2023 SUBARU WRX Complaints and Recall Information
The 2023 SUBARU WRX has 1 complaint and 4 recalls filed with NHTSA. Owners most frequently report issues related to the front suspension, specifically loud noises occurring during low-speed turns and on uneven road surfaces. These noises have been linked to a potential defect in an OEM strut mount bearing.
Common Issues
- Suspension noise. Front struts emit loud popping, clicking, and cracking sounds during low-speed maneuvers and on bumpy roads. The issue persists even after removing aftermarket lowering springs, indicating a manufacturing defect in the OEM strut mount bearing (part #20320FL010).
- Steering safety concerns. The defective strut bearing may bind during steering input, reducing vehicle stability and responsiveness, particularly in evasive maneuvers or rough road conditions.
- Warranty denial. Subaru of America has denied warranty coverage citing the presence of aftermarket parts, despite independent verification that the faulty component is factory-made and not caused by modifications.
There are four recalls affecting the 2023 WRX that involve components primarily related to the powertrain and driveline systems. These recalls address defects that pose safety risks including loss of drive power and possible vehicle rollaway.
Recalls
- Front driveshaft assembly. NHTSA recall 23V754000 affects 4,701 vehicles including the 2023 WRX. The outer race of the front driveshafts may crack and break, risking loss of drive power while driving or vehicle rollaway when parked without the parking brake. Dealers will inspect and replace the left and right front driveshafts as needed at no cost. Owner notification began in January 2024.
Owners dealing with repeated repairs related to front suspension defects or unresolved recall issues may have rights under their state’s lemon law. Consulting a qualified attorney experienced in lemon law can help clarify options available for vehicles with persistent safety or mechanical problems.
2023 SUBARU WRX Summary
2023
Model Year
1
Total Complaints
1
Total Recalls
4701
Vehicles Affected
Recalls
2023 SUBARU WRX
4701 vehicles affected
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Crosstrek, Impreza, 2023-2024 Forester, and 2023 WRX vehicles. The front driveshaft assemblies' outer race may develop cracks and break.
Risk: A broken driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power while driving or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is in park without the parking brake engaged. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Complaints
2023 SUBARU WRX
ID: 2089455SUSPENSION
I am reporting a potential safety-related defect involving the front suspension of my 2023 Subaru WRX. After installing aftermarket lowering springs, I began noticing loud popping, clicking, and cracking noises from the front struts during low-speed turns and uneven road surfaces. To isolate the issue, the springs were completely removed from the strut assemblies. The noise persisted when manually rotating the top hat and shaft, confirming an internal defect in the OEM strut mount bearing (Subaru part #20320FL010). This eliminates the springs as the source of the issue. The component remains installed and is available for inspection. This defect poses a safety concern, as the strut bearing appears to bind during steering input. This can compromise vehicle stability and steering responsiveness—especially during evasive maneuvers or rough road conditions. The dealership acknowledged the noise but blamed the aftermarket springs. Subaru of America (SOA) opened a formal case but backed the dealership’s position without independent verification. The failure has been reproduced and confirmed by an independent mechanic, even with the aftermarket springs removed. Despite the clear evidence of a factory component failure, SOA refused to cover the repair under warranty, stating that the presence of aftermarket parts voids the claim. This is contrary to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, which requires proof that a modification caused a failure. No warning lamps or messages appeared prior to the issue. The symptoms—repetitive loud noises from the front suspension. I believe this may point to a broader defect with this OEM strut bearing and respectfully request investigation by NHTSA.