2022 Subaru Wrx problems
The Subaru WRX is an all-wheel drive sport compact car manufactured by the Japanese automaker Subaru, originally based on the Impreza created for the World Rally Championship in 1992. Subaru claimed the name WRX stands for "World Rally eXperimental". Starting with the 2015 models, the WRX lineup has been split from the Impreza, with a different body style that is not offered as an optional hatchback/wagon, being introduced as the separate Levorg model.
Impreza-based models (1992–2014)
The first three generations of the WRX, sold until the 2015 model year, were based on standard Impreza platforms, and replaced the Subaru RX hatchback and sedan.
The initial first-generation WRX models were based on the Impreza sedan (GC chassis code). They were followed by wagons (GF) in 1993 and the first upgraded WRX STi version, introduced in 1994. Several limited edition first-generation coupés were offered in the late 1990s and early 2000s which were never sold in the US and are highly sought after by Subaru enthusiasts.
The second-generation WRX (GD/GG chassis codes for the sedan/wagon, respectively) was brought over to the United States domestic market for model year 2002, with the STI being brought over for model year 2004. The initial "bugeye" front end styling (2000) was superseded by the "blobeye" in 2004 and the "hawkeye" in 2006. Under an agreement between Fuji Heavy Industries and General Motors, Saab sold its own version of the WRX, marketed as the Saab 9-2X, for the 2005 and 2006 model years. The 9-2X was available in both a standard (Linear) and performance (Aero) package, the latter was essentially identical to the second-generation WRX wagon, mechanically.
The third-generation WRX were sold as chassis codes GE (sedan) and GH (hatchback, replacing the earlier wagon version) initially; the third-generation WRX STI was sold with a widened chassis and was available only as a widebody hatch (GR). For the 2011 model year, the third-generation WRX sedan and hatch were moved to the GV and GR wide-body chassis variants, respectively, and a widebody sedan version of the STI (GV) was marketed. The Impreza was redesigned and the fourth-generation was first marketed for model year 2012, making it a distinct model from the WRX, which continued on the third-generation GV/GR chassis until 2014 in most markets.
The fourth-generation WRX were given the VA chassis designation and marketed as a separate model from the Impreza starting in 2015.
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Common 2022 Subaru Wrx problems
The 2022 Subaru WRX has been subject to a recall due to an issue with the car's manual, specifically the high beam assist feature of EyeSight-equipped cars. The problem lies in the discrepancy between the information provided in the manual and the actual specifications of the car. The manual gives instructions for adjusting the high beam assist's sensitivity using a different dimmer switch than the one found in the 2022 WRX. This issue is against federal motor vehicle safety standard number 108, prompting Subaru to issue a recall and send out updated manuals to affected customers.
In terms of reliability, the 2022 Subaru WRX is generally considered to be dependable, with consumerreports.org predicting above-average reliability for the 2024 model, indicating a strong history of dependability for the 2022 model. These issues have been intermittent and may be related to the battery or electrical systems.
It is worth noting that the 2022 Subaru WRX is built on a history of unreliability, but the brand has been working towards improving its dependability. Despite these issues, the 2022 Subaru WRX is generally considered to be a reliable and powerful sports car, offering an excellent drive to those behind the wheel.
In conclusion, while the 2022 Subaru WRX has been subject to a recall due to an issue with the car's manual, it is generally considered to be a reliable and dependable vehicle. However, there have been reports of starting issues, particularly after the engine has been hot and driven for a while, which may be related to the battery or electrical systems. As with any vehicle, regular maintenance and care can help ensure its longevity and dependability.
What is the biggest problem with the WRX?
A list of some of the most common issues WRX owners have to deal with.
- CAN System Parasitic Drain on the Battery. ...
- Lineartronic CVT Reliability. ...
- Rodents Chew Subaru's Soy Wires. ...
- Subaru EyeSight Problems. ...
- Rust and Corrosion Problems.
Is there a recall on the WRX 2022?
(Subaru) is initiating a new voluntary emissions recall for certain 2022 model year WRX vehicles equipped with a 2.4L turbo engine. The affected vehicles may contain a hose clamp securing the upper connection of the PCV vacuum hose (blow-by hose) which may not have been fully locked during assembly.
Is the 2022 WRX a good daily driver?
An important test of any good daily driver is how it fares against the tortuous stop-and-go commutes to and from work. The 2022 Subaru WRX Limited 's six-speed manual's light shift throws and well-damped clutch pedal make for quick and easy first-to-neutral and back-to-first shifts without exerting much energy.
