The Subaru WRX is a popular sports sedan that has been sold in Australia since 1994. The fourth-generation WRX (VA) was introduced in 2013 and was available in both sedan and hatchback body styles. It was powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which produced 197kW of power and 350Nm of torque.
In 2014, Subaru released the WRX STI variant, which had a more powerful 2.5-litre turbocharged engine that produced 221kW of power and 407Nm of torque. The STI also featured a range of performance upgrades, including a driver-controlled centre differential, Brembo brakes, and stiffer suspension.
Throughout its production run, the WRX received a number of updates and facelifts. In 2016, the WRX received a minor update that included revised suspension tuning, improved steering, and a new infotainment system. In 2018, the WRX received another update that included revised styling, improved performance, and a new, larger infotainment system.
The WRX was also available in a limited-edition Series Gray model in 2019, which featured unique styling elements and performance upgrades. In 2020, the WRX was discontinued in Australia, marking the end of an era for one of the country’s most beloved sports sedans.
Overall, the WRX was highly regarded for its impressive performance, all-wheel-drive handling, and practicality. It was a popular choice among enthusiasts and families alike, and its legacy in Australia will continue to be remembered for years to come.
Exterior:
A number of individuals have reported an issue where the brake lights fail to illuminate when the brake pedal is pressed. This problem is believed to be caused by a faulty Stop Light Switch. Although the brakes themselves continue to operate as normal, the absence of functioning brake lights can be hazardous. In some cases, affected vehicles may experience difficulties restarting after the ignition has been turned off.
Some individuals have reported a problem with their windshields, noticing a crack originating from the bottom of the driver’s side and extending upwards before curving down to reach the base of the windshield.
Subaru paint has developed a bit of a reputation for being on the soft side and can chip easily so have a good look for paint that isn’t in the best shape. Ideally find a WRX that has a ceramic coating or protection film fitted.
Interior:
Several owners of Subaru WRX sedans have reported a problem with their steering wheel. They have noticed that the steering wheel pulls to the right regardless of the car’s speed. These users have pointed out that the steering control system fails to detect the driver’s intended direction while turning the wheels, which can decrease the driver’s ability to control the car and increase the risk of road accidents.
Numerous owners have expressed dissatisfaction with the persistent beeping and alert sounds produced by the safety systems in the VA Subaru WRX. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the perceived aggressiveness of the EyeSight calibration.
Some owners have reported premature wear on the outer seat bolsters. However, it is worth considering factors such as entry and exit techniques and the individual’s level of athleticism during movement.
Early models of the WRX may suffer from subpar infotainment systems, with more than one owner even resorting to physically striking the screen due to its unresponsiveness.
For WRX vehicles consistently exposed to sunlight, there have been reports of cracking and fading interior plastics. To mitigate this issue, it is advised to keep the vehicle garaged whenever possible.
While sporadic reports of electrical issues have surfaced, they are considered rare and not widespread among WRX owners.
Mechanically:
Numerous people have complained about the 2015 and 2016 WRX models due to their problematic clutches. These models appear to experience clutch issues after prolonged usage, resulting in significant inconvenience and costs for many owners.
Direct injection issues may lead to clogging in the inlet tracts, necessitating eventual cleaning through a walnut blast procedure. While the FA20 turbo has faced criticism for its perceived unreliability, particularly in modified forms, in its standard unmodified state, it generally performs reliably. Concerns arise when enthusiasts push the engine beyond its limits through modifications, resulting
Exterior:
A number of individuals have reported an issue where the brake lights fail to illuminate when the brake pedal is pressed. This problem is believed to be caused by a faulty Stop Light Switch. Although the brakes themselves continue to operate as normal, the absence of functioning brake lights can be hazardous. In some cases, affected vehicles may experience difficulties restarting after the ignition has been turned off.
Some individuals have reported a problem with their windshields, noticing a crack originating from the bottom of the driver’s side and extending upwards before curving down to reach the base of the windshield.
Subaru paint has developed a bit of a reputation for being on the soft side and can chip easily so have a good look for paint that isn’t in the best shape. Ideally find a WRX that has a ceramic coating or protection film fitted.
