Model year

2012 Subaru WRX

Sedan, AWD/All-Wheel Drive, built in Japan. Owner complaints on file from Aug 31, 2016 to Mar 13, 2018.

Recall campaigns covering this model year123.41M vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints2Below the median 2012 sedan
Severity index0.02012 sedans average 7.6
First 24 months0Complaints in its first two years
Complaints over time

Complaints about the 2012 Subaru WRX peaked in 2016, with 1 filed

Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.

00.250.50.751201612017201820192020202120222023202420252026
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Components

50% of complaints about the 2012 Subaru WRX name engine and cooling

Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.

Engine and cooling
1
Powertrain
1
Steering
1
Speed control
1
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls

12 recall campaigns cover the 2012 Subaru WRX

Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.

Recall campaigns for the 2012 Subaru WRX
CampaignFiledSubjectComponentVehiclesRemedy
20V-003Jan 2, 2020Inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cyclingAirbags111,562Part replacement
20V-002Jan 2, 2020Inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cyclingAirbags127,547Part replacement
20V-001Jan 2, 2020Inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cyclingAirbags258,813Part replacement
19V-297Apr 11, 2019Ball spring inside the switch may break, reducing the strength of the ignition switchElectrical system511Part replacement
19V-149Feb 28, 2019Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing the brake lights from illuminating and also…Lighting1,303,530Part replacement
19V-009Jan 9, 2019These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment…Airbags452,630Part replacement
19V-008Jan 9, 2019These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment…Airbags330,120Part replacement
19V-007Jan 9, 2019These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment…Airbags43,394Part replacement
18V-012Jan 9, 2018These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment…Airbags64,179Part replacement
17V-014Jan 10, 2017These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original…Airbags53,480Part replacement
14V-830Dec 31, 2014Brake lines may experience brake line corrosion due to salt water splashing on the brake lines through a gap in the fuel tank protectorBrakes200,064Repair or modification
14V-311Jun 10, 2014Salt water could splash on the brake lines through a gap in the fuel tank protector, resulting in excessive corrosion of the brake linesBrakes461,338Part replacement
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints

What owners reported about the 2012 Subaru WRX

The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.

2 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.

  1. Filed Mar 13, 2018Failure Nov 1, 201756,000 milesCumberland, MDEngine, Power train, Steering

    I HAD CHECKED MY OIL ABOUT A WEEK PRIOR TO THIS HAPPENING. I WAS OUT ON THE INTERSTATE ON MY WAY TO GET MY OIL CHANGED WHEN I HEARD A LOUD KNOCKING AND LOST ALL POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES. ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT ON THE INTERSTATE. I HAD IT TOWED TO A MECHANIC WHO TOLD ME ALL OF MY FULL SYNTHETIC OIL WAS GONE FROM THE ENGINE AND IT WAS BLOWN. THERE WAS NO SMOKING NO LEAKING NO LIGHTS OR ANYTHING TO LET ME KNOW SOMETHING WAS GOING WRONG UNTIL IT WAS TOO LATE. SUBARU HAS BEEN ARGUING WITH ME FOR MONTHS AND FINALLY SAID THEY WOULD COVER HALF OF THE REPAIRS BUT I DO NOT FEEL I AM RESPONSIBLE AT ALL. I SHOWED MY MAINTENANCE RECORDS TO A SUBARU ENGINEER WHO SAID IT WOULD BE NO PROBLEM GETTING THE ENGINE FIXED AT NO COST TO ME. WELL APPARENTLY THAT DECISION WAS REVERSED BY SOMEONE AND NOW I ONLY GET HALF OF THE HELP THEY PROMISED ME. MY ENGINE HAS BEEN DEFECTIVE FROM THE GET GO AND SUBARU NEEDS TO OWN UP TO IT. SHOULD NOT BE REPLACING THAT ENGINE AT 56K ORIGINAL MILES AND I HAVE EVERY RECORD SHOWING I TOOK AMAZING CARE OF THAT CAR.

    NHTSA complaint 11078988
  2. Filed Aug 31, 2016Failure Jul 10, 201657,500 milesMedway, MAVehicle speed control

    DURING NORMAL DRIVING ACTIVITIES, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WILL STOP FUNCTIONING. AT THIS TIME, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATES AND THE ENGINE IDLE IS HELD STEADY AT APPROXIMATELY 1500RPM. THE CAR CANNOT ACCELERATE WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. SHUTTING THE CAR OFF FOR 60 SECONDS OR MORE IS REQUIRED. ATTEMPTING TO START BEFORE THE 60 SECOND TIME RESULTS IN THE ENGINE NOT STARTING. AFTER THE 60 SECONDS, THE ENGINE STARTS AND APPEARS TO OPERATE NORMALLY EXCEPT WITH THE CEL ILLUMINATED. THE ASSOCIATED CODE FROM THE ECM IS P2138.