Are newer Subaru WRX reliable?
Overall, the 2020 Subaru WRX is one of the most reliable models for this compact car. However, it's a newer model, so prepare to pay for near-retail prices, especially when Subaru cars tend to hold their value over time. That wraps up our rundown of each WRX model you can buy as used.
What is the biggest problem with the WRX?
A list of some of the most common issues WRX owners have to deal with.
- CAN System Parasitic Drain on the Battery. ...
- Lineartronic CVT Reliability. ...
- Rodents Chew Subaru's Soy Wires. ...
- Subaru EyeSight Problems. ...
- Rust and Corrosion Problems.
Is there a recall on the WRX 2022?
(Subaru) is initiating a new voluntary emissions recall for certain 2022 model year WRX vehicles equipped with a 2.4L turbo engine. The affected vehicles may contain a hose clamp securing the upper connection of the PCV vacuum hose (blow-by hose) which may not have been fully locked during assembly.
Is the Subaru WRX a reliable car?
So which is the most reliable Subaru WRX year? According to RepairPal, the Subaru WRX has a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5.0, with a rank of 32nd out of 36 compact cars. Therefore, one can argue that the WRX isn't the most reliable compact car. However, it doesn't mean it's automatically an unreliable sedan.
Is the 2022 WRX a good daily driver?
An important test of any good daily driver is how it fares against the tortuous stop-and-go commutes to and from work. The 2022 Subaru WRX Limited 's six-speed manual's light shift throws and well-damped clutch pedal make for quick and easy first-to-neutral and back-to-first shifts without exerting much energy.
2022 Subaru Wrx car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Subaru Wrx problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine problems
- Power train problems
- Electrical system problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Structure problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2022 Subaru Wrx vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2022 Subaru Wrx complaints
The NHTSA has received 21 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2022 Subaru Wrx.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-22
- VIN: JF1VBAL61N9
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: Hood vibration (visual) when driving and going over minor bumps.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-28
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JF1VBAL6XN9
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: 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.
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-25
- VIN: JF1VBAL61N9
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
- Summary: Low engine oil levels came on just last week. I had gotten my complimentary oil/rotate last month. I’ve heard and seen videos on this vehicle having excessive RTV sealant on the oil pan. Makes me very concerned seeing how the RTV clogs the oil pickup resulting in oil deprivation. Seeing how this is my only car I rely a lot on this vehicle. The engine could’ve seized up on me anytime. When the light had come on I checked my dipstick and found that there was hardly any oil in the engine. T dipstick was practically dry. I have documentations to prove it as well. I’ve topped up my own oil and will be monitoring this problem. If I reproduce the same problem I will be back to complain again/headed to the dealership. This needs to be fixed ASAP. Seeing how my car only has 18,000 miles it’s ridiculous. Recall the vehicles already and get this issue resolved before someone gets seriously injured. No way I’m paying for something production messed up on.
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-20
- VIN: JF1VBAF69N9
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: The electric pushbutton would not function. I have a standard transmission and I let the clutch out too soon by accident. It killed the engine but the electrical components stayed on, such as lights, interior dash gauge, air conditioning, radio, everything else functioned as if the car were on and running however, i couldn't start the vehicle and the push button did not generate any response from the vehicle. Opening and shutting the door did not work, getting out and locking the car did not do anything. It was just like when a desktop computer freezes with the screen still functioning. This is the third time it has happened, the first 2 times it was 1. In a store parking lot 2. In my garage. 3. Today it happened as I was trying to leave the house, in my garage again. Each time, letting off the clutch too soon is what caused the car to behave this way. The first time I sat in the parking lot for about 15 minutes, same with the second time. This time I made sure to look at a clock and it happened at 10:50 am CST, it is 11:21 am CST currently and still no response from the car, it will not turn on. My safety so far has not been a concern as I was in a parking lot or garage each time this has happened but if this happens in traffic or in an intersection, it will be deadly. It will kill people both myself and other motorists. I have slipped off of the clutch before in this vehicle and this malfunction does not happen each time. It is sporadic. I don't know why it happens only sometimes. The problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. The vehicle or component has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or any other people. The first occurrences have been in the month of June 2023. There were no other warning lamps on to indicate any problems. The dash lights, air, etc remain on after it happens just like when you switch the car to the "Accessories" position however the engine will not Crank.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-06
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JF1VBAL66N9
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-04-03
- VIN: JF1VBAF69N9
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Excessive RTV silicone was used on the oil pan on this year/make/model. This issue causes pieces of RTV to break off inside the oil pan and clog the oil pickup resulting in the engine being deprived of oil. I’m seeing more and more people document this issue online and worry the $33,000 car I just bought may have this issue. Subaru has not issued any recall knowing this is affecting many many vehicles.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-02-22
- VIN: JF1VBAA68N9
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The vehicle’s oil pan has seal is made up of RTV silicone and it seems an excessive amount was placed around the oil pan. I’ve noticed that this has caused some of the silicone sealant to chip off into the oil pan causing it to flow into the oil pick up. Over time I’ve noticed a burning smell from the engine bay area and the exhaust. I know different models of Subaru have the same engine type and have all faced this issue causing catastrophic damage to the engine. And so far I have not heard Subaru making any headway to fix the issue. This is my daily vehicle and I really do not want what could be a simple fix to destroy my car. But I’m sure a lot of other Subaru WRX owners are facing this issue! There have been many owners posting videos of them dropping the pan to show residue of the RTV silicone getting caught in the oil pick up filter. Subaru needs to fix this since it came from the factory with this defect!