Interior:
Several owners of Subaru WRX sedans have reported a problem with their steering wheel. They have noticed that the steering wheel pulls to the right regardless of the car’s speed. These users have pointed out that the steering control system fails to detect the driver’s intended direction while turning the wheels, which can decrease the driver’s ability to control the car and increase the risk of road accidents.
Numerous owners have expressed dissatisfaction with the persistent beeping and alert sounds produced by the safety systems in the VA Subaru WRX. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the perceived aggressiveness of the EyeSight calibration.
Some owners have reported premature wear on the outer seat bolsters. However, it is worth considering factors such as entry and exit techniques and the individual’s level of athleticism during movement.
Early models of the WRX may suffer from subpar infotainment systems, with more than one owner even resorting to physically striking the screen due to its unresponsiveness.
For WRX vehicles consistently exposed to sunlight, there have been reports of cracking and fading interior plastics. To mitigate this issue, it is advised to keep the vehicle garaged whenever possible.
While sporadic reports of electrical issues have surfaced, they are considered rare and not widespread among WRX owners.
Mechanically:
Numerous people have complained about the 2015 and 2016 WRX models due to their problematic clutches. These models appear to experience clutch issues after prolonged usage, resulting in significant inconvenience and costs for many owners.
Direct injection issues may lead to clogging in the inlet tracts, necessitating eventual cleaning through a walnut blast procedure. While the FA20 turbo has faced criticism for its perceived unreliability, particularly in modified forms, in its standard unmodified state, it generally performs reliably. Concerns arise when enthusiasts push the engine beyond its limits through modifications, resulting in blown engines. Notably, oil leakage issues are reported, primarily from the timing cover rather than the head gaskets, which employ Multi Layered Steel gaskets.
Regarding transmissions, the 6-speed manual is generally reliable. However, some 2014-16 Subaru V1 WRX and WRX STi owners noted a creaking sound while using the clutch pedal. Subaru addressed this through a service bulletin, attributing the noise to the original pedal bracket assembly design. The solution involved implementing a more rigid design to prevent the creaking.
While Subaru CVTs have a notorious reputation for frequent failures and expensive repairs, the CVT in these models is statistically less prone to failure than previous generations. Nevertheless, transmission fluid leakage, particularly in 2015-17 Subaru V1 WRX cars with TR690 CVTs, has been reported. Subaru issued a service bulletin recommending the inspection and resealing of the CVT oil pump cam cover to address this issue.
Prospective buyers should be wary of potential problems stemming from the previous owner, especially those related to high mileage and modifications. Regular servicing every 10,000 km is advised, and the recommendation to deviate from the CVT fill-for-life strategy by performing oil changes every 50,000 km is emphasised.
Owners of WRX and STI vehicles have reported severe and costly engine problems that may lead to complete engine failure. These issues are mainly attributed to the internal weakness of the engines, which have not gained a reputation for their durability. However, if the engine is in its original state without modifications, these problems are less likely to occur.
Several individuals have reported experiencing a “bumping” sensation coming from their car’s transmissions while idling. This issue has been identified in multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSB), including TSB 16-104-17, which specifically pertains to the 2015 Legacy and Outback models. To address this problem, Subaru extended the CVT warranty for 1.5 million vehicles in late November 2017.
Individuals who own a Subaru VI WRX vehicle that was manufactured between January 17, 2014, and September 26, 2014, have reported experiencing engine-related issues such as rough idling, engine noise, and spark knock. According to the bulletin, these vehicles may exhibit engine idle roughness, engine noise, and/or damage resulting from spark knock (pre-ignition). Subaru addressed these concerns through Service Bulletin WOW-SR by reprogramming the Engine Control Module. High engine load conditions could cause pre-ignition, leading to damage to spark plugs and pistons.
Many buyers have experienced a problem with their Subaru V1 WRX vehicles that have a VIN number preceding “818365”. When they try to restart their engine while it’s still warm, the car idles roughly and sometimes the Engine Control Module (ECM) stores a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0300. This issue was so widespread that in February 2016, Subaru issued Service Bulletin 11-161 16 to address it. The solution was to reprogram the Engine Control Module (ECM).
