Owners of the 2015 Subaru WRX often praise its confident handling and turbocharged punch, but like any complex machine, this generation of the BRZ-based sports car has its specific set of 2015 WRX problems. While not every vehicle will experience these issues, understanding the most common 2015 Subaru WRX problems helps prospective buyers make informed decisions and allows current owners to address concerns before they escalate. This guide focuses on the recurring mechanical and electronic gremlins reported for the 2015 model year, moving beyond the usual praise to examine the realities of ownership.
Initial Quality and Assembly Concerns
Perhaps the most widespread category of 2015 WRX problems stems from the initial assembly process at the Subaru factory. Early models, in particular, were known for a frustrating number of minor and major defects that slipped through final inspection. These issues often required a return trip to the dealer for correction, leading to significant inconvenience for new owners who expected a premium driving experience right out of the box.
Paint and Trim Imperfections
One of the most visually apparent complaints involves paint quality and panel fitting. Reports of orange peel texture, dust nibs in the clear coat, and misaligned body panels were common in early 2015 builds. Inside the cabin, owners frequently noted gaps between interior trim pieces, a cheap feel to the dashboard surfaces, and door panels that didn’t sit flush, suggesting a lack of attention to detail during the final stages of production.
Mechanical Assembly Oversights
Beyond cosmetics, several mechanical assembly errors became alarmingly common. These included loose bolts securing critical components, improperly installed brake lines rubbing against surrounding structures, and wiring harnesses not being fully seated. Such oversights directly contributed to a number of the electrical gremlins and fluid leaks documented by owners in the first few months of ownership.
Infotainment and Electrical System Failures
The 2015 WRX’s reliance on technology introduced new vulnerabilities, with the car’s infotainment system and various sensors becoming a frequent source of 2015 WRX problems. The base audio head unit, in particular, was notorious for its poor responsiveness and tendency to crash or freeze entirely. More concerning were reports of critical safety and convenience features failing due to electrical faults.
Sensor and Camera Malfunctions
The EyeSight driver-assistance package, while valuable, was not immune to faults. A significant number of 2015 WRX owners reported the dreaded "Camera Malfunction" message on the dashboard, which effectively disables the adaptive cruise control and pre-collision braking systems. This issue, often caused by a dirty or faulty camera lens behind the grille or a wiring problem, rendered a key safety feature useless and required dealer service to reset.
Window and Sunroof Issues
Electrical window regulators and the panoramic sunroof also proved vulnerable. Owners regularly complained of windows that would stop working, operate erratically, or require multiple presses of the button to respond. The sunroof mechanism, in some instances, would leak or fail to open and close correctly, adding to the list of conveniences that became sources of frustration.
Fuel System and Oil Consumption Anomalies
While the FA20DIT engine is generally robust, some owners experienced issues related to fuel delivery and internal lubrication that are classified among the 2015 WRX problems. These issues can have a more direct impact on the reliability and longevity of the powertrain if left unaddressed.
