2023 Subaru WRX: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
Second-year VB WRX; the 2022 RTV oil-pan defect had tapered but was still occasionally reported, otherwise a capable turbo-AWD sport sedan with above-average repair costs and high insurance. 3 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2023 Subaru WRX ranged from $30,605 to $43,395 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
Second-year VB WRX; the 2022 RTV oil-pan defect had tapered but was still occasionally reported, otherwise a capable turbo-AWD sport sedan with above-average repair costs and high insurance.
Sources (5)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=subaru&model=wrx&mo…
- theautopian.comhttps://www.theautopian.com/2022-subaru-wrx-owners-are-finding-rtv-clogging-t…
- lemberglaw.comhttps://lemberglaw.com/subaru-wrx-engine-oil-problems/
- en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subaru_WRX
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/subaru/wrx
Known issues
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Excess RTV silicone sealant from the factory oil-pan gasket breaks loose inside the pan and clogs the oil-pickup tube, risking oil starvation and engine damage; the great majority of early 2022 complaints describe this defect, which tapered on later builds.
commonly reported · 13 NHTSA complaints · typically 0k–30k miles · engine
-
Infotainment touchscreen periodically goes blank, which can also disable the EyeSight camera-based driver-assist system until it recovers.
occasional · 4 NHTSA complaints · electrical
-
Reports of the sunroof spontaneously shattering while driving.
isolated · 3 NHTSA complaints · body
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (4)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=subaru&model=wrx&mo…
- theautopian.comhttps://www.theautopian.com/2022-subaru-wrx-owners-are-finding-rtv-clogging-t…
- lemberglaw.comhttps://lemberglaw.com/subaru-wrx-engine-oil-problems/
- en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subaru_WRX
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Larger FA24 2.4-liter turbo delivers broader, more usable torque and is quicker and more tractable than the old FA20.
- Sharper, more composed handling on the stiffer Subaru Global Platform, with standard symmetrical all-wheel drive for all-weather capability.
- Still offered with a proper 6-speed manual, keeping the enthusiast appeal intact.
- More everyday practicality plus updated tech and EyeSight driver assistance on automatic models.
Cons
- Requires premium fuel and returns only modest economy, and insurance costs run high.
- Interior quality and infotainment still trail price rivals, and owners report intrusive full-screen SiriusXM ad behavior on the screen.
- Early 2022 builds are widely reported to suffer RTV-sealant contamination of the oil pickup, a defect that can starve the engine of oil if not addressed.
- Polarizing unpainted plastic body cladding divides opinion on the styling.
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base | $30,605 | $32,495 | — | — |
| Premium | $33,105 | $33,995 | — | — |
| Limited | $37,495 | $38,995 | — | — |
| GT | $43,395 | $44,995 | — | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Sources (2)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2023-subaru-wrx-price
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/subaru-wrx-price
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($30,605). Higher trims started higher (up to $43,395), and options added more.
Curve outlook: a typical 2023 loses roughly another 24% of its value over the next 3 years. These are estimates from public data, not a market-price claim.
2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/subaru-wrx/resale-value
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $650–700/yr |
| Insurance (high tier) | ≈ $2,100–2,200/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~200k miles |
Requires premium fuel
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (3)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/subaru/wrx
- moneygeek.comhttps://www.moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/subaru-wrx-insurance/
- sportsubarusouth.comhttps://www.sportsubarusouth.com/blog/subaru-gas-requirements-guide/
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2023 Subaru WRX have?
Documented issue patterns include: Excess RTV silicone sealant from the factory oil-pan gasket breaks loose inside the pan and clogs the oil-pickup tube, risking oil starvation and engine damage; the great majority of early 2022 complaints describe this defect, which tapered on later builds; Infotainment touchscreen periodically goes blank, which can also disable the EyeSight camera-based driver-assist system until it recovers; Reports of the sunroof spontaneously shattering while driving. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2023 Subaru WRX reliable?
Second-year VB WRX; the 2022 RTV oil-pan defect had tapered but was still occasionally reported, otherwise a capable turbo-AWD sport sedan with above-average repair costs and high insurance.
How much did the 2023 Subaru WRX cost new?
Between $30,605 and $43,395 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid. 2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Is the Subaru WRX expensive to maintain?
Estimated repairs run roughly $650–700/year as mileage climbs. Note: it requires premium fuel.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.