A widespread problem among car owners is transmission fluid leakage, which can be inconvenient and potentially harmful to the vehicle. In particular, owners of 2015-17 Subaru V1 WRX cars with TR690 continuously variable transmissions have reported this problem. Subaru responded by issuing Technical Service Bulletin 16-10R in January 2019, which stated that the gasket material sealing failure in the CVTS oil pump cam cover could be the cause of the fluid seepage. The recommended solution was to remove the cover, clean and inspect the sealing surfaces, and reseal the cover to prevent further leakage.
A large number of car owners of 2014-16 Subaru V1 WRX and WRX STi models reported hearing a creaking sound while using the clutch pedal. After investigating the issue, Subaru released Service Bulletin 12-215-17, which stated that the creaking noise was not a sign of any immediate operational problem with the clutch pedal assembly, hydraulic system, or clutch assembly. Instead, it was due to the original brake/clutch pedal bracket assembly design, which lacked the necessary rigidity to prevent the noise. To address this issue, Subaru developed a more rigid pedal bracket assembly design that included an extended flange length and additional welding, which prevented the creaking noise when the clutch pedal was operated.
Recalls:
March 21, 2016 – A recall was issued for the 2015 and 2016 models of Subaru WRX due to cracks in the air intake ducts. The crack may lead to rough engine idle, lower engine power, and in a worst-case scenario, engine stalling, which could pose a potential hazard to the driver and other road users.
October 8, 2017 – A recall was issued for Subwoofer Wire that could overheat and cause a fire. An electrical short may damage the subwoofer amplifier and may result in the subwoofer overheating, increasing the risk of a fire.
August 24, 2021 – The recall campaign SRT-311 was issued for 2018-19 Subaru V1 WRX vehicles due to a deformed fuel pump impeller, which could cause a loss of power and increased risk of a collision and injury to vehicle occupants and other road users.
July 21, 2022 – A recall was issued for inoperative backup lights and rearview image problems, which could reduce the vehicle’s visibility and lead to a lack of driver awareness, increasing the risk of a crash.
August 3, 2022 – It was discovered that the Electronic Park Brake (EPB) adaptor cord connector may not operate as intended due to a manufacturing issue, resulting in the vehicle moving or rolling away while in the park position. This could increase the risk of an accident causing injury or death to vehicle occupants and/or other road users.
August 11, 2022 – It was found that the reverse lamps may not illuminate, and the rearview reverse camera may not display the rearwards image when reversing as intended. If the reverse lamps and the rearview reverse camera do not operate as intended, it could increase the risk of an accident causing serious injury or death to persons located behind the vehicle and/or other road users.
Exterior:
A number of individuals have reported an issue where the brake lights fail to illuminate when the brake pedal is pressed. This problem is believed to be caused by a faulty Stop Light Switch. Although the brakes themselves continue to operate as normal, the absence of functioning brake lights can be hazardous. In some cases, affected vehicles may experience difficulties restarting after the ignition has been turned off.
Some individuals have reported a problem with their windshields, noticing a crack originating from the bottom of the driver’s side and extending upwards before curving down to reach the base of the windshield.
Subaru paint has developed a bit of a reputation for being on the soft side and can chip easily so have a good look for paint that isn’t in the best shape. Ideally find a WRX that has a ceramic coating or protection film fitted.
Interior:
Several owners of Subaru WRX sedans have reported a problem with their steering wheel. They have noticed that the steering wheel pulls to the right regardless of the car’s speed. These users have pointed out that the steering control system fails to detect the driver’s intended direction while turning the wheels, which can decrease the driver’s ability to control the car and increase the risk of road accidents.
Numerous owners have expressed dissatisfaction with the persistent beeping and alert sounds produced by the safety systems in the VA Subaru WRX. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the perceived aggressiveness of the EyeSight calibration.
Some owners have reported premature wear on the outer seat bolsters. However, it is worth considering factors such as entry and exit techniques and the individual’s level of athleticism during movement.
