Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2013 Subaru WRX
The 2013 Subaru WRX, while popular for its performance features, faces significant recall issues with the passenger side airbag inflator module and ignition switches. Electrical and brake light issues are also noted, informing potential buyers of key inspection points before purchase.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2013 Subaru WRX has 11 NHTSA recall campaigns and 7 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #20V003000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V001000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V002000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V297000 Ignition Switch may Turn Off NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V149000 Brake Lights May Not Illuminate NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V009000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V008000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V007000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V012000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V830000 Brake Line Corrosion at Four-Way Connector NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V311000 Brake Lines may Fail due to Corrosion NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Power Train 6 complaints
- Service Brakes 2 complaints
- Engine 1 complaint
- Structure 1 complaint
- Unknown or Other 1 complaint
Of the 7 complaints on file, 1 reports a crash (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Airbag inflator may fail
How to check: Verify recall completion for airbag inflator replacement.
Ignition switch may break
How to check: Check ignition switch for any signs of looseness or damage.
Brake lights may not illuminate
How to check: Test brake lights; ensure they function and illuminate properly.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual grinding or clicking noises.
Red flag: Persistent loud noises
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Observe any dashboard warning lights.
Red flag: Persistent warning lights
- 03
City driving
What to check: Check the brake pedal feels firm, not soft.
Red flag: Spongy or soft brake pedal
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Monitor acceleration for smoothness and consistency.
Red flag: Hesitation or jerking under acceleration
- 05
Deceleration
What to check: Ensure vehicle brakes smoothly without pulling.
Red flag: Vehicle pulls during braking
- 06
Parking
What to check: Engage and release handbrake smoothly.
Red flag: Handbrake does not hold or release smoothly
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the airbag recall been addressed?
- Has the ignition switch ever been replaced?
- Were brake lights ever reported as faulty?
- Has the vehicle experienced any electrical issues?
- How often has the oil been changed?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Vehicle service records
- Proof of airbag recall repair
- Title and registration
- Recent emissions test
- Warranty documentation
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2013 Subaru WRX at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2013 Subaru WRX? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.