2015 Subaru Wrx sti problems
The Subaru WRX STI is a variant of the Subaru WRX sedan produced by in-house tuning company Subaru Tecnica International between 2014 and 2021. It succeeded the Subaru Impreza WRX STI. The VA WRX STI was the last vehicle produced with the famous EJ257 engine. Production of the WRX STI may resume production in the next generation (Presumably codenamed VC) WRX, however there are currently no plans for a VB WRX STI. STI also offers many factory-backed accessories usually available from dealerships, and accented in STI's signature cherry blossom, a tribute to the iconic tree of the same name from the brand's homeland of Japan.
First Generation (VA; 2014-2021)
The VA WRX STI was released in 2014 alongside the VA WRX. It featured uprated brakes, the famous Subaru Technica International tuned EJ257 4-cylinder engine, an uprated 6 speed manual transmission, along with a unique body kit and spoiler. Interior upgrades include an STI-exclusive gauge cluster, shifter knob, and other unique touches, including Recaro bucket seats in certain models. The WRX STI for the most part featured a red accented interior, over the WRX's black and grey.
Starting with the MY2016 update, the WRX STI gained fluorescent green brake callipers, which was a hit among the Subaru community, and is now an easy identifier of the WRX STI.
In 2020, Subaru announced they would be phasing out the WRX STI along with the EJ257, the last variant of the ageing EJ engine, with the release of the VB series WRX in 2021. Subaru introduced the STI WRX EJ25 Final Edition, based on Subaru's flagship STI Spec R. The EJ25 Final Edition features a range of upgrades including BBS 19” gold forged aluminium wheels, silver Brembo calipers, black door mirror covers, front grille pinstripe in STI cherry blossom, Final Edition engine cover plate, and numbered EJ25 Final Edition badge. Only 75 were produced for markets across the globe.
Social links
Common 2015 Subaru Wrx sti problems
The 2015 Subaru WRX STI has been reported to have several common problems, primarily related to the clutch and drivetrain. These issues have been reported by owners and can be found in various forums and articles.
One of the most common problems with the 2015 Subaru WRX STI is the clutch. Owners have reported issues such as a clutch pedal that feels wrong or slips, which can lead to more serious problems. Some have reported a bad clutch plate at 9,000 miles, costing around $1,600 to fix, while others have experienced a clutch that stopped working entirely at 25,000 miles, costing $1,400 to replace. Throwout bearing noises at 10,000 miles have also been reported.
Another issue that has been reported is drivetrain problems. These can include issues with the transmission and the engine, and can lead to expensive repairs. The worst cases have involved failed radiators at 43,000 miles, costing $800 to replace.
While these issues are not universal, they are common enough to be a concern for potential buyers. It is important to note that these problems have been reported by owners and may not be representative of all 2015 Subaru WRX STI vehicles. However, it is recommended that potential buyers be aware of these issues and consider them when making their purchasing decision.
In addition to these specific issues, some owners have reported general problems with the car, such as rattles and a crappy stereo that doesn't drown out the noise. These issues are not unique to the 2015 model year, but they are worth considering when evaluating the car as a potential purchase.
Overall, the 2015 Subaru WRX STI is a high-performance vehicle that has been reported to have several common problems. Potential buyers should be aware of these issues and consider them when making their purchasing decision. While these problems can be expensive to fix, they are not necessarily indicative of a larger issue with the car. However, it is important to thoroughly research the car and consider all factors before making a purchase.
Are there any recalls on 2015 Subaru WRX STI?
(Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2021 WRX vehicles. The backup light switch may corrode and become inoperative, which can result in the backup lights not illuminating and the rearview camera image not displaying when the vehicle is in reverse.
Is the 2015 WRX reliable?
Are Subaru WRXs typically reliable? For the most part, the Subaru WRX is reliable (we're talking about the WRX as a standalone model, which debuted for the 2015 model year). However, like with most vehicles, not every model year is perfect. The first two years (2015-2016) are considered the least dependable.
Is the Subaru WRX STI reliable?
The Subaru WRX STI is a classic car. Unfortunately, we would not recommend even the most reliable versions, thanks to the expensive repairs required. Subaru is a solid manufacturer, but the WRX STI isn't necessarily their strong suit. If you want the car for its classic standing, go with the best years available.
How long do STI engines last?
