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.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2015 Subaru WRX has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns and 52 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #22V522000 Inoperative Backup Lights and Rearview Image NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V625000 Subwoofer Wire may Overheat and Cause Fire NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V162000 Turbocharger Intake Duct Crack may cause Stall NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Engine 18 complaints
- Power Train 18 complaints
- Electrical System 6 complaints
- Exterior Lighting 5 complaints
- Fuel/Propulsion System 5 complaints
- Unknown or Other 5 complaints
Of the 52 complaints on file, 2 report a crash and 1 a fire; across all 52 complaints, owners report 1 injury (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
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 from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2015 Subaru WRX at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2015 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.