2024 Subaru WRX: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own

Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data

Matured VB-generation WRX with the FA24 turbo; the early oil-pickup RTV concern is largely resolved by this build and complaints are few (mostly infotainment ad intrusions), but premium fuel and high insurance keep running costs up. 3 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2024 Subaru WRX ranged from $32,735 to $44,215 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).

7/10
Mixed track record

Matured VB-generation WRX with the FA24 turbo; the early oil-pickup RTV concern is largely resolved by this build and complaints are few (mostly infotainment ad intrusions), but premium fuel and high insurance keep running costs up.

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

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

TrimOriginal base MSRPNew todayEngineMPG
Base $32,735 $32,495
Premium $34,635 $33,995
Limited $39,015 $38,995
TR $41,655 discontinued
GT $44,215 $44,995

Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Sources (2)

Depreciation

$9k $18k $27k $35k 202420262028203020322034
2024 entry trim from new same model bought new today

Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.

Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($32,735). Higher trims started higher (up to $44,215), and options added more.

Curve outlook: a typical 2024 loses roughly another 21% of its value over the next 3 years. These are estimates from public data, not a market-price claim.

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)≈ $2,800–2,900/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)

Frequently asked questions

What problems does the 2024 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 2024 Subaru WRX reliable?

Matured VB-generation WRX with the FA24 turbo; the early oil-pickup RTV concern is largely resolved by this build and complaints are few (mostly infotainment ad intrusions), but premium fuel and high insurance keep running costs up.

How much did the 2024 Subaru WRX cost new?

Between $32,735 and $44,215 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.

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.