Subaru WRX stalling problems

Filed Oct 21, 2026 · Transmission · AZ

Safety Complaint Details: The vehicle is a 2023 Subaru WRX experiencing recurring, severe powertrain and engine management failures that present an immediate life-safety hazard on active roadways. The vehicle has a documented history of chronic transmission system component failures, requiring a complete clutch assembly replacement early in its service history at 6,600 miles. Following a subsequent major transmission disassembly by an authorized retailer, the service department failed to perform a mandatory post-repair quality control test drive, releasing an improperly reassembled and dangerous vehicle into commerce. Within 48 hours of retrieval, the vehicle suffered severe high-speed throttle response loss, engine hesitation, and stalling behavior on active highway corridors. On XXX, while navigating mountain grades under absolute medical duress for a critical specialist appointment, a major engine turbocharger/vacuum hose clamp completely disconnected under load due to the dealership's reassembly negligence. This resulted in an emergency roadside breakdown in [XXX], accompanied by visible smoke, a severe burning rubber odor inside the cabin, and intense thermal heat transfer through the firewall directly into the driver’s footwell pedals. The vehicle continues to suffer from a dangerous unmetered air leak, gasping for air, engine power loss while climbing inclines, and physical gear shifter mechanism binding. The manufacturer (Subaru of America Case #XXX) has been formally notified of these structural and mechanical hazards but has failed to safely retrieve the vehicle, which currently remains grounded at my residence. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Apr 9, 2026 · Acceleration, Engine · OR

Car all the sudden stall/ lock up tires at high way speeds due to sudden no warning engine failure causing a massive safety concern My car locked up during a normal drive up a slowly passing a semi when my car died no power steering no engine power transmission locking due engine failure Car was checked and maintenance at the dealer less then a week prior for a small misfire then was dismissed due to car all the sudden running fine so I drove it 100 miles then it died and almost killed me due to the sudden lockup 2017 Subaru wrx WITH THE FA20 DIT Also worth mentioning cars 100% factory stock Car wasn’t terribly damaged, although I was very shaken up from sudden failure into a ditch

Filed Jan 23, 2026 · Engine · CO

At 77,000 miles, my vehicle suffered a major failure where the #2 connecting rod and piston were destroyed, requiring a short block replacement. This repair was performed by Autonation West Subaru in Golden, Colorado and was covered under the SAS gold plan, certified pre-owned 7yr/100,00mi. warranty purchased with the vehicle. According to the technician's report at that time, the failure was so violent it cracked the engine block and contaminated the entire oiling system with metal shrapnel. A short 18,000 miles after receiving the vehicle back at 95,335 miles the clutch went out, needing to be replaced. Keep in mind that this clutch had recently been replaced at 35,757mi. by this same dealership who at the time charged me $900 even though I had just bought the car in July of 2021 with 22,000mi on it. Now, I am at 128,000 miles—only 50,000 miles after the dealership repair—and the engine has failed again. Fortunately, just as I was pulling up to my friend's house, it stalled with an engine code of p0171 present and several dash lights illuminated. And all I've gotten it to do is crank but not start, since early September. In October I had it towed to Subie Smith in Thornton, Colorado. Who did an inspection and compression test, reporting low compression in 2 of the 4 cylinders. And recommended a full engine replacement, either used or new. I don't have the means to afford an engine replacement now out of warranty.

Filed Jun 21, 2025 · Engine · TX

In October 2024, my vehicle, a 2021 Subaru WRX STI, was purchased from a Toyota dealership (Fort Bend Sterling McCall Toyota). The dealership sold the vehicle with an oil issue and a modified ECM. This issue caused catastrophic engine failure while driving. The vehicle stalled and could not be started. Subaru dealership technicians confirmed the cause as improper service leading to catastrophic oil starvation. The failure put both myself and others at risk, as the engine lost power mid-operation on a busy road. The vehicle was towed to a certified Subaru dealership, where it has been detained since December 2024. Despite being under warranty, repairs have been delayed for over 6 months due to blame disputes between the dealership, the manufacturer, and the extended warranty provider. There were no prior dashboard warnings or messages before failure, only loss of power and engine noise at the time of the incident. The vehicle has been fully inspected and documented by the Subaru service center, and all evidence has been preserved. I have been without a primary vehicle for over 7 months.

Filed Feb 2, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · CO

Excessive blow by contaminating MAP sensors & creating lean/rich conditions. This causes loss of power, stalling and will lead to catastrophic engine failure. EGR system is faulty

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 Mar 7, 2024 · Engine, Transmission · GA

Severe engine failure! Was driving steady speed on highway, then I let off the throttle and heard a bad knocking noise on deceleration. The engine oil temp increased to around 230F. I slowed down to limp it to the next exit and it started jerking. I made it to an exit and the engine stalled at the red light. No smoke, oil level good, coolant level good. Had it towed to Subaru dealer, where they said the engine has severe damage and needs a Short Block Engine Assembly. Warranty was denied because it has a cold air intake. Complained to Subaru Corporate because an intake should not cause catastrophic engine failure at only 38,000 miles.

Filed Nov 22, 2023 · Engine · OH

Engine failed while driving causing vehicle to stall

Filed Jan 7, 2023 · Fuel system · NH

I have a 2017 Subaru WRX that stalls while driving (including at highway speeds) 2 to 3 times every day on my commute to work through the mountains. This has led the vehicle to skid sideways and lose control. When I looked into this problem, I found that Subaru has a recall on its fuel pumps for 2018 to 2020 Subaru WRX vehicles but somehow my VIN does not appear to be considered AN affected vehicle. This issue is life-threatening, and I believe the model years eligible for recall, must not have captured one year earlier model with presumably the same faulty fuel pump. I believe the recall needs to be expanded.

Filed Dec 14, 2022 · Engine, Fuel system · AR

The Direct Injection Engine causes valves to become coated in carbon build-up, unlike indirect injections which constantly clean the valves. This issue then results in the sudden loss of power and engine stalls (often when attempting to accelerate from low speeds) which are extremely dangerous when attempting to merge or turn in traffic. Subaru has not addressed the issue but based on online searches it appears to be a major issue for all 2.0l direct injection engines.