2005 Subaru Wrx: what breaks, and at what mileage
What breaks on the 2005 Subaru Wrx
On the 2005 Subaru Wrx, the failure owners report most often is fuel leak or fuel odor, and the reports cluster around 75,000 miles. Across every failure mode on this year, half the dated reports were filed before 50,000 miles. Overall it scores 70 out of 100, high risk for a 2005.
High risk for a 2005 — 120th riskiest of the 320 2005 vehicles we can rate. 24 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork.
What owners report breaking
Owners have reported 9 named failure modes on the 2005 Subaru Wrx, and the three most-reported carry 63% of everything filed, so the trouble here is concentrated rather than scattered.
Fuel leak or fuel odor leads with 10 reports, about 2.1 per 1,000 vehicles and with the middle half of reports between 44k to 135,000 miles.
Other fuel system problem follows with 3 reports, median 95,000 miles.
Turbocharger or supercharger failure follows with 2 reports, median 50,000 miles.
By system, the reports fall mostly into fuel (14), engine (4) and transmission (3).
When these failures get reported
22 of the reports on the 2005 Subaru Wrx came with an odometer reading, and half of those were filed before 50,000 miles.
Cumulatively, 55% by 50,000 miles, 73% by 100,000 miles and 86% by 150,000 miles of the dated reports had been filed.
The busiest stretch is between 40,000 and 50,000 miles, which alone holds 23% of the dated reports.
32% of the dated reports were filed below 36,000 miles.
Tick median reported mileage Solid middle half of reports Faint 10th to 90th percentile Colour how bad the failure is when it happens
How reports accumulate
Every report with an odometer reading, cumulative, from 0 to 200,000 miles. A curve that climbs early is a car with early problems, whatever its total.
- Line share of reports filed by that mileage
- Dashed the median reported mileage
What happens when these parts fail
Nothing in the reports on the 2005 Subaru Wrx mentions a crash, a fire or an injury. That is the ordinary case and it is worth stating: most defect complaints are about a car that stopped working, not one that hurt somebody.
The average severity weight across every report on this year is 4.92, where a stalled engine or a failed airbag weighs many times more than a rattling trim panel, and a figure this high means the reports are dominated by failures with safety consequences rather than annoyances. The weighting is set out in full on the methodology page.
What the top failures cost to put right, as editorial estimates for an independent US shop rather than figures from NHTSA: fuel leak or fuel odor at $300–$2,500, other fuel system problem at $300–$2,200, turbocharger or supercharger failure at $1,500–$4,500 and manual clutch or hydraulics failure at $900–$2,800. Dealer labour, a seized bolt or a part that is no longer made can push any of these past the top of its range.
29% of the reports on this year sit in the engine, transmission, drivetrain or cooling systems — the four where a repair bill is usually four figures.
Every reported failure mode
| Failure mode | System | Reports | With reading | 25th | Median | 75th | Per 1,000 | Typical repair | Severity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel leak or fuel odor | fuel | 10 | 10 | 44k | 77k | 137k | 2.1 | $300–$2,500 | Critical |
| Other fuel system problem | fuel | 3 | 2 | — | 97k | — | 0.6 | $300–$2,200 | High |
| Turbocharger or supercharger failure | engine | 2 | 2 | — | 49k | — | 0.4 | $1,500–$4,500 | High |
| Manual clutch or hydraulics failure | transmission | 2 | 2 | — | 21k | — | 0.4 | $900–$2,800 | Moderate |
| Strut, shock or spring failure | suspension | 2 | 1 | — | 17k | — | 0.4 | $500–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Other engine problem | engine | 2 | 2 | — | 88k | — | 0.4 | $300–$4,000 | High |
| Fuel pump failure | fuel | 1 | 1 | — | 60k | — | 0.2 | $600–$2,600 | High |
| Control arm, ball joint or bushing failure | suspension | 1 | 1 | — | 82k | — | 0.2 | $400–$2,200 | High |
| Other powertrain problem | transmission | 1 | 1 | — | 33k | — | 0.2 | $400–$4,500 | High |
Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound. Repair costs are typical independent-shop ranges for the failure, not figures from these reports.
How often, against how many were built
Scaled by an estimate of how many of these cars exist, the 2005 Subaru Wrx draws about 5.0 per 1,000 vehicles, which puts it in the 81st percentile of complaint rates among 2005 vehicles we can rate.
That denominator is the weakest number on the page and it is fair to say so plainly. Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound.
The working figure is 4,792 vehicles. If the true number is twice that, every rate on this page is half what it says; the ranking against other 2005 vehicles, which is what the risk score uses, is far more robust than the rate itself.
