Thinking about buying a used Subaru Impreza WRX (1992–2023) in New Zealand? We've documented 39 known faults for this model spanning engine, transmission, cooling, and body & rust. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
39
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$900–$3,800
Typical repair
8
Systems covered
Known Subaru Impreza WRX faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
01FA24F Rod and Main Bearing Wear Concerns (VB WRX)
CriticalOccasionalEngine $7,000–$16,000 to fix
The FA24F 2.4T engine in the VB WRX (2022-present) shares its fundamental architecture with the FA20DIT and early production examples have shown similar bearing wear concerns flagged by the WRX owner community. While the FA24F has a larger bore and is detuned relative to the Outback XT application, early owner reports and oil analysis data from WRX forums indicate accelerated bearing wear in cars subjected to short oil change intervals or hard use. The issue is still developing as the fleet ages but the pattern matches FA20DIT closely enough that preemptive oil analysis is strongly recommended.
Symptoms to notice
Knocking from lower engine under load
Metallic particles visible in drained oil
Oil pressure fluctuation warning
Engine noise increasing with mileage
What to check
Check and document oil change history - intervals over 6,000 km are concerning. Send an oil sample for analysis before purchase if possible. Check for any engine noise at idle and under load. Verify the car has not been used on track. Check if previous owner used full synthetic oil meeting Subaru's specification.
Where to look: Connecting rod and main bearings within the FA24F engine block
Ask the seller
“What oil change interval has been maintained and do you have receipts?”
“Has the oil ever been sent for analysis?”
“Has the car been used on a track or for performance driving?”
“What brand and grade of engine oil has been used?”
02EJ25 Excessive Oil Consumption Between Service Intervals
MinorCommonEngine $800–$4,500 to fix
Beyond head gasket failure, the EJ25 flat-four in WRX STI models is documented to consume engine oil at rates significantly above normal — commonly 0.5 to 1.5 litres per 1,000 km on high-mileage or hard-driven examples — due to worn valve stem seals, degraded piston rings, and the horizontally-opposed cylinder layout that pools oil on the lower bank when the engine sits unused. This issue is separate from head gasket failure and can coexist with it. Subaru of America issued guidelines acknowledging elevated oil consumption in EJ-series engines. Running low on oil in an EJ25 without realising it is a common precursor to more serious failures.
Symptoms to notice
Blue smoke from exhaust on cold startup that typically clears within 30–60 seconds for lower-bank pooling, but persists if seals are worn
Oil level dropping more than one mark on the dipstick between 3,000–5,000 km service intervals
Blue tinge to exhaust smoke during hard acceleration at high RPM
Oil fouling on spark plugs, visible on inspection as wet or oily electrode deposits
Smell of burning oil from the exhaust under load
What to check
Check the oil dipstick level and compare it to the expected level given the stated last service date and mileage. Blue tint to exhaust smoke on startup (from pooled oil on lower cylinders) is normal for boxer engines but should clear within 30 seconds; persistent blue smoke at idle or under acceleration indicates seal wear. Ask the seller to demonstrate the oil level on the dipstick at the time of inspection. If a workshop inspection is possible: A leak-down test identifies whether consumption is ring or valve related.
Where to look: Engine internal — valve stem seals (cylinder head), piston rings (block); lower cylinder bank oil pooling is inherent to the boxer layout
Ask the seller
“How much oil does the car typically consume between scheduled oil changes, and have you had to top it up between services?”
“Has a leak-down test or compression test been performed, and what were the results?”
EngineCritical
EngineCritical
TransmissionCritical
EngineCritical
EngineCritical
EngineCritical
EngineCritical
EngineCritical
EngineCritical
EngineCritical
EngineCritical
CoolingCritical
TransmissionMajor
TransmissionMajor
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
TransmissionMajor
EngineMajor
Body & RustMajor
TransmissionMajor
CoolingMajor
TransmissionMajor
TransmissionMajor
Fluid LeaksMajor
CoolingMajor
EngineMajor
Fluid LeaksMajor
SuspensionMajor
SuspensionMajor
SuspensionMajor
EngineMajor
SuspensionMajor
Fluid LeaksMajor
BrakesMajor
ElectricalMinor
SuspensionMinor
TransmissionMinor
37 more documented faults on the Subaru Impreza WRX
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 39 documented faults for the Subaru Impreza WRX, the recurring problem areas are engine, transmission, and cooling. A Subaru Impreza WRX with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.
What are the most common problems with a used Subaru Impreza WRX?
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We've catalogued 39 known faults for the Subaru Impreza WRX, covering engine, transmission, and cooling. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
How much do repairs cost on a Subaru Impreza WRX?
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Most single repairs on the Subaru Impreza WRX fall between $900–$3,800 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 39 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Subaru Impreza WRX?
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Yes. A Subaru Impreza WRX inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.