Early models of the WRX may suffer from subpar infotainment systems, with more than one owner even resorting to physically striking the screen due to its unresponsiveness.
For WRX vehicles consistently exposed to sunlight, there have been reports of cracking and fading interior plastics. To mitigate this issue, it is advised to keep the vehicle garaged whenever possible.
While sporadic reports of electrical issues have surfaced, they are considered rare and not widespread among WRX owners.
Mechanically:
Numerous people have complained about the 2015 and 2016 WRX models due to their problematic clutches. These models appear to experience clutch issues after prolonged usage, resulting in significant inconvenience and costs for many owners.
Direct injection issues may lead to clogging in the inlet tracts, necessitating eventual cleaning through a walnut blast procedure. While the FA20 turbo has faced criticism for its perceived unreliability, particularly in modified forms, in its standard unmodified state, it generally performs reliably. Concerns arise when enthusiasts push the engine beyond its limits through modifications, resulting in blown engines. Notably, oil leakage issues are reported, primarily from the timing cover rather than the head gaskets, which employ Multi Layered Steel gaskets.
Regarding transmissions, the 6-speed manual is generally reliable. However, some 2014-16 Subaru V1 WRX and WRX STi owners noted a creaking sound while using the clutch pedal. Subaru addressed this through a service bulletin, attributing the noise to the original pedal bracket assembly design. The solution involved implementing a more rigid design to prevent the creaking.
While Subaru CVTs have a notorious reputation for frequent failures and expensive repairs, the CVT in these models is statistically less prone to failure than previous generations. Nevertheless, transmission fluid leakage, particularly in 2015-17 Subaru V1 WRX cars with TR690 CVTs, has been reported. Subaru issued a service bulletin recommending the inspection and resealing of the CVT oil pump cam cover to address this issue.
Prospective buyers should be wary of potential problems stemming from the previous owner, especially those related to high mileage and modifications. Regular servicing every 10,000 km is advised, and the recommendation to deviate from the CVT fill-for-life strategy by performing oil changes every 50,000 km is emphasised.
Owners of WRX and STI vehicles have reported severe and costly engine problems that may lead to complete engine failure. These issues are mainly attributed to the internal weakness of the engines, which have not gained a reputation for their durability. However, if the engine is in its original state without modifications, these problems are less likely to occur.
Several individuals have reported experiencing a “bumping” sensation coming from their car’s transmissions while idling. This issue has been identified in multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSB), including TSB 16-104-17, which specifically pertains to the 2015 Legacy and Outback models. To address this problem, Subaru extended the CVT warranty for 1.5 million vehicles in late November 2017.
Individuals who own a Subaru VI WRX vehicle that was manufactured between January 17, 2014, and September 26, 2014, have reported experiencing engine-related issues such as rough idling, engine noise, and spark knock. According to the bulletin, these vehicles may exhibit engine idle roughness, engine noise, and/or damage resulting from spark knock (pre-ignition). Subaru addressed these concerns through Service Bulletin WOW-SR by reprogramming the Engine Control Module. High engine load conditions could cause pre-ignition, leading to damage to spark plugs and pistons.
Many buyers have experienced a problem with their Subaru V1 WRX vehicles that have a VIN number preceding “818365”. When they try to restart their engine while it’s still warm, the car idles roughly and sometimes the Engine Control Module (ECM) stores a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0300. This issue was so widespread that in February 2016, Subaru issued Service Bulletin 11-161 16 to address it. The solution was to reprogram the Engine Control Module (ECM).
A widespread problem among car owners is transmission fluid leakage, which can be inconvenient and potentially harmful to the vehicle. In particular, owners of 2015-17 Subaru V1 WRX cars with TR690 continuously variable transmissions have reported this problem. Subaru responded by issuing Technical Service Bulletin 16-10R in January 2019, which stated that the gasket material sealing failure in the CVTS oil pump cam cover could be the cause of the fluid seepage. The recommended solution was to remove the cover, clean and inspect the sealing surfaces, and reseal the cover to prevent further leakage.
