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Subaru · Sports Car · 2015–2021

Subaru WRX VA

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 1 engine variants

Generations

Engine Overview

The Subaru WRX VA is available with one engine variant at 250 hp.

2.0L Turbo DI · Benziner· 268 PS
2015 2021
Be Careful 3 weaknesses

The Subaru 2.0L Turbo DI (Benziner, 268 PS) has the FA20DIT (2.0L Turbo DI) — rated: "Be Careful", 3 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!CVT shudder on acceleration

Known Subaru CVT issue: variator belt slips, valve body wears out. Subaru extended warranty to 10 years/100,000 miles. Often a software update rather than recall.

Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration on acceleration from stop, vibrations at steady speed, CVT warning light
from 80,000 km
Ad CVT Subaru WRX VA Lineartronicvalve body CVT WRX 2015-2021CVT fluid Subaru Lineartronic
 High
●Rear differential fluid leak

TSB 03-74-14 (2014): Rear differential breather vent not correctly seated — gear oil leaks out. Production fix from VIN F9812950 onward.

Symptoms: Oil spot under rear of vehicle, burning gear oil smell, oil film on differential cover
from 40,000 km
Ad rear differential breather vent WRX VAdifferential gasket WRX 2015-2021
 Low
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below Average
233 complaints · 2015–2021
Engine
65 ⚠ 2
Electrical
58 ⚠ 5
Powertrain
48
Other
31 ⚠ 1
Steering
19 ⚠ 9

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Engine (65 complaints)
⚠ Electrical (58 complaints)
⚠ Powertrain (48 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 8 weaknesses have been documented for the Subaru WRX VA (2015–2021) — 3 engine-related and 5 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Gearbox, Electronics, Suspension.

WRX (FA20DIT, 2015–2021) — Be Careful: Recall: Turbo Intake Duct Cracks, Oil Consumption Early Models (2015-2016), Intake Valve Carbon Buildup (Direct Injection). Power: 268 PS.

What to watch out for with the Subaru WRX? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Subaru WRX VA have? +
The Subaru WRX VA has 3 known engine weaknesses and 5 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Subaru WRX VA? +
faq.watch_a_none
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: FA20DIT (2.0L Turbo DI). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the FA20DIT (2.0L Turbo DI).
Which Subaru WRX VA engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Subaru WRX VA — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} FA20DIT replaces the EJ era: equal-length headers = no more boxer rumble. EJ fans hate it, pragmatic buyers appreciate the broader torque band. No ringland anxiety, but oil consumption on 2015-2016 and carbon buildup. 90% of buyers take the manual — for good reason. Catch can is mandatory equipment, not optional.
Is the Subaru WRX VA worth buying used? +
The Subaru WRX VA requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Subaru WRX VA? +
The Subaru WRX VA is available with engine variants from 250 to 268 hp. Petrol: FA20DIT (2.0L Turbo DI).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee