Subaru WRX VB

Subaru's newest and best turbo boxer: 2.4L direct injection, used in WRX VB, Ascent and Outback XT. Oil pan RTV sealant was the early issue (fixed under warranty, corrected from 2025). Too early for real long-term data, but Ascent owners past 100k miles report trouble-free operation. Budget for carbon buildup cleaning like all DI engines.

• !! Recall: PCV Valve Separation (WUW-08)

  Recall WUW-08 (Dec 2019): ~51,600 vehicles. Steel washer in PCV valve separates due to heat cycling — engine oil and fragments enter combustion chamber. Engine loses drive power. Free repair; short block replaced if valve fragments not found.

  0–0 $
• !! Thermo Control Valve Failure (2019-2021) from 60,000 km

  Plastic thermo control valve (TCV) housing fails under heat cycling. Coolant vapor short-circuits sensor reference line — all driver assist systems go offline. Warranty extended to 15 years/150,000 miles. Affects 2019-2021.

  Symptoms: All warning lights simultaneously, vehicle becomes inoperable, disabled safety systems (EyeSight, lane keep), engine overheating
  800–1,200 $
  Ad 21200AA270 thermo control valve FA24FTCV Outback XT Ascentthermo control valve Subaru FA24F
• ! Oil Pan RTV Sealant Leak from 30,000 km

  Sub-optimal factory RTV application at the oil pan. Service bulletin published, repaired under warranty. Corrected at the factory from 2025.

  Symptoms: Oil drops under engine, oil level loss
  400–500 $
  Ad oil pan gasket Subaru FA24RTV sealant oil pan

+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses