Case file · SUBARU-WRX-2022-2026 · Field document

Subaru WRX 2022–2026 · Pre-purchase checklist

Bring this to the inspection. Every check below is specific to this generation's documented failure modes — not generic used-car advice.

1. Check 01

   On a 2022 (and early 2023): ask whether the oil pan has been dropped and cleaned of excess RTV sealant. If not, budget for it — or ask the seller to have the last oil filter cut open and inspected for gray/orange silicone debris.

2. Check 02

   Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup — a small batch of 2023 cars (built Sept 1–13, 2023) got front driveshafts that can crack and break (recall 23V-754). Confirm it's closed.

3. Check 03

   Manual cars: shift every gear cold AND hot. Notchy 2nd–3rd, grinding on quick shifts, or a chirping/rattling noise with the clutch pedal down (throwout bearing) are the documented complaints.

4. Check 04

   Sit through a full 10-minute idle-and-drive with the 11.6-inch Starlink screen: watch for freezes, reboots, phantom touches, or the backup camera appearing while driving. Ask if firmware updates were installed.

5. Check 05

   Ask how the car is used. If it sits for a week-plus at a time, ask about dead-battery history — parasitic-draw complaints (often traced to the telematics DCM) show up on this generation.

6. Check 06

   Check the oil level and ask for oil-change receipts. The FA24 is not a notorious oil-burner, but a turbo boxer with no service history is a walk-away regardless.

7. Check 07

   Modified cars: tunes, catless downpipes, and hard launch history change the risk math entirely on a new-generation turbo engine. Stock and documented beats modified and cheap.