Why is my 2022+ Subaru WRX (FA24) using oil?

Short answer: Some oil use is normal on the FA24, especially when new or driven hard. If you're adding about a quart every 1,000 miles or so, ask the dealer for an oil consumption test while you're under warranty.

Symptom: The dipstick dropping toward the low dot between changes, needing to add oil, blue smoke on startup, or a low oil warning.

What to check first

1. Check the dipstick on level ground every other fill-up and write down how much you add.
2. Look for outside leaks and blue smoke on startup.
3. If you're adding about a quart every 1,000–1,200 miles, ask the dealer for a documented oil consumption test.
4. Ask the dealer to check the PCV valve and hoses.

Likely causes

1. Normal break-in or hard-driving oil use. Turbo engines can use some oil, especially when new or driven hard. A small drop between the dipstick dots can be normal.
2. PCV system problem. The PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) valve vents engine fumes back into the intake. If it fails, the engine can pull oil in and burn it.
3. Internal wear (rings or seals). If use stays high after a documented test, the dealer may have to take the engine apart to find worn rings or seals.

What it usually costs

Topping off is cheap. A consumption test and any engine repair are warranty matters on newer cars. Out of warranty, internal repairs are expensive.

Is it safe to keep driving?

Safe to drive as long as you keep the oil level in range. Running a turbo engine low on oil can damage the turbo and bearings.

DIY or shop?

Checking and topping off is DIY. The consumption test and teardown are dealer jobs.

Recalls, bulletins and complaints in plain words

• Recalls: NHTSA lists 2 recall(s) for the Subaru WRX in these years, and none match this problem. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. If your car is part of a recall, the dealer fixes it for free.
• Plain words: The complaint count below shows how often owners reported problems that mention these words to NHTSA. A count is not proof of a defect.
• NHTSA complaints: 24 keyword-matched complaints for Subaru WRX 2022–2025 (of 51 unique complaints queried, NHTSA complaints API by model year, queried 2026-11-07; keywords: oil, consum, burn, quart, smoke) (NHTSA returned no data for 2 model-year queries). This counts complaints that mention these words. It is not a defect finding.

What owners report

• In 2024 WRX burning 1L per 3500km, dealership will be tearing apart engine to diagnose on Reddit r/wrx_vb, a 2024 WRX owner said the car was burning about a liter of oil every 3,500 km, and the dealer planned to tear the engine down to find out why.
• In 2022 wrx burning oil? Or normal? on Reddit r/WRX, a 2022 WRX owner with about 18,000 miles watched the oil slowly drop from mid-dipstick to the bottom dot about 3,000 miles after a change, and added about 0.75 quart. They had switched oil brands and drive it hard a few times a week, and asked if that was normal.
• In 2022 WRX premium - Oil top off on Reddit r/WRX, a 2022 WRX Premium owner asked about topping off oil between changes and how much use is acceptable.

Quick tip

Write down every quart. A notebook with dates and miles is what gets a consumption claim approved.

Vehicle focus: Subaru WRX (VB generation) with the FA24 2.4L turbo, 2022–2025.

Safety / mechanic note

Low oil can wreck a turbo engine. Verify with a mechanic.