The 2020 Subaru WRX has good reliability. There are 1 recall and 17 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Subaru WRX. Severity signals include 1 crash-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (5), Visibility Wiper (3), Power Train (2).
WRX reliability snapshot
75/100
Latest model-year reliability score
3.5/5
RepairPal rating (medium)
$682
Avg annual repair cost vs $526 category avg
#32/36
Ranking in compact cars · better than 11% of peers
Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.
Used-car research
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Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.
Electrical System5
Visibility Wiper3
Power Train2
Unknown Or Other2
Engine1
Seat Belts1
Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2020 Subaru WRX
Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.
☐Test battery for charge retention after parking overnight
☐Inspect for transmission fluid leaks between engine and transmission
☐Check instrument panel for correct gear display when shifting
☐Examine windshields for any cracks or signs of spontaneous damage
☐Verify telematics control module functionality if experiencing electrical issues
What owners reported
2020 Subaru WRX owner complaints in detail
Owners have reported 1 crash and 1 injury to NHTSA for the 2020 Subaru WRX. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints5
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners of the 2020 Subaru WRX frequently report issues with the vehicle's battery failing prematurely. Common symptoms include the car's inability to start, especially after being parked for a short period, and the need for frequent battery replacements. These problems often occur between 2,500 and 25,000 miles of use. Some owners mention that diagnostic checks by dealerships do not identify any issues, while others note that replacing the telematics control module resolved the problem. No safety implications such as crashes or fires are reported, but the recurring nature of battery failures can be inconvenient for potential buyers.
Owner complaints3
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Owners of the 2020 Subaru WRX report issues with the vehicle's windshields spontaneously cracking or breaking without any apparent external cause. Complaints frequently mention windshields cracking while the vehicle is stationary, with one report describing a loud pop resulting in a large hole in the rear windshield, followed by glass crumbling into the car. No specific mileage or timeline patterns emerge from the complaints, as incidents occur without any clear triggers. Safety implications are noted in one case where shattered glass fell into the car, posing a potential risk, especially with a child present in a rear-facing car seat. Prospective buyers should be aware of these reports of unexpected windshield failures.
Owner complaints2
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners report two distinct issues with the 2020 Subaru WRX. One complaint frequently mentions battery drainage, particularly when the vehicle remains unused for more than a day, resulting in being stranded without prior warning. This issue is noted within the first three years of ownership. Another complaint describes the head unit experiencing delamination and ghost touching, though no specific timeline or mileage is provided. While the battery issue has potential safety implications due to stranding in unsafe locations, no crashes or loss of control are reported. These patterns may be relevant for potential buyers considering the vehicle's reliability.
Owner complaints2
POWER TRAIN
Owners of the 2020 Subaru WRX report issues with the power train, specifically related to transmission display errors and fluid leaks. Common symptoms include the instrument panel incorrectly indicating the vehicle is in reverse when it is not, accompanied by the rearview camera display and a check engine light, typically occurring around 30,000 miles. Another issue involves the CVT transmission leaking fluid between the engine and transmission, first noticed around 71,686 miles and persisting at 77,576 miles. No safety incidents such as crashes or loss of control are reported in these complaints. Used car buyers should be aware of these potential transmission issues, particularly related to display errors and fluid leaks, which may not be covered under existing recalls or service bulletins for this model year.
2020 WRX recalls (1)
Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2020 WRX. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGNHTSA 22V522000Jul 21, 2022
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.
Consequence: 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.
Used-market value
2020 Subaru WRX resale snapshot
$31,900median asking price from 30 listings
Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.
The 2020 Subaru WRX demonstrates above-average reliability with a score of 75 out of 100, surpassing the segment average of 68. Complaints are relatively few and primarily focused on the electrical system, with other issues like visibility, power train, and engine being less prevalent. This distribution suggests no single systemic flaw.
The recall count is limited, indicating effective resolution of widespread defects. Being in the sixth year of its generation, the WRX benefits from matured production processes, likely contributing to its solid reliability standing.
Overall, the 2020 Subaru WRX presents a low to moderate risk level for buyers, with reliability concerns being generally manageable.
What you get in a 2020 Subaru WRX report
✓Available title brand history
✓Odometer readings & rollback detection
✓Accident & damage records
✓Auction sales with photos
✓Open safety recalls
✓Theft & stolen vehicle check
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2020 Subaru WRX — Frequently asked questions
Is the 2020 Subaru WRX reliable?
The 2020 Subaru WRX demonstrates above-average reliability with a score of 75 out of 100, surpassing the segment average of 68. Complaints are relatively few and primarily focused on the electrical system, with other issues like visibility, power train, and engine being less prevalent. This distribution suggests no single systemic flaw.
How many recalls does the 2020 Subaru WRX have?
1 NHTSA safety recall has been issued for the 2020 Subaru WRX. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
What are the most common 2020 Subaru WRX problems?
The most-reported 2020 Subaru WRX problem areas are: Electrical System (5), Visibility Wiper (3), Power Train (2).
Should I run a VIN check on a 2020 Subaru WRX?
Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2020 Subaru WRX, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.
