Subaru WRX: best & worst years

Here is every Subaru WRX model year we cover (2015–2024), ranked by our reliability verdict, with the owner-reported problems behind each one.

Every Subaru WRX year, ranked

YearVerdictScoreTop owner-reported problems
2024 Caution 7 Excess RTV silicone sealant from the factory oil-pan gasket breaks loose inside the pan and clogs the oil-pickup tube, risking oil starvation and engine damage; the great majority of early 2022 complaints describe this defect, which tapered on later builds.; Infotainment touchscreen periodically goes blank, which can also disable the EyeSight camera-based driver-assist system until it recovers.; Reports of the sunroof spontaneously shattering while driving. Full report ↗
2023 Caution 7 Excess RTV silicone sealant from the factory oil-pan gasket breaks loose inside the pan and clogs the oil-pickup tube, risking oil starvation and engine damage; the great majority of early 2022 complaints describe this defect, which tapered on later builds.; Infotainment touchscreen periodically goes blank, which can also disable the EyeSight camera-based driver-assist system until it recovers.; Reports of the sunroof spontaneously shattering while driving. Full report ↗
2021 Caution 7 Turbocharged boxer engines (FA20 in the WRX, EJ257 in the STI) are prone to connecting-rod bearing failure ("rod knock") and catastrophic engine failure, especially on cars that were modified, tracked, or had neglected oil changes; a class-action covered 2012-2017 STI engines.; Parasitic battery drain leaving the car unable to start after a day or two of inactivity, often persisting even after the battery is replaced.; Premature clutch and throw-out bearing wear on the 6-speed manual, with owners reporting failures and replacements at relatively low mileage. Full report ↗
2020 Caution 7 Turbocharged boxer engines (FA20 in the WRX, EJ257 in the STI) are prone to connecting-rod bearing failure ("rod knock") and catastrophic engine failure, especially on cars that were modified, tracked, or had neglected oil changes; a class-action covered 2012-2017 STI engines.; Parasitic battery drain leaving the car unable to start after a day or two of inactivity, often persisting even after the battery is replaced.; Premature clutch and throw-out bearing wear on the 6-speed manual, with owners reporting failures and replacements at relatively low mileage. Full report ↗
2022 Caution 6 Excess RTV silicone sealant from the factory oil-pan gasket breaks loose inside the pan and clogs the oil-pickup tube, risking oil starvation and engine damage; the great majority of early 2022 complaints describe this defect, which tapered on later builds.; Infotainment touchscreen periodically goes blank, which can also disable the EyeSight camera-based driver-assist system until it recovers.; Reports of the sunroof spontaneously shattering while driving. Full report ↗
2019 Caution 6 Turbocharged boxer engines (FA20 in the WRX, EJ257 in the STI) are prone to connecting-rod bearing failure ("rod knock") and catastrophic engine failure, especially on cars that were modified, tracked, or had neglected oil changes; a class-action covered 2012-2017 STI engines.; Parasitic battery drain leaving the car unable to start after a day or two of inactivity, often persisting even after the battery is replaced.; Premature clutch and throw-out bearing wear on the 6-speed manual, with owners reporting failures and replacements at relatively low mileage. Full report ↗
2018 Caution 6 Turbocharged boxer engines (FA20 in the WRX, EJ257 in the STI) are prone to connecting-rod bearing failure ("rod knock") and catastrophic engine failure, especially on cars that were modified, tracked, or had neglected oil changes; a class-action covered 2012-2017 STI engines.; Parasitic battery drain leaving the car unable to start after a day or two of inactivity, often persisting even after the battery is replaced.; Premature clutch and throw-out bearing wear on the 6-speed manual, with owners reporting failures and replacements at relatively low mileage. Full report ↗
2017 Caution 6 Turbocharged boxer engines (FA20 in the WRX, EJ257 in the STI) are prone to connecting-rod bearing failure ("rod knock") and catastrophic engine failure, especially on cars that were modified, tracked, or had neglected oil changes; a class-action covered 2012-2017 STI engines.; Parasitic battery drain leaving the car unable to start after a day or two of inactivity, often persisting even after the battery is replaced.; Premature clutch and throw-out bearing wear on the 6-speed manual, with owners reporting failures and replacements at relatively low mileage. Full report ↗
2016 Caution 6 Turbocharged boxer engines (FA20 in the WRX, EJ257 in the STI) are prone to connecting-rod bearing failure ("rod knock") and catastrophic engine failure, especially on cars that were modified, tracked, or had neglected oil changes; a class-action covered 2012-2017 STI engines.; Parasitic battery drain leaving the car unable to start after a day or two of inactivity, often persisting even after the battery is replaced.; Premature clutch and throw-out bearing wear on the 6-speed manual, with owners reporting failures and replacements at relatively low mileage. Full report ↗
2015 Caution 6 Turbocharged boxer engines (FA20 in the WRX, EJ257 in the STI) are prone to connecting-rod bearing failure ("rod knock") and catastrophic engine failure, especially on cars that were modified, tracked, or had neglected oil changes; a class-action covered 2012-2017 STI engines.; Parasitic battery drain leaving the car unable to start after a day or two of inactivity, often persisting even after the battery is replaced.; Premature clutch and throw-out bearing wear on the 6-speed manual, with owners reporting failures and replacements at relatively low mileage. Full report ↗

