CriticalCommonEngine

Subaru WRX: FA20DIT Rod Bearing Failure (VA WRX)

FA20DIT Rod Bearing Failure (VA WRX) is a common engine fault on the Subaru WRX on the 2014–2021 cars, and we rate it critical. Putting it right costs $6,000 to $15,000 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. Below is what goes wrong, the symptoms to notice on a test drive, where to look, and what to ask the seller before you hand over any money. It is one of 41 documented faults on the Subaru WRX.

Vehicle: Subaru WRX
Engine: 2.0L
Years: 2014–2021
Fuel: petrol
System: Engine

This page covers the Subaru WRX as a model. Some faults only affect particular engines or build years — enter a plate below to narrow the list to one car.

All Subaru WRX faults41 documented faults on this model

What you are looking at

No photograph available

We do not hold a verified photograph of the Turbocharger yet. We would rather show none than show a picture of a different part.

What goes wrong

The FA20DIT 2.0T direct-injection turbo engine in the VA WRX (2014-2021) has a documented rod bearing wear and failure pattern that has become the primary mechanical concern for this generation. Bearing failure is linked to oil starvation during hard cornering, extended oil change intervals, and high-rpm sustained use. The bearings wear prematurely leading to spun bearings and catastrophic engine failure. Subaru issued an extended warranty in some markets and the issue is extensively documented across WRX owner communities globally. Oil change intervals of 5,000 km or less are strongly recommended by specialists.

What you would notice

Deep knocking noise from lower engine at idle or under load
Oil pressure warning light illuminating
Metallic debris visible when draining oil
Engine suddenly losing power with knocking
Low oil pressure warning at high RPM corners

How to check it

Where to look. Connecting rod bearings on all four cylinders of the FA20DIT engine

Check the service history very carefully - oil changes must be documented at 5,000 km intervals or less.
Drain and inspect oil for metallic particles or glitter.
Check oil pressure at idle (should be above 20 psi warm).
Ask about track use or sustained high-RPM driving.
Listen for any lower-end knocking at idle or on startup.
Check if the car has been running on a catch-can setup (indicates owner awareness of the issue).

Parts involved: Turbocharger.

What it costs to put right

$6,000 to $15,000 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That is for this job on its own, not for the car.

An estimate, in NZD, for the repair as normally carried out. What a specific car costs depends on which part has failed and what it damaged on the way — treat this as the floor for a negotiation, not a quote.

Ask the seller

“What has the oil change interval been and do you have receipts?”
“Has the car been used on track or driven hard regularly?”
“Has the oil ever been analysed for metal content?”
“Has there been any knocking sound from the engine?”

Now check the Subaru WRX you are actually looking at

Everything above is true of the model, and it is free. What it does not tell you is whether THIS car has been looked after: its odometer history and whether the reading has ever gone backwards, whether there is still money owing on it, whether it has been reported stolen, how many owners it has had and what it is really worth today. That comes from the official records for that plate. Enter the plate for the free details, or get the full history and a market valuation from $13.49.

Not sure what you would be paying for? See what a full KickTyres check includes.

Where this comes from

The failure described above is documented in published sources — owner forums, technical service bulletins, recall notices and workshop write-ups — held in our fault database. The inspection instructions and the cost estimate are KickTyres’ own interpretation of them, and it is a starting point for an inspection rather than a manufacturer statement.

Subaru WRX buyer questions

Is fa20dit rod bearing failure (va wrx) serious on a Subaru WRX?

We rate it critical and common on the Subaru WRX. The FA20DIT 2.0T direct-injection turbo engine in the VA WRX (2014-2021) has a documented rod bearing wear and failure pattern that has become the primary mechanical concern for this generation. Bearing failure is linked to oil starvation during hard cornering, extended oil change intervals, and high-rpm sustained use. The bearings wear prematurely leading to spun bearings and catastrophic engine failure. Subaru issued an extended warranty in some markets and the issue is extensively documented across WRX owner communities globally. Oil change intervals of 5,000 km or less are strongly recommended by specialists.

How much does it cost to fix on a Subaru WRX?

$6,000 to $15,000 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That figure is for this job on its own. A car showing the symptoms on this page is usually worth either walking away from or negotiating down by at least the repair figure.

Which Subaru WRX years are affected?

Our research records this fault on the 2014–2021 Subaru WRX. Build dates move around, especially on imported cars, so treat the range as the years to look hardest at rather than a guarantee either way. The official records tell you the exact build and first registration date for the car in front of you.

How do I check for it before I buy?

Check the service history very carefully - oil changes must be documented at 5,000 km intervals or less. Drain and inspect oil for metallic particles or glitter. Check oil pressure at idle (should be above 20 psi warm). Ask about track use or sustained high-RPM driving. Listen for any lower-end knocking at idle or on startup. Check if the car has been running on a catch-can setup (indicates owner awareness of the issue). Look here: Connecting rod bearings on all four cylinders of the FA20DIT engine