20232022 model year2021
NHTSA Official DataUpdated: May 2026How we calculate this
Severe Issues

2022 Subaru Wrx: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict

Shopping for a used 2022 Subaru Wrx? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 23 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.

23
Complaints
2
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Deaths
1
Recalls

2022 Subaru Wrx Fuel Economy

✓ EPA Official Data

EPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2022 Subaru Wrx trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.

19
MPG City
1919 range
26
MPG Hwy
2526 range
22
MPG Combined
2122 range
407
g CO₂/mile
Premium Gasoline
⚠️Costs $6,500 more than avg vehicle over 5 years

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 2 trims analysed.

2022 Subaru Wrx Safety Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Program

Official crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.

Overall

5/5

9% rollover risk

Frontal Crash

5/5

Side Crash

5/5

Rollover

5/5

9% probability

Stability Control: StandardForward Collision Warning: OptionalLane Departure Warning: Optional

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.

Quick Answer

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2022 Subaru Wrx has 23 owner complaints, 2 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.

2022 Subaru Wrx — key reliability facts
Make
Subaru
Model
Wrx
Model year
2022
NHTSA owner complaints
23
Crash-related complaints
2
Safety recall campaigns
1
Top reported component
Engine Problems
Reliability signal
Severe Issues
EPA MPG combined
22
EPA MPG city / highway
19 / 26
Fuel type
Premium Gasoline
NHTSA overall safety rating
5/5 stars
NHTSA frontal crash rating
5/5 stars
NHTSA side crash rating
5/5 stars
NHTSA rollover rating
5/5 stars
Electronic stability control
Standard

Most Common 2022 Subaru Wrx Problems

Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.

#1
15
complaints

Engine Problems

#2
3
complaints

Uncategorized Issues

#3
3
complaints

Transmission / Drivetrain

Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Uncategorized Issues, Transmission / Drivetrain. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.

Should You Buy a Used 2022 Subaru Wrx?

The 2022 Subaru Wrx shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.

Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.

What to Check Before Buying a Used 2022 Subaru Wrx

Inspection Focus

  • Inspect the engine thoroughly, as engine problems are the most reported issue.
  • Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
  • Request service records for transmission/drivetrain and electrical systems.
  • Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported components.

Before You Close the Deal

  • Inspect the engine thoroughly, as engine problems are the most reported issue.
  • Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
  • Request service records for transmission/drivetrain and electrical systems.
  • Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported components.

Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.

Before buying a used 2022 Subaru Wrx, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.

What the Complaint Data Suggests

Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology

Based on 23 NHTSA complaints for the 2022 Subaru WRX, the data suggests a concentration of issues in the engine system, with 15 complaints. There is also one recall, and two crash-related complaints. However, due to low confidence and limited data, these patterns should be interpreted cautiously.

Key Findings
  • Engine Problems account for the majority of complaints (15 out of 23).
  • Transmission/Drivetrain and Uncategorized Issues each have 3 complaints.
  • Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB has 2 complaints, and Electrical Faults also have 2.
  • There is 1 recall for this model year.
Top Concerns
  • Engine Problems
  • Transmission/Drivetrain
  • Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect. The confidence level is Low, meaning the data may not be representative of the entire vehicle population. Only one model year (2022) was included, limiting the ability to identify trends across years.

All 2022 Subaru Wrx Complaints by Category

Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2022 Subaru Wrx. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Engine Problems15
Uncategorized Issues3
Transmission / Drivetrain3
Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB2
Electrical Faults2
Structural Problems1
Brake System11
Airbag Malfunctions11
Fuel/Propulsion System1

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.

Real Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2022 Subaru Wrx. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Showing 23 most recent complaints

Uncategorized IssuesApr 6, 2026

Complaint Summary: I am filing a complaint regarding a potentially defective A/C compressor that is producing abnormal noise and may indicate premature failure. Description of Issue: My vehicle’s A/C compressor produces a loud, rhythmic “chugging” or knocking noise at idle when …

Forward Collision Avoidance: AEBJan 7, 2025

During driving, especially when it is cold outside, the Subaru Eyesight Pre-Collision system (automatic emergency braking) can be triggered by exhaust smoke from a vehicle in front of it. The braking system can be falsely activated, which could cause your vehicle to be hit from b…

Structural ProblemsJul 22, 2024

Hood vibration (visual) when driving and going over minor bumps.