Subaru WRX problems by year

2024 Subaru WRX Caution

Matured VB-generation WRX with the FA24 turbo; the early oil-pickup RTV concern is largely resolved by this build and complaints are few (mostly infotainment ad intrusions), but premium fuel and high insurance keep running costs up.

  • Excess RTV silicone sealant from the factory oil-pan gasket breaks loose inside the pan and clogs the oil-pickup tube, risking oil starvation and engine damage; the great majority of early 2022 complaints describe this defect, which tapered on later builds.
  • Infotainment touchscreen periodically goes blank, which can also disable the EyeSight camera-based driver-assist system until it recovers.
  • Reports of the sunroof spontaneously shattering while driving.

2023 Subaru WRX Caution

Second-year VB WRX; the 2022 RTV oil-pan defect had tapered but was still occasionally reported, otherwise a capable turbo-AWD sport sedan with above-average repair costs and high insurance.

  • Excess RTV silicone sealant from the factory oil-pan gasket breaks loose inside the pan and clogs the oil-pickup tube, risking oil starvation and engine damage; the great majority of early 2022 complaints describe this defect, which tapered on later builds.
  • Infotainment touchscreen periodically goes blank, which can also disable the EyeSight camera-based driver-assist system until it recovers.
  • Reports of the sunroof spontaneously shattering while driving.

2022 Subaru WRX Caution

First-year VB WRX with the new FA24 2.4T; launch builds were widely reported to clog the oil-pickup tube with RTV sealant, risking oil starvation, so verify service history and any pickup-tube inspection.

  • Excess RTV silicone sealant from the factory oil-pan gasket breaks loose inside the pan and clogs the oil-pickup tube, risking oil starvation and engine damage; the great majority of early 2022 complaints describe this defect, which tapered on later builds.
  • Infotainment touchscreen periodically goes blank, which can also disable the EyeSight camera-based driver-assist system until it recovers.
  • Reports of the sunroof spontaneously shattering while driving.

2021 Subaru WRX Caution

Final VA-generation WRX, matured with reduced rev-hang, but the turbo-boxer rod-bearing risk, clutch wear and battery-drain complaints persist; a strong AWD driver’s car with high running costs.

  • Turbocharged boxer engines (FA20 in the WRX, EJ257 in the STI) are prone to connecting-rod bearing failure ("rod knock") and catastrophic engine failure, especially on cars that were modified, tracked, or had neglected oil changes; a class-action covered 2012-2017 STI engines.
  • Parasitic battery drain leaving the car unable to start after a day or two of inactivity, often persisting even after the battery is replaced.
  • Premature clutch and throw-out bearing wear on the 6-speed manual, with owners reporting failures and replacements at relatively low mileage.

2020 Subaru WRX Caution

Late VA WRX; rev-hang was improved this year yet battery-drain and windshield-crack complaints continue alongside the generation’s rod-bearing engine risk and premium-fuel, high-insurance ownership.

