Equipment Problems of Subaru Impreza Wrx - part 1

A siriusxm advertisement popping up over navigation on the infotainment screen distracting the driver from focusing on the road. It covers any navigation on the infotainment screen and takes the eyes of the driver off the road, where the driver is no longer aware of the position of their vehicle. Many other Subaru owners with more modern vehicles have had this same problem. This is not a one time issue. It happens suddenly and unexpectedly. Other owners of a modern Subaru vehicle have reported this issue to the dealership and were told they cannot do anything about it.

On Dec 4 around 6pm driving in chicago area. Weather has been very bad, with snow and extreme cold, leaving roadways and especially alleyways (as they do not receive regular city plow/salt) covered in snow and ice. While creeping over hardpacked snow and ice down an alleyway to access my apartment parking area, the dashboard screen suddenly came on in order to display an ad for siriusxm. I keep the dashboard screen off specifically because I find it extremely distracting, even when static. When it came on suddenly, I experienced a crisis response, slamming on the brakes, resulting in slide forward and to the side. In this instance, I was fortunate not to hit anything or have anything further occur, but it could easily have been very different. Why can an ad server turn this screen on when closed by the owner? why can it serve ads in private vehicles at all? I attempted to contact the dealer regarding this and they placed me on hold and eventually hung up on me. I have scheduled an appointment with legal counsel to discuss my further options.

See all problems of the 2024 Subaru Impreza Wrx 🔎.

On 12/3/2025 at approximately 9:46 am, I was driving at about 30 mph when a siriusxm advertisement suddenly appeared on the infotainment screen. The pop-up took over the entire display and required manual dismissal to regain access to navigation and audio controls. This interruption forced me to divert my eyes and hand from the road. I have video evidence showing the ad appearing while the car was actively moving but can only attach a screenshot in this report. This poses a significant safety risk, especially at highway speeds or in poor weather conditions. Other Subaru owners have reported similar issues, indicating this may be a widespread software or ux defect. I am submitting this complaint to request investigation into whether Subaru’s infotainment system violates safety-critical ui standards by permitting advertisements to display while the vehicle is in motion.

While driving a full screen advertisement for sirusxm takes over the entire screen on your infotainment system. You must select to close or accept the sales offer to close the advertisement and have access to the controls or navigation on your infotainment screen. This is a dangerous distraction as you are driving to have something take over the display and then it shows as a sales ad.

While driving, I get a pop-up ad sirius xm. It is beyond annoying, invasive and possibly dangerous. This shouldn't be allowed and there should be regulations against ads preventing distracted driving.

Sirius xm advertisement took over driver infotainment system while driving casuong a significant distraction in driver attention. Infotainment system handles some car functions such as climate control, navigation, and relays information for eyesight system to other modules of the vehicle. There have been other complaints from drivers. The sudden change in display locks drivers out of climate control and other functions until advertisement is acknowledged.

The head unit started to delaminate and ghost touching.

See all problems of the 2020 Subaru Impreza Wrx 🔎.

I’m driving with my eyes on the road and out of my peripheral vision I notice a change on my cars information screen. I instinctively respond and it’s an advertisement from sirius xm taking up my whole screen. This of course distracted me momentarily and luckily there were no other cars close enough to cause an incident. It made my blood boil. This is completely unacceptable and unsafe. Shame on Subaru for allowing this.

There is what looks to be water spots inside the radio screen causing the radio to malfunction. After reading online this is happening to many cars my same year and the website mentioned a recall for this issue. I have less than 60,000 miles on my car.

See all problems of the 2019 Subaru Impreza Wrx 🔎.

Cluth was replaced at a little over 50,000 miles and throw out bearing failed within 200 miles of the break in period. Took it back to dealer and they found that the throw out bearing was faulty and they replaced it. A year later same sound that was heard after replacement came back (almost like a chirping sound), took the car in for them to examine the car and determine if the throw out bearing waa faulty again. Associate who helped indicated that if it was the throw out bearing it would be covered, once the mechanic checked the car they found a front valve leak, at first indicated that the throw out bearing was fine and then changed that. They also indicated that the entire clutch needed to replace again even though it was just replaced a year ago. They indicated that there were hot spots on the clutch and that it was due to my driving. I did reach out to soa but they indicated that the dealer told them that it was my fault and they shouldn't help me.

