2022 Subaru Wrx Safety Report
2022 SUBARU WRX Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2022 Subaru Wrx
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2022 Subaru Wrx. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | Moderate (1) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Moderate (22) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 2 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Engine | Compare engine issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2025 | Compare against the 2025 Subaru Wrx with 1 complaints and 0 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2019 | Check the 2019 Subaru Wrx before buying across this generation. |
Subaru Wrx Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Subaru Wrx years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Subaru Wrx | 6 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2021 Subaru Wrx | 12 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2024 Subaru Wrx | 13 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2020 Subaru Wrx | 17 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2025 Subaru Wrx | 1 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2019 Subaru Wrx | 27 | 2 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2022 Subaru Wrx Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2022 Subaru Wrx, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Engine
12 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Subaru onlyUnknown Or Other
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Subaru onlyForward Collision Avoidance
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Forward Collision Avoidance issues Subaru onlyStructure
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Structure issues Subaru onlyService Brakes
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Service Brakes issues Subaru onlyPower Train,Engine
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train,Engine issues Subaru onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2022 Subaru Wrx
Reliability Score
The 2022 Subaru Wrx receives a reliability score of 85 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2022 Subaru Wrx
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2022 Subaru Wrx
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2022 Subaru Wrx:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Excessive Rtv Silicone In Oil Pan An excessive amount of RTV silicone was used in the oil pan, causing pieces to break off and clog the oil pick-up system, leading to oil starvation and engine damage. |
High | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Subaru Eyesight Pre-Collision System The automatic emergency braking system can be triggered by exhaust, leading to unnecessary alerts during cold weather driving. |
Medium | Common | N/A miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2022 Subaru Wrx:
Issues with the engine, including oil starvation and engine damage, are common.
Recall Details for the 2022 Subaru Wrx
The following 1 recall has been issued for the 2022 Subaru Wrx by NHTSA:
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.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2022 Subaru Wrx
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2022 Subaru Wrx with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 2 complaints involved crashes.
During driving, especially when it is cold outside, the Subaru Eyesight Pre-Collision system (automatic emergency braking) can be triggered by exhaust smoke from a vehicle in front of it. The braking system can be falsely activated, which could cause your vehicle to be hit from behind. There is no way to adjust the sensitivity of this system. It is only meant to be activated by objects, but since ...
Hood vibration (visual) when driving and going over minor bumps.
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 s...
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 ligh...
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 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...
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 vehi...
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 ...
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 goe...
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 v...
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 ...
The seal on the oil pan is chipping off and getting into the oil pan and oil pick up system and causing oil starvation.
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 i...
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.
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 respo...
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...
My sunroof spontaneously shattered. The car was not moving at the time.
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...
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.
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.
Showing 20 of 22 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2022 Subaru Wrx
Has the 2022 SUBARU WRX been recalled?
Yes, the 2022 SUBARU WRX has 1 recall on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2022 SUBARU WRX have?
The 2022 SUBARU WRX has 22 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 2 involved crashes. No injuries or deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2022 SUBARU WRX?
The 2022 SUBARU WRX received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 5/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 5/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2022 SUBARU WRX?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2022 SUBARU WRX involve engine (12 complaints), unknown or other (2 complaints), forward collision avoidance (1 complaints). Other affected components include structure, service brakes, power train,engine.
How many crash reports does the 2022 SUBARU WRX have?
There are 2 crash reports associated with the 2022 SUBARU WRX out of 22 total complaints (9.1% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2022 SUBARU WRX have?
There are no fire reports for the 2022 SUBARU WRX in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2022 SUBARU WRX?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2022 SUBARU WRX.
How many injuries are reported for the 2022 SUBARU WRX?
No injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2022 SUBARU WRX.
Should I buy a 2022 SUBARU WRX?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2022 SUBARU WRX is generally recommended. It has 22 complaints, 1 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2022 SUBARU WRX?
The components with the most failures on the 2022 SUBARU WRX are: 1. ENGINE (12 complaints), 2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2 complaints), 3. FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1 complaints), 4. STRUCTURE (1 complaints), 5. SERVICE BRAKES (1 complaints). ENGINE is the single most-reported problem area with 12 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2022 SUBARU WRX?
Be cautious of the excessive RTV silicone in the oil pan and the potential for the automatic emergency braking system to malfunction in cold weather. The 2022 SUBARU WRX has 22 NHTSA complaints and 1 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2022 SUBARU WRX?
The 2022 SUBARU WRX receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 22 owner complaints, 1 recalls, and 2 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Excessive RTV Silicone in Oil Pan and Subaru Eyesight Pre-Collision System.
What are the known issues with the 2022 SUBARU WRX?
Known issues with the 2022 SUBARU WRX include: Excessive RTV Silicone in Oil Pan, Subaru Eyesight Pre-Collision System. These are based on patterns found across 22 NHTSA complaints. 1 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What is the most common issue with the 2022 SUBARU WRX?
Excessive RTV silicone in the oil pan leading to oil starvation and engine damage.
Can the automatic emergency braking system cause issues?
Yes, it can be triggered by exhaust, leading to unnecessary alerts during cold weather driving.
What should I do if I notice oil starvation symptoms?
Check the oil level and pan for any signs of RTV silicone and consult a professional for repairs.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of the excessive RTV silicone in the oil pan and the potential for the automatic emergency braking system to malfunction in cold weather.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2022 Subaru Wrx
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2022 Subaru Wrx. The data includes 22 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 1 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 2 reported crashes, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2022 Subaru Wrx an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 5 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16