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-02-28
- VIN: JF1VBAF61N9
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Car has some type of black silicone inside oil pan. Inside upper pan as well. Also has clogged a screen that oil passed through. I have seen many people online do this pan drop time and time again and still having big chunks blocking its path to engine. I’m afraid of oil deprivation. This with ultimately destroy the entire motor. This could lead to serious injury or death if the motor suddenly goes. I believe this needs to be looked into to help prevent this. More of these 2022 Subaru wrxs being manufactured in this manner could ultimately destroy a 30,000$ vehicle and lead to crashing out unexpectedly. My phone number is [XXX] thank you for your time. ,[XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-02-04
- VIN: JF1VBAU63N8
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: 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.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-01-17
- VIN: JF1VBAF62N9
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The fa24 engine for this car uses an RTV gasket to seal the oil pan. Subaru ended up using too much RTV sealant on this engine which ended up causing pieces of RTV to fall off inside of the oil pan. This can cause a clog in the oil pickup which may result in oil starvation for the engine. If this happens in traffic and the motor blows up, it could cause a collision. Subaru doesn't have any active service or recalls for this issue and it has been known to happen on the BRZ and Toyota 86 which both use the same engine. You can see online that others have dropped the oil pans on their fa24s and found RTV fluid in their oil pan. Recently, RallySport Direct on YoutTube release a video detailing them dropping the oil pan on a 22 WRX and found large pieces of RTV clogging the oil pickup. If Subaru doesn't address this issue, it can affect many vehicles on the road.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-01-15
- VIN: JF1VBAU67N8
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The seal on the oil pan is chipping off and getting into the oil pan and oil pick up system and causing oil starvation.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-01-13
- VIN: JF1VBAL63N9
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: There is a huge concern about excess RTV getting into the oil pick up that will cause oil starvation in the engine once enough particles of RTV have caused obstruction. The 2022 WRX has the same engine FA24 as the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86, both have had issues with excess RTV in the oil can and have caused catastrophic damage. There has been many articles, forum posts, and videos showing this issue. Lastly, removal of RTV is very labor intensive as the header must be dropped in order to get the oil pan off. You can not remove the oil pick up without taking the entire front timing cover off either. In conclusion, most will not be able to have this cleaned out themselves and would only have the option to pay the dealership or an independent shop to do the work.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-01-11
- VIN: JF1VBAL62N9
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Excessive RTV used to seal engine and oil pan is clogging the oil pickup in the oil pan. Many 2022 Subaru WRX owners have had a technician take off the oil pan to inspect the oil pickup and inside the oil pan. They are finding lots of Grey RTV as well as black RTV. Both grey and black are used to seal the engine in different areas. This is very concerning especially since most of these cars are under the 1st oil change time and mileage. Under 6000k miles... Long term there will be a significantly greater amount of floating RTV that will inevitably clog the oil pick up... My 2022 WRX only has 400 miles on it and I am already losing sleep over this very serious Global issue with this engine.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-01-05
- VIN: JF1VBAL68N9
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: There has been many credible reports with evidence that an excessive amount of RTV is used in the oil pan area, causing enough silicone to become lodged within the lines. This can and will cause the motor to fail as oil starvation can occur. Removing the oil pan would void the warranty and is not in a serviceable location. Subaru of America has been made aware of these reports but has not responded with a recall. Reported incident is the date in which this was first reported by body shops I could find. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFX1PrixUyg
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-01-11
- VIN: JF1VBAF62N9
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: 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 you.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-01-03
- VIN: JF1VBAL6XN9
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: My sunroof spontaneously shattered. The car was not moving at the time.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-01-06
- VIN: JF1VBAL61N9
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Excessive use of RTV is finding its way into oil pan and clogging oil pick up. Will most likely cause oil starvation to the engine. This needs to be addressed by Subaru ASAP.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-01-06
