MODEL
Subaru WRX
NHTSA safety across every Subaru WRX model year we cover.
Across the 8 model years of the Subaru WRX we cover (2019 to 2026), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2026 at 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2022 at 93. 6 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Subaru WRX is a performance-focused compact sedan that occupies a unique niche in the American market, blending everyday practicality with genuine sporting intent. Aimed squarely at driving enthusiasts who want all-weather capability alongside turbocharged performance, the WRX has built a loyal following across generations. This review covers the 2019 through 2025 model years and zeroes in on what matters most here at MotorCaliber: how safely it protects you and your passengers.
From a safety standpoint, the Subaru WRX delivers an impressive picture across the 2019 to 2025 model years we cover. The standout figure is the 2024 model year's perfect NHTSA Safety Index score of 100 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. Crash-test hardware backs that up: the best-performing year earned five stars across all three NHTSA categories, frontal, side, and rollover. That is a clean sweep and not something every compact sedan can claim. Across the covered model years, NHTSA records show six recalls. That is a moderate count for a seven-year span and not alarming, but shoppers should verify any open recalls against their specific VIN before purchase using NHTSA's free lookup tool. Owner complaints total 106 across these years, which is a relatively contained number for a model with this kind of passionate ownership base. Within those complaints, six allege crash involvement, one involves a fire, and one involves an injury. These are unverified allegations, as NHTSA has not confirmed causation, but they are worth noting as part of the full picture. Bottom line: the WRX earns its safety credentials honestly. A perfect Safety Index in 2024 and five-star crash results across the board give buyers real confidence. Pair that with diligent recall checks and the WRX stands as one of the stronger safety performers in the compact performance sedan segment.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally praise the WRX for its engaging driving dynamics, standard all-wheel drive, and strong road-holding capability. Most consider it a benchmark in the affordable performance sedan category. Some reviewers note that the interior quality and ride comfort take a back seat to outright driver involvement, positioning the WRX as a driver-first, comfort-second proposition.
- The 2024 WRX earned a perfect NHTSA Safety Index score of 100 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band, the highest tier in NHTSA's rating system for the covered model years.
- Crash-test results for the best-performing model year show five stars in all three NHTSA categories, frontal, side, and rollover, a full sweep that reflects well on the WRX's structural integrity.
- Six recalls have been issued across the 2019 to 2025 model years. Shoppers should run their specific VIN through NHTSA's free recall lookup tool to confirm no open safety actions remain before finalizing a purchase.
- NHTSA has logged 106 owner complaints across these model years, including six alleging crash involvement and one alleging a fire. These are unverified allegations, but reviewing the complaint database for your specific model year is a smart pre-purchase step.
Most-recalled year on record: 2019 Subaru WRX with 2 recalls.