VehicleVerdict

2022 Subaru WRX problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2022 Subaru WRX sits mid-pack among WRX years: 33 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 24, with a single recall and no defect investigations.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 46% of all reports (15 of 33), far ahead of other at 4. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

33

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

4

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2022 compare to other WRX years?

WRX NHTSA complaints by model year, 2022 highlighted461 complaints2002: 461 complaints2003: 65 complaints2004: 46 complaints2005: 24 complaints2006: 14 complaints2007: 0 complaints2008: 119 complaints2009: 72 complaints2010: 3 complaints2011: 5 complaints2012: 4 complaints2013: 11 complaints2014: 9 complaints2015: 73 complaints2016: 40 complaints2017: 73 complaints2018: 62 complaints2019: 44 complaints2020: 23 complaints2021: 21 complaints2022: 33 complaints2023: 7 complaints2024: 15 complaints2025: 4 complaints
WRX NHTSA complaints by model year, 2022 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all WRX years to avoid →

What are the most common 2022 Subaru WRX problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1545%
Other412%
Driver Assistance412%
Transmission39%
Electrical System26%
Airbags26%
Fuel System13%
Brakes13%
Body & Structure13%

Does the 2022 Subaru WRX have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V016000OtherJanuary 23, 2023 · 4,615 units

Defect

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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 as the others. Thank…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 11, 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, then the next day…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · February 4, 2023

“My car was recently in a high speed crash with a curb. The axle broke immediately and no airbags deployed followed my the entire engine compartment catching fire.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · April 19, 2026 · crash · fire

“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 deprivation. This with…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 28, 2023

“My car was recently in a high speed crash with a curb. The axle broke immediately and no airbags deployed followed my the entire engine compartment catching fire.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · April 19, 2026 · crash · fire

2022 Subaru WRX — common questions

Is the 2022 Subaru WRX reliable?

It is close to typical for the WRX: 33 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2022 WRX problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (15 complaints), other (4 complaints), driver assistance (4 complaints).

Does the 2022 Subaru WRX have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2022 Subaru WRX. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Subaru WRX years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the WRX years to avoid are 2002, 2008, 2017, 2015, 2009, 2003, 2018, 2004, 2019, 2016. The cleanest record among WRX years belongs to 2007.

How safe is the 2022 Subaru WRX?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2022 Subaru WRX earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.