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Subaru WRX Is Brand’s Least Reliable Model With Transmission Problems

The Subaru WRX gets bad marks from Consumer Reports for reliability. It’s the brand’s least reliable model due to transmission problems.
2019 Subaru WRX, WRX transmission problems, reliability issues

Subaru moved up in reliability and jumps two spots from sixth to fourth place among all automakers in the recent Consumer Reports Reliability Survey 2018. The redesigned second-generation The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek small SUV helps the brand move up the list because it has much better-than-average first-year reliability according to the latest survey. Crosstrek is the most reliable model, while the sport-tuned WRX is the brand’s least reliable model in the stable according to CR.

In overall reliability, the Lexus brand is number one, Toyota is number two, Mazda jumped nine spots to move into third place and Subaru is now fourth. CR says the WRX is the least reliable Subaru. CR gives it bad marks for its stiff and choppy ride, the “clunky” shifter and abrupt clutch engagement make the WRX frustrating as a daily driver. CR says the sporty WRX was the only Subaru with below-average reliability because of transmission problems.

Back in 2016, the WRX and WRX STI fell out of favor with CR saying the Subaru WRX and WRX STI are “no longer recommended” because of their declining reliability. Other big-name models with declining reliability and were also no longer recommended included the Audi A3, Chevy Volt, Dodge Durango, Ford F-150, Honda Civic, Lincoln MKX, and Mini Cooper.

The worst year for WRX transmission problems seems to the the 2015 model year. This was the first year of the redesign and WRX received an upgrade from the 5-speed manual to the 6-speed gearbox. CarComplaints.com reports most of the issues are coming from clutch issues, and transmission problems are second for complaints. The 2016 model year is next with clutch problems with 2018 MY next. They say the most common WRX transmission problems occur at 8,000 miles.

Reader Poll: Have you had transmission problems, and what year is your WRX?

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Photo credit: Subaru USA

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Comments

[email protected] (not verified)    September 8, 2023 - 5:29AM

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I have had issues galore with this car WRX 2010 hatchback, mostly the transmission I mean I used to love the car but my god it has cost me so much money I wanna burn it. HAHA kidding but now I have the clutch pedal sticking to the ground and have to kick it up sometimes. Yesterday i got stuck in first it stalled and I rolled it to the side of the road in neutral so damn embarrassing. I just had my mechanic replace the slave cylinder and master cylinder. In my opinion doesn't seem like the clutch I've had that go before and you can really smell that I mean I hope not because there is no way I'm replacing the clutch again costs for labour up here in Canada for job like that would be 5k +. So any advice things I might check or do would be really appreciated. And why are these cars so problematic the reason I bought the WRX was I thought it was a sturdy fast little fun car. I've had nothing but issues since I bought it and I don't kick the crap out of it for those who think I'm driving it like a maniac.
Don't get it very confused and ready to park this lemon very soon.

Thanks

Simon