2020 Subaru WRX
Common problems & what to know before you buy
Before you message the seller, know the documented failure patterns, repair cost exposure, and risk level for the 2020 Subaru WRX.
What to watch for on the 2020 Subaru WRX
Carbon Buildup (FA20)
Direct injection causes carbon on intake valves. Symptoms: reduced power, rough idle at high mileage. Requires walnut blasting every 40,000-60,000 miles.
Throwout Bearing Noise
Manual transmission throwout bearing can chirp or grind. Requires transmission removal to replace.
2 more known problems on the 2020 WRX
Your guide shows all of them and which apply to the exact car, and what to ask the seller.
2020 Subaru WRX price ranges
Stock cars with records command a $2,000-4,000 premium. Modified cars are harder to insure and finance. STI uses the EJ engine with separate reliability concerns.
Recalls on the 2020 Subaru WRX
Exterior lighting: switch
Subaru of America, Inc.
Source: NHTSA
What 17 owners reported
Source: NHTSA
2020 Subaru WRX at a glance
- Trims
- BaseLimitedPremiumSTISTI Limited
- Engine
- 2.0L Flat-4 Turbo, 2.5L Flat-4 Turbo
- Transmission
- Manual 6-spd, CVT
- Drivetrain
- AWD
- Fuel
- Gasoline
- Body style
- Sedan
Subaru WRX (VA) Buyer's Guide
FA20 Engine and Common Issues
The VA WRX marked the end of the EJ engine era. The 2.0L FA20 direct-injected turbo makes 268 hp and is more responsive than its predecessor. Sedan-only, no hatchback. The 2018 refresh brought suspension improvements.
What to look for: Never buy a heavily modified VA WRX. These cars attract younger owners who may modify them without proper tuning. A stock car with complete service records is worth a $2,000-4,000 premium. The FA20 is reliable when maintained — oil changes every 3,000-5,000 miles with synthetic oil.
Engine note: The STI still uses the older EJ engine which has separate issues (ringland failure, rod bearing wear). The FA20 in the base WRX is generally more reliable.
About the VA
The 2015-2021 Subaru WRX (VA generation) marked a significant departure from its predecessors by adopting a new platform and moving to a sedan-only body style, abandoning the hatchback and wagon variants of the previous GR/GV generations. This generation introduced the FA20F 2.0-liter turbocharged flat-four engine for the standard WRX, producing 268 horsepower, paired with either a six-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that was offered for the first time on a WRX. The WRX STI retained the venerable EJ257 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-four, delivering 305 horsepower, exclusively with a six-speed manual gearbox. All models came standard with Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive, and trims included Base, Premium, and Limited for the WRX, while the STI offered Base, Limited, and the limited-production Type RA.
As a used buy, the VA-generation WRX suits buyers seeking a practical, all-weather-capable sport compact with a strong aftermarket and a proven powertrain. The chassis is stiffer and more refined than earlier models, and the FA20 engine in the standard WRX benefits from direct injection, though potential used buyers should be aware of its reputation for carbon buildup on intake valves. The STI’s EJ257 engine is known for robustness but older design. Overall, the 2015-2021 Subaru WRX holds a strong reputation for being a genuine driver’s car that balances everyday usability with performance, making it a popular choice for enthusiasts who need a daily driver.
In-depth generation guide
We've written a detailed buyer's guide covering this generation's known issues, engine variants, and what to inspect.
Subaru WRX (VA) Buyer's Guide: FA20 Engine and Common Problems (2015-2021)→Other Subaru WRX years
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Frequently asked questions
Should I buy a modified WRX?
Generally no. Questionable tuning can cause engine damage. Have a Subaru specialist inspect it thoroughly. A stock car with records is always safer.
Is the VA WRX reliable?
The FA20 is reliable with proper maintenance: oil changes every 3,000-5,000 miles (synthetic), walnut blasting every 40,000-60,000 miles, and warm-up before boosting.
Squeezed is a buyer guide based on public data and industry patterns, not a mechanical inspection. Always get a professional pre-purchase inspection before you buy.