Last updated: 2026-04-20

2022 Subaru WRX
RELIABILITY SCORE: 73/100 (GOOD)

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

Complaint Severity64/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs70/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact88/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity82/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

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)

Redesign Year

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

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK
  • 1 manufacturer recall issued

Other

HIGH RISK
  • ENGINE (12)
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER (3)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

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 sold

Segment avg: 17.9

LowAvgHigh
Moderate

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.

23V0160002023-01-23

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.

VIN History Report

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.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

2022 Subaru WRX NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 5/5

Rollover risk: 9.0%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver)Additional Air Bags (n/a)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Subaru WRXRepair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5

Based 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

WRX
$682
Category Avg
$526
All Vehicles
$652

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
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
WRX 2.4L 4-cylAll-Wheel DriveManual 6-spd192622$3,150
WRX 2.4L 4-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AV-S8)192521$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.

12
3
3
ENGINE (12)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (3)POWER TRAIN (3)FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1)STRUCTURE (1)SERVICE BRAKES (1)AIR BAGS (1)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1)

ENGINE

12 complaints

Owners 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.

12 complaints total

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

3 complaints

Owners 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.

3 complaints total

POWER TRAIN

3 complaints

Owners 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.

3 complaints total
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1 complaints)

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

1 complaint
2024-02-06

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 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 complaint
2024-07-22

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

SERVICE BRAKES (1 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaintSafety-related
2024-04-28Crash reported

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 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-related
2023-06-06Crash reported

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 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 complaint
2023-02-04

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, 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.

0–6,000 milesEngine oil starvation

Best & Worst Subaru WRX Years

Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.

Best Subaru WRX Years to Buy

The 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.

Subaru WRX reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201871/100Good
201972/100Good
202075/100Good
202175/100Good
202273/100Good
202375/100Good
202478/100Good
202577/100Good
202681/100Excellent

Subaru WRX Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202681/100+4Excellent00
202577/100-1Good01
202478/100+3Good013
202375/100+2Good16
2022(selected)73/100-2Good123
202175/1000Good112
202075/100+3Good117
201972/100+1Good227
201871/100Good240

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2022 Subaru WRX reliable?
The 2022 Subaru WRX has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 73/100. It is reasonably reliable with 1 recall and 23 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2022 Subaru WRX?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2022 Subaru WRX include: ENGINE (12 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (3 complaints), POWER TRAIN (3 complaints), FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1 complaints), STRUCTURE (1 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2022 Subaru WRX have?
The 2022 Subaru WRX has 1 recall on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2022 Subaru WRX expensive to maintain?
The 2022 Subaru WRX has estimated annual repair costs of $682/year, which is $156 more than the compact cars average of $526. With a reliability score of 73/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

Don’t buy a 2022 Subaru WRX without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Look Up a VIN →

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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.

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