Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2015 Subaru Wrx
The 2015 Subaru WRX is a reliable vehicle, but potential buyers should be aware of a few recall issues, such as backup light switch corrosion, subwoofer wiring shorts, and turbocharger duct cracks. These issues, if present, can affect safety and performance. Inspect the vehicle thoroughly and ensure recall repairs have been completed.
Known issues to inspect
Backup lights fail
How to check: Put car in reverse, check if backup lights work.
Subwoofer wiring short
How to check: Inspect trunk for frayed wires or electrical smell.
Turbo air duct cracks
How to check: Inspect turbo duct for visible cracks or wear.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Check for unusual noises from engine.
Red flag: Any knocking or whining sounds
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Listen for smooth engine idle and vibrations.
Red flag: Rough idling vibrations
- 03
Parking in reverse
What to check: Test if backup lights illuminate.
Red flag: No backup lights when reversing
- 04
City driving
What to check: Check for smooth acceleration and shifting.
Red flag: Hard shifts or hesitation
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Ensure smooth turbo response and no stalling.
Red flag: Stalling or poor turbo response
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the backup light switch recall been completed?
- Any issues with the subwoofer wiring?
- Have you experienced any engine stalls?
- Are all original parts still intact?
- Have you completed all recall repairs?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall repair receipts
- Maintenance records
- Vehicle title
- Warranty details
- Accident history report
Generated by gpt-4o on 6/9/2026. Grounded in the NHTSA recall corpus and owner-complaint patterns for the 2015 Subaru Wrx.