See all problems of the 2018 Subaru Impreza Wrx 🔎.

Driving and a loud explosion, sound, like a gunshot then a ton of pinging. The sunroof exploded and glass flew down my car and chipped a bunch of paint.

See all problems of the 2016 Subaru Impreza Wrx 🔎.

10,510 miles, a more pressing issue arose: the transmission started to bind while in gear. As I pressed the gas pedal, my wrx refused to accelerate, and instead, the engine rpms surged. This occurred while I was on a three-lane street, in the lane furthest from the shoulder. Despite my attempts to pull over, the wrx wouldn’t engage in gear. I narrowly avoided collisions three times before managing to reach the nearest safe area to stop, which was a side road. The experience was harrowing, especially with my three children in the car. I had no choice but to have the car towed to the dealership on a flatbed. To this day, the dealership has been unable to diagnose the issue. I suspect that approximately 50 new miles were added to my odometer during its time there. The following parts were replaced in an attempt to address the problem: oil seal, main transmission shaft, lk nut-23x11, lk wash 23x35x2. 3, and gasket case r. The transmission work included replacing the clutch and associated components: pressure plate, throw-out bearing, fork, flywheel, cover cp-clutch, bearing clutch r, flywheel ay flex, complete clutch disk, spring release lever, and high-performance gear oil 75w90. Additionally, the 5th/6th synchro set and sleeve/hub, sleeve & hub no 2, and ring baulk were replaced. My wrx was in the shop for nearly 60 days. I communicated with the dealership and the manufacturer’s representatives via calls and text messages five times on the first day the dealer received the wrx, and three more times before the work order was created. "while in 2nd gear and preparing to shift at 3,500 rpms. I thought about pushing in the clutch. However, before doing so the vehicle became unresponsive without any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to the failure. " then was told voided warranty for several different reasons after the next reason: first, due to mud found under the wrx; second, the use of unauthorized parts; third, allegations of racing/speeding; and fourth, c.

See all problems of the 2021 Subaru Impreza Wrx 🔎.

My sunroof spontaneously shattered. The car was not moving at the time.

See all problems of the 2022 Subaru Impreza Wrx 🔎.

I purchased a 2016 Subaru wrx (premium) used from a Subaru dealer in albany, NY with under 26k miles for approximately $25k in 2018. On a drive in December 2022 I experienced hesitation and/or stuttering under load or when attempting to accelerate, and car began getting very hot, and close to overheating, and the engine was knocking loudly. After turning engine off and then restarting, the knocking (intensity) was not as noticeable as the initial incident. Initially I replaced all coil over plugs, as cylinder #4 initially was reporting a misfire code after the check engine light came on. This appeared to relieve the misfire briefly, but the issue immediately returned, this time with piston #3 reporting misfires and also exhibiting signs of a possible failed ringland, with oil seeping past rings (on to / in spark plug) causing the engine to run very poorly. Presently upon startup white smoke comes from exhaust out the tailpipe and the engine is hesitating and/or missing, running poorly and I feel it cannot be driven safely with the diminished permormance or complete lack of ability to accelerate normally like a motor vehicle should. I have engaged a mechanic to inspect the engine, but have not yet proceeded with inspection/repairs due to the class action litigation. Current mileage 73563. This car has an fa20 engine.

Subaru sent me an email informing me a software update was available for my vehicle. For weeks I tried to update the software, however it has been unavailable. I attempted to reach Subaru via their 1800 number at least a dozen times. Subaru does not answer their phones, and does not return calls when the option is selected. I opened an ticket number online via their complaint system and have also not received a response. I attempted to reach their roadside assistance phone line and also could not reach a person. I sent an email to Subaru chief executive and received a call back from their executive offices. They acknowledged that they were also ubable to reach a person at any of their numbers including road side assistance. This is obviously extremely unacceptable for many reasons. Subaru charges for pre installed equipment and subscriptions for access to roadside and support. Not only are they building in cost to the consumer, but they are not delivering what they are promising, and most importantly, not providing what you are paying for. The safety aspect of not being able to reach roadside assistance is very serious . I have yet to receive an answer as to why I received an email telling me to update my vehicle software when I don't have software available to install. The dealership I purchased the vehicle from confirmed the software in my car isn't up to date, or is an obsolete version. Subaru needs to be held accountable for not providing the services they are advertising, selling, and customers are dependent on.

