WRX / WRX STI — Generation guide
VA (2015–2021)
FA20DIT in WRX (268 hp) brought better fuel economy and tuning headroom. EJ257 stayed in STI (310 hp) — the last of its kind. Type RA and S209 limited editions are already appreciating.
Generation highlights
Documented problems (2015–2021)
All problems →EJ257 Rod Bearing Failure & STI Rod Knock (2004-2021)
From cracked oil pickup tubes and low oil pressure to full spun-bearing engine destruction — the EJ257 STI's most infamous failure, covering both early warning stage and full failure stage.
Repair: $400–$12,000
Subaru WRX Cold Start Clutch Chatter and Shudder
The 2015-2021 Subaru WRX often experiences violent vibrations or 'chatter' during the first few gear engagements when the vehicle is cold.
Repair: $1,400–$2,200
WRX FA20 Bent Connecting Rod
Knock control limited by ECU on lower-octane fuel; rod bends, then catastrophic failure.
Repair: $6,500–$11,000
WRX TMIC Heat Soak Power Loss
Stock top-mount intercooler heat soaks in traffic, cutting power.
Repair: $0–$1,800
NHTSA recalls
All recalls →Repair-cost references
All costs →Repair-cost entries are model-wide; verify applicability for 2015–2021 before quoting.