Subaru WRX (VA) Buyer's Guide: FA20 Engine and Common Problems (2015-2021)
Subaru · WRX · VA · 2015–2021
Comprehensive used buyer's guide for the 2015-2021 Subaru WRX VA. Covers common FA20 issues: throwout bearing, carbon buildup, tune failures, infotainment, and shifting notchiness. Know the risks.
Mirko4 min read
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The 2015-2021 Subaru WRX (VA generation) is a performance sedan that delivers turbocharged power and standard all-wheel drive, but its 2.0L FA20 direct-injection engine and high incidence of aftermarket tuning create specific reliability concerns for used buyers. The most common risk signals involve clutch components, carbon buildup on intake valves, and an elevated rate of engine failure among cars with modified ECUs.
Generation Overview
Production spanned 2015 to 2021 for the WRX (VA chassis), with the 2.0L FA20DIT turbocharged four-cylinder engine standard. A mid-cycle refresh for 2018 brought revised front and rear styling, an updated infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and suspension tweaks. The WRX STI returned for the 2018 model year, using the EJ257 2.5L engine. No major powertrain changes occurred for the WRX across the generation, but the 2019 and 2020 model years received minor feature updates. This generation was the first to use a direct-injection-only FA20, which brings both performance and maintenance trade-offs.
Known Issues
Throwout Bearing Failure
A defective throwout bearing creates a chirping or grinding noise when the clutch pedal is depressed, especially in stop-and-go traffic. The bearing can fail completely, leaving the car unable to disengage the clutch. Affects 2015–2017 models predominantly, though cases appear through 2021. Severity: High. What to watch for: Listen for a distinct chirp that disappears when the pedal is released. If present, the bearing needs replacement, typically requiring a full clutch job.
FA20 Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves
Direct injection in the FA20 causes fuel not to wash over the intake valves, leading to carbon deposits that restrict airflow over 40,000–60,000 miles. This reduces power, causes rough idle, and can trigger misfire codes. Affects all 2015–2021 WRX variants equally. Severity: Medium. What to watch for: Request a borescope inspection of the intake valves. A walnut blasting cleaning is the fix, costing $600–$1,000.
Tune-Related Engine Failures
The FA20 is sensitive to poor tuning. A significant portion of used WRXs have aftermarket ECU tunes (COBB Accessport, open-source, or custom maps). Aggressive tunes, especially without supporting upgrades (fuel pump, intercooler), can cause ringland failure, spun rod bearings, or detonation. Affects any car with a non-stock tune. Severity: Critical. What to watch for: Check for a Cobb Accessport or evidence of ECU flash dates. A compression and leak-down test is recommended. Stock-tuned cars are far more reliable.
Infotainment System Lag and Failure
The 2015–2017 head unit is notoriously slow to respond, with frequent screen freezes and Bluetooth dropouts. The 2018+ update improved response but still suffers from occasional failure (blank screen, unresponsive touch). Affects all model years; 2015–2017 units are the worst. Severity: Low. What to watch for: Test all functions: audio, navigation, backup camera, and phone pairing. Replacement units run $800–$1,200.
Cold-Weather 1-2 Shift Notchiness
The manual transmission in the WRX often feels notchy or resistant when shifting from first to second gear in cold temperatures (below 40°F). This is a characteristic of the gearbox and not typically mechanical failure, but it can be mistaken for a worn synchro. Affects all manual WRX models, though more noticeable in 2015–2017. Severity: Low. What to watch for: Compare feel when the transmission is warm vs. cold. If notchiness persists when warm, a worn synchro or low fluid may be the cause.
Sub-Variant Issues
WRX STI (2018–2021)
If you’re looking at a 2018–2021 WRX STI, this adds another layer of risk. The STI’s EJ257 engine has its own issues: ringland failure (especially in cylinders 3 and 4) and high oil consumption. The STI also uses a timing belt that requires replacement every 105,000 miles, whereas the WRX FA20 uses a timing chain. EJ25 Ringland Failure: Affects tuned and high-mileage STIs; causes loss of compression and metal in oil. Severity: Critical. Watch for: Low oil pressure, blue smoke, or misfire codes. High Oil Consumption: Some EJ257s burn 1 quart per 1,000 miles. Severity: Medium. Monitor oil levels regularly.
FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Subaru WRX (VA) (2015-2021)?
Throwout bearing failure and carbon buildup on the FA20 engine's intake valves are the most common issues. Engine failures tied to aftermarket tunes are the most serious risk on this platform.
Is the Subaru WRX (VA) (2015-2021) reliable?
The FA20 is durable when kept stock, but tune-related engine failures are a documented risk on modified cars — a WRX with a confirmed stock ECU and clean maintenance history carries meaningfully less risk than a tuned one.
Are there Subaru WRX (VA) years to avoid?
No specific year stands out across 2015-2021; the throwout bearing and carbon buildup issues apply throughout the generation, and modification history matters far more than model year for engine failure risk.
