The common problems on a Subaru WRX or STI change with the engine and chassis. The 2002-2007 GD range includes the EJ205, EJ255, and EJ257; the 2008-2014 cars continue with EJ255 and EJ257; the VA WRX changed to the FA20DIT; and the VB WRX uses the FA24DIT.
Quick answer: the generation-specific concerns covered here are the GD WRX five-speed, EJ255/EJ257 piston and bearing damage, the 2008 WRX turbo oil-supply-pipe recall, Subaru’s bearing warranty extension for 2012-2014 WRXs and 2012-2017 STIs, early VA WRX clutch hardware, FA20DIT intake-valve deposits, and the still-developing VB FA24 RTV oil-pickup concern.
This page maps the known concerns to the WRX or STI versions they affect. The linked guides cover detailed diagnosis of clutch faults, intake-valve deposits, RTV debris, and engine failures. For the broader ownership question, see Subaru WRX reliability by year; for a specific used car, use the used WRX and STI buying guide.
On this page
Subaru WRX problems at a glance
| Chassis | U.S. model years | Main engine applications | Documented or repeated concerns |
|---|---|---|---|
| GD | 2002-2007 WRX; 2004-2007 STI | EJ205, EJ255, EJ257 | WRX five-speed damage; EJ255/EJ257 piston and bearing damage |
| GR/GV | 2008-2014 WRX and STI | EJ255, EJ257 | 2008 WRX oil-pipe recall; EJ piston and bearing damage; 2012-2014 WRX bearing warranty extension |
| VA WRX | 2015-2021 | FA20DIT | Early clutch hardware; intake-valve carbon deposits |
| VA STI | 2015-2021 | EJ257 | Piston and bearing damage; 2015-2017 STI bearing warranty extension |
| VB WRX | 2022-current | FA24DIT | Documented RTV debris near some oil-pickup screens; no established platform-wide failure rate |
The year ranges above describe the U.S. applications covered here. Imported WRX and STI models can use different engines, transmissions, body styles, and equipment. Identify the exact vehicle by VIN before applying an engine or drivetrain diagnosis. The Subaru WRX engine guide maps the main U.S. engine families and applications, while the WRX versus STI comparison explains the major drivetrain differences.
Check the VIN for open recalls before buying. Subaru says recall status is VIN-specific, so a general model-year list cannot confirm whether an individual car needs a remedy. Subaru’s recall guidance explains how to use the vehicle recall tool.
2002-2007 GD WRX and STI common problems
The U.S. GD range splits into 2002-2005 WRX with the EJ205, 2006-2007 WRX with the EJ255, and 2004-2007 STI with the EJ257. The regular WRX and STI also use different transmissions, so engine and gearbox concerns should be separated by application.
GD WRX five-speed failure
The regular GD WRX five-speed is a repeated failure point, particularly in cars subjected to launches or large torque increases. Second- or third-gear grinding, a gear that pops out, or gear whine that follows road speed points toward internal wear. Difficulty selecting first or reverse can instead come from a clutch that is not fully releasing.
An STI six-speed conversion changes more than the gearbox, so verify which transmission, differentials, axles, hubs, and DCCD controls were installed. The used WRX buying guide covers the test-drive checks.
2006-2007 EJ255 piston and bearing damage
The 2006-2007 WRX changed to the 2.5-liter EJ255. Piston and ringland damage, oil consumption, and bearing damage are the relevant engine concerns. Smoke, rising oil use, low compression, and a cylinder-specific misfire justify engine testing; they do not prove a ringland failure. Use the EJ255/EJ257 ringland guide for the diagnostic path.
STI six-speed and DCCD wear
The 2004-2007 STI six-speed is substantially stronger than the WRX five-speed, but specialist buying guidance from Hagerty identifies fifth- and sixth-gear synchro wear as an inspection point. Grinding in those gears is distinct from DCCD warning lights or center-differential binding. The Subaru WRX AWD system guide explains the DCCD system.
2008-2014 GR/GV WRX and STI common problems
The GR/GV generation includes the EJ255 WRX and EJ257 STI. Its two clearest documented year ranges are certain 2008 WRXs covered by an oil-pipe recall and the 2012-2014 WRXs included in Subaru’s bearing warranty extension.
2008 WRX turbo oil-supply-pipe recall
Recall WVF-16 covers certain 2008 Impreza WRXs, excluding the STI. Subaru found that a turbocharger oil supply pipe could be deformed during assembly. Vibration could eventually crack the pipe and leak oil onto hot components, creating an engine-fire risk. The remedy was an inspection followed by a support bracket or replacement pipe, depending on the pipe’s condition. Recall completion must be checked by VIN. Read Subaru’s recall bulletin.
EJ255 and EJ257 piston and ringland damage
Cracked piston ringlands can produce oil consumption, smoke, low compression, misfire, or damaged piston material. Detonation, calibration, fuel quality, previous modifications, and engine condition affect the risk. A misfire or oil-use complaint does not prove ringland failure. The EJ255 and EJ257 ringland failure guide covers the testing and symptoms in detail.
