EngineHigh
FA20 turbo ringland/bearing failure if abused or over-tuned.
Turbocharger replacement£750–£2,200
Inspect · Check for tuning, do a compression/leakdown test if possible.
2015–2021 Subaru WRX · common fault repair costs
What the known faults on this Subaru WRX typically cost to put right at a UK independent garage · use the figures to price risk before you bid, and to justify a reduction when something shows up on inspection.
Cost at a glance
- Most expensive fault
- £750–£2,200
- Top three risks, from
- £2,200
- Worst case, everything
- £12,000
The single priciest documented job on the 2015–2021 Subaru WRX is turbocharger replacement at £750–£2,200. Few cars need every repair listed here · treat £3,950–£12,000 as the full exposure if one arrived with all of them.
Cost per fault
CoolingMedium
Turbo oil-feed and cooling issues on tracked cars.
Turbocharger replacement£750–£2,200
Inspect · Check for coolant/oil leaks and service history.
TransmissionMedium
6-speed manual clutch wear and gearbox notchiness.
Clutch & dual-mass flywheel£700–£1,600
Inspect · Test clutch bite point and shift feel; watch for launch abuse.
HVACMedium
Air conditioning blows warm or emits a loud squealing noise due to premature A/C compressor magnetic clutch failure.
Clutch & dual-mass flywheel£700–£1,600
Inspect · Start the engine, set the A/C to maximum cold, and observe the compressor pulley at the front of the engine. Check if the clutch engages smoothly or rapidly cycles on and off.
Chassis / BodyHigh
Clunking noise from behind the dashboard during acceleration caused by the pitch stop mount tearing away from the firewall.
Significant repair£400–£1,400
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.
SuspensionMedium
Worn bushings and struts from hard driving.
Suspension refresh (per axle)£250–£1,100
Inspect · Check for clunks and uneven tyre wear.
Engine / IntakeMedium
Rough idle, hesitation, and cold start misfires due to severe carbon build-up on the intake valves.
Suspension refresh (per axle)£250–£1,100
Inspect · Start the engine from dead cold. Watch the rev counter for erratic hunting and listen at the exhaust tailpipes for intermittent popping or misfires during the initial warm-up cycle.
Engine / Forced InductionMedium
Hissing noise under load and sluggish acceleration caused by the factory plastic charge pipe cracking and leaking boost.
Water-ingress trace & seal£150–£800
Inspect · Visually examine the plastic charge pipe routing to the intercooler for hairline cracks. Blip the throttle manually and listen closely for escaping air around the pipe joints and bypass valve.
Ranges are indicative parts-and-labour costs at a UK independent garage, inclusive of VAT. Franchised dealers typically sit 40–80% higher, and prestige or electrified variants sit at the top of each band. Always get a written quote before committing.
Inspecting a Subaru WRX this week?
Build a tickable checklist for the exact car in front of you, record faults with photos, and hand the buyer a report.