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2015 Subaru WRX problems

The most common problem on the 2015 Subaru WRX is engine and cooling, typically around 87,000 miles. It has 2.1 times the complaints of a typical WRX model year.

Year to avoid2.1x the typical complaints
Year score
48/100
Owner complaints
52
Recalls
3
Service bulletins
426
Worst area
Engine
Fuel economy
19-24mpg

The worst 2015 Subaru WRX problems

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

Problems by type

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

  • Engine
    18
  • Transmission
    18
  • Electrical
    6
  • Fuel system
    5
  • Lights
    5
  • Body
    4
  • Airbags
    3
  • Steering
    2
  • Visibility
    2
  • Acceleration
    1
  • Seat belts
    1
  • Tires
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 2015 Subaru WRX

Stalling 7Check engine light 5Headlights 5

Recalls 3

Exterior lighting: back up lights: switchReported July 21, 2022 · 59,934 vehicles affected
What is 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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 22V522000 · Recall details

Electrical system: wiringReported October 6, 2017 · 9,178 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
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.

Recall number 17V625000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: turbo/superchargerReported March 21, 2016 · 18,187 vehicles affected
What is 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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 16V162000 · Recall details

See all 3 recalls for the 2015 Subaru WRX

Technical service bulletins for the 2015 Subaru WRX 426

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

See all 426 bulletins for the 2015 Subaru WRX

2015 Subaru WRX fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.0L 4‑cylAWD19-2125-2821-24
2.5L 4‑cylAWD172319

What 2015 Subaru WRX owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Mar 5, 2024 · Engine · TX

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

Filed Dec 20, 2023 · Engine, Transmission · 87,000 miles · AL

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 manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 87,000.

Filed Mar 21, 2023 · Engine · WI

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.

Filed Mar 21, 2023 · Engine · WI

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.

Filed Nov 17, 2022 · Engine, Transmission · NV

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 all components that the oil touches. Every component that oil touches needed to be replaced. Prior to this problem, maintenance and oil changes were performed according to Subaru's specifications. Had the engine completely failed on the freeway during my commute home (during rush hour traffic) I could have caused an accident and possibly hurt myself and others. Subaru inspected and kept the components that were faulty though they never accepted responsibility for the failure of the components. There was absolutely no indication nor warning signal prior to the failure of the connecting rod bearing. Subaru blamed me for the component failure saying the vehicle was not properly maintained though they never asked me for proof of maintenance. I had to pay $7868 to repair the car to it's original mechanical state.

Filed Jun 22, 2022 · Engine · AZ

-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 no warning (check engine lights) until the incident occurred.

Filed Jan 11, 2022 · Electrical · 92,000 miles · TX

* 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 vehicle that would assist in providing warmth or cooling to occupants. *No, dealer simply replaced battery *No *Vehicle in question was purchased new in 2015 with no electrical modifications. OD reads ~92000 miles. This is the third battery replacement with evidence of suspected overcharging such as excessive build up of copper sulfate and corrosion on positive battery terminal (present on all replaced batteries).

Filed Dec 1, 2021 · Engine · PA

Turbocharger intake cracked and causes the engine to have an extremely rough idle and stall. My vehicle has the same issue as the federal safety agency campaign number 16V16200 however it was manufactured before April 10th 2015 so it is not included in that recall.

Filed Oct 12, 2021 · Electrical · VA

Car battery is constantly drained even when car is used every other day

Filed Aug 29, 2021 · Transmission · IL

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.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2015 Subaru WRX before you buy

Compare the 2015 Subaru WRX

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Questions about the 2015 Subaru WRX

Is the 2015 Subaru WRX reliable?

Owners have filed 52 complaints about the 2015 Subaru WRX, 2.1 times a typical WRX model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.

What is the 2015 Subaru WRX year score?

The 2015 Subaru WRX scores 48 out of 100 (below average). 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 2015 Subaru WRX?

Engine and cooling, with 18 complaints, typically around 87,000 miles. Next is transmission (18).

How many recalls does the 2015 Subaru WRX have?

3 recalls, covering exterior lighting, electrical system and engine and engine cooling.

Was there a recall on the 2015 Subaru WRX engine?

Yes, 1 recall: 16V162000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Subaru WRX have bad engine?

The Subaru WRX model years with the most engine complaints are 2002 (18 complaints), 2015 (18 complaints) and 2022 (15 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2015 Subaru WRX get?

Official estimates for the 2015 Subaru WRX range from 19 to 24 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl, AWD) gets 19-21 city and 25-28 highway.

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