A large number of car owners of 2014-16 Subaru V1 WRX and WRX STi models reported hearing a creaking sound while using the clutch pedal. After investigating the issue, Subaru released Service Bulletin 12-215-17, which stated that the creaking noise was not a sign of any immediate operational problem with the clutch pedal assembly, hydraulic system, or clutch assembly. Instead, it was due to the original brake/clutch pedal bracket assembly design, which lacked the necessary rigidity to prevent the noise. To address this issue, Subaru developed a more rigid pedal bracket assembly design that included an extended flange length and additional welding, which prevented the creaking noise when the clutch pedal was operated.
Recalls:
March 21, 2016 – A recall was issued for the 2015 and 2016 models of Subaru WRX due to cracks in the air intake ducts. The crack may lead to rough engine idle, lower engine power, and in a worst-case scenario, engine stalling, which could pose a potential hazard to the driver and other road users.
October 8, 2017 – A recall was issued for Subwoofer Wire that could overheat and cause a fire. An electrical short may damage the subwoofer amplifier and may result in the subwoofer overheating, increasing the risk of a fire.
August 24, 2021 – The recall campaign SRT-311 was issued for 2018-19 Subaru V1 WRX vehicles due to a deformed fuel pump impeller, which could cause a loss of power and increased risk of a collision and injury to vehicle occupants and other road users.
July 21, 2022 – A recall was issued for inoperative backup lights and rearview image problems, which could reduce the vehicle’s visibility and lead to a lack of driver awareness, increasing the risk of a crash.
August 3, 2022 – It was discovered that the Electronic Park Brake (EPB) adaptor cord connector may not operate as intended due to a manufacturing issue, resulting in the vehicle moving or rolling away while in the park position. This could increase the risk of an accident causing injury or death to vehicle occupants and/or other road users.
August 11, 2022 – It was found that the reverse lamps may not illuminate, and the rearview reverse camera may not display the rearwards image when reversing as intended. If the reverse lamps and the rearview reverse camera do not operate as intended, it could increase the risk of an accident causing serious injury or death to persons located behind the vehicle and/or other road users.
The Subaru WRX is the poster child for a car you could comfortably take to the track on the weekend, and then take the kids to school on Monday. Especially if you splurge on an STi variant.
The driving experience is somewhat curtailed by the CVT transmission and there are a few concerns around the CVT’s longevity, so if you can be bothered to shift gears yourself, we’d go for a manual.
There is a handful of recalls you should make sure are sorted before buying one, and a full service history is a must.
Given the Subaru WRX is a performance car at heart, many owners thrash them. This can lead to additional wear on tyres, brakes and suspension, as well as the potential for crappy mods and dodgy repairs. So, if you’re in the market for one, do over it with a fine-toothed comb.
The Subaru WRX is the poster child for a car you could comfortably take to the track on the weekend, and then take the kids to school on Monday. Especially if you splurge on an STi variant.
The driving experience is somewhat curtailed by the CVT transmission and there are a few concerns around the CVT’s longevity, so if you can be bothered to shift gears yourself, we’d go for a manual.
There is a handful of recalls you should make sure are sorted before buying one, and a full service history is a must.
Given the Subaru WRX is a performance car at heart, many owners thrash them. This can lead to additional wear on tyres, brakes and suspension, as well as the potential for crappy mods and dodgy repairs. So, if you’re in the market for one, do over it with a fine-toothed comb.
The Subaru WRX is the poster child for a car you could comfortably take to the track on the weekend, and then take the kids to school on Monday. Especially if you splurge on an STi variant.
The driving experience is somewhat curtailed by the CVT transmission and there are a few concerns around the CVT’s longevity, so if you can be bothered to shift gears yourself, we’d go for a manual.
There is a handful of recalls you should make sure are sorted before buying one, and a full service history is a must.
Given the Subaru WRX is a performance car at heart, many owners thrash them. This can lead to additional wear on tyres, brakes and suspension, as well as the potential for crappy mods and dodgy repairs. So, if you’re in the market for one, do over it with a fine-toothed comb.
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Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.
Information correct as of Nov 19, 2023.
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