Selling a Subaru WRX that won't run

If your WRX has an engine that's gone, a turbo that quit or a clutch that won't hold, it can be sold unrepaired. We buy whole non-running and junk cars, with free pickup anywhere in the US.

Two generations, two turbo engines

The first three generations of the WRX were based on the Impreza, Wikipedia says. This page starts with the 2015 model year, when the WRX shows up in EPA data under its own name.

VA: 2015-2021 model years

Wikipedia lists a 2.0-liter FA20F turbo four for the WRX in this generation, with a 6-speed manual or a Lineartronic CVT. The STI used a 2.5-liter EJ257 turbo. Wikipedia says 2015-2019 WRXs suffer from rev hang, reduced for 2020, and that STI models still have the EJ257's old piston ring and rod bearing problems under certain conditions.

These seven model years hold 248 of the 296 complaints. The 2015 leads with 55, and 30 of those name the engine (16) or power train (14). The 2017 has 53 complaints and the most crash reports of any WRX year: 8, with 7 people injured.

Five of the seven recall campaigns land here:

• Turbo air intake duct (16V162). Dealers inspect the duct and replace it as needed on 2015-2016 WRXs. The campaign's 18,187 vehicles include Forester 2.0XT models.
• Subwoofer wiring (17V625). On 2015 WRX and WRX STI cars with the factory trunk subwoofer, items in the trunk can press on the wiring. 9,178 vehicles.
• Backup light switch (22V522). The switch can corrode, so the backup lights and rearview camera image may not work. It covers 2015-2021 WRXs, 59,934 vehicles, and is the only campaign that reaches every VA year.
• Low-pressure fuel pump (21V587). The pump inside the tank may fail on 2018-2019 WRXs. Its 175,968 vehicles also include the Ascent, Forester, Impreza, Legacy, Outback, BRZ and Toyota 86.
• Crash-imminent braking (15V366). A 2016 campaign to reprogram the driver assist system. Its 71,710 vehicles are mostly other Subarus, including the Legacy, Outback and Impreza.

VB: 2022 model year on

The second generation moved to the Subaru Global Platform and a 2.4-liter FA24F turbo, with a 6-speed manual or the Subaru Performance CVT. Wikipedia adds that for 2025 the tS model replaced the TR and the base model was dropped.

The 2022-2025 cars have 48 complaints between them, a number held down partly because these cars are young and owners have had fewer years to report anything. Two recalls apply. 23V016 mailed a corrected owner's manual insert for High Beam Assist on 2022 cars (4,615 vehicles). 23V754 inspects front driveshafts whose outer race may crack on 2023 WRXs; its 4,701 vehicles include the Crosstrek, Impreza and Forester.

WRX complaints and recalls by year

Owner complaints sent to NHTSA, tallied October 10, 2026. Campaigns covering more than one model year appear under every year they reach.

No 2026 complaints were on file at the count.

Repair or sell?

Recalls come first. Look the car up by VIN with NHTSA's recall tool. A 2018-2019 with a stalling or no-start problem may have the open fuel pump recall, and dealers do that work for free.

Then match the problem to the right question:

• Engine knocking or dead. Get a diagnosis in writing first. The blown engine guide walks through how to weigh a replacement against the car.
• Turbo smoke, whine or no boost. See failed turbo.
• CVT shudder on a WRX that has one. See failing CVT.
• Manual car that slips in gear. See worn-out clutch.

If the quote comes near what the WRX would sell for once fixed, selling it as it sits usually wins. What a junk car is worth covers what moves the number.

Selling the WRX whole

1. Gather the basics: VIN, mileage, manual or CVT, and what's wrong.
2. Ask for an offer online, or call (877) 421-6008.
3. Describe the parking spot, and say if the car rolls. A WRX sitting on a flat or stuck in gear can still be loaded if the driver hears about it beforehand.
4. Leave the parts on. That includes the turbo, the intake and the wheels. If parts were swapped or pulled, say so up front, because it changes the offer.
5. Have the title ready at pickup. No title? See selling with no title.

Comparing Subarus? See the Impreza, BRZ and Forester, or every Subaru we cover.