    NHTSA complaint 10899793
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations

NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year

Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins

205 manufacturer communications cover this model year

Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall; the 60 most recent are listed.

  • 15-308-23R Aug 20, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Service Information Bulletin outlines a systematic procedure for diagnosing parasitic draw (dark/standby current) in vehicles experiencing battery drain when the ignition is off, leading to no-start conditions or frequent jump-starts.This is an revised…
  • 15-304-22R Aug 13, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. (This is an revised version of the original bulletin.)
  • Article Locator Aug 5, 2026 · Other
    Techtips newsletter locator index.
  • 15-333-25R Aug 1, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. This is an revised version of the original bulletin
  • SubaruNet Annoucement (E Jun 12, 2026 · Other
    This announcement is requesting retailer staff to retain the EyeSight protective hood covers from Generation 4 EyeSight cameras.
  • 01-167-08R May 18, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
  • SubaruNet Announcement (R May 4, 2026 · Other
    This announcement provides information on the remanufactured CVT transmission program.
  • 03-97-26 Apr 24, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin announces the service manual correction regarding clutch master cylinder reservoir service procedures.
  • 01-167-08R Apr 24, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
  • 05-97-26 Apr 20, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Bulletin provides the diagnostic procedures to be followed when addressing customer concerns of steering wheel/vehicle body vibration when driving at highway speeds when tire/wheel balance is suspected.
  • 07-240-26R Apr 30, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Service Information Bulletin was developed to provide interim guidance for vehicles exhibiting DTC B2A20.
  • 15-219-18R Mar 16, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin contains information to help when attempting to complete the STARLINK Telematics subscription process, an Error Code 202 and / or 204 may occur preventing the process from completing successfully
  • SubaruNet Announcement (A Mar 4, 2026 · Other
    This announcement provides information on the use of aftermarket services or tools for programming immobilizer keys/fobs.
  • 10-105-25R Mar 26, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin announces the new procedure and Warranty Fail Code for FirstTime air conditioning (A/C) performance concerns possibly resulting from an undetected A/C refrigerant leak.
  • 01-167-08R Mar 26, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
  • 07-240-26R Feb 25, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Service Information Bulletin was developed to provide interim guidance for 2026 model year vehicles exhibiting DTC B2A20 with gen 4 Telematics.
  • 10-105-25R Feb 6, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin announces the new procedure and Warranty Fail Code for FirstTime air conditioning (A/C) performance concerns possibly resulting from an undetected A/C refrigerant leak.
  • Subaru Tech Tips Special Jan 15, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Subaru service and technical support line newsletter provides information on the next phase of TechShare.
  • 15-300-22R Jan 12, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Bulletin provides the diagnostic procedure for the STARLINK® Remote Engine Start (RES).
  • Subarunet Announcement (E Jan 12, 2026 · Other
    This announcement has been created to address difficulties with software updates on Subaru Select Monitors with DST-010 interface firmware has been updated.
  • 18-226-25R Dec 8, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Service Information Bulletin provides the Service Manual Correction to the diagnostic procedure for DTC B2A16 (Immobilizer Key Collation Diagnosis).
  • 15-333-25 Dec 2, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.
  • Subaru Tech Tips (Article Nov 20, 2025 · Other
    Subaru service article locator.
  • Subaru Tech Tips (Article Nov 20, 2025 · Other
    Subaru service article locator.
  • 15-308-23R Oct 28, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Service Information Bulletin outlines a systematic procedure for diagnosing parasitic draw (dark/standby current) in vehicles experiencing battery drain when the ignition is off, leading to no-start conditions or frequent jump-starts.
  • 15-130-08R Oct 29, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information on the load carrying capacity reduced label when a port-installed or retailer-installed accessory exeeds 1.5 percent of the GVWR or 100 pounds, which ever is lower.
  • Subaru Tech Tips (Article Oct 28, 2025 · Other
    Subaru tech tips newsletter article locator.
  • Subaru Tech Tips (Article Oct 28, 2025 · Other
    Subaru tech tips newsletter article locator.
  • 07-236-25 Oct 23, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Bulletin outlines a comprehensive update to the dark current/parasitic draw diagnosis & testing procedures.
  • 07-233-25R Oct 23, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Bulletin provides details on a new formal testing, charging, and tracking procedure for all 12-volt batteries in new vehicle inventory.
  • 15-219-18R Sep 30, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin addresses cases when attempting to complete the STARLINK Telematics subscription process, an Error Code 202 and / or 204 may occur preventing the process from completing successfully.
