Owners have filed 6 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the suspension and engine. The 6 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2023Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/6 checked
2023 Subaru WRX: inspection sheet
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/4
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/2
These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.
These years share the 2023's design and most of its parts, so their problems are the ones to look for on this car too.
Worth adding to your 2023 checks
EPA figures for each version of the 2023 Subaru WRX. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.
| Version | Drive | EPA rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl | AWD | 22 mpg |
NHTSA complaints for the 2023 Subaru WRX, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Popping, clicking, and cracking noises come from the front struts when the car moves slowly with the wheel turned, especially at full lock or over uneven pavement. Only 2 complaints are on file, so no broad pattern is established. One report traces the noise to the front strut mount bearing and says it continued after aftermarket lowering springs were removed. That car had modified suspension, which matters when weighing the report. Neither complaint describes a crash, a fire, or a loss of steering control, and neither gives a mileage.
Excess RTV sealant used on the oil pan can break loose and partly block the engine oil pickup tube. That cuts oil flow to the engine, and both complaints warn it could lead to engine failure. One owner reports finding the pickup tube clogged with sealant. The other has not opened the oil pan and has seen no failure yet, but cites widely shared reports of the same problem. Neither complaint describes a failure that has already happened or gives a mileage. Only 2 complaints are on file.
Excerpts from complaints WRX owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
I would just like to complain about the excess Rtv on the engine oil pan that has been demonstrated on numerous videos of people opening up the oil drain pan and finding chunks of Rtv blocking some of the engine oil pickup tube. I have not opened up my oil drain pan due to cost. This has not lead to failure as of yet but it is worrisome. Thank you
Filed with NHTSA, July 2024
oil pickup tube was clogged with rtv that was over used to seal the oil pan, which causes less oil flow into the engine and can cause failure.
Filed with NHTSA, August 2023
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2023 ranks seventh for owner complaints among 8 WRX years, well under the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.
The 2023 is the second model year of the WRX's fifth generation (2022–2023).
Recall repairs are free at any Subaru dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Crosstrek, Impreza, 2023-2024 Forester, and 2023 WRX vehicles. The front driveshaft assemblies' outer race may develop cracks and break.
Risk: A broken driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power while driving or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is in park without the parking brake engaged. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the left and right front driveshafts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRP-23.
Cars shoppers compare with the Subaru WRX, with their own 2023 checklists.
2023 owner complaints, side by side
