What is the main engine problem on the 2022 Subaru WRX?

Owners report that excess RTV silicone sealant used on the oil pan and timing cover breaks apart and clogs the oil pickup tube, which can starve the engine of oil.

How many engine complaints does NHTSA have for the 2022 WRX?

NHTSA lists 15 engine complaints out of 25 total complaints for the 2022 WRX, or 60% of all complaints for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2022 WRX oil pan or engine issue?

No. NHTSA does not list any related recall for this engine complaint area on the 2022 WRX.

Did the RTV sealant issue cause any crashes or injuries?

NHTSA data shows zero crashes, zero fires, and zero injuries reported in connection with these engine complaints.

Is the 2022 WRX worse than other WRX years for engine problems?

Yes, relative to other WRX model years. The 2022 model's 60% share of complaints tied to the engine is the highest of any year listed, compared to 37% in 2019 and 38% in 2021.

2022 Subaru WRX Engine Problems

Engine complaints make up 15 of 25 total complaints (60%) for the 2022 Subaru WRX, the highest share of any WRX model year. Nearly all describe excess RTV sealant breaking off and clogging the oil pickup, risking oil starvation. NHTSA lists no related recall for this issue.

Engine complaints: 15; 60% of 25
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: —
Related recalls: 0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Owners report excess RTV silicone sealant applied at the oil pan and timing cover breaking into pieces and clogging the oil pickup tube.
Several describe a technician removing the oil pan and finding gray and black RTV chunks blocking the oil pickup screen.
One owner reported an engine failure from oil starvation at under 4,000 miles traced to RTV debris in the oil pickup.
Some owners compare the issue to the same FA24 engine used in the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86, saying those models had similar oil pan sealant problems.
One owner noted a burning smell from the engine bay and exhaust area after finding sealant chips in the oil pan.

When 2022 Subaru WRX engine complaints were filed

First complaint Jan 3, 2023, latest Nov 28, 2023.

15 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jan 2023 to Nov 2023; peak Jan 2023 (10).

Engine recalls for the 2022 Subaru WRX

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by WRX model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20100 (0%)
20111 (25%)
20122 (100%)
20131 (14%)
20143 (50%)
201518 (35%)
20169 (29%)
201714 (26%)
201811 (26%)
201911 (37%)
20203 (18%)
20215 (38%)
202215 (60%)
20232 (25%)
20241 (8%)
20250 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

What is the main engine problem on the 2022 Subaru WRX?: Owners report that excess RTV silicone sealant used on the oil pan and timing cover breaks apart and clogs the oil pickup tube, which can starve the engine of oil.
How many engine complaints does NHTSA have for the 2022 WRX?: NHTSA lists 15 engine complaints out of 25 total complaints for the 2022 WRX, or 60% of all complaints for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2022 WRX oil pan or engine issue?: No. NHTSA does not list any related recall for this engine complaint area on the 2022 WRX.
Did the RTV sealant issue cause any crashes or injuries?: NHTSA data shows zero crashes, zero fires, and zero injuries reported in connection with these engine complaints.
Is the 2022 WRX worse than other WRX years for engine problems?: Yes, relative to other WRX model years. The 2022 model's 60% share of complaints tied to the engine is the highest of any year listed, compared to 37% in 2019 and 38% in 2021.