2016 Subaru WRX

The 2016 Subaru WRX is a popular sport compact car known for its turbocharged engine, standard all-wheel drive, and engaging driving experience. It came equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Owners appreciate the WRX for its performance, handling, and practicality, but some common complaints include the stiff ride, road noise, and occasional reliability issues.

Engine

2.0L Turbocharged Engine

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Some 2016 WRX owners have reported excessive oil consumption, requiring frequent top-offs between oil changes. Symptoms include low oil level warnings and visible exhaust smoke in severe cases.
  • Solution: Addressing this issue can involve a few steps, starting with confirming oil consumption through a consumption test performed by a Subaru dealer. If consumption exceeds Subaru’s specified limit, potential solutions include replacing the piston rings or, in some cases, the entire engine.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $7,000+ depending on the solution and if it is under warranty.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Knocking/Pinging Noises
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners experience knocking or pinging noises from the engine, particularly under acceleration. This can be related to the engine management system, fuel quality, or carbon buildup.
  • Solution: Start with using premium fuel (91 octane or higher). A Subaru dealer may perform a diagnostic scan to check for any error codes. A carbon cleaning service may also be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100-$500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Premature turbocharger failure can occur, leading to a loss of power, unusual noises from the engine, and potentially exhaust smoke.
  • Solution: Turbocharger replacement is usually required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Manual

• Grinding During Shifts
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported grinding noises during shifts, particularly into 2nd or 3rd gear. This could indicate worn synchros.
  • Solution: Replacing the affected synchros or rebuilding the transmission is often necessary. Some owners have had luck with changing the transmission fluid to a higher quality synthetic fluid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50-$150 for new fluid, $1,500 - $3,000+ for synchro replacement or rebuild.
  • Recalls: None Found

CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)

• Hesitation or Jerking
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported hesitation or jerky behavior, especially during low-speed acceleration or when the transmission is cold.
  • Solution: A CVT fluid change might alleviate the issue. In some cases, a software update or even CVT replacement is required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150-$300 for fluid change, $4,000 - $8,000+ for replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear Suspension Clunk
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported a clunking noise coming from the rear suspension, especially when going over bumps. This can be caused by worn or loose sway bar bushings or end links.
  • Solution: Inspect and replace worn sway bar bushings and end links.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Head Unit Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The factory head unit can experience glitches, including freezing, crashing, or Bluetooth connectivity problems.
  • Solution: Software updates may resolve some issues. In some cases, head unit replacement is necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (if software update fixes it) - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Cracked Windshield
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have had issues with their windshield cracking easily.
  • Solution: Windshield replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Rattling
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have had rattling noises coming from the interior, especially the dashboard, door panels, and rear deck.
  • Solution: Identifying the source of the rattle and securing the loose components. This can involve adding foam padding or tightening fasteners.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 - $200+

Summary

The 2016 Subaru WRX is a fun-to-drive car, but potential buyers should be aware of the common issues, especially those related to the engine and transmission. Excessive oil consumption in the 2.0L turbocharged engine can be a costly repair, as can CVT failures. While some issues are relatively minor and inexpensive to fix, others can be significant. A pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic is highly recommended to identify any potential problems before buying a used 2016 WRX.