Last updated: 2026-04-20

2022 Subaru WRX Reliability Report
The 2022 Subaru WRX scores 73/100 ("Good"). With 1 recall and 23 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
1
Complaints
23
Complaint Rate
12.3per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$682
Annual Fuel Cost
$3,150–$3,300
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues to Watch
- ENGINE (12)
- POWER TRAIN (3)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2022 is the first model year of the Fifth generation (VB).
- First-year models may have unresolved issues from the new design.
- Redesigned for the 2022 model year.
- 5th generation WRX (US).
What this means for buyers
First-year models carry more risk — early production issues are common. Consider waiting for the second year if reliability is a priority.
Compare 2022 pricing and recall counts against 2023+ before deciding.
2022: Fifth generation (VB) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
Should You Buy the 2022 Subaru WRX?
At 73/100, the 2022 Subaru WRX lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. As a first-year redesign, early-adopter issues are common.
Owners log 23 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.
Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to engine and engine (12). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
Compared to the 2023 Subaru WRX, which scored 2 points higher. See also the 2021 Subaru WRX for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- +Low major repair risk (14%)
- +Low recall count
Cons
- −Above-average repair costs for its class
- −ENGINE issues reported (12 complaints)
- −UNKNOWN OR OTHER: Several distinct issues with the 2022 Subaru WRX (3 complaints)
Compare 2022 Subaru WRX With

2022 Volkswagen Golf
Reliability: 58/100

2022 Mazda 3
Reliability: 78/100

2022 Honda Civic
Reliability: 66/100

2022 Hyundai Elantra
Reliability: 74/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 1 manufacturer recall issued
Other
HIGH RISK- ENGINE (12)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (3)
Recall Overview
1
recall on record
The 2022 Subaru WRX carries 1 recall — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
12.3
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 17.9
Safety Incidents
2
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2022 Subaru WRX Recall Details
1 recall has been issued for the 2022 Subaru WRX. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
EQUIPMENT
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2022 WRX vehicles equipped with the "Eyesight" feature. The owner's manual may contain incorrect instructions for adjusting the sensitivity of the High Beam Assist function. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence
Incorrect instructions for adjusting the sensitivity of the High Beam Assist function contained in the owner's manual may cause the lights to not be adjusted as intended, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Subaru will mail an owner's manual insert containing the correct information, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 15, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRA-23.
Buying a used 2022 Subaru WRX? Check its history first
Every 2022 Subaru WRX has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2022 Subaru WRX NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 9.0%
Safety Technologies
Subaru WRXRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$682
vs $526 avg for compact cars
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.3
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
14%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
21–22 MPG
Running cost: $3,850–$4,000/yr
Fuel + repair
19 city / 25–26 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2022 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WRX 2.4L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 19 | 26 | 22 | $3,150 |
| WRX 2.4L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S8) | 19 | 25 | 21 | $3,300 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2022 Subaru WRX.
Inspect oil pan for excessive RTV sealant
Check for abnormal A/C compressor noise at idle
Test pushbutton start functionality after clutch release
Verify infotainment system does not blank out
Inspect sunroof for signs of stress or damage
Check for software update availability and functionality
2022 Subaru WRX Common Problems by Component
23 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ENGINE
12 complaintsOwners report that the 2022 Subaru WRX frequently experiences issues with excessive RTV sealant in the engine, particularly around the oil pan. This sealant can break off and clog the oil pickup, leading to oil starvation and potential engine failure. Complaints often describe symptoms such as a burning smell from the engine bay and, in some cases, complete engine failure under 4,000 miles. There are no reports of crashes directly linked to this issue, but the potential for engine failure while driving poses a safety risk. Used car buyers should be aware of these reports, especially since addressing the issue may require significant labor to remove and clean the RTV from the engine.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
3 complaintsOwners report several distinct issues with the 2022 Subaru WRX. One complaint involves a sunroof that spontaneously shatters while the vehicle is stationary. Another issue involves the A/C compressor producing a loud, rhythmic noise both at idle and when the A/C is off, suggesting potential premature failure. Multiple owners describe similar symptoms, and a Technical Service Bulletin for a related model indicates a potential defect. A third issue involves difficulties with software updates and poor customer service response, with owners unable to reach support or roadside assistance. These issues collectively raise potential safety implications, such as the risk of being stranded or experiencing a sudden loss of vehicle functions.
POWER TRAIN
3 complaintsOwners of the 2022 Subaru WRX report issues primarily related to the power train, with multiple complaints about excessive RTV sealant in the oil pan leading to clogged oil passages and potential oil deprivation. Symptoms include low engine oil levels and nearly dry dipsticks, with one owner noting the issue at approximately 18,000 miles. Another issue involves the vehicle's pushbutton start malfunctioning after releasing the clutch too soon, causing the car to remain in an unresponsive state with electrical components still active, though this occurs sporadically. Safety implications include potential engine failure due to oil deprivation, which could result in loss of control, and the inability to restart the car in traffic, posing a risk of accidents.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaintDuring 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 behind. There is no way to adjust the sensitivity of this system. It is only meant to be activated by objects, but since the system is camera-based it might think that a large cloud of exhaust is actually solid. In the specific instance when this happened, I was waiting at a red light behind a GMC Acadia. When the light turned green, a lot of exhaust came from that car, and the pre-collision braking was activated, causing the car to activate the brakes very abruptly. At the next light, the same thing happened, but the car didn't hit the brakes that time since I lifted off the accelerator, but the warning buzzer still activated. Video showing the problem: [XXX] The loud grinding noise after the pre-collision warning beeps is the sound of the brakes when they are applied by pre-collision. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Pre-collision prevention How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Vehicle can stop unexpectedly which could cause a rear-end collision. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? No. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
STRUCTURE (1 complaints)
STRUCTURE
1 complaintHood vibration (visual) when driving and going over minor bumps.
SERVICE BRAKES (1 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaintSafety-relatedMy 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 seconds. The car then rolled down the driveway into a tree. This could have been a disaster if the tree wasn’t there to stop the driverless vehicle.
AIR BAGS (1 complaints)
AIR BAGS
1 complaintSafety-relatedThe 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 sustained no injuries. The vehicle was towed to a collision center, and the mechanic stated that the air bag sensors were installed incorrectly. The contact stated that the vehicle was awaiting repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 19,800.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaintInfotaiment 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, then the next day it seems to go back to normal. This has happened 4 times already in the 2 months I have oened this vechicle.
When Do 2022 Subaru WRX Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Subaru WRX Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Subaru WRX Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Subaru WRX year is 2026 with a reliability score of 81/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2024 (78/100) and 2025 (77/100).
Subaru WRX Years to Avoid
No Subaru WRX years are statistical outliers in our data.
All model years score consistently well. The Subaru WRX maintains one of the highest industry standards for long-term durability across its entire production span.
Subaru WRX Reliability Score Trend
Subaru WRX reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 75/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 71/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 72/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 75/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 75/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 73/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 75/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 78/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 77/100 | Good |
| 2026 | 81/100 | Excellent |
Subaru WRX Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2022 Subaru WRX reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2022 Subaru WRX?
How many recalls does the 2022 Subaru WRX have?
Is the 2022 Subaru WRX expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2022 Subaru WRX without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Subaru WRX.
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