Is the 2002 Subaru WRX a bad year?
427 owner complaints to NHTSA. Engine and transmission complaints are in line with other WRX years.
Keep it
Engine and transmission complaints for the 2002 Subaru WRX are in line with other WRX years. Fuel system stands out for this year: see below.
The verdict moves with mileage: the same car reads differently at 30,000 and at 150,000 miles.
What 2002 WRX owners report, by mileage
Each system owners named in five or more complaints, with the mileage range where the middle half of those complaints were filed. Read at 49,000 miles.
| SYSTEM | COMPLAINTS | MIDDLE HALF FILED AT | TYPICAL US REPAIR BILLS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel systemSTANDS OUT | 295 (69%) | 34k–70k miles · around this mileage | Fuel pump replacement $220–$1,500 · Fuel injector replacement (one injector) $300–$1,200 |
| BrakesSTANDS OUT | 80 (19%) | 12k–38k miles · mostly behind | Brake pad replacement (one axle) $115–$390 · Brake pads and rotors replacement (one axle) $200–$1,084 |
| Transmission and drivetrain | 16 (4%) | too few with a mileage | — |
| Engine | 12 (3%) | too few with a mileage | — |
| Visibility and wipers | 8 (2%) | too few with a mileage | — |
| Suspension | 6 (1%) | too few with a mileage | — |
| Exhaust | 5 (1%) | too few with a mileage | — |
Bills are typical US ranges from the sources named in the tool (J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, CarParts.com and others), printed only for systems that stand out or sit at or ahead of 49,000 miles. Not a quote.
What owners reported alongside their complaints
Of 427 complaints: 17 mention a crash · 2 mention a fire · 9 report an injury.
No complaints in the last 12 months; the newest was filed in Oct 2018.
Counts of what owners wrote in their complaints, not verified by anyone.
Recalls for the 2002 Subaru WRX: 2
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. Fuel leaks, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
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." Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and may possibly result in a vehicle crash
A recall may cover only some cars of a model year; the campaign size counts every model and year it lists. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls: dealers fix open recalls free.
Service bulletins from Subaru: 64
Repair instructions Subaru sent its dealers for symptoms seen in the shop on the 2002 Subaru WRX. Ask a dealer or mechanic for a bulletin by its number.
Step-by-step diagnostic procedure for resolving Remote Engine Start (RES) failures for both Telematics and remote engine start equipped vehicles
Diagnostic procedures to be followed when diagnosing engine oil leakage on FA and FB type engines
DTC P0606 related specifically to the determination of this code on Forester Turbo and applicable WRX models
SOA is pleased to announce the launch of a new remanufactured turbocharger program
NHTSA defect investigations: 5
Fuel line leak
Fuel line leak
Fuel line leakage in engine compartment
Extended stopping distances
Braking system/abs
Neighbouring years
2003 WRX: 60 complaints, keep it.
Every Subaru WRX year
2002 · 2003 · 2004 · 2005 · 2006 · 2008 · 2009 · 2010 · 2011 · 2012 · 2013 · 2014 · 2015 · 2016 · 2017 · 2018 · 2019 · 2020 · 2021 · 2022 · 2023 · 2024 · 2025 · 2026 · All WRX years side by side
Other Subaru models: Subaru Ascent · Subaru Crosstrek · Subaru Forester · Subaru Impreza · Subaru Legacy · Subaru Outback · Subaru XV Crosstrek. All makes and models.
Questions
Is the 2002 Subaru WRX a bad year?
427 owner complaints to NHTSA. Engine and transmission complaints are in line with other WRX years. At 49,000 miles the tool says: Keep it.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Subaru WRX?
By owner complaints to NHTSA: fuel system (295), brakes (80), transmission and drivetrain (16), engine (12), visibility and wipers (8).
How many recalls does the 2002 Subaru WRX have?
2 recall campaigns list this model year: Fuel system (NHTSA 09V-468), Exterior lighting (NHTSA 06E060000). A recall may cover only some cars; check by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Method: counts of unverified owner complaints filed with NHTSA, compared only with other years of the same model (sales volumes are unknown, so no failure rate is computed). A system stands out at 40+ complaints and at least twice the model's quiet (lower-quartile) year, or twice the share across every vehicle of that model year. The mileage range is the 25th to 75th percentile of the mileages owners reported. Data received by NHTSA through November 5, 2026. Repair prices are typical US ranges from named sources, not quotes. Not a diagnosis and not financial advice. PulsCar is not affiliated with NHTSA. Check this car at your own mileage.