Subaru WRX Common Problems

The Subaru WRX is an all-wheel-drive turbo sedan, and from 2022 also a Sportswagon. It became a model in its own right in 2014; earlier cars, including the 2011 to 2013 examples on the market, were Impreza WRX models with the 2.5-litre EJ255 turbo. The VA WRX (2014 to 2021) has a 2.0-litre FA20 direct-injection turbo with a six-speed manual or a Sport Lineartronic CVT, while the VA STI kept the 2.5-litre EJ257 and a six-speed manual. The VB (2022 on) uses a 2.4-litre FA24 turbo with a manual or CVT. A WRX that has been looked after is a tough car; one that has been modified or driven hard can be expensive.

Rough idle, pre-ignition and knock damage (2.0 FA20 turbo, VA, 2014 to 2016)

Early VA WRXs are covered by a Subaru bulletin for rough idle, engine noise and spark knock; it is not confirmed whether it applies to Australian cars or only to cars in the United States. Left alone, knock can erode spark plugs and damage pistons. The bulletin covers early 2014 builds, and the fix is an engine computer reprogram that changes fuel cut, idle and boost control at full throttle. Another update covers a rough idle on warm restarts. Separately, 2015 to 2016 WRXs were recalled because the air intake ducts could crack, causing rough idle, low power and possible stalling. Ask a dealer which updates and recall work apply to the car and whether they are done. On a tuned car, ask who tuned it and for what fuel.

CVT fluid leaks, slow engagement and odd shifts (Sport Lineartronic CVT, VA, 2015 to 2021)

The automatic VA WRX uses a heavy-duty CVT. A Subaru bulletin covers fluid seeping from the oil pump chain cover gasket on 2015 to 2017 cars, fixed by cleaning and resealing the cover, and at least one owner reports the leak being found at a dealer. Some owners also report slow engagement into Drive or Reverse, unexpected downshifts and a rubber-band feel, with software updates only partly helping. A reseal is far cheaper than a gearbox, so look under the car for fresh fluid and ask about any CVT work.

Piston ringland failure (2.5 EJ257 turbo, STI, 2014 to 2021)

The STI's EJ257 is an older engine known among Subaru enthusiasts for cracked piston ringlands, usually after detonation from poor fuel, a bad tune or hard use. Symptoms are low compression on one cylinder, smoke, oil use, misfires and a loss of power. Expect a warranty claim to be harder on a car with aftermarket parts. A rebuild or replacement engine can cost roughly $10,000 or more. A compression or leak-down test before purchase is worth paying for on any STI.

Cabin rattles, creaks and road noise (VA, 2014 to 2021)

Several owner reviews of the VA complain about noise rather than breakdowns. Some owners report rattles from hard interior plastics, creaks over rough roads and loud tyre noise on the factory tyres, and some say dealers added foam behind trim to quieten rattles. These are annoyances rather than faults, but a car with a lot of new rattles may also have had trim removed for aftermarket wiring or audio work. Some owners also complain of thin paint that chips easily.

Infotainment and driver aid glitches (VA and VB, 2014 to 2026)

Some owners of early VA cars report Apple CarPlay and Android Auto dropping out, Bluetooth faults and a laggy head unit. On the VB, some owners find the driver monitoring and warning chimes intrusive, and say some alerts have to be switched off every drive. A software update may help. Test every function on the drive, including USB ports, the reverse camera and the phone connection.

Recalls and safety

VA recalls cover the cracking air intake ducts on 2015 to 2016 WRXs, a Harman Kardon subwoofer on some 2015 WRX and STI cars that could short and overheat if cargo hit it, a fuel pump impeller on 2018 to 2019 WRXs that could stop the pump and stall the engine, an electronic park brake connector on 2015 to 2018 WRXs that could let the car roll away in Park, and reverse lamps and camera faults on 2015 to 2021 STIs. Older Impreza WRX models may be covered by the Takata airbag recall that applied to Imprezas of that era. Have a Subaru dealer check the VIN for open recalls, and see our recalls page.

Buying a used Subaru WRX? What to check

• Modifications: Look for aftermarket intakes, exhausts, blow-off valves and tuning devices. Ask for the tune details and whether the car was dyno tuned by a known workshop.
• Compression test: On an STI, or any tuned car, pay for a compression or leak-down test before you buy.
• Cold start: Start the engine cold and listen for knocking, rattles or a rough idle, and look for blue smoke.
• CVT leaks: On an automatic, look under the car for fresh fluid and count the delay when selecting Drive and Reverse.
• Clutch and gearbox: On a manual, check the clutch bite point and that first and second engage cleanly when the car is hot.
• Accident history: Performance cars are more likely to have been crashed, or stolen and recovered. Check panel gaps, paint overspray and the history report.
• Timing belt: On a pre-2014 Impreza WRX with the EJ255, ask for proof of the last timing belt change.
• Park brake: Apply and release the park brake on a slope and make sure the car holds in Park.
• Service record: Look for oil changes on time with the right grade. Missed services are a bigger risk on a turbo engine.

Before you buy, run a PPSR check for finance owing, write-off and stolen history, then use our Subaru WRX buying checklist.

The verdict

An unmodified VA WRX with a full service history is a good used performance buy, and manuals avoid the CVT questions. On a 2014 car, ask whether the knock update applies and has been done, and be wary of tuned cars without paperwork. A standard STI can be rewarding, but the EJ257 is the riskiest engine here, so budget for a compression test and walk away from cars with unknown tunes. The VB is too new for a clear fault pattern and so far draws mainly infotainment and driver aid complaints.