Used Car Checklists

Used Subaru WRX: Inspection checklist

Pick the model year you are going to see. Each sheet lists the checks for the problems owners reported on that year, in the order you would do them at the car. Owners filed 139 complaints across these 8 years; the 2018 drew the most.

Subaru WRX

Choose a model year

Problems that follow the WRX from year to year

Each of these is a top-three complaint area in at least two model years. Darker cells mean more complaints that year. Whatever year you are looking at, give these extra time.

Area20182019202020212022202320242025Total
Engine86212230
Transmission62263221
Electrical811524
Wipers and visibility3328

WRX generations and updates

First years of a new generation and mid-cycle updates are marked. Each year links to its checklist.

  1. Fifth generation

    2022–2023

  2. Fourth generation

    2015–2021

    2017 update: Revised suspension; Upgraded technology

    2019 update: New Subaru STARLINK infotainment system; Available features were modified.

Mileages where WRX problems start

From owner reports for each model year, lowest mileage first. Compare these with the odometer of the car you are seeing.

Typical mileageProblemYear
400–6,000 milesRTV debris clogging oil pickup2022
1,000–25,000 milesBattery drain, no-start2019
32,000–67,000 milesEngine rod bearing failure2018
61,700–77,000 milesConnecting rod engine failure2019

Every WRX recall to confirm

4 recalls cover the WRXyears on this site. Open a campaign number for NHTSA's full notice. 2 campaigns span more than one model year.

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