Install Chrome Extension Chrome Extension
Subaru · Sports Car · 2015–2021 Custom Search

Subaru WRX VA

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 1 engine variants · How we rate

Generations

Engine Overview

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

2.0L Turbo DI · Petrol· 268 PS
2015 2021

Direct-injected turbo boxer, successor to the EJ series in the WRX. Equal-length headers mean: no more boxer rumble. EJ fans hate this, FA owners live with it. No ringland issues, but oil consumption on early models (2015-2016, TSB for piston rings) and intake valve carbon buildup from direct injection. Catch can and walnut blasting every 40-50k miles are community consensus. Broad torque band without the EJ's turbo hit — more consistent, less dramatic. Stage 1 brings ~300 whp, Stage 2 ~340 whp.

  • !! Recall: Turbo Intake Duct Cracks

    Recall WTA-62: intake duct made from wrong material cracks, engine stall possible. 18,200 affected US vehicles (2015-2016 WRX + Forester XT).

    0–0 $
  • !! Oil Consumption Early Models (2015-2016) from 60,000 km

    TSB 02-157: Subaru replaced piston rings under warranty. Up to 1 quart per 1,500 miles in severe cases. Particularly 2015-2016 models affected, improved later.

    Symptoms: Oil level warnings between service intervals, slight blue smoke on cold start
    4,000–6,000 $
    Ad 12033AB340 piston ring set FA20DITpiston rings FA20DIT WRXoil control ring FA20
  • ! Intake Valve Carbon Buildup (Direct Injection) from 80,000 km

    Direct injection means no fuel washes the valves. Carbon deposits from ~50k miles. Walnut blasting every 40-50k miles recommended.

    Symptoms: Rough idle, power loss, misfires at low RPM
    300–600 $
    Ad walnut blasting Subaru FA20intake valve cleaning WRX

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
  1. 01 Engine
    65 ⚠ 2
  2. 02 Electrical
    58 ⚠ 5
  3. 03 Powertrain
    48
  4. 04 Other
    31 ⚠ 1
  5. 05 Steering
    19 ⚠ 9

Top Reported Issues

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

Alternatives

Same Segment

BMW M8 G15

Sports Car (2019–2026)

Same Segment

BMW M8 G16

Sports Car (2019–2026)

Same Segment

Porsche 911 992

Sports Car (2019–2024)

Same Segment

Toyota GR Supra A90

Sports Car (2019–2025)

Same Segment

Kia ProCeed CD

Sports Car (2018–2024)

Same Segment

Mercedes-Benz AMG GT X290

Sports Car (2018–2025)

Explore more

All Subaru models
BMW M8 G15 Sports Car (2019–2026)
BMW M8 G16 Sports Car (2019–2026)
Porsche 911 992 Sports Car (2019–2024)
Toyota GR Supra A90 Sports Car (2019–2025)
Kia ProCeed CD Sports Car (2018–2024)
Mercedes-Benz AMG GT X290 Sports Car (2018–2025)
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