What owners wrote
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint narratives, trimmed for length. The odometer reading is the one the owner gave.
Fuel leak or fuel odor
Gas leak that causes very strong gas fumes in the car during cold starts and significant gas loss overnight. Local subaru dealership determines it's faulty fuel line gaskets and $900 to repair. The fumes are so strong that I fear something will ignite the vapors and start a fire. *tr
Strong gasoline odor smell inside car. Happens when the outside temperature is very cold, below 15 degrees. This issue is similar to that reported in earlier model wrxs. See recall NHTSA campaign number: 09v468000 which addressed leaking fuel lines at cold temperatures. Other complaints like this one have been filed for wrxs years not covered by the recall. *tr
Other fuel system problem
2005 sti, 42,000 miles..... Cold mn weather caused my fuel system under the hood leak gas all over. Inside of car smelt of gas very very bad. Popped the hood, even stronger gas smell, located fuel leaks under the intake manifold drivers side. Towed it to nearest subaru dealer do to fear of fire. Not covered under the 2 warranties I purchased when I bought the car or under subaru recall of 2003-2004 wrx/sti's for the same problem.....charges will be $600+...... Bought the car from a subaru dealer here in mn, second owner, expensive low miles used car, just plain stupid subaru does not fix this..... *tr
During cold weather, there is a strong fuel smell in the cabin. Rubber fuel lines on the passenger side leak, causing fuel to puddle on top of the engine block, creating an extreme fire hazard. *tr
Turbocharger or supercharger failure
Normal city and highway commuting. While traveling on the highway vehicle had a violent drop in speed , and a metal clanking noise. Was heard. The engine died, as a result lost power steering. I managed to safely bring the car to a stop. It was as able to drive it despite the engine shutting off frequently to the dealer. They reported to me that the turbocharger failed, and I had 4 twisted axles, half-shafts replaced. They had to place a call to subaru to see about covering the failure. I heard nothing, but after calling they said subaru would not cover the failure, but would not say why. I went in later and requested a written statement that they refused to cover it and why. It was then I found out that it was due to alleged abuse. The proof of this was the presence of club stickers and aftermarket parts which had no bearing on the defective parts. They stated the presence of these things implied abuse to the car. They refused to fix it unless I payed. They offered nothing , but a 800 number to complain to subaru of america. I am currently in the process with soa and everyone is being very uncooperative. I felt being…
Normal city and highway commuting. While traveling on the highway vehicle had a violent drop in speed , and a metal clanking noise. Was heard. The engine died, as a result lost power steering. I managed to safely bring the car to a stop. It was as able to drive it despite the engine shutting off frequently to the dealer. They reported to me that the turbocharger failed, and I had 4 twisted axles, half-shafts replaced. They had to place a call to subaru to see about covering the failure. I heard nothing, but after calling they said subaru would not cover the failure, but would not say why. I went in later and requested a written statement that they refused to cover it and why. It was then I found out that it was due to alleged abuse. The proof of this was the presence of club stickers and aftermarket parts which had no bearing on the defective parts. They stated the presence of these things implied abuse to the car. They refused to fix it unless I payed. They offered nothing , but a 800 number to complain to subaru of america. I am currently in the process with soa and everyone is being very uncooperative. I felt being…
Recalls on the 2005 model year
NHTSA has issued 5 recall campaigns covering the 2005 Subaru Wrx, affecting an estimated 9,921 vehicles. A recall is a different kind of evidence from a complaint: it is the regulator and the manufacturer agreeing that something has to be fixed, and the fix is free for as long as the car exists.
The campaigns cover air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module. Whether the work was actually done on the car in front of you is a question only the VIN can answer, and the manufacturer or NHTSA will answer it free.
Recalls also distort complaint counts. Publicity about a campaign reminds owners that complaining is possible, so reports for a recalled component often spike after the recall rather than before it.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
130 vehicles 2023-02-13- Defect
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2004-2005 Impreza and WRX vehicles that received replacement front passenger air bag inflators under a previous recall. The replacement air bag inflators may have been installed incorrectly.
- Consequence
- An incorrectly installed inflator may not properly inflate the passenger air bag, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the passenger inflator and if necessary, install a new inflator kit, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 14, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRF-23.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
127,547 vehicles 2020-01-02- Defect
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously…
- Consequence
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-20.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
111,562 vehicles 2020-01-02- Defect
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under…
- Consequence
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-20.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
258,813 vehicles 2020-01-02- Defect
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (STI included), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using…
- Consequence
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators with alternate inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-20.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
87,745 vehicles 2006-06-29- Defect
- 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."
