EZ Swap LLC services the Subaru WRX STI in Phoenix, AZ, covering model years 2008 to 2013, 2015, 2018. If your WRX STI has a warning light, a strange noise or a safety recall question, our mechanics can diagnose it and give you a clear quote first.
To help WRX STI owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 15 owner complaints on file for the WRX STI and 2 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are structure (3), engine (3), power train (2).
Most-Reported Subaru WRX STI Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the WRX STI (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 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Structure | 3 | 20% | |
| Engine | 3 | 20% | |
| Power Train | 2 | 13% | |
| Service Brakes | 2 | 13% | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 1 | 6% | |
| Electrical System | 1 | 6% | |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 1 | 6% | |
| Wheels | 1 | 6% |
Structure
3 of the 15 complaints (20%) mention body, doors and latches. Latch and body complaints affect security and safety. We inspect and repair door, hood and trunk hardware. See our auto repair page.
Engine
3 of the 15 complaints (20%) 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.
Power Train
2 of the 15 complaints (13%) mention the powertrain. Powertrain complaints can range from rough shifting to loss of drive. We road test, scan for stored codes and inspect fluids before recommending any repair. See our auto repair page.
Subaru WRX STI Complaints by Model Year
The WRX STI model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2008, 2015, 2009. Older model years have had more time to collect reports, so use this table as a guide for what to inspect, not as a verdict on any one vehicle.
| Model year | Complaints on file | |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 3 | |
| 2009 | 2 | |
| 2010 | 1 | |
| 2011 | 1 | |
| 2012 | 1 | |
| 2013 | 2 | |
| 2015 | 3 | |
| 2018 | 2 |
Subaru WRX STI Check Engine Codes
NHTSA owner complaints rarely cite specific trouble codes for the WRX STI, 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 WRX STI? 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.
Subaru WRX STI Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the WRX STI in these model years, most often involving service brakes, hydraulic. Recalls are repaired by the manufacturer at no charge to you, but each applies only to certain vehicles. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2014 recall, Service Brakes, Hydraulic (campaign 14V311000): Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Outback and Legacy, 2008-2011 Impreza and 2008-2014 Impreza WRX/STI, and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, currently, or formerly, registered in Connecticut, Delaware,...
- 2014 recall, Service Brakes, Hydraulic (campaign 14V830000): Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Impreza, 2008-2014 WRX and STI, and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, currently, or formerly, registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine,...
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the WRX STI, 1 involved a crash, 2 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 WRX STI 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 WRX STI 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 WRX STI 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 WRX STI, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Subaru WRX STI Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Subaru WRX STI repair service, or choose a service below.
Subaru WRX STI FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Subaru WRX STI?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Subaru WRX STI are structure (3), engine (3), power train (2). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which WRX STI model years have the most complaints?
The WRX STI model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2008, 2015, 2009. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What check engine codes are common on the Subaru WRX STI?
NHTSA complaints rarely cite specific codes for the Subaru WRX STI. 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 WRX STI have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the Subaru WRX STI across model years 2008 to 2013, 2015, 2018. 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 WRX STI in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Subaru vehicles including the WRX STI, 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 WRX STI?
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 WRX STI 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.