EngineHigh
FA20 turbo ringland/bearing failure if abused or over-tuned.
- Typically appears
- Any
- What to inspect
- Check for tuning, do a compression/leakdown test if possible.
- Typical repair
- Turbocharger replacement · £750–£2,200
Is the 2015–2021 Subaru WRX reliable?
Scored from 8 documented faults · reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team
Quick answer
4.5/ 10
Buy with cautionOn our documented-fault scoring the Subaru WRX rates 4.5 out of 10 · buy with caution. We hold 8 known faults for it and 2 are rated high severity, so the risk is real but contained. The weak points cluster around engine, transmission and suspension. A well-serviced example with evidence for the big-ticket items is usually a safe buy; the score describes the model, not the specific car in front of you.
Verdict · Walk unless the history is spotless
What the score is built from
- Critical
- 0
- High
- 2
- Medium
- 6
- Low
- 0
Weak points cluster around engine, transmission, suspension, cooling.
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Check this carThe faults that decide it
Chassis / BodyHigh
Clunking noise from behind the dashboard during acceleration caused by the pitch stop mount tearing away from the firewall.
- Typically appears
- 30,000-70,000 miles (especially 2015-2017 models)
- What to inspect
- Open the bonnet and locate the pitch stop mount beneath the top-mount intercooler. Shine a torch on the firewall bracket to check for cracked factory welds or torn metal.
- Typical repair
- Significant repair · £400–£1,400
TransmissionMedium
6-speed manual clutch wear and gearbox notchiness.
- Typically appears
- Any
- What to inspect
- Test clutch bite point and shift feel; watch for launch abuse.
- Typical repair
- Clutch & dual-mass flywheel · £700–£1,600
SuspensionMedium
Worn bushings and struts from hard driving.
- Typically appears
- 50,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Check for clunks and uneven tyre wear.
- Typical repair
- Suspension refresh (per axle) · £250–£1,100
CoolingMedium
Turbo oil-feed and cooling issues on tracked cars.
- Typically appears
- Any
- What to inspect
- Check for coolant/oil leaks and service history.
- Typical repair
- Turbocharger replacement · £750–£2,200
Costs are indicative UK independent-garage bands for budgeting and negotiation · never a quote.
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