- VIN: JF1VBAF6XN9
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Subaru's negligence strikes again with the SAME problem their other cars have had in previous years. The RTV silicone, a substance utilized to seal various components in the engine block was excessively applied in surplus. Therefore, this RTV ends up clogging essential components of the engine block, such as, however not limited to, the tube used to draw and release oil from the oil pan. There is also potential evidence that other components and chambers in the engine block may also be affected. This RTV blockage, if ignored, may cause oil starvation, damaging or outright DESTROYING various essential components of the engine block and therefore leaving the engine totaled and unrepairable. What I ask is we force a recall on Subaru's part as a standard required check-up for this issue to have these blockages cleared and excess removed. Otherwise, we'll be seeing a lot of blown motors as a result. Important to note: Subaru dealerships are not running this fix as a warranty, therefore checkups and repairs must be made out of pocket.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-01-03
- VIN: JF1VBAF65N9
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Oil pickup tube filled with bits of liquid gasket/RTV. Caused engine failure from oil starvation at under 4000 miles.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-01-03
- VIN: JF1VBAF67N9
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Excessive silicone rtv at the oil pan is making its way into the oil pan and going up into the oil pickup and is starving the motor of oil. could be very dangerous if it happens on the road and it immediately needs to be looked at by subaru.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-10-12
- VIN: JF1VBAU61N8
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Subaru sent me an email informing me a software update was available for my vehicle. For weeks I tried to update the software, however it has been unavailable. I attempted to reach Subaru via their 1800 number at least a dozen times. Subaru does not answer their phones, and does not return calls when the option is selected. I opened an ticket number online via their complaint system and have also not received a response. I attempted to reach their roadside assistance phone line and also could not reach a person. I sent an email to Subaru Chief executive and received a call back from their executive offices. They acknowledged that they were also ubable to reach a person at any of their numbers including road side assistance. This is obviously extremely unacceptable for many reasons. Subaru charges for pre installed equipment and subscriptions for access to roadside and support. Not only are they building in cost to the consumer, but they are not delivering what they are promising, and most importantly, not providing what you are paying for. The safety aspect of not being able to reach roadside assistance is very serious . I have yet to receive an answer as to why i received an email telling me to update my vehicle software when I don't have software available to install. The dealership I purchased the vehicle from confirmed the software in my car isn't up to date, or is an obsolete version. Subaru needs to be held accountable for not providing the services they are advertising, selling, and customers are dependent on.
2022 Subaru Wrx recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2022 Subaru Wrx.
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
- Summary: 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.
Negative 2022 Subaru Wrx car reviews
Positive 2022 Subaru Wrx car reviews
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Hey there! As a first time WRX owner, I have to say that I'm really enjoying this car. It's got everything you need and want in a vehicle - it's fun to drive, the seats are extremely comfortable, and it has just the right amount of room. Plus, it has an aggressive off-road look that I really love. Living in New Hampshire, I needed something that could handle our brutal winters, and this car is an absolute monster in the snow. For the money, I don't think you could pick a better car. Subaru did a great job sticking to the Rally heritage that the WRX is known for. The gas mileage is pretty good too. The only downsides I've noticed are that the center armrest is pretty much useless for short drivers like myself, and it can be a bit loud at times (although I have the STI mufflers on it, so that might be why). Overall, I think it's a great practical sports car - especially if you live in a snowy climate like me!
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Good car but bad CVT transmission.
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Hey there! Congrats on becoming a 22 WRX Base owner! I'm glad to hear that you're enjoying the super silky smooth drive train and the strong and dialed in power train. Although, I understand that the ride can be a bit harsh in parking lots, it's great to know that it smooths out as you pick up speed. Also, it's impressive that your mpg stays at 24 regardless of your speed. Keep enjoying your ride!
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The vehicle is both sporty and distinctive, and we are very happy with our 'new' vehicle. The performance is exceptional, and the features are easily understood.