Brake System💥 CrashMay 9, 2024

My son moved my car onto the driveway, stopped it with the foot brake with the manual transmission in neutral. The hill assist was activated, so when he got out of the car the brake held long enough for him to get out of the car and walk away before the brake released, about 2 se…

Transmission / DrivetrainNov 28, 2023

Low engine oil levels came on just last week. I had gotten my complimentary oil/rotate last month. I’ve heard and seen videos on this vehicle having excessive RTV sealant on the oil pan. Makes me very concerned seeing how the RTV clogs the oil pickup resulting in oil deprivation.…

Transmission / DrivetrainJul 4, 2023

The electric pushbutton would not function. I have a standard transmission and I let the clutch out too soon by accident. It killed the engine but the electrical components stayed on, such as lights, interior dash gauge, air conditioning, radio, everything else functioned as if t…

Airbag Malfunctions💥 CrashJun 12, 2023

The contact owns a 2022 Subaru WRX. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at 35 MPH, the vehicle was involved in a front-end collision; however, the air bags did not deploy. The contact stated that there were no illuminating lights. The contact stated that his wife s…

Engine ProblemsApr 3, 2023

Excessive RTV silicone was used on the oil pan on this year/make/model. This issue causes pieces of RTV to break off inside the oil pan and clog the oil pickup resulting in the engine being deprived of oil. I’m seeing more and more people document this issue online and worry the …

Engine ProblemsApr 1, 2023

The vehicle’s oil pan has seal is made up of RTV silicone and it seems an excessive amount was placed around the oil pan. I’ve noticed that this has caused some of the silicone sealant to chip off into the oil pan causing it to flow into the oil pick up. Over time I’ve noticed a …

Transmission / DrivetrainMar 3, 2023

Car has some type of black silicone inside oil pan. Inside upper pan as well. Also has clogged a screen that oil passed through. I have seen many people online do this pan drop time and time again and still having big chunks blocking its path to engine. I’m afraid of oil deprivat…

Electrical FaultsFeb 5, 2023

Infotaiment system goes to a blank screen periodicaly. Sound frm radio works but screen is balnk, no way to reset. Wifi updates are up to date. Whenthis happens it disables the eye sight camera causes a safety concern with automatic branking/collision. When the car sits overnight…

Engine ProblemsJan 17, 2023

The fa24 engine for this car uses an RTV gasket to seal the oil pan. Subaru ended up using too much RTV sealant on this engine which ended up causing pieces of RTV to fall off inside of the oil pan. This can cause a clog in the oil pickup which may result in oil starvation for th…

Engine ProblemsJan 15, 2023

The seal on the oil pan is chipping off and getting into the oil pan and oil pick up system and causing oil starvation.

Engine ProblemsJan 13, 2023

There is a huge concern about excess RTV getting into the oil pick up that will cause oil starvation in the engine once enough particles of RTV have caused obstruction. The 2022 WRX has the same engine FA24 as the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86, both have had issues with excess RTV i…

Engine ProblemsJan 11, 2023

Excessive RTV used to seal engine and oil pan is clogging the oil pickup in the oil pan. Many 2022 Subaru WRX owners have had a technician take off the oil pan to inspect the oil pickup and inside the oil pan. They are finding lots of Grey RTV as well as black RTV. Both grey…

Engine ProblemsJan 11, 2023

There has been many credible reports with evidence that an excessive amount of RTV is used in the oil pan area, causing enough silicone to become lodged within the lines. This can and will cause the motor to fail as oil starvation can occur. Removing the oil pan would void the …

Engine ProblemsJan 11, 2023

RTV sealant was over applied to the oil pan and timing cover which will result in a clogged oil pickup. Having a clogged oil pick up will starve the engine from oil which yields extremely catastrophic results, especially in a performance sports sedan. This is the same complaint a…

Uncategorized IssuesJan 10, 2023

My sunroof spontaneously shattered. The car was not moving at the time.

Engine ProblemsJan 6, 2023

Excessive use of RTV is finding its way into oil pan and clogging oil pick up. Will most likely cause oil starvation to the engine. This needs to be addressed by Subaru ASAP.

Engine ProblemsJan 6, 2023

Subaru's negligence strikes again with the SAME problem their other cars have had in previous years. The RTV silicone, a substance utilized to seal various components in the engine block was excessively applied in surplus. Therefore, this RTV ends up clogging essential component…

Page 1 of 2

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2022 Subaru Wrx.

2022 Subaru Wrx Recalls

1 campaign

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2022 Subaru Wrx. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.

23V01600023/01/2023
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Compare Subaru Wrx Model Years

Compare complaint and recall volume across years to see whether 2022 lands in a lower-risk or higher-risk part of the model timeline.

202420232022202120202019201820172016

2022 Subaru Wrx Buying FAQ

Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.

Is the 2022 Subaru Wrx reliable?

Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 23 owner complaints, 2 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign for this model year. The 2022 Subaru Wrx shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.

What are the most common problems with the 2022 Subaru Wrx?

#1: Engine Problems (15 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (3 complaints). #3: Transmission / Drivetrain (3 complaints)

At what mileage do problems start on the 2022 Subaru Wrx?

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2022 Subaru Wrx?

Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2022 Subaru Wrx, NHTSA complaints include 2 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 23 total complaints. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2022 Subaru Wrx have any recalls?

Yes. 1 NHTSA recall campaign affect the 2022 Subaru Wrx. A major recall area is EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.

Should I buy a 2022 Subaru Wrx?

The 2022 Subaru Wrx shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.

Wider context: See the full Subaru Wrx reliability report with year-by-year comparison.

Owner Reliability Rating

Rate the 2022 Subaru Wrx based on your ownership experience.

Add your rating:

Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.

Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy

Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.