2014 Subaru WRX

Introduction

The 2014 Subaru WRX is a compact sports sedan known for its potent turbocharged engine, agile handling, and spacious interior. It is offered with three engine options: a 2.0L turbocharged flat-four (265 horsepower, 244 lb-ft of torque), a 2.5L turbocharged flat-four (305 horsepower, 290 lb-ft of torque), and a 2.5L naturally aspirated flat-four (170 horsepower, 174 lb-ft of torque). Transmission options include a 6-speed manual, a 5-speed automatic, and a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

People like the 2014 WRX for its thrilling driving experience, comfortable cabin, and impressive cargo space. However, it has also been plagued by several issues.

Engine

2.0L Turbocharged Flat-Four

• Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, leading to low oil levels and potential engine damage
  • Solution: Replace piston rings and/or valve stem seals
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Worn or broken timing chain tensioner, resulting in improper timing and potential engine damage
  • Solution: Replace timing chain tensioner
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found

2.5L Turbocharged Flat-Four

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Premature failure of turbocharger, causing reduced engine power and boost pressure
  • Solution: Replace turbocharger
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Fuel Injector Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaking or clogged fuel injectors, leading to rough idle, poor performance, and increased fuel consumption
  • Solution: Replace fuel injectors
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found

2.5L Naturally Aspirated Flat-Four

• No Issues Found

Transmission

6-Speed Manual

• Grinding Gears
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, particularly into 2nd and 3rd gear, resulting in grinding noises
  • Solution: Replace synchronizers and/or gear sets
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

5-Speed Automatic

• Shift Solenoid Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Malfunctioning shift solenoid, leading to delayed gear shifts, transmission slipping, and potential transmission damage
  • Solution: Replace shift solenoid pack
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,200
  • Recalls: None Found
• Transmission Control Unit (TCU) Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: Faulty TCU, resulting in transmission shifting problems, erratic behavior, and potential transmission failure
  • Solution: Replace TCU
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500
  • Recalls: None Found

CVT

• Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping under load, particularly during acceleration or hill climbing
  • Solution: Replace CVT belt and/or pulleys
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Belt Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Broken or stretched CVT belt, causing loss of drive and potentially catastrophic transmission damage
  • Solution: Replace CVT belt and/or pulleys
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Strut Top Mount Bearing Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Worn or damaged strut top mount bearings, resulting in clunking noises and poor handling
  • Solution: Replace strut top mount bearings
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Premature alternator failure, leading to insufficient electrical power and potential battery drain
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive battery discharge while the vehicle is parked, potentially leading to a dead battery
  • Solution: Identify and rectify sources of power drain, such as faulty lighting or accessories
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the cause
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Windshield Washer Fluid Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaking windshield washer fluid reservoir or hoses, resulting in fluid loss and potential visibility issues
  • Solution: Replace or repair leaking component
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Climate Control Knobs Sticking
  • Description/Symptoms: Climate control knobs and buttons get stuck or become difficult to operate
  • Solution: Replace or repair affected knobs and buttons
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $250
  • Recalls: None Found
• Steering Wheel Trim Peeling
  • Description/Symptoms: Leather or imitation leather trim on the steering wheel peeling or cracking
  • Solution: Replace steering wheel trim
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2014 Subaru WRX is a popular sports sedan with a number of significant issues that can be costly to repair. While some issues, such as oil consumption and turbocharger failure, are more prevalent in the higher-performance engine options, others, like CVT slipping and electrical problems, can affect all models. Overall, the severity and cost of these issues should be carefully considered before purchasing a used 2014 WRX.