  • 10-105-25R Sep 5, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin announces the new procedure and Warranty Fail Code for FirstTime air conditioning (A/C) performance concerns possibly resulting from an undetected A/C refrigerant leak.
  • 07-233-25 Sep 3, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Bulletin provides details on a new formal testing, charging, and tracking procedure for all 12-volt batteries in new vehicle inventory wjhich must be tested and reported every 30 days.
  • 15-266-20R Aug 26, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Bulletin provides helpful procedures and best practices to utilize when customers present with concerns relating to the operation of their Gen 2/Gen 3 Telematics system equipped Subaru.
  • 15-320-24R Aug 21, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.
  • SubaruNet Announcement Aug 13, 2025 · Other
    Subaru of America, Inc. will release an OTA to perform a software update to the DCM. This is a preventive OTA.
  • Subaru Service Technical Aug 11, 2025 · Other
    Subaru Service Technical Support Newsletter special edition.
  • 13-108-25 Aug 11, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information on paint codes for vehicles in the 2026 line up.
  • SubaruNet Announcement Jul 16, 2025 · Other
    This OTA is released to address Telematic functions that may stop working after a certain amount of time from the vehicle's production.
  • 10-105-25R Jul 10, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    "This bulletin announces the new procedure and Warranty Fail Code for FirstTime air conditioning (A/C) performance concerns possibly resulting from an undetected A/C refrigerant leak. To improve Fixed Right First-Time (FRFT) and customer satisfaction, SOA i…
  • SubaruNet Annoucement Jun 27, 2025 · Other
    This announcment provides information on the release of the latest software updates to the Subaru Midtronics DSS-5000 Battery Diagnostic tool.
  • SubaruNet Announcement (S Jun 24, 2025 · Other
    This announcement is to bring attention to the OTA for In-vehicle service appointment scheduler and In-vehicle message center.
  • 10-105-25R Jun 23, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Service Information bulletin announces the new procedure and Warranty Fail Code for FirstTime air conditioning (A/C) performance concerns possibly resulting from an undetected A/C refrigerant leak.
  • 15-251-19R Jun 24, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Bulletin provides additional diagnostics to follow when addressing a Telematics-related DTC B2A16.
  • 01-168-09R May 19, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.
  • WQQ-52R May 6, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    "The repair instructions previously provided in the WQK-47 recall bulletin as been updated, the WQQ-52 recall will involve applying additional anti-corrosion material to the four-way (2-2 way) joint connector area of the brake line system on Forester, Impre…
  • 10-105-25R May 13, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin announces the new procedure and Warranty Fail Code for FirstTime air conditioning (A/C) performance concerns possibly resulting from an undetected A/C refrigerant leak. To improve Fixed Right First-Time (FRFT) and customer satisfaction, SOA is…
  • 15-251-19R Apr 30, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Service Bulletin provides additional diagnostics to follow when addressing a Telematics-related DTC B2A16.
  • 02-192-24R Apr 22, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be followed when diagnosing engine oil leakage on FA and FB type engines.
  • 03-96-25 Apr 22, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin announces design changes made to the rear axle hubs. These changes have been implemented to reduce cases water intrusion further leading to harmonic, humming, and grinding type sounds heard from the axle hub while driving.
  • 14-31-25 Mar 31, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Bulletin announces availability of a User Guide and an informative video to supplement the recent releases to retailers of the SOA321152 and SOA321153 Terminal Test Kits.
  • 09-51-08R Mar 24, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The purpose of this bulletin is to advise of SOA’s revised Catalytic Converter Recycling Program shipping procedure.
  • WQK-47R Mar 24, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has determined that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists on certain 2005-2009 model year Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2009- 2013 Subaru Forester vehicles, 2008-2011 Subaru Impreza, WRX, and STI vehicle…
  • WQQ-52R Mar 24, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Due to incomplete repair instructions previously provided in the WQK-47 recall bulletin, the WQQ-52 recall will involve applying additional anti-corrosion material to the four-way (2-2 way) joint connector area of the brake line system on Forester, Impreza,…
  • 15-304-22R Mar 18, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns.
  • 01-167-08R Mar 17, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
  • 15-219-18R Mar 6, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    When attempting to complete the STARLINK Telematics subscription process, an Error Code 202 and / or 204 may occur preventing the process from completing successfully.
  • 15-251-19R Feb 10, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    "This Service Bulletin provides additional diagnostics to follow when addressing a Telematics-related DTC B2A16."
  • Subarunet Announcement Jan 31, 2025 · Other
    This announcement is in regard to special service tool shipment will be shipped directly to the Subar retailers during February.
  • RC5 Head Unit OTA Jan 28, 2025 · Other
    A head unit OTA will be available via cellular network for Mid and High Grade CP1.5 head units.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.