2012 Subaru WRX Reliability ReportKeepScore 68/100 · top failure points · buy or avoid
Quick Facts · 2012 Subaru WRX
- Scores 4 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2013 Subaru WRX earns a 72.
- The system most likely to surface first: engine internals (critical severity).
- Has 12 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the exterior lighting:brake lights:switch.
2012 Subaru WRX: Buy or Avoid?
The 2012 Subaru WRX is a thrilling performance machine, but it comes with a well-documented caveat: the EJ255 engine's internal reliability. While exhilarating to drive and supremely capable in all weather, buyers must meticulously vet a used example and be prepared for potential high-cost engine repairs. This isn't a 'set it and forget it' vehicle, but a rewarding one for the informed enthusiast.
Biggest Strengths
- Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system
- Engaging driving dynamics and handling
- Strong aftermarket support and community
2012 Subaru WRX — Known Trouble Spots
The systems that break first on the 2012 Subaru WRX. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.
Safety Recalls on the 2012 Subaru WRX
12 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing the brake lights from illuminating and also preventing keyless ignition vehicles from starting and CVT/automatic transmissions from being able to be shifted out of Park.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles and 2010-2013 Forester vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
What breaks on the 2012 Subaru WRX?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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Subaru WRX — Year-by-Year Comparison
Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Subaru WRX. Click any year for its full report.
Competing 2012s Worth a Look
Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.
Relevant Products for Your 2012 Subaru WRX
Parts and accessories matched to your 2012 Subaru WRX
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Frequently Asked Questions
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