2015 Subaru WRX

The 2015 Subaru WRX marked a significant redesign for the popular sports sedan. It came equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder FA20F engine, producing 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options included a 6-speed manual and a Sport Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). Owners often praise the WRX for its engaging driving dynamics, powerful engine, and standard all-wheel drive. However, common complaints revolve around the CVT’s performance and reliability, interior quality, and some engine-related issues.

Engine

2.0L FA20F Turbocharged Engine

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported high oil consumption, requiring frequent top-offs between oil changes. This can manifest as a low oil warning light or noticeable decrease on the dipstick.
  • Solution: Monitoring oil levels and potentially performing an oil consumption test at a dealership. In severe cases, engine repairs or replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $7,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Knocking/Pinging
  • Description/Symptoms: Owners have reported a knocking or pinging sound, especially under hard acceleration or when using lower octane fuel.
  • Solution: Using premium fuel (91 octane or higher) and ensuring the engine is properly tuned. In some cases, a re-tune may be needed to address the issue.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Failed Turbocharger
  • Description/Symptoms: The turbocharger may fail prematurely, leading to a loss of power, excessive smoke from the exhaust, and/or unusual noises from the engine.
  • Solution: Replacement of the turbocharger.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Manual Transmission

• No Issues Found

Sport Lineartronic CVT

• Jerky/Hesitant Acceleration
  • Description/Symptoms: The CVT can exhibit jerky or hesitant acceleration, especially from a standstill or at low speeds. This can be more pronounced in certain driving modes.
  • Solution: Software updates to the CVT control module or, in some cases, CVT replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $7,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Premature Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported premature CVT failure, requiring complete replacement. This can be accompanied by warning lights, unusual noises, or loss of power.
  • Solution: CVT replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $6,000 - $8,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear Suspension Clunking
  • Description/Symptoms: A clunking noise coming from the rear suspension, especially when going over bumps. This can be caused by worn sway bar bushings or end links.
  • Solution: Replacement of the sway bar bushings or end links.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Head Unit Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The factory head unit can experience various issues, including freezing, rebooting, and Bluetooth connectivity problems.
  • Solution: Software updates, replacement of the head unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Cracked Windshield
  • Description/Symptoms: The windshield is prone to cracking, even from small impacts.
  • Solution: Windshield replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Rattling/Buzzing Noises
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling and buzzing noises from various interior panels, particularly the dashboard and door panels.
  • Solution: Tightening loose panels, adding sound dampening material.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2015 Subaru WRX is a performance-oriented vehicle with some known reliability issues. The most significant concerns revolve around the Sport Lineartronic CVT transmission, which can suffer from jerky performance and premature failure, potentially leading to high repair costs. The engine can also experience issues like oil consumption and knocking. While the manual transmission appears to be more reliable, other components like the suspension and electrical systems can also present problems. Prospective buyers should be aware of these potential issues and factor them into their purchasing decision, and conduct a thorough inspection of the vehicle.