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Awesome racing car with all the cool features! It's a blast to drive and always puts a smile on my face!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2022 Subaru Wrx problems:
ISSUES with 2022 WRX? : r/2022wrx
Dec 4, 2022 ... The most common complaint seems to be infotainment (laggy, disconnecting from Carplay). Infotainment will be fixed over time via OTA updates.
2022 Subaru WRX Problems, Issues & Complaints - Is Your Car A ...
Nov 15, 2023 ... Undoubtedly the most common problem with the 2022 Subaru WRX is excess RTV sealant clogging the oil pan causing oil starvation in the engine. In ...
2022+ Subaru WRX Common Problems [UPDATED] - YouTube
Aug 18, 2023 ... Common problems and issues with the 2022 Subaru WRX and 2023 Subaru WRX! If you own, drive, or are considering a 2022 WRX or a 2023 WRX this ...
2022 WRX review, from an STI owner. **UPDATE 2023 PURCHASE ...
Sep 11, 2022 ... Unlike others, I didn't feel like the car needed a higher RPM. The WRX/STI has never been known for a high rev range. At lower speeds, there ...
2022 Subaru WRX | Common Problems - YouTube
Dec 9, 2022 ... Common problems and issues with the 2022 Subaru WRX! If you own, drive, or are considering a 2022 WRX this is the video for you.
Other years of Subaru Wrx
Are you having problems with your 2022 Subaru Wrx?
Vito Mosciski 2024-06-15
The WRX has some serious engine issues that can be quite expensive to fix. Unfortunately, I have had three of them and the newer models do not seem to hold up as well. I would advise against purchasing one. While they are fun to drive, the engine can start bleeding oil and cause issues with various sensors, including cruise control, ABS brakes, hill assist, and more. It is with a heavy heart that I say goodbye to my WRX.
Angus Hansen 2024-06-03
Congratulations on your new '22 WRX base trim in WR Blue and 6 speed manual plus a few accessory options! It sounds like you made a great choice for a more exciting and engaging driving experience without breaking the bank. The 2.9% APR from Subaru is a fantastic deal compared to today's high rates. You even managed to save $2,000 off the MSRP and got a fair trade-in for your Forester Wilderness. The car feels solid and well-built, and the suspension is definitely firm and tight, which may not be for everyone, but it certainly adds to the car's sporty feel. The manual transmission is of high quality and provides a satisfying driving experience, especially with the heel-toe downshifting. The handling is sharp and precise with great reflexes, and the standard AWD grip and traction are much appreciated. Thank you for sharing your experience with us!I was pleasantly surprised by the real-world fuel efficiency of this turbocharged AWD performance car, averaging around 25 mpg even with spirited driving. I appreciate Subaru for keeping the true manual transmission, offering a reasonable starting price point, building it in Japan, and keeping it versatile with four doors and back seats. Another great feature is the good ground clearance, which prevents the front end from scraping easily like other sports cars. At $30k, the WRX offers excellent performance value, especially with the manual transmission. Anything more expensive may not be worth the money, although this car is a rarity for what it offers. It's amazing how fully equipped WRXs can approach $45k, but in my opinion, it's not worth it. Although I tend to switch and try out cars at a faster pace, I hope to keep this one for a while and get attached to it. I'm also curious to see how the BRZ drives without the turbo but with the related 2.4 engine. Several years ago, I had a '06 Evo IX MR, which was more visceral and raw compared to this WRX. However, this WRX brings back those memories, and it's more refined and a better all-around vehicle thanks to Subaru's experience in developing it. I may bump up my rating to 4 stars, but I'll wait until I have more time and mileage under my belt. When I looked at a brand new '23 M3 sedan base trim MSRP at about $75k, the dealership only offered $26k for my trade-in, which was a big loss despite Subaru vehicles having better resale value. I think the dealership just wasn't as motivated and wanted to preserve their profit margins, especially on selling a low-volume specialty car. Only time will tell what the future holds.Other vehicles I considered were a '22 Dodge RAM TRX with level 1 package and an $84k MSRP, and a '22 Mustang Mach 1 with a manual transmission and handling package w/Recaros, with an MSRP of about $66k plus dealer ads. However, I ultimately chose the WRX because it felt like a more exciting, capable, and versatile daily driver, and Subaru's promotional APR and lower cost of entry and value were also attractive. While I don't see myself upgrading to an STI if it ever comes out due to the high price tag for only a 25% increase in performance, I do plan on keeping the WRX and adding a base trim BRZ with 6MT down the line.