There are 2 owner-reported electrical system complaints for the 2002 Subaru WRXin NHTSA's database. These are unverified consumer reports and may not reflect confirmed defects.
I OWN A 02 WRX I LIVE IN ARMIDALE AUSTRALIA. I JUST SPENT A LOT OF MONEY FIXING THIS PROBLEM. PLEASE BE CAREFUL WHEN THE CAR HEATS UP IT CAN BURN OUT THE EXHAUST SENSOR AND CAUSE MAJOR PROBLEMS WITH THE TURBO.I NOTICE ONCE THERE WAS NO SENSOR LEFT IT GAVE MY CAR COMPUTER NOTHING TO GO OFF . IN RESULT COSTING ME 3000 DOLLARS TO FIX .WRX DRIVERS TAKE CARE AND PLEASE GET YOUR SENSORS CHECKED TO SEE IF THEY ARE IN ANYWAY FAULTY. *TR
NOTICED A STRONG GASOLINE ODOR COMING FROM VENTILATION SYSTEM. OUTSIDE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE WAS -8F. OPENED HOOD AND NOTICED A VISIBLE VAPOR CLOUD OF GASOLINE. IMMEDIATELY TOOK TO DEALER'S SERVICE DEPARTMENT, AS I FELT THAT THE CAR WAS NO LONGER SAFE TO DRIVE. WAS TOLD THAT PARTS WERE ON "NATIONAL BACKORDER". (THIS INDICATES TO ME THAT THIS MUST BE A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM.) CAR WAS REPAIRED (AFTER A WAIT OF ONE WEEK) AT A COST OF $534.55 (CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY). REPAIRS INCLUDED "R&R INTAKE MANIFOLD REPLACED FUEL DELIVERY PIPE", USING PARTS "PIPE CP FUEL RETURN", "HOSE", "GASKET INTAKE MANIFOLD". WEBSITE INVESTIGATING LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THIS IS INDEED A VERY WIDESPREAD PROBLEM. I BELIEVE THIS COULD HAVE RESULTED IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.*AK
Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA. A high complaint count may reflect vehicle popularity, not defect severity. Data sourced from NHTSA public records.
Data synced from NHTSA on Apr 26, 2026