EJ257 rod-bearing wear and engine knock
A deep lower-engine knock that changes with engine speed or load is urgent, but sound alone cannot identify a failed bearing. Oil-pressure testing, inspection of the oil and filter, and noise localization may be needed. The EJ257 rod-bearing failure guide owns the detailed diagnosis. Subaru bulletin 02-181-19 extended short-block warranty coverage for certain crankshaft main-bearing or connecting-rod-bearing failures in 2012-2014 WRXs and 2012-2017 STIs. That bulletin identifies an applicable warranty condition, not a failure rate for every car. Read the Subaru bulletin through NHTSA.
2015-2021 VA WRX common problems
The VA WRX uses the FA20DIT, not the EJ257 used in the VA STI. This distinction matters when interpreting engine complaints, maintenance records, and purchase advice. Use the FA20DIT common-problems guide for the engine-specific failure and inspection details.
Clutch, release-bearing, and hydraulic problems
Symptoms include slip under load, takeoff shudder, chirping or whirring, a heavy or inconsistent pedal, and difficulty selecting gears. A clutch noise can come from the release bearing, fork, pivot, master cylinder, slave cylinder, or pedal bracket; grinding can also indicate a synchro or internal transmission problem. Manual-transmission VA WRXs from 2015 through early-production 2018 deserve closer clutch inspection because Subaru introduced revised clutch-related parts during the 2018 model year. The VIN and repair invoice matter more than the model-year label. Use the dedicated VA WRX clutch problems guide and WRX years-to-avoid guide for the repair details.
Intake-valve carbon deposits
Subaru bulletin 02-193-24 includes the 2015-2021 2.0 DIT WRX in its walnut-blast procedure for carbon deposits associated with misfire codes, rough idle, or lack of power. Those symptoms can have other causes, so Subaru’s procedure calls for diagnosis before cleaning. The WRX walnut-blasting guide covers inspection and cleaning options.
2015-2021 VA STI common problems
The VA STI retains the EJ257 and uses a different six-speed drivetrain and DCCD system from the VA WRX. Do not apply the FA20DIT section to it as if the STI were a trim package. The WRX versus STI comparison provides the generation-specific hardware overview.
EJ257 ringlands and the bearing warranty extension
Piston damage can produce oil use, smoke, misfires, or low compression. Bearing damage can produce metallic debris, low oil pressure, or lower-engine knock. Subaru bulletin 02-181-19 extended short-block coverage for certain main-bearing or connecting-rod-bearing failures in 2015-2017 STIs as part of its broader 2012-2017 STI range. The EJ255 and EJ257 ringland guide and EJ257 rod-bearing guide cover the separate diagnostic paths.
2022-current VB WRX common problems
The VB WRX uses the FA24DIT and is a separate generation from the EJ-powered STI. Its long-term failure history is also shorter than that of the older chassis. The FA24DIT common-problems guide and FA24 engine guide cover the engine-specific details.
FA24 RTV and oil-pickup concern
Some owners and independent shops have documented cured sealant debris in FA24 oil pans or near the oil-pickup screen. That does not establish that every VB WRX has a blocked pickup or a factory-wide failure. The focused FA24 RTV oil-pickup guide explains the evidence, symptoms, inspection limits, and warranty questions.
If an oil-pressure warning appears with new engine or turbo noise, shut the engine off and arrange diagnosis.
FAQ
What are the common problems with a 2015 WRX?
The manual clutch is the clearest model-specific concern. Subaru bulletin 03-79-18 introduced a larger flywheel, clutch cover, and clutch disc plus a revised release bearing and pedal assembly for 2015-2018 WRXs. Inspect for slip, shudder, release-system noise, and difficult engagement, then confirm whether the revised parts were installed. The VA WRX clutch guide covers the production breakpoint and repair details.
What is the 2012-2014 WRX engine problem?
Subaru bulletin 02-181-19 described extended short-block warranty coverage for certain crankshaft main-bearing or connecting-rod-bearing failures in U.S. 2012-2014 WRXs with the 2.5-liter EJ engine. It is a documented warranty condition, not proof that every car in the range has a failing bearing. Check the VIN and repair history, then use the EJ257 rod-bearing guide for symptom and testing context.
What is the 2008 WRX recall problem?
Certain 2008 WRXs were recalled because the turbocharger oil supply pipe could crack and leak. Confirm recall completion by VIN; a general model-year article cannot establish the status of an individual car. The WRX years-to-avoid guide explains the recall and its scope.
Does the 2022 WRX have an RTV oil-pickup problem?
Some owners and independent shops have documented cured sealant debris near the FA24 oil pickup, but public evidence does not establish that every VB WRX has a blocked pickup or a universal factory defect. Treat an oil-pressure warning, new deep engine noise, or sudden turbo noise as an engine-oiling problem requiring diagnosis. The FA24 RTV oil-pickup guide covers the evidence and inspection limits.
Sources and further reading
- Subaru vehicle resources
- Subaru recall lookup guidance
- NHTSA recalls, complaints, investigations, and manufacturer communications
- 2022 Subaru WRX brochure
- Subaru bulletin 02-181-19: bearing warranty extension
- Subaru bulletin 03-79-18: revised WRX clutch components
- Subaru bulletin 02-193-24: carbon-deposit cleaning procedure
- Subaru recall WVF-16: turbocharger oil supply pipe
- Subaru WRX reliability by year
- Used Subaru WRX and STI buying guide