2012 model year · 0+ owner reports · Updated April 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 0+ owner reports, the 2012 Subaru WRX has 3 documented known issues. No issues are rated critical, indicating generally reliable ownership. Across all issues, repair costs range from $50 to $2,200. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 2006-2014 Subaru WRX, turbo EJ255/EJ257 WRX models equipped with the secondary air injection system commonly develop failures of the air pump, pressure sensor, or the air switching valves. Moisture intrusion and corrosion can cause the valves to stick or the pump to seize, which sets emissions faults and on many cars can reduce power or force a limp-home condition. Owners typically report a check-engine light shortly after cold start, often with rough cold operation or an audible pump noise before failure.
Diagnosis usually starts with scanning for secondary air system codes and commanding the pump/valves with a capable scan tool. Repair typically involves replacing one or both air switching valves, the pump, and sometimes the pressure sensor or related hoses; some owners also inspect for water entry and update gaskets/hoses during repair. Because access is tight on turbo models, labor can be significant, and clearing codes without fixing the root cause usually results in repeat faults.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2002-2014 Subaru WRX, a common WRX complaint is a groaning or whining power steering system, especially when cold, often traced to the pump inlet O-ring or suction hose allowing air into the system. Aerated fluid becomes foamy in the reservoir and steering assist can feel inconsistent or heavy at low speeds. On higher-mileage cars, the pump itself may also wear out after running with air-contaminated fluid.
Inspect the reservoir for bubbles/foam, check fluid level and condition, and examine the suction hose, clamps, and pump inlet O-ring for seepage or looseness. Replacing the inlet O-ring and any hardened hose sections often cures the issue; if noise remains, the pump may need replacement and the system should be flushed with the correct Subaru-compatible fluid. Belt condition and tension should also be verified because belt slip can mimic pump noise.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2002-2014 Subaru WRX, many 2002-2014 WRX owners report coolant leaks from the crimped plastic end tanks of the factory radiator, especially as the car ages and sees repeated heat cycles. Cracks often form near the upper tank seam or hose neck, leading to a sweet coolant smell, low coolant level, and eventual overheating if ignored. This is widely documented in owner forums and repair databases across both EJ205 and EJ255 cars.
Pressure-test the cooling system and inspect the radiator tank seams, upper neck, and side crimps for wetness or dried coolant residue. Replacement of the radiator is the standard repair; many owners upgrade to a quality all-aluminum unit or a fresh OEM-style radiator along with new hoses and cap. After replacement, the system should be properly burped to avoid trapped air and false overheating symptoms.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing the brake lights from illuminating and also preventing keyless ignition vehicles from starting and CVT/automatic transmissions from being able to be shifted out of Park.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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 a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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 inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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 replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, 2008-2011 Impreza vehicles, 2008-2014 WRX vehicles, 2005-2014 Legacy vehicles, 2005-2014 Outback vehicles and 2006-2008 Tribeca vehicles equipped with a mechanical key ignition switch installed as a replacement part. The ball spring inside the switch may break, reducing the strength of the ignition switch. If this occurs, the weight on the key ring and certain road conditions could cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position to the accessory position, turning off the engine.
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According to Au7o's analysis of 0+ owner reports, the 2012-2012 Subaru WRX has 3 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Secondary Air Injection Pump and Switching Valve Failure Triggering CEL and Limp Mode, Power Steering Pump and Suction Hose Air Leak Causing Whine, Foamy Fluid, and Heavy Steering, Radiator End Tank Cracking and Coolant Leaks on Plastic-Aluminum OEM Radiators. None are rated critical, but regular maintenance is recommended.
The 2012-2012 Subaru WRX has 3 known issues documented across 0+ owner reports. No issues are rated critical, suggesting generally good reliability. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Subaru WRX issues range from $50 to $2,200, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
Turbo EJ255/EJ257 WRX models equipped with the secondary air injection system commonly develop failures of the air pump, pressure sensor, or the air switching valves. Moisture intrusion and corrosion can cause the valves to stick or the pump to seize, which sets emissions faults… Repairs typically run $700-$2,200. Severity: medium.
A common WRX complaint is a groaning or whining power steering system, especially when cold, often traced to the pump inlet O-ring or suction hose allowing air into the system. Aerated fluid becomes foamy in the reservoir and steering assist can feel inconsistent or heavy at low… Repairs typically run $50-$700. Severity: medium.
Many 2002-2014 WRX owners report coolant leaks from the crimped plastic end tanks of the factory radiator, especially as the car ages and sees repeated heat cycles. Cracks often form near the upper tank seam or hose neck, leading to a sweet coolant smell, low coolant level, and e… Repairs typically run $250-$900. Severity: medium.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
