wrx, but not for 2011-2014, which should be fixed too! Http://www.subispeed.com/instructions/tsb-clutch-release-bearing.pdf there are thousands of complaints about "throw out bearing" on online forums for same model years. Please look into this issue. There are thousands of vehicles with the same issue in us roads...

Filed Sep 29, 2016 · Body, Transmission · 60,000 miles · MI

The clutch pedal on my 2013 wrx makes a loud creaking noise every time it's depressed. When I investigated the noise, I noticed that the entire clutch pedal bracket assembly (attached to the forward firewall) shifts approx 1/4 inch every time the clutch pedal is depressed. I found that the three spot welds securing the clutch pedal bracket to the forward firewall could be broken. From the outside of the firewall, just under the windshield wipers, I saw the spot welds pulling away from the firewall every time the clutch pedal was depressed. This allows the entire clutch pedal bracket assembly to move, causing the creaking noise. If the bracket completely separates from the firewall, the clutch may become completely inoperative - especially dangerous while driving. I have also read online that this manufacturing defect can also cause your clutch to go out quicker. The firewall needs to be re-welded and reinforced and a new clutch needs to be installed. Reference links: http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2535257 http://www.clubwrx.net/forums/transmission-awd/134367588-firewall-welds-breaking-2.html http://carproblemzoo.com/subaru/impr...s-problems.php http://www.faqs.org/car/subaru-impre...power-train/#b http://www.wrxforums.com/forums/84-d...on-needed.html http://www.wrxforums.com/forums/37-c...inkage-45.html http://www.wrxforums.com/forums/84-d...ewall-fix.html http://www.wrxforums.com/forums/37-c...bly-issue.html http://www.wrxforums.com/forums/84-d...s-story-2.html http://www.wrxforums.com/forums/84-d...l-problem.html http://www.wrxforums.com/forums/84-d...olt-style.html http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show....php?t=2128617 http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show....php?t=2184210 http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show....php?t=2305937.

Filed Apr 2, 2016 · Transmission · 500 miles · CT

Brand new off the lot clutch failed after 500 miles. Replaced at no cost, but dealer accused 76-year-old driver of burning rubber. Second clutch good, but still engages very high and quick. Frequent stalls result.

Filed Jul 28, 2015 · Engine, Transmission · 29,500 miles · MA

I purchased a my 2013 wrx with only 7miles on it and after the 'break-in" period of 1000 miles the engine through a connecting rod. The engine was replaced under warranty. Granted the effort to have soa take care this major failure was painful. At mile 29k this past may. I heard a faint knocking/ticking while on the highway. After 20 mins the noise got louder, by the time I was home it sounded like marbles were in my engine. The dealer had to do "tear-down" and told me the engine failed and had to be replaced,they then told me that the clutch was "abused' and had to be replaced. They wanted me to pay for this repair, which I thought was ridiculous( I am positive that something from the engine caused the damage) then they told me the awd transfer case had to be replaced!!.all in all, a new engine, turbo,clutch and transfer case had to be replaced. This car has no modification and is driven minimally. Not happy with how this event unfolded with soa. 2 failed engines in 2 year.

Filed Sep 19, 2014 · Transmission · 500 miles · KS

While idling without car in gear or clutch engaged, hot smell noted. Intermittent issue until for about 18 months and 25,000 miles until constant burning smell as well as new-onset severe clutch slippage. No racing or launching, only easy driving, with majority highway miles. Appears to be burnt clutch with flywheel damage possible. This began with the car new and while only highway miles. It was initially explained away as an assembly coating cooking off and normal and to be expected. It now is unsafe to drive on the highway due to sudden loss of acceleration and minimal power.

Filed Jul 4, 2014 · Brakes · 10,500 miles · NY · crash

Driving east bound on the long island expressway near exit 38 in the left lane, suddenly traffic was becoming a dead stop again and I pressed down on the foot brake and nothing happened so I hit it again and looked to make sure I had hit the correct pedal and then at the last second pulled the e-brake before the collision doing about 35 MPH.

Filed Apr 1, 2014 · Brakes, Transmission · 7,800 miles · WI

The clutch firewall welds have broken loose, causing the clutch to feel soft and flex. Over time this will become a catastrophic failure resulting in an inoperable transmission.

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Questions about the 2013 Subaru WRX

Is the 2013 Subaru WRX reliable?

Owners have filed 7 complaints about the 2013 Subaru WRX, fewer than a typical WRX model year.

What is the 2013 Subaru WRX year score?

The 2013 Subaru WRX scores 85 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Subaru WRX: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2013 Subaru WRX?

Transmission and drivetrain, with 6 complaints, typically around 29,500 miles. Next is brakes (2).

How many recalls does the 2013 Subaru WRX have?

11 recalls, covering air bags, electrical system and exterior lighting.

What year does the Subaru WRX have bad transmission?

The Subaru WRX model years with the most transmission complaints are 2008 (48 complaints), 2009 (33 complaints) and 2015 (18 complaints).

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