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2020 Subaru WRX problems

The most common problem on the 2020 Subaru WRX is electrical system. It has fewer complaints than a typical WRX model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
81/100
Owner complaints
18
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
297
Worst area
Electrical
Fuel economy
19-23mpg

The worst 2020 Subaru WRX problems

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

  • Electrical
    6
  • Engine
    3
  • Transmission
    3
  • Visibility
    3
  • Brakes
    2

Problems by type

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

  • Electrical
    6
  • Engine
    3
  • Transmission
    3
  • Visibility
    3
  • Brakes
    2
  • Seat belts
    2
  • Airbags
    1
  • Driver assistance
    1
  • Fuel system
    1
  • Lights
    1
  • Wheels
    1

Recalls 1

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

See all 1 recalls for the 2020 Subaru WRX

Technical service bulletins for the 2020 Subaru WRX 297

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

See all 297 bulletins for the 2020 Subaru WRX

2020 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‑cylAWD18-2124-2721-23
2.5L 4‑cylAWD162219

What 2020 Subaru WRX owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 23, 2026 · Electrical, Lights · VA

-Flickering head lights -Driver window loose -Windshield wipers did not work on the passenger side (I don't know how it passed inspection) -When shifted into 4th gear the stick was making odd movements and jumping -Mechanical noises like cranking coming from the engine or under the car

Filed Oct 17, 2025 · Driver assistance, Engine · 30,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2020 Subaru WRX. The contact stated that while the transmission was shifted into neutral (N), the instrument panel displayed that the transmission was shifted in reverse (R), and the rearview camera image was displayed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact shifted the transmission to drive (D), but the instrument panel displayed that the transmission was still in reverse (R), and the rearview camera was displayed while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V522000 (Exterior Lighting); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

Filed Aug 29, 2025 · PR

The head unit started to delaminate and ghost touching

Filed Jul 28, 2025 · Transmission · TX

2020 WRX: TR690 (CVT) transmission that the car came equipped with, began leaking between the engine and (CVT) transmission, it was noticed during an oil change at 71686 miles but not identified as (CVT) transmission fluid immediately, it was cleaned and assumed to be oil spill. Another oil change was done at 77576 miles, and the (CVT) transmission was leaking between engine and (CVT) transmission, it was noted before the oil was even drained. I looked up recalls from the federal safety agency and found none. Then looked at Subaru Service Bulletins and found Service Bulletin 16-103-16 that only covers 2015 MY through 2019 MY WRX with (CVT) transmission leaking at front pump/chain cover between the engine and (CVT) transmission. The coverage of the Service Bulletin extended the (CVT) transmission warranty to 10 years 100,000 miles, and my vehicle is within the current requirements to receive repairs with only 79000 miles, but is not listed because it is a 2020 WRX, the modle of WRX with the TR690 (CVT) transmission ran from 2015 MY through 2021 MY. My vehicle is also registered through My Subaru app and the Service Bulletins/Service Campaign page says no SBs or SCs are available, help is appreciated, thank you.

Filed Jan 7, 2025 · Electrical · TX

Parasitic battery problem My car battery keeps dying on my Subaru sti 2020 after one day of not driving. I have had the car checked with Subaru dealership and a local shop but no issues were found. This morning I had to get my car jumped again after not driving it for one day. This battery was purchased brand new on nov 2024.At this point I am not sure what to do. I don’t want to keep changing batteries every 3 months. Already contacted Subaru America and they have asked me to go back to the dealership and have them provide a diagnostic assessment.

Filed Sep 23, 2024 · Engine · NY

I purchased the vehicle used with 33800 miles and at 34100 the engine stalled and was hard to start, once started it was knocking severely. I have seen a class action law suit based on the same issues but the 2020 model year is not included

Filed Aug 9, 2024 · Seat belts · WA

Rear passenger seatbelts fraying. My two children are sitting in the back seat, there is no warning that my seatbelts were frayed putting their life at risk! Took the car to the dealership to have them check what is going on with the seatbelt mechanism, they said “there is no mechanical issue, therefore it is not under warranty.”

Filed Mar 24, 2023 · Electrical · 20,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2020 Subaru WRX. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle would not start. The vehicle was diagnosed by the dealer but no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that telematics control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 20,000.

Filed Sep 22, 2022 · CA

Battery drainage occurring often. I have been left stranded at night time in unsafe areas. The car was taken to the dealer twice and both times the battery has been “recharge”. I”ve had the car for less than 3 years. No symptoms occur before this happens. This seems to happen when the car has not need moved for more than a day.

Filed May 22, 2022 · Electrical · VA

Have had this car since late 2019 around November and it is now 2022 and I'm at 25k miles in my battery is already failing I have had it tested and the cold cranking amps are why below where they should be causing the car not be able to start at time . I've had other car batteries that lasted long than 2 and a half years.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2020 Subaru WRX before you buy

Compare the 2020 Subaru WRX

Other model years

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Questions about the 2020 Subaru WRX

Is the 2020 Subaru WRX reliable?

Owners have filed 18 complaints about the 2020 Subaru WRX, fewer than a typical WRX model year.

What is the 2020 Subaru WRX year score?

The 2020 Subaru WRX scores 81 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 2020 Subaru WRX?

Electrical system, with 6 complaints. Next is engine (3).

How many recalls does the 2020 Subaru WRX have?

1 recall, covering exterior lighting.

What year does the Subaru WRX have the most electrical problems?

The Subaru WRX model years with the most electrical complaints are 2017 (14 complaints), 2019 (14 complaints) and 2016 (10 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2020 Subaru WRX get?

Official estimates for the 2020 Subaru WRX range from 19 to 23 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl, AWD) gets 18-21 city and 24-27 highway.

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