2020 Subaru WRX recalls & problems

1 recall 17 complaints

1recalls
17owner complaints
1crashes reported
0fires reported
3 / 0injuries / deaths

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 2020 Subaru WRX and 17 owner complaints. The part owners complain about most is electrical system (5 reports), followed by engine (3). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers – enter your VIN on nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your car still has an open recall.

2020 Subaru WRX recalls

Exterior Lighting · NHTSA 22V522000 · Jul 21, 2022

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

59,934 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

2020 Subaru WRX problems by component

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuries
Electrical System 5
000
Engine 3
000
Visibility/Wiper 3
000
Power Train 2
000
Seat Belts 2
101
Service Brakes 2
101
Unknown or Other 2
000
Air Bags 1
101
Back Over Prevention 1
000
Fuel/Propulsion System 1
000
Wheels 1
000

Latest owner complaints

Back Over Prevention · Oct 17, 2025 · 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…

Power Train · Oct 17, 2025 · 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…

Engine · Oct 17, 2025 · 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…

Unknown or Other · Aug 29, 2025 · PR

The head unit started to delaminate and ghost touching

Power Train · Jul 28, 2025 · 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…

Electrical System · Jan 7, 2025 · 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…

Engine · Sep 23, 2024 · 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

Seat Belts · Aug 9, 2024 · 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.”

Electrical System · Mar 24, 2023 · 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…

Unknown or Other · 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.

Electrical System · May 22, 2022 · 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.

Engine · Jan 30, 2022 · CO

The vehicle seems to randomly die and bog out then all of the lights appear on the dash, I myself had to pay out of pocket for a new battery because autonation subaru arapahoe in colorado decided not to check it like I had asked and after getting my car back the issue was still there which is why I replaced it today. not only this but they sold me a highly modified vehicle…

Other Subaru WRX years

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2020 Subaru WRX have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 safety recall covering the 2020 Subaru WRX, the most recent one (22V522000) for exterior lighting. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

What are the most common problems with the 2020 Subaru WRX?

Based on 17 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most reported areas are electrical system (5), engine (3), visibility/wiper (3).

Have there been crashes or injuries linked to the 2020 Subaru WRX?

Owners reported 1 crash, 0 fires, 3 injuries and 0 deaths in complaints to NHTSA. These are unverified owner reports, not findings of fault.