Subaru WRX FA24

The Subaru WRX FA24 has a reliability score of 68/100, rated "SOLID". Strong engine, maintenance discipline is non-negotiable

The most frequently reported issues are Timing Chain Noise and Wear, Valve Cover Gasket Oil Leaks, EyeSight False Braking Events, Head Gasket Lifting Under Aggressive Tune, among others. See the Known Issues section above for symptoms, affected mileage, and repair costs.

Yes, this is a documented issue on the FA24, typically appearing around 60,000-120,000 km. Forum reports note audible timing chain noise against guides on FA24 engines, described as a grinding or rattling sound. While Subaru designates the timing chain a lifetime component, community and forum evidence shows it can develop noise and wear issues, particularly on neglected or aggressively tuned examples. A stripped timing chain causing jumped timing has been documented. Typical repair cost: €1,500-4,000. DIY difficulty: Expert.

Yes, this is a documented issue on the FA24, typically appearing around 60,000-120,000 km. Community reports of oil weeping into spark plug tubes after valve cover gasket deterioration. This is a known maintenance item flagged by multiple owners. On the FA24, access requires removal of additional components, making it more labour-intensive than on simpler engines. Typical repair cost: €150-400. DIY difficulty: Intermediate.

Yes, this is a documented issue on the FA24, typically appearing around 0-50,000 km. NHTSA complaints document EyeSight forward collision avoidance system triggering hard braking at highway speeds when no real hazard exists, creating rear-end collision risk. This is a software and sensor calibration issue rather than a mechanical powertrain fault. Typical repair cost: €0-200. DIY difficulty: None – dealer only.

Yes, this is a documented issue on the FA24, typically appearing around 30,000-100,000 km. Forum evidence notes that aggressive timing in ECU tunes on the FA24 can generate excessive cylinder pressure, leading to head gasket lifting. This is particularly relevant for owners who have modified or tuned their vehicles beyond stock parameters. Tuners with high timing advance are specifically implicated. Typical repair cost: €800-2,500. DIY difficulty: Expert.

Yes, this is a documented issue on the FA24, typically appearing around 20,000-40,000 km. NHTSA complaint documents front brake pads worn to 1-2mm at only 23,520 miles on a 2022 model. The dealer declined to cover this under warranty. Given the WRX's performance nature and weight, front pads may wear faster than typical expectations, particularly in urban or spirited driving. Typical repair cost: €150-350. DIY difficulty: Beginner.

Yes, this is a documented issue on the FA24, typically appearing around 20,000-80,000 km. NHTSA complaint notes side mirror plastic components melting or deforming under heat and sunlight exposure, affecting visibility and aesthetics. Likely affects other exterior plastic trim components using the same material. Typical repair cost: €50-300. DIY difficulty: Beginner.

The FA24DIT in the VB WRX is a genuinely capable and durable engine, but it rewards meticulous ownership and punishes neglect more than a naturally aspirated unit would. Prioritise examples with full documented service history and short oil change intervals; avoid any car where the previous owner used extended drain periods or ran an aggressive tune without supporting hardware like ARP head studs. The timing chain and valve cover gaskets are the two mechanical items to verify before purchase, and both can be checked without special tools during a pre-buy inspection. Budget for 8,000 km oil changes with quality 0W-20 full synthetic as a non-negotiable running cost, and this engine should serve you reliably well past 200,000 km.

The higher-output Japan/Australia tune gets its extra power mainly from ECU mapping and a CVT-only drivetrain, not from stronger internal engine components, so it should not be assumed more durable than the North American manual/CVT version. Regardless of market or power figure, the timing chain and valve cover condition depend far more on service history and whether the car has been tuned beyond stock than on which factory state of tune it left the factory with.

Before buying, check: Pull the dipstick and check for milky or sludgy oil indicating coolant intrusion or neglected changes – walk away if found; Cold-start the engine and listen for timing chain rattle or grinding, especially in the first 30 seconds before oil pressure builds; Remove ignition coils and inspect spark plug wells for oil contamination indicating failed valve cover gaskets; Verify all NHTSA recalls (control arm weld, CVT shift cable) have been completed via the VIN lookup at nhtsa.gov; Test EyeSight system on a highway section and confirm dealer has applied latest available EyeSight software updates.

There's no fixed mileage limit, it depends on maintenance. The parts worth budgeting for proactively are: Timing Chain and Tensioner (80,000-120,000 km), Valve Cover Gaskets and Spark Plug Tube Seals (60,000-100,000 km), EyeSight Camera Calibration and Software (0-50,000 km). Engines that clear these checkpoints with documented maintenance commonly continue well beyond typical ownership periods.

Left-front lower control arm weld may fail, potentially causing loss of vehicle control Remedy: Dealer inspection and replacement of affected control arm – check VIN applicability at NHTSA.gov

CVT select lever cable may allow unintended gear selection, increasing rollaway and crash risk Remedy: Dealer replacement of shift linkage cable – check VIN applicability at NHTSA.gov

Estimated ownership cost is €2,700–5,400 over 3 years including premium synthetic oil at 8,000 km intervals, brake consumables, and allowance for minor gasket and sensor maintenance on a well-kept example, based on known issues and typical service needs.

Owners report real-world fuel consumption of around 10.2 L/100km.

Community-reported real-world usage suggests changing oil every 8,000 km using 0W-20 full synthetic meeting Subaru's ILSAC GF-6 or API SP specification; community strongly recommends 5,000–8,000 km intervals for turbocharged use over the manufacturer's extended drain schedule, often more conservative than the official service schedule.

The FA24 is also found in: Subaru Outback XT (2020–present), Subaru Legacy XT (2020–2024), Subaru Ascent (2019–present, lower state of tune), Subaru Forester Sport XT (Australia/NZ market, 2023–present), Subaru Levorg STI Sport (Japan market, 2020–present).

Predominantly positive with a clear consensus that maintenance discipline is the single biggest factor in long-term reliability. Owners who keep up with oil changes and avoid aggressive tunes without supporting mods report minimal issues. Criticism is directed at previous-generation EJ engines more than the FA24, which is generally seen as a step forward in durability.