2016 Subaru WRX Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict
Quick Facts · 2016 Subaru WRX
- Has 3 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the forward collision avoidance: crash imminent braking.
- Scores 6 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2017 Subaru WRX earns a 78.
- The system most likely to surface first: engine internal components (critical severity).
Should You Buy the 2016 Subaru WRX?
The 2016 Subaru WRX offers thrilling performance and tenacious AWD grip, making it a blast to drive daily or on twisty roads. However, a history of engine issues, often exacerbated by aggressive driving or poor modifications, means this platform comes with significant reliability caveats that discerning buyers must seriously consider and mitigate.
The 2016 Subaru WRX is a high-reward, high-risk proposition. Its driving dynamics are superb, but the engine's susceptibility to catastrophic failure demands an extremely thorough pre-purchase inspection and unwavering commitment to maintenance. Only buy if you understand the risks, have full service history, and ar…
Best Model Years
2018-2021 (minor updates and revisions, but FA20DIT still present)
Years to Avoid
Heavily modified 2015-2017 models without documented professional tuning.
Biggest Strengths
- Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive provides exceptional traction
- Engaging driving dynamics and performance capabilities
- Strong enthusiast community and aftermarket support
Top Risk Areas
The systems that tend to fail first on the 2016 Subaru WRX, with the typical mileage window when each becomes a concern. Detailed repair-cost ranges and exact what-to-check inspection notes are in the full report.
The FA20DIT engine is susceptible to rod bearing failure, ring land issues, and excessive oil consumption, often triggered by poor tuning, pre-detonation, or neglected maintenance. This can lead to catastrophic engine damage.
The 6-speed manual transmission can suffer from premature clutch wear, throwout bearing failure, and synchro grind (especially 2nd/3rd gear) due to aggressive shifting or performance driving. This is largely dependent on driver habits.
Owners frequently report knocking or clunking noises from the steering rack, sometimes accompanied by leaks from the power steering pump or lines. This can impact steering feel and require costly replacement.
2016 Subaru WRX Mileage Danger Zones
The mileage windows when the 2016 Subaru WRX most commonly needs attention. Plan ahead, budget accordingly, and inspect before you cross each threshold.
Low Risk Zone
At this mileage, the car should still be relatively new with minimal wear. Focus on verifying basic service history, tire condition, and checking for any signs of early abuse like excessive clutch wear or unexplained engine lights.
Maintenance Zone
This mileage often marks a major service interval (spark plugs, differential fluid, etc.). It's also where clutch life may be ending for hard-driven cars, and early signs of steering rack noise or engine internal issues might begin to su…
Elevated Risk Zone
Engine longevity becomes a more significant concern here. Any neglected maintenance or prior abuse will reveal itself more prominently, increasing the risk of major engine issues like rod knock or ring land failure. Suspension components…
High Risk Zone
At this point, the WRX is squarely in the territory where major component failures (engine, transmission) are a distinct possibility, especially if its history is unknown or it wasn't impeccably maintained. Prepare for potentially signif…
2016 Subaru WRX Ownership Cost Outlook
What it typically costs to keep the 2016 Subaru WRX on the road. Full 5-year cost-of-ownership projection and major-failure-risk forecast are in the report.
Annual Maintenance
$600-900 (includes oil changes, filters, regular inspections)
Moderate Repairs
$1,000-2,500 occasionally (e.g., clutch replacement, steering rack, suspension components)
How Long Does the 2016 Subaru WRX Last?
For any 2016 WRX, strict adherence to a shortened oil change interval (3,000-4,000 miles with quality synthetic) is non-negotiable, regardless of the vehicle's mileage. Higher mileage examples (70k+) significantly increase the risk profile unless meticulously maintained with an impeccable service history.
What 2016 Subaru WRX Owners Actually Say
What Owners Love
- Exceptional all-weather performance and grip from Symmetrical AWD
- Punchy turbocharged power delivery and engaging acceleration
- Direct steering and agile handling make for a fun driving experience
- Practical sedan body style with usable back seats and trunk
Common Frustrations
- Stiff ride quality can be jarring on rough roads
- Interior materials feel basic and prone to rattles
- Engine reliability concerns loom, leading to anxiety for many owners
- Poor fuel economy for a compact car, requiring premium fuel
Who Should Buy the 2016 Subaru WRX?
Best For
- Performance enthusiasts who value AWD and driving dynamics
- Drivers in snowy or wet climates needing superior traction
- Those who enjoy modifying and tuning their vehicles (with caution and professional help)
Not Ideal For
- First-time performance car owners seeking bulletproof reliability
- Budget-conscious buyers who cannot afford premium fuel or unexpected major repairs
How the 2016 Subaru WRX Compares to Rivals
The WRX occupies a unique niche with its rally-bred AWD and turbocharged Boxer engine, offering a raw, engaging driving experience that few direct competitors truly match, though often at the cost of long-term engine robustness.
More Reliable Than
- Ford Focus ST (less grip, no AWD)
- Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (older platform, generally higher running costs)
- Hyundai Elantra N (newer, but different character, FWD)
Comparable To
- Volkswagen Golf R (more refined, but also has specific engine concerns)
- Honda Civic Si (less power, FWD, but often more reliable engine)
NHTSA Recalls
3 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: CRASH IMMINENT BRAKING
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015 Legacy vehicles manufactured March 10, 2014, to April 16, 2015, Outback vehicles manufactured February 24, 2014, to April 16, 2015, Impreza vehicles manufactured September 9, 2014, to April 14, 2015, XV Crosstrek vehicles manufactured October 16, 2014, to April 15, 2015, and 2016 WRX vehicles manufactured March 23, 2015, and equipped with the Eyesight Driver Assist System. If the switch that activates the brake lights fails, the automatic pre-collision braking component of the driver assist system will not function.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 WRX vehicles manufactured April 10, 2015, to October 21, 2015, and Forester 2.0XT vehicles manufactured April 10, 2015, to October 20, 2015. The turbocharger air intake duct may crack and possibly result in an engine stall.
What breaks on the 2016 Subaru WRX?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
OwnerKeep Passport · $499 · one-time
Just bought a 2016 Subaru WRX? Keep it that way.
Snap a receipt — AI logs it. Build an OwnerScore. Sell with a buyer-ready Passport dossier.
Subaru WRX by Year
Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Subaru WRX. Click any year for its full report.
If You're Considering This, Also Look At
Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.
Relevant Products for Your 2016 Subaru WRX
Parts and accessories matched to your 2016 Subaru WRX
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Just bought a 2016 Subaru WRX? Keep it that way.
OwnerKeep Passport turns your Subaru WRX's care history into a luxury digital vault — AI-logged receipts, an OwnerScore that pays at resale, and a buyer-ready dossier in one tap.
- AI receipt OCR — snap and log
- Fuel & mileage tracker
- Tri-Score OwnerScore
- One-tap resale dossier PDF
Recommended Reading for the Subaru WRX
Subaru Outback Common Problems and Repair Costs
Identify common Subaru Outback problems, understand their causes, and see average repair costs to make informed decisions for your vehicle's longevity.
Subaru Outback Years to Avoid (Worst to Best Ranked)
Avoid common pitfalls! Learn the worst Subaru Outback years and discover the most reliable models with our comprehensive worst-to-best rankings.
How Long Does a Subaru Outback Last? (Real Owner Data)
Uncover the real lifespan of a Subaru Outback! We use actual owner data to show exactly how many miles you can realistically expect from your vehicle.