AI Damage2016 Subaru WRX STI: common problems
The maker issued 165 service bulletins for this year. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Technical service bulletins (TSB)
- 165
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 0 | 0 | 85 |
| Equipment | 0 | 0 | 44 |
| Engine | 0 | 0 | 13 |
| Powertrain | 0 | 0 | 10 |
| Structure | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| Engine and cooling | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| Exterior lighting | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| Seat belts | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| Seats | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| Air bags | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Suspension | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Wheels | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Backover prevention | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Fuel system | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Comparison
What to check before buying
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
- Structure. Rails, pillars, panel gaps, signs of pulling or welding.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- This announcement provides information on a new software update for the Midtronics Dss and DCA machines
- This bulletin provides paint code information for 2027 model year vehicles
- This announcement provides an update to all 2027 model year Subaru warranty coverages for wear items and…
- This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a…
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.
- This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during…
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.
- This Service Information Bulletin outlines a systematic procedure for diagnosing parasitic draw…
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…
- This Bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during…
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.)
- Techtips newsletter locator index
- This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a…
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
- This announcement is requesting retailer staff to retain the EyeSight protective hood covers from…
This announcement is requesting retailer staff to retain the EyeSight protective hood covers from Generation 4 EyeSight cameras.
- This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for…
- This announcement provides information on the remanufactured CVT transmission program
NHTSA lists 165 bulletins for this year; the 12 newest are shown here.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Subaru WRX STI?
There are no owner complaints in the NHTSA data for this year; the data comes from 165 manufacturer service bulletins.
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2016 Subaru WRX STI?
NHTSA lists 165 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2016 Subaru WRX STI from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2016 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-04.