Subaru WRX STI Problems: 16 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2004-2021 model years · 2,240+ owner reports · Updated April 2026

According to Au7o's analysis of 2,240+ owner reports, the 2004-2021 Subaru WRX STI has 16 documented known issues, with 6 rated critical. The most serious are Spun Rod Bearing Failure (EJ257) ($5,000-$12,000 repair), EJ257 Piston Ringland Failure ($3,000-$7,000 repair), Power Steering Hose/Line Leak (ATF on Exhaust, Smoke/Burning Smell) ($250-$900 repair), Steering Rack Internal Leak/Failure (Heavy Steering, Fluid Loss) ($900-$2,200 repair), Hatchback Rear Strut Tower Cracking/Seam Separation (GR STI) ($800-$3,500 repair) and Oil Starvation During Hard Cornering (EJ257 Boxer Engine) ($200-$3,500 repair). The most commonly reported issue is Spun Rod Bearing Failure (EJ257) with 780 owner reports. Across all issues, repair costs range from $50 to $12,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

All 16 Known Issues

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When Issues Typically Appear

Rear Differential Whine and Wear

15K-20K

Power Steering Hose/Line Leak (ATF on Exhaust, Smoke/Burning Smell)

30K-110K

Hatchback Rear Strut Tower Cracking/Seam Separation (GR STI)

30K-120K

Air Injection System (Secondary Air Pump/Valves) Failure (P0410/P244x)

40K-120K

Intercooler Y-Pipe/Turbo Inlet Coupler Tearing (Post-MAF Air Leak, Underboost)

40K-150K

Wheel Bearing Premature Wear (Humming/Growling, Play at Hub)

40K-120K

Steering Rack Internal Leak/Failure (Heavy Steering, Fluid Loss)

50K-140K

Tumble Generator Valve (TGV) Sensor/Motor Fault (P2004/P2005/P2011/P2016)

60K-160K

Catalytic Converter Efficiency Failure (P0420) on Stock Downpipe

80K-180K

050K100K150K200K mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Subaru WRX STI problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 2,240+ owner reports, the 2004-2021 Subaru WRX STI has 16 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Spun Rod Bearing Failure (EJ257), EJ257 Piston Ringland Failure, Power Steering Hose/Line Leak (ATF on Exhaust, Smoke/Burning Smell). Of these, 6 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Subaru WRX STI reliable?

The 2004-2021 Subaru WRX STI has 16 known issues documented across 2,240+ owner reports. 6 issues are rated critical: Spun Rod Bearing Failure (EJ257) and EJ257 Piston Ringland Failure and Power Steering Hose/Line Leak (ATF on Exhaust, Smoke/Burning Smell) and Steering Rack Internal Leak/Failure (Heavy Steering, Fluid Loss) and Hatchback Rear Strut Tower Cracking/Seam Separation (GR STI) and Oil Starvation During Hard Cornering (EJ257 Boxer Engine). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Subaru WRX STI problems?

Repair costs for known Subaru WRX STI issues range from $50 to $12,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Spun Rod Bearing Failure (EJ257), typically costs $5,000-$12,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What year Subaru WRX STI is the most reliable?

Reliability varies across model years of the Subaru WRX STI. Based on owner reports, issues are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2004-2021 Subaru WRX STI with 16 documented issues from 2,240+ owner reports.