Subaru WRX - Common Problems | Buyers Guide + Owners Advice

The Subaru WRX is an awesome car, but they have some major problems to look out for. This video will teach you about the top 10 common problems! (plus a few bonus ones)

This video covers the top common problems and common failures of the Subaru Impreza WRX, specifically those with the EJ205, (1999-2005 in Japan, 2002-2205 in the USA, though these also apply to the EJ255 models (2006-2014).

1) Oil Leaks
2) High Oil Consumption
3) Spun Bearings
4) Uppipe cat
5) Headgasket failure
6) Timing belt and Waterpump
7) Weak Transmissions
8) Rubber Part Failure
9) Wheel bearing Failures
10) Rust

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#CommonProblems #BuyersGuide #SubaruWRX

[maximwagenhauser]

I have an 05 Japanese WRX wagon, and it has been running fine with zero issues for the two years I have owned it. It's very reliable and actually convinces me to stay with Subaru in the future.

[drsjr]

2004 wrx wagon, original owner, 156k miles. original clutch!

[dougrodriguez]

2002-2005 is probably the most reliable generation wrx. I’ve had several GD generation wrx from that era, outside of replacing valve cover gaskets and regular maintenance there have been zero problems. Spun rod bearings are common on neglected and abused cars, not so much otherwise. Broken ringland is a failure more common on ej255 and ej257 that are poorly tuned. Head gasket failure is not a common issue on the ej205.
I give you credit for creating a video on my beloved GD’s but most of your assertions about common failures are not exactly the way you represent. I have a 2002 wrx sedan and a 2005 wrx wagon that have very high miles but are still running like new. Preventive maintenance is key. Rust prevention is super important, that I agree with you about.

[BlokeWithTheWRX]

2012 WRX Hatchback owner;
203, 000km on it.
Fully stock engine, turbo, transmission etc...
Uses oil frequently but I've discovered a leak from my valve cover gasket (driver side).

Was using 10w50 oil to help slow consumption but did not help. Was using 1 Liter a fortnight.
Used an expensive engine flush to help unstick the piston rings (blowby) and clean out everything inside.
Using a 10w40 now and engine has drastically reduced its usage by alot, just still leaking. And runs smoother and better than ever.

It's got alot of km and everything is from the factory, still runs like a beast.
People don't believe in engine flushes and that's fine because I was the same, but I think it's helped in my case with possible sticky piston rings.

Oil usage in these cars ain't no joke, stay safe and happy boosting!

[garagespecr]

I have an 03 with an ej205. Between my 5000km oil changes, my car only uses about 5mm on the dipstick. so it goes from full to a little less full. Very lucky for a high mileage engine. I've had no reliability issues with mine for 2 years, the car is at 261000km, best thing to do is use a valve cleaner every 6 months.

[dorianleclair]

If your cam seals and rear main seals are leaking you could have blocked pvc valve causing increased crankcase pressure making your seals leak. A stuck open pvc valve could cause oil consumption too.

[Danno_]

Bought an 05 wrx brand new. Put 240k miles on it with no major issues. Drove it pretty hard so I changed oil every 3k miles. Had 3" turbo back, up pipe, sti turbo, front mount, protuned. Damn I miss that car 😢

[AlcoholAndAnimeNight]

Great video. I love how its to comment HOW MUCH oil your Subaru burns not IF it burns, lol

[Андрей-ош-бд]

2004 WRX (euro version). 90k miles (engine rebuilt at 60k). No oil consumption at all. Oil change every 5k kms (3k miles).
Have 3 Subies (WRX + two Outbacks EJ253), no one consumes oil. As for me they are very reliable if well-maintained.

[Whiteboydwin]

Recently bought a 07 subaru impreza na Hawkeye, ( this is before knowing about how quick oil can burn ) one day I started hearing a big clanking noise from the motor, being there was no oil, I know had to switch to 15w-40 and use ring real smoke repair on every oil change, the smokes been getting a lil bad but isn’t always the bother, the oil is definitely burning up I’ve gone thru quite a bit of oil in less than a month. A friend highly recommended a AOS and a cylinder 4 coolant mod to help with this situation, it does seem like maybe at some point my motor will blow but honestly I have no idea, any tips/suggestions ?

[Moses]

Man great information. I loved my WRX but unfortunately I got divorced and didn't have the money to put on snow tires. I hit black ice going to work in a corner. I saved it twice but not the third time. I loved that car. I actually like the turbo lag. Once you know how to drive it.

[cyberoperator]

How can you check oil at gas station when you have to let it sit for 20 mins or more just to get a reading

[gioootalks]

I bought my wrx two weeks ago, drove 500 miles only problem is that one morning after turning it one, it immediately turned off, and then I had to give it gas and it kept wanting to stall and wouldn’t give the right amount of gas I was giving. I unplugged the MAP and it started up and idled fine, so I cleaned the sensor and it’s been good, like 150 miles. I have an engine swapped jdm ej20 with a catless exhaust and cold air intake, do I have to tune? I’m about to buy an accessport but it’s a jdm, so I have to go to a tuner right? Do I need to get a stock intake and a catted exhaust??

[robalexander]

Any Subaru WRX is Very reliable when serviced as per the handbook, Plus driven with respect as all cars should be... I have now owned Five WRX and never had any reliability issues 👍Au

[Adz]

05 WRP10 Australia. Just ordered rocker cover gasket kit smoking from hot side ( us 🇺🇸 passenger side) and smokes hard as I don’t daily it and doesn’t get a chance to burn oil off the up pipe as it’s not a daily. Oil + exhaust on the hot side not a good mix. Other side ( us drivers side) you can get away with if it’s just seeping.

[Sickzz]

Am just getting into cars and i have a question, if i bought a car which has a stock turbo and the turbo broke, can i run the car without a turbo?

[skatermetalmatt]

im buying a 03 with a jdm and bigger turbo today. i hope it will last. ill check the oil daily

[michaelporlier]

06. Putting itself in limp mode, did the ecu on the recommendation of a mechanic, and about 2 weeks later it started running funny and put itself back in limp mode. Where do I start?

[MrCheeseball_]

my brother has a 05 wrx turbo and wants to give it to me it just needs a new engine and it will run again, he was telling me you got to be on your stuff when it comes to this car, im 18 and i'm about to graduate high school and this would be my first car i dont even know how to drive stick but my brother said he will show me im a little nervous since i've been doing my research on this car but im open to learn especially with this beauty. can i get opinion if i should accept this offer or just wait and go with something more reliable?

[jaycejimmerson]

Nice Saabaru! Mines in the shop now for bent valves as the timing belt tensioner broke.