Model year guide

2020 Subaru WRX

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2020 Subaru WRX is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 17 on record.

2020 Subaru WRX — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2020 Subaru WRX at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints17
Overall safety5 / 5 ★
Combined19–23 mpg
Typical price$33,410

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2020 Subaru WRX recalls 1

Exterior Lighting:back Up Lights:switch NHTSA Campaign #22V522000 · manufacturer #WRE-22 · 21/07/2022

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2021 WRX vehicles. The backup light switch may corrode and become inoperative, which can result in the backup lights not illuminating and the rearview camera image not displaying when the vehicle is in reverse.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the backup light switch, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-22.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2020 Subaru WRX common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 17 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Visibility/wiper
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Seat Belts
Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.

2020 Subaru WRX safety ratings

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Frontal — driver★★★★★
Frontal — passenger★★★★★
Side — front seat★★★★★
Side — rear seat★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★

Rollover risk: 10.1% — NHTSA's estimated chance of rollover in a single-vehicle crash (dynamic test: no tip).

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2020 Subaru WRX 4 DR AWD. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2020 Subaru WRX MPG & running costs

Combined19–23 mpg
City18 mpg
Highway24 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,933
EPA size classCompact Cars
TransmissionAutomatic (AV-S8) or Manual 6-spd
Forced inductionTurbocharged
Passenger volume97 cu ft
Cargo volume12 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$7,667 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 3 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

What's a 2020 Subaru WRX worth?

Low
$27,000
Typical price
$33,410
High
$42,000

From 9 comparable 2020 Subaru WRX listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2020 Subaru WRX costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$19,665
Depreciation (5 yrs)$6,950
Total$26,615
Per mile$0.35

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($33,410) with the same model 5 model-years older ($26,451), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Dimensions & weight

Length
180.7 in
Width
70.1 in
Height
57.9 in
Wheelbase
104.3 in
Curb weight
3,369–3,402 lb
Front track
60.2 in
Rear track
60.6 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2020 Subaru WRX — ranges cover the 2 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

Manufacturer service bulletins 288

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 288.

This announcement provides information on a new software update for the Midtronics Dss and DCA machines.

Bulletin SubaruNet Announcement (M · Electrical System · Oct 2026

This bulletin provides paint code information for 2027 model year vehicles.

Bulletin 13-109-26 · Sep 2026

"This Bulletin announces additional troubleshooting steps for the following DTCs: DTC C1956: RH Actuator Circuit DTC C1957: LH Actuator Circuit"

Bulletin 18-244-26 · Electrical System · Sep 2026

This announcement provides an update to all 2027 model year Subaru warranty coverages for wear items and adjustments.

Bulletin SubaruNet Announcement (C · Sep 2026

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.

Bulletin 15-333-25R · Electrical System · Sep 2026

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.

Bulletin 15-304-22R · Electrical System · Sep 2026

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 ve…

Bulletin 15-308-23R · Electrical System · Aug 2026

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.)

Bulletin 15-304-22R · Electrical System · Aug 2026

Techtips newsletter locator index.

Bulletin Article Locator · Electrical System · Aug 2026

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

Bulletin 15-333-25R · Electrical System · Aug 2026

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the WRX AWD. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

About the Subaru WRX

The Subaru WRX is an all-wheel drive sport compact car manufactured by the Japanese automaker Subaru, originally based on the Impreza created for the World Rally Championship in 1992. Subaru claimed the name WRX stands for "World Rally eXperimental". Starting with the 2015 models, the WRX lineup has been split from the Impreza, with a different body style that is not offered as an optional hatchback/wagon, being introduced as the separate Levorg model. The car is known for its striking blue shade, with gold alloy wheels, because of a sponsorship with a Singaporean cigarette manufacturer.

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

2020 Subaru WRX trims & engines on record

Trims
WRX base+L · WRX Premium+L+M/R · STI Base+W+KA · STI Limited+W+KA+RE+BSD+NAVI(H/K)+M/R · WRX Premium+L+RE, WRX Series. White+L+RE
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl 268 hp · 2.5L 4-cyl 310 hp

2020 Subaru WRX vehicles on record

Other Subaru WRX model years

2020 Subaru WRX — frequently asked questions

Does the 2020 Subaru WRX have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2020 Subaru WRX. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 2020 Subaru WRX?

Across all 17 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, engine, visibility/wiper.

What is the 2020 Subaru WRX safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2020 Subaru WRX an overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars (frontal 5★, side 5★, rollover 5★).

What gas mileage does the 2020 Subaru WRX get?

The 2020 Subaru WRX has U.S. EPA estimates of 19–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (3 versions).

How much is a 2020 Subaru WRX worth?

Comparable 2020 Subaru WRX listings run roughly $27,000–$42,000, typically around $33,410 (from 9 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.