- Consequence
- Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and may possibly result in a vehicle crash
- Remedy
- Aai motorsports will notify owners and replace the lamps free of charge. The recall began on august 1, 2006. Owners may contact aai motorsports at 909-923-9188.
Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of the car's age. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before assuming it was done.
How it ranks in the 2005 field
The score at the top of the page, placed among its peers. The zones are the same thresholds the scorer applies, read out of the scorer itself, so the picture and the band word cannot disagree.
Scores are ranked within the model year, never across years, because an older car has had longer to accumulate reports.
- Left fewer and less serious reports
- Right more, or worse
- Marker this vehicle
How 2005 compares with the other years
High risk for a 2005 — 120th riskiest of the 320 2005 vehicles we can rate. The comparison is always within the same model year, so an older car is never penalised for having had longer to break.
Across the 15 model years of this car that carry enough reports to score, 2008 comes out best at 64 and 2022 worst at 83, with 2005 itself at 70.
If the model year is negotiable, 2008 scores lower than 2005 by a margin worth acting on. Same body, same engines, different luck — usually a supplier change or a mid-cycle fix, which the complaint data can show but never explain.
Within the 2002–2009 generation specifically, 2008 is the strongest year at 64 and 2003 the weakest at 77.
Scores compare each year against other cars of the same model year, so a low number on an older car is a real result and not an artefact of age.
Shorter is better. Years with too few reports to score are shown without a bar rather than as a zero, because no data is not good news.
Within the 2002-2009 generation, 2008 Subaru Wrx scores best at 64 and 2003 Subaru Wrx worst at 77.
What the numbers say to check
The mileages below are where the first quarter of reports for each mode had already been filed, which makes them the point at which a fault is worth looking for rather than the point at which it happens: fuel leak or fuel odor from about 44k.
On a 2005 Subaru Wrx with more miles than that on it, the useful question to put to a seller or a mechanic is whether fuel leak or fuel odor has been dealt with, and if so with what parts and at whose expense. A car that has already had the repair is in a different position from one that has not.
None of this is a diagnosis. It is a list of what other owners of the same model year reported, ordered by when they reported it, which is a good place to point an inspection and a poor place to stop.
Where these figures stop being useful
24 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork. Every count on this page is therefore a floor: it is the number of owners who went to the trouble of filing with a federal agency, which is a small and self-selected fraction of the owners who had the fault.
Of those 24 reports, 22 carried an odometer reading, so the mileages here describe 92% of the sample rather than all of it. Owners also round: readings pile up on multiples of ten thousand, which is why this site publishes "about 90,000 miles" and not "91,438".
Named failure modes come from matching phrases in the complaint text, so a badly worded complaint can land in the wrong bucket. The effect washes out across hundreds of reports and does not wash out across five.
And nothing here predicts what one car will do. These are other people's complaints, filed years apart, on cars maintained by strangers. Read the page as a map of where this model year has previously gone wrong, then have the specific car in front of you inspected.
Questions this page answers
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Subaru Wrx?
The most-reported failures are fuel leak or fuel odor (10 reports, median 75,000 miles), other fuel system problem (3 reports, median 95,000 miles) and turbocharger or supercharger failure (2 reports, median 50,000 miles). Counts come from owner complaints filed with NHTSA, which are voluntary, so they show what owners bothered to report rather than every fault that occurred.
At what mileage do 2005 Subaru Wrx problems start?
Fuel leak or fuel odor is the earliest failure mode to show up, with a median reported mileage of 75,000 miles and a quarter of reports before 45,000 miles. Across all failure modes on this year, the median report sits at 50,000 miles.
Is the 2005 Subaru Wrx reliable?
It scores 70 out of 100 on our risk index, which is high — 120th riskiest of the 320 2005 vehicles we can rate. The score is a comparison against other 2005 vehicles, not a prediction about any individual car, and it is built from complaint rates, severity and how early failures appear.
Which year of the Subaru Wrx is best?
Within the 2002–2009 generation, 2008 scores best at 64 out of 100 and 2003 worst at 77. Same body, same engines, different luck.
Where this comes from. Every figure above is computed from NHTSA owner complaints and recall records for this exact make, model and year. Complaints are voluntary and self-selected, so treat counts as a floor. The methodology page writes out each formula, and the same numbers are available as JSON.
What breaks at my mileage Compare with another car
Source Owner complaints and recall records published by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, model years 1996–2027 Figures rebuilt Published by AtWhatMileage How every figure is computed