  • Turbocharged boxer engines (FA20 in the WRX, EJ257 in the STI) are prone to connecting-rod bearing failure ("rod knock") and catastrophic engine failure, especially on cars that were modified, tracked, or had neglected oil changes; a class-action covered 2012-2017 STI engines.
  • Parasitic battery drain leaving the car unable to start after a day or two of inactivity, often persisting even after the battery is replaced.
  • Premature clutch and throw-out bearing wear on the 6-speed manual, with owners reporting failures and replacements at relatively low mileage.

2019 Subaru WRX Caution

VA WRX with recurring battery-drain and rod-bearing engine-failure complaints; thrilling turbo AWD performance offset by clutch wear, high insurance and above-average repair costs.

  • Turbocharged boxer engines (FA20 in the WRX, EJ257 in the STI) are prone to connecting-rod bearing failure ("rod knock") and catastrophic engine failure, especially on cars that were modified, tracked, or had neglected oil changes; a class-action covered 2012-2017 STI engines.
  • Parasitic battery drain leaving the car unable to start after a day or two of inactivity, often persisting even after the battery is replaced.
  • Premature clutch and throw-out bearing wear on the 6-speed manual, with owners reporting failures and replacements at relatively low mileage.

2018 Subaru WRX Caution

One of the higher-complaint VA years, with engine rod-bearing failures plus clutch and battery issues; rewarding to drive but reliability hinges on finding a stock, well-maintained example.

  • Turbocharged boxer engines (FA20 in the WRX, EJ257 in the STI) are prone to connecting-rod bearing failure ("rod knock") and catastrophic engine failure, especially on cars that were modified, tracked, or had neglected oil changes; a class-action covered 2012-2017 STI engines.
  • Parasitic battery drain leaving the car unable to start after a day or two of inactivity, often persisting even after the battery is replaced.
  • Premature clutch and throw-out bearing wear on the 6-speed manual, with owners reporting failures and replacements at relatively low mileage.

2017 Subaru WRX Caution

Highest VA-generation complaint volume (engine, drivetrain and electrical); strong rally-bred AWD performance, but rod-bearing and clutch risks make a full service history essential.

  • Turbocharged boxer engines (FA20 in the WRX, EJ257 in the STI) are prone to connecting-rod bearing failure ("rod knock") and catastrophic engine failure, especially on cars that were modified, tracked, or had neglected oil changes; a class-action covered 2012-2017 STI engines.
  • Parasitic battery drain leaving the car unable to start after a day or two of inactivity, often persisting even after the battery is replaced.
  • Premature clutch and throw-out bearing wear on the 6-speed manual, with owners reporting failures and replacements at relatively low mileage.

2016 Subaru WRX Caution

VA WRX; battery-drain, clutch and headlight complaints are common alongside the generation’s engine-failure risk; a fun, capable AWD sedan but with high running costs.

  • Turbocharged boxer engines (FA20 in the WRX, EJ257 in the STI) are prone to connecting-rod bearing failure ("rod knock") and catastrophic engine failure, especially on cars that were modified, tracked, or had neglected oil changes; a class-action covered 2012-2017 STI engines.
  • Parasitic battery drain leaving the car unable to start after a day or two of inactivity, often persisting even after the battery is replaced.
  • Premature clutch and throw-out bearing wear on the 6-speed manual, with owners reporting failures and replacements at relatively low mileage.

2015 Subaru WRX Caution

First-year VA WRX with the new FA20 turbo; notable engine rod-bearing and clutch complaints typical of a launch year, so it is best bought stock with full service records.

  • Turbocharged boxer engines (FA20 in the WRX, EJ257 in the STI) are prone to connecting-rod bearing failure ("rod knock") and catastrophic engine failure, especially on cars that were modified, tracked, or had neglected oil changes; a class-action covered 2012-2017 STI engines.
  • Parasitic battery drain leaving the car unable to start after a day or two of inactivity, often persisting even after the battery is replaced.
  • Premature clutch and throw-out bearing wear on the 6-speed manual, with owners reporting failures and replacements at relatively low mileage.

Rankings come from CarVitals reliability verdicts, built on public NHTSA complaint and recall data. See how we build these reports, the most reliable used cars overall, browse all Subaru models, or check any listing free with the CarVitals extension.