Own a Subaru Impreza WRX in the Phoenix area? EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains the Subaru Impreza WRX for model years 2014. Our shop at 9050 N 9th St handles everything from routine service to diagnostics and major repairs.
To help Impreza WRX owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 105 owner complaints on file for the Impreza WRX and 0 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are air bags (38), engine (19), electrical system (16).
Most-Reported Subaru Impreza WRX Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the Impreza WRX (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 38 | 36% | |
| Engine | 19 | 18% | |
| Electrical System | 16 | 15% | |
| Structure | 8 | 7% | |
| Power Train | 8 | 7% | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 8 | 7% | |
| Wheels | 5 | 4% | |
| Suspension | 5 | 4% |
Air Bags
38 of the 105 complaints (36%) mention airbags and seat belts. Airbag and restraint issues are often tied to open safety recalls, which are repaired by the manufacturer at no cost to you. Check your VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup first, and we can help with related warning lights and diagnostics. See our auto repair page.
Engine
19 of the 105 complaints (18%) mention the engine and cooling system. Engine and cooling complaints are best caught early in Phoenix, where heat pushes cooling systems and engine oil to their limits. We diagnose warning lights and check coolant, hoses and oil condition. See our check engine light diagnostics and oil change & maintenance pages.
Electrical System
16 of the 105 complaints (15%) mention the electrical system. Electrical problems are made worse by desert heat, which ages batteries, cables and connectors. We test the battery, starter and charging system and trace faults to the actual part. See our battery replacement and starter & alternator repair pages.
Subaru Impreza WRX Check Engine Codes
NHTSA owner complaints rarely cite specific trouble codes for the Impreza WRX, so we do not have a model-specific ranking to show. These are the check engine codes we see most often on vehicles in Phoenix heat, and any of them can show up on a Subaru.
| Code | What it means |
|---|---|
| P0420 | Catalyst efficiency below threshold (bank 1) Often a worn catalytic converter, but failing oxygen sensors or exhaust leaks can set it too. Can cause an emissions test failure. |
| P0300 | Random or multiple cylinder misfire Worn spark plugs, failing ignition coils, fuel or vacuum problems. Do not ignore a flashing check engine light. |
| P0171 | System too lean (bank 1) Often a vacuum leak, dirty MAF sensor, weak fuel delivery or a failing oxygen sensor. |
| P0455 | EVAP system large leak Missing or loose gas cap, or a disconnected or cracked vapor hose. |
| P0128 | Coolant temperature below thermostat regulating temperature Usually a thermostat stuck open. Fix it to restore efficiency and cabin heat. |
| P0442 | EVAP system small leak Loose or worn gas cap, cracked hose or purge or vent valve. |
| P0301 | Cylinder 1 misfire Commonly a bad spark plug or ignition coil on that cylinder. |
| P0401 | EGR flow insufficient Clogged EGR passages or a stuck EGR valve. |
Got a check engine light on your Impreza WRX? A code is a clue, not a diagnosis, so we scan it and test the system before replacing anything. See our check engine light diagnostics.
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the Impreza WRX, 16 involved a crash, 6 reported injuries. These numbers are drawn from self-reported complaints and are not verified findings. If your vehicle has an open recall, get it repaired promptly.
Keeping a Subaru Impreza WRX Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a Subaru will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a Impreza WRX that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for Impreza WRX owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used Subaru Impreza WRX, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Subaru Impreza WRX Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Subaru Impreza WRX repair service, or choose a service below.
Auto Repair
All makes and models, from domestic trucks to imports.
Details →Check Engine Light Diagnostics
Scan, test and pinpoint the real cause.
Details →Oil Change & Maintenance
Oil, filters, fluids, tires and scheduled service.
Details →Battery Replacement
Test, replace and protect against Phoenix heat.
Details →Starter & Alternator Repair
Charging and starting system repair.
Details →Subaru Impreza WRX FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Subaru Impreza WRX?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Subaru Impreza WRX are air bags (38), engine (19), electrical system (16). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which Impreza WRX model years have the most complaints?
The Impreza WRX model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2014. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What check engine codes are common on the Subaru Impreza WRX?
NHTSA complaints rarely cite specific codes for the Subaru Impreza WRX. On Phoenix vehicles in general, we see P0420, P0300 misfires, P0171 lean conditions and EVAP leaks such as P0455 and P0442 most often. Bring yours in and we will scan and test it.
Does the Subaru Impreza WRX have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns for the Subaru Impreza WRX across model years 2014. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the Subaru Impreza WRX in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Subaru vehicles including the Impreza WRX, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used Subaru Impreza WRX?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my Subaru Impreza WRX in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More Subaru Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.