2016 Subaru WRX: problems, recalls and what it’s worth

Known problems on the 2016 Subaru WRX

No generation-wide weak spot is flagged in GarageIntel’s research for this year and model. A specific car can still have its own problems, so get it inspected.

2016 Subaru WRX recalls

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2016 Subaru WRX. Repairs are free at a dealer for the brand, and a dealer can confirm by VIN which were already done.

• Lights

  Inoperative backup lights and an inoperative rearview camera can reduce vehicle visibility and driver awareness, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Details 22V522000

  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.

  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.

• Engine & cooling

  An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

  Details 16V162000

  Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 WRX vehicles manufactured April 10, 2015, to October 21, 2015, and Forester 2.0XT vehicles manufactured April 10, 2015, to October 20, 2015. The turbocharger air intake duct may crack and possibly result in an engine stall.

  Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the turbocharger air intake duct, and replace it as necessary, free of charge, depending on the lot number found on the duct. The recall began April 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTA-62.

• Driver-assist systems

  If the automatic pre-collision braking system does not function as intended, the vehicle will not react to an obstacle in its path, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Details 15V366000

  Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015 Legacy vehicles manufactured March 10, 2014, to April 16, 2015, Outback vehicles manufactured February 24, 2014, to April 16, 2015, Impreza vehicles manufactured September 9, 2014, to April 14, 2015, XV Crosstrek vehicles manufactured October 16, 2014, to April 15, 2015, and 2016 WRX vehicles manufactured March 23, 2015, and equipped with the Eyesight Driver Assist System. If the switch that activates the brake lights fails, the automatic pre-collision braking component of the driver assist system will not function.

  Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the driver assist system, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQS-54.

2016 Subaru WRX safety investigations and free repairs

No open safety investigations.

Free repairs to ask about (warranty extensions):

• Battery: This bulletin announces a warranty extension information regarding 12 Volt vehicle batteries.

A dealer for the brand can check these by VIN.

Source: NHTSA, Sep 24, 2026.

2016 Subaru WRX safety and fuel

From NHTSA’s crash tests and the EPA’s fueleconomy.gov.

What owners complain about

34 complaints filed with NHTSA for this year and model, which is few.

What a 2016 Subaru WRX is worth

Rough trade-in values — roughly what a dealer would pay — by mileage, from published trade-in guides. Private sales and dealer prices run higher. For the exact car, add its VIN.

From new to now

New, a 2016 Subaru WRX started at about $26,595. At a typical 120,000 miles today it trades in for about $9,902 — roughly 63% less.

Typical mileage = 12,000 miles a year; values between two published mileages are estimated in a straight line. “New” is the base price (cheapest version) as published, give or take destination fees; higher trims cost more.

Other Subaru WRX years

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024