The battery in my 2019 Subaru wrx failed after buying it brand new from the dealer, after less than 2 years of owning the vehicle. Almost one year later, my car now won't start if I leave it off for more than 24 hrs. In 2019 I left the car powered off for over a week and it started right up no hesitation. This is a huge problem now as I work remotely and don't need to drive my car every day however I do need my brand new car to reliably start even if I haven't driven it for a day or so! I took it to the dealership and they state their battery diagnostics and the alternator both pass, and no software updates pertaining to an issue of this nature was available. I'm going back tomorrow for a tech to run "extended electrical diags" on it but I've read about this issue affecting so many others that there is now a lawsuit about it! wanted y'all to know I'm experiencing this as well. . Read more...

The starlink 7-inch multimedia plus unit gets locked-up, sometime not responsive to touch, skips around to different songs, in a phantom way scans different radio stations, disconnects phone calls.

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.

Without warning, my brand new car at 1000 miles was found battery dead in my garage. Towed to dealership, I was told that "I got a bad battery". Again, at 7000 miles, car found dead in my garage.

Hello my name is erik mendoza, im the first time owner of this vehicle, purchased this vehicle new of the dealer with 5 miles, ever since I bought it the car has an issue that it steers to the right at any speed, road, condition very dangerous. Over the past months and years I told Subaru dealers, service department, sales guy and Subaru corporate about the issue, long story short ive gone to the service department to fix this issue at least 8 times, the last time an engineer from Subaru worked on the car but the car is not fixed and it continues to have this issue, I open a claimed with the texas department of motor vehicle for a lemon claimed but Subaru has denied it as a lemon and they constantly ruied my lug nuts, studs, my alignment and now I need new tires. I need help to resolve this, I have multiple repair orders, vidoes and pictures to prove it all.

Battery drained even though I left no lights on and has happened multiple times. Had to replace battery twice in less than a year. Had battery tested and it was good. Had to jump my car multiple times for dead battery while at work. Vehicle was parked in a parking lot.

Vehicle is burning oil, oil came out through where the dip-stick is placed. Found oil on the exhaust tips. Mass air flow sensor is malfunctioning. Requires new coils and spark plugs even though I have already replaced them. Required a new battery, however, replacing the battery did not keep the vehicle from turning off by itself. O2 sensor, bank 1 sensor 2, is also malfunctioning.

See all problems of the 2015 Subaru Impreza Wrx 🔎.

Very similar issues described in previous engine failures reported. New car, off the showroom floor, serviced on frequent. There was a sudden loud clunky noise and complete loss of power. 7 weeks later still at Subaru and dealership not able to identify the issue but not started to say it was driver fault?.

Check engine light advising cylinder misfire advising ringland oiston failure sparknplug destroyed.

Vehicle did not meet inspection / wheel alignment vehicle was parked near a high voltage power line during which atmospheric / and natural occouranace electric disturbance caused a electric disturbance vehicle is been recalled homeless at the time of the vehicle was scheduled to be turned over to dealer ship family and friends have been helpful in storage I believe its safety / not compliant with ntsb further instructions is needed.

The driver looks high. Cutting people off and running through stop signs.

See all problems of the 2008 Subaru Impreza Wrx 🔎.

The wheels locked while driving on a clear December day (I don't have exact day) on a winding mountain road full of cliffs. 38 mph and feet from going off a cliff Subaru say electronic module failed then in another statement from hak at Subaru America they say the two occurrences not related even though they happened simultaneously. We took the car in because of the wheel locking up while moving and they discovered the electronic failure. They maintain the car is safe to drive "because they can't recreate the problem". Subaru fairfield has promised us help but have done nothing but issue threats when no one from Subaru America even calls us! the cars have a serious safety issue and no one wants to drive it including the service technician. They drove it 20 miles when they were supposed to be testing it. We have date/time stamped photos! we were told this is a "rare" safety failure yet they treat us like normal and lie about even test driving it. This is so unsafe that a car wheel stops moving like the engine is off yet the car is runningt!!! she decided try and jerk the wheel super hard and fortunately it finally moved and she did not go over the cliff and fortunately there was no traffic coming in the opposing lane as she crossed the yellow lines etc. She had a sore back for many days from the force of jerking the wheel and was left shaken and disturbed with no where to pull over. Subaru America regional service manager requested the details and was supposed to contact us but no one has. We naively beloved the dealer that they were trying to help us instead today I get an email saying the will now charge us storage of $175 x day if we don't collect the car. I sent them notification that we are surrendering the lease as we will never get in this car again. Dont buy a wrx!!!!!.