According to motorbiscuit.com, a Subaru WRX STI will last 250,000 miles if you take care of the vehicle. However, blowing the engine could result in the car falling apart no further than 60,000 miles into its lifespan. Several items will impact the lifespan of your vehicle.
Is 2015 WRX reliable?
Are Subaru WRXs typically reliable? For the most part, the Subaru WRX is reliable (we're talking about the WRX as a standalone model, which debuted for the 2015 model year). However, like with most vehicles, not every model year is perfect. The first two years (2015-2016) are considered the least dependable.
Is the Subaru WRX STI reliable?
The Subaru WRX STI is a classic car. Unfortunately, we would not recommend even the most reliable versions, thanks to the expensive repairs required. Subaru is a solid manufacturer, but the WRX STI isn't necessarily their strong suit. If you want the car for its classic standing, go with the best years available.
What is the biggest problem with WRX?
A list of some of the most common issues WRX owners have to deal with.
- CAN System Parasitic Drain on the Battery. ...
- Lineartronic CVT Reliability. ...
- Rodents Chew Subaru's Soy Wires. ...
- Subaru EyeSight Problems. ...
- Rust and Corrosion Problems.
Are there any recalls on 2015 Subaru WRX STI?
(Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2021 WRX vehicles. The backup light switch may corrode and become inoperative, which can result in the backup lights not illuminating and the rearview camera image not displaying when the vehicle is in reverse.
2015 Subaru Wrx sti car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Subaru Wrx sti problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine problems
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Structure problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2015 Subaru Wrx sti vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2015 Subaru Wrx sti complaints
The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2015 Subaru Wrx sti.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-09-10
- VIN: JF1VA2U6XF9
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT APPROX 30MPH, HEARD A NOISE, CAR STALLED AND WOULD NOT START BACK UP, BROUGHT TO SUBARU DEALER WHERE I WAS TOLD IT WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY DUE TO LACK OF OIL, GOT THE CAR BACK WITH THE ENGINE IN PIECES, FOUND THE PISTON OUT OF CYLINDER 2 AND PARTS OF THE RING LANDS WERE CRACKED OR MISSING. SUBARU REFUSED TO TAKE ACCOUNTABILITY FOR AN ISSUE WITH AN ENGINE COMPONENT BLAMING ME FOR NOT CHECKING THE OIL EVERY FILL UP WHEN I HAD THE OIL CHANGED EVERY 3000 MILES AND CHECKED IT ON A WEEKLY/BIWEEKLY BASIS.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-05-30
- VIN: JF1VA2L64F9
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: SUBARU IS DENYING ME WARRANTY WORKS OF MY ENGINE'S PISTON RINGLAND FAILURE THAT HAPPENED WITHIN THE 60,000 MILES POWERTRAIN WARRANTY AND BLAMING IT ON MODIFICATIONS. THE ONLY MODIFICATIONS THAT I HAVE ON THE CAR ARE THE FOLLOWING: -TOMEI CATBACK EXHAUST SYSTEM -BEATRUSH MOTOR MOUNTS -BEATRUSH TRANSMISSION MOUNT -BEATRUSH PITCHSTOP MOUNT. -CSF RADIATOR -IAG AIR OIL SEPARATOR NONE OF THE ABOVE MODIFICATIONS CHANGE THE SOFTWARE OF THE CAR OR CAN HAVE ANY AFFECT ON THE PISTONS TO CAUSE FAILURE. MOST OF THESE MODIFICATIONS HAVE BEEN ON MY CAR SINCE THIS ISSUE STARTED BACK ON JULY 31, 2015. THIS ALL STARTED BACK ON 7/31/2015 WHEN MY CAR (WITH 33,979 MILES) GAVE ME A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. I PLUGGED IN A DIAGNOSTIC TOOL CALLED KIWI 2 INTO THE ODB 2 PORT TO READ THE CEL CODE. CODE CAME OUT AS P000D. