2002 Subaru WRX: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 427 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is fuel system, gasoline (62% of complaints); the 2003 and 2004 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Dec 2009
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 427 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Control arms were recalled in 2011 for rust issues and failure on the hanger brackets. Got the parts checked at the time of the recall by a certified subaru dealership, the dealership sprayed a "rust proofing" agent on the control arms. Three years later I was driving down my road and lost control of the vehicle completely. The driver side lower control arm had rusted through and broken at the hanger bracket. Subaru of america will not cover the repairs as the recall had been performed already (even through it did not prevent the issues from happening). *js”Owner report · Wheels · Nov 2014
“Working night shifts, started my car to let warm up, temperature was 43 degrees fahrenheit at the time. After start up I could smell raw fuel out side the car as well as inside the car through the vents. Also gas mileage has gone down by drastically, normally get 300-330 miles a tank and currently getting barley 200. Noticed car starting to smoke a little as well from under the hood, no fire but not going to keep driving the car. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Apr 2014
“When it is cold outside my car smells like raw fuel very strongly in the cabin resulting in headaches and dizziness. This is a common problem among-st these cars and subaru knows about it because they had an extended recall but does not cover the problem now. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Feb 2014
Show 7 more owner reports
“Smell of fuel from within the car during cold temperatures. This is a known issue per tsb 01-170-09. Dealership may deny repairs if they can't reproduce the issue. Email from subaru regarding this problem: we welcome your contact, as it relates to the wvk-21 fuel line warranty extension. Your 2002 subaru wrx is affected by the warranty extension for these components. The dealership would need to perform a diagnosis of the current concern. They can then advise you regarding the issue and whether it is the same as the warranty extension. I would recommend that you make an appointment at a subaru dealership, at your earliest convenience. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Feb 2014
“There is a constant raw fuel smell when driving, to the point of making me feel sick, cant even drive my car without all the windows down, ive reasurched this issue with other models using the same engine & componints that are on the recall list, but I can not get any help from anyone at subaru, even with explaining its the exact same problem as ither the forester or outback... Of a raw fuel smell from a fulty gas line under the manifold,,, not cool that they are willing to compromise my safety to avoid doing the fix, or addmiting the defect affects the 2002 wrx”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Mar 2012
“Subframe near passenger/right front control arm is rusted through and has holes. Subaru of cherry hill, nj stated that it should be replaced and was at significant risk of breaking when removed for control arm recall (wvx34).dealership said the case with pictures was reported to subaru headquarters and dealership stated it was the first time they have seen it. I discovered many other cases reported dating back as far as may 2009. Documented with pictures of my own. *tr”Owner report · Structure · Dec 2011
“The passenger side lower control arm on our 2002 subaru wrx wagon snapped rendering the car inoperable. The car has been towed to a mechanic. When I looked under the car you could see the arm was rusted through. Once the car was loaded on the rollback there was a visible pile of rust on the pavement. *tt”Owner report · Suspension · Jul 2011
“Lower control arm for my 2002 subrau wrx rusted completely and broke, which also caused the sway bar to be ripped off. Thankfully it only happened pulling out of the driveway and not on the highway. *kb”Owner report · Suspension · Jun 2011
“Strong odor of fuel and/or burnt oil inside the vehicle repeatedly. I contacted subaru long ago about this problem when I got a recall notice from subaru national saying my car "may" be part of this recall. I took the car to a subaru dealer. They said unless they can either smell fuel or find the problem there is nothing they can do for me. Subaru national said the same thing "unless we can smell fuel odor" we will not pay for inspecting and fixing your vehicle. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jun 2011
“Fuel odor interior of vehicle. File complaint under odi number 10380798 need to correct mileage to 107,310 don't know what I was thinking when I filed complaint. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jan 2011
When filing, owners marked a crash in 17 of these complaints and injuries in 13 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Remedy: AAI MOTORSPORTS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AAI MOTORSPORTS AT 909-923-9188.
SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002 AND 2003 IMPREZA WRX VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF SOUTH DAKOTA, NEBRASKA, NORTH DAKOTA, MINNESOTA, IDAHO, IOWA, MONTANA, COLORADO, WISCONSIN, NEW YORK, WYOMING, MICHIGAN, ALASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, VERMONT, AND MAINE. DURING COLD STARTS, TYPICALLY UNDER EXTREMELY COLD TEMPERATURES, FUEL LEAKS IN THE FUEL DELIVERY LINE COULD OCCUR WHERE THE LINE CONNECTS WITH A RUBBER HOSE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL LINE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 31, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.
How other years compare
Check your exact WRX by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2002 Subaru WRX reliable?
NHTSA has 427 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2002 Subaru WRX. The most complained-about area is fuel system, gasoline (62% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2002 Subaru WRX problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 42,000 miles or less.
Does the 2002 Subaru WRX have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.