WRX reliability

[rem14]

Hi everyone. I'm just curious, but how have the WRX's been holding up? Are there piston slap or head gasket issues with them?

[Legacy777]

subaru has been using the ej20 motor since at least 1990. It's gone through revisions, but it is a very stable platform. In stock form, I haven't really heard too many issues. If people start upping boost or playing around, I have heard of issues.....

[Johngenx]

I have heard about tranny weakness, at least in 02 models, but can't confirm if the rumours are true.

[PetterFan]

I know that Consumer Reports rated both the WRX and the STi very high in reliability. And most Japanses cars are known for their endurance and reliability.

[Setright]

In standard form, I reckon they are a paragon of Turbo reliability.

 

Pumping out 300hp after some DIY tuning, now that's different

[Gnuman]

In standard form, I reckon they are a paragon of Turbo reliability.

 

Pumping out 300hp after some DIY tuning, now that's different

 

If you drive it like a regular sport coupe, it will hold up just fine, and have a high level of reliability. If you beat the snot out of it and drive it like a rocketship on a regular basis, your reliability will be slightly less. . .

[demsgudeatin]

'03 wagon, 83K so far. Only problems are difficult shifting transmission going into 1st gear (dealer says that is normal). Gas gauge sometimes has the gremlins as the gauge goes to zero then goes back up for a few months. When it is very cold, below 30, there is a fuel odor. This should be a recall thing but sub thinks leaking fuel from a joint in cold weather is again, normal. Other than the few things listed, bone stock reliability with no mods to the car. However, I've been through 4 windshields and a foglight because of rock trucks.

 

Oil seems to cause some engine noise if you use the suggested weight. I use Walmart brand full synthetic 10w30 whereas Mobil 1 5w30 and 10w30 both exhibited knocking at startup.