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO SUBARU. THE DEALERSHIP STATED THAT THE CODE COULD BE FROM THE DEVICE PLUGGED INTO THE ODB2 PORT AND RELEASED THE CAR BACK TO ME. FROM THIS POINT ON, SUBARU RED FLAGGED MY CAR AS MODIFIED BECAUSE I HAD A DIAGNOSTIC TOOL PLUGGED INTO THE ODB2 PORT. ON 8/10/2015 (34,615 MILES), I BROUGHT THE CAR BACK TO THE LADIN SUBARU DEALERSHIP BECAUSE CEL FOR P000D CAME BACK. DEALERSHIP PERFORMED AN OIL CHANGE FOLLOWING THE TROUBLE TREE AND RELEASED THE CAR BACK TO ME. ON 08/13/15 (34,858 MILES), CEL P000D CAME BACK. DEALERSHIP FOUND CONTROL VALVE ON BANK 2 FAILED AND REPLACED IT. THE CAR WAS RELEASED BACK TO ME ON 8/20/2015. ON 8/24/15 (34,992), CEL P000D CAME BACK ONCE AGAIN. TO FIX THE PROBLEM, TECH LINGE KYLE (CASE #11134774710) ADVISED TO REMOVE TIMING COVER & REPLACE SPROCKET AND RESET TIMING. THEY TEST DROVE THE CAR 200 MILES AND RELEASED THE CAR BACK TO ME ON 9/11/2015. ...MORE STORIES IN THE ATTACHED DOCUMENT TILL MOST RECENT 5/30/2017 WHERE THEY DENY WARRANTY WORK. CAR STILL IN THE DEALERSHIP AS OF THIS WRITING.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-02-06
- VIN: JF1VA2P63F9
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,STRUCTURE
- Summary: WHEN PULLING THE FUEL DOOR RELEASE LEVER THE DOOR FAILS TO OPEN. HAPPENED ONCE A LITTLE OVER A YEAR AGO. THEN ABOUT 2 MONTHS AGO IT WAS EVERY OTHER TIME I NEEDED TO FILL UP. NOW IT'S EVERY SINGLE TIME. I FUEL UP EVERY 4-5 DAYS AND IT'S STARTING TO BECOME A HASSLE. I PICK UP MY WIFE FROM WORK SO THAT'S WHEN I DECIDE TO FUEL UP, SHE REACHES OVER AND PULLS THE LEVER MULTIPLE TIMES WHILE I SLIP MY ID/DEBIT CARD THROUGH THE GAP TO POP OPEN THE FUEL DOOR OPEN. SOMETIMES THE DOOR POPS OPEN A BIT WHERE I CAN PULL IT OPEN WITH MY NAILS. IT NEVER FULLY OPENS HOW IT USED TO BEFORE LIKE WHEN I BOUGHT IT. WHEN I'M BY MYSELF SELF I DRIVE OVER BUMPS WHILE PULLING THE RELEASE LEVER REALLY QUICKLY, NOT TO MENTION HOW DANGEROUS IT IS BECAUSE I HAVE TO REACH DOWN WHILE DRIVING. SOMETIMES IT OPENS RIGHT AWAY WHEN I HIT SOME BUMPS SOMETIMES IT TAKES A WHILE. JUST THINKING ABOUT GETTING STRANDED BECAUSE I CAN'T GET IT TO OPEN REALLY WORRIES ME. LOVE MY CAR, HAD IT FOR ALMOST 3 YEARS AND THIS IS THE ONLY THING SO FAR THAT'S MALFUNCTIONING. *TR
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2015 Subaru Wrx sti problems:
How Reliable Would a 2015+ STI Be As a Daily? : r/subaru
Feb 4, 2020 ... The ej257 motor had ringland issues as well. The STI's have the same engine as previous generations all the way to 2004. The WRX got the FA ...
2015-16 WRX - common PROBLEMS? - NASIOC
Mar 28, 2016 ... (connecting rods due to high boost, slipping clutches from hard launches) but just stuff to look out for if i get one! All my subaru buddy ...
Planning to buy Subaru WRX 2015 , do you recommend? What are ...
Sep 11, 2020 ... In the USA there have been problems with the 2.0 liter engines burning excessive amounts of oil. The transmissions in that generation are ...
2015+ wrx reliability : r/WRX
Mar 23, 2018 ... My 15 wrx has had a full engine replacement, replaced radiator, oil issues, and other driving issues. I haven't had my car for 4+ months. It's ...
Here Are The Subaru WRX Years To Avoid - CoPilot
Apr 20, 2023 ... Common Subaru WRX Problems · Engine issues: Apparently, the WRX had some troubles with internal engine issues. · Oil leaks: According to some ...
Leave your review of 2015 Subaru Wrx sti