Mpg reported on the dash is exaggerated. Vehicle shows 27. 3mpg for the following trip, that is between the last and current fuel fill up. Real world calculated mpg is 19. 55, which is significantly off, of what is being reported by the vehicle.

I have issues with surging, ac system, suspension, extreme tire wear, tires wear unevenly, steering assist, inability to align steering, windows roll down for no reason and won't roll back up unless you roll them all the way down and then up but they usually just roll back down half way again (it's a battle!) windows scratch just from dust so they look hazy and windshields cost almost $2000 with all safety camera junk. Only one aircon vent blows cold air while all others just blow air. This car was a lemon before 2018 ended. Subaru refused to acknowledge problems while under extended bumper to bumper warranty. I tried to file lemon law and lost because they didn't save my complaint visits in computer system. Im certain that was intentional since they are the lemon kings! Subaru is a terrible company now and I recommend you don't own one. The surging is very dangerous as the car literally hops and sometimes you push accelerator and nothing happens for way too long. Dangerous when pulling into traffic. Fighting with windows while driving is also dangerous. Led lights are the wrong color so it's hard to see many things at night. The battery is junk open top and leaks acid everywhere rotting out the battery tray. For $42,000 you would expect a much better car.

See all problems of the 2017 Subaru Impreza Wrx 🔎.

While waiting in a parking with car and ac turned on, the cabin began to smell very hard like gas this happened approximately 10 minutes after parked and waiting. Did it again while waiting in another parking with car and ac turned on after 10 minutes. Only happens when stationary, parked with ac on. Not while driving or frequent fast stops.

The bluetooth system has a defect. The first time a phone is connected, the connection works. If that phone is deleted from the Subaru's system, an attempt to reconnect fails. I have tried this with an iphone 5, iphone 6, and blackberry. The service rep at the dealer also confirms the re-connect problem. This means that hands-free calling is impossible, creating a potential safety hazzard for drivers who insist on using the phone even when the bluetooth function is not available. Subaru, to whom I have reported the problem, claims it is a defect with the phones, even though the dealer and I have replicated the problem with no less than 4 different phones.

I recently discovered a known issue impacting my particular car and confirmed the problem after inspecting my vehicle myself. The first 130k miles were spent commuting to my job 84 miles a day at over 90% highway driving (very little clutch/break action required), and the last 9k were put on over the last 4 years - car mostly sat since I started working from home. Over time spot welds which hold the clutch/brake assembly to the firewall have broken and assembly is at risk of detaching while driving my car. . Read more...

I was driving my 2016 Subaru wrx down a main road at about 11pm. I was in 3rd gear going 30mph driving straight when the car suddenly came to a grinding halt. I did not apply the brakes and since I was already moving forward in 3rd, the clutch was not pressed. The engine was still on once the car stopped as if nothing had happened at all, and the car stopped still centered in the lane and facing the correct direction 1/4-1/2 a block from when it stopped itself while I was still driving it. I have no idea if the brake lights even came to potentially warn other cars that it was suddenly stopping. I pulled off to the side of the road, turned off the car completely and then restarted it and drove straight home. Less than 24 hours later, the same thing happened again on a different road around 5:30pm. I was driving in 2nd hear going about 12 or 13mph in traffic when the car suddenly stopped without any speed changes or pedal movements. Again, the car stopped centered in the lane with the engine still on and no indication that anything had happened at all. I pulled off to the side of the road and restarted the car.

The spot welds that hold my clutch pedal assembly on the fire wall are breaking and causing problems getting car into 1st and reverse.

The welds connecting the pedal assembly to the firewall have broken. Verified with photo proof.

See all problems of the 2009 Subaru Impreza Wrx 🔎.