Engine And Engine Cooling Problems of Subaru Impreza Wrx - part 1

Oil changes always done, no modifications to vehicle. Driving down road lights all come one and car starts smoking. Rod broke and put hole in engine.

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Driving my car as any person would, at the 3519 mile mark on the odometer the engine low oil light came on, it took (1. 5q) of oil to top it off. This is a brand new car no one buys a new car to add oil to it, then to get told by the dealership that it’s normal for up to (2q) of oil to be added because it’s the only awd boxer, but yet the 24 crosstreks have boxers and doesn’t burn oil?????.

See all problems of the 2024 Subaru Impreza Wrx 🔎.

I have been experiencing a strong fuel odor both inside and outside the cabin when starting the engine. After several months of experiencing this issue, I recently had my vehicle fully inspected by an authorized Subaru dealership, and they confirmed a critical fuel leak issue. The dealership discovered that the high-pressure fuel pipe is leaking, as confirmed by a camera inspection of the engine bay. They have deemed the vehicle unsafe to drive and have strongly advised against further use due to the potential fire hazard. It is important to note that my vehicle has never been involved in an accident, and no prior mechanical work has been performed in the affected area, which suggests this may be a manufacturing defect.

I am filing this complaint to report a serious safety concern involving my 2021 Subaru wrx, which is currently covered under the manufacturer’s powertrain warranty as well as an extended warranty. Subaru of ontario, an authorized Subaru dealership, failed to properly diagnose or repair ongoing engine issues during multiple service visits. Despite documented problems, the vehicle was released to me in a condition that was unsafe to operate since their location did not have a loaner, fully aware of the issues at hand, exposing me and my family to serious risk while driving. As a result of this negligence, the engine has now deteriorated to the point of needing a full replacement. Subaru of ontario is attempting to charge me $3,000 for an engine replacement, despite warranty coverage that should fully apply. The dealership has refused to acknowledge their failure in prior inspections or take accountability for releasing an unsafe vehicle back onto the road. I am reporting this as a vehicle safety hazard and potential warranty fraud, as the dealership’s actions directly led to unsafe operating conditions and are now being used as justification to deny coverage. I urge the NHTSA to investigate both this specific incident and whether this may reflect a larger pattern among Subaru service centers. I am prepared to provide service records, warranty documentation, dealership communications, and supporting evidence upon request.

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In October 2024, my vehicle, a 2021 Subaru wrx sti, was purchased from a Toyota dealership (fort bend sterling mccall Toyota). The dealership sold the vehicle with an oil issue and a modified ecm. This issue caused catastrophic engine failure while driving. The vehicle stalled and could not be started. Subaru dealership technicians confirmed the cause as improper service leading to catastrophic oil starvation. The failure put both myself and others at risk, as the engine lost power mid-operation on a busy road. The vehicle was towed to a certified Subaru dealership, where it has been detained since December 2024. Despite being under warranty, repairs have been delayed for over 6 months due to blame disputes between the dealership, the manufacturer, and the extended warranty provider. There were no prior dashboard warnings or messages before failure, only loss of power and engine noise at the time of the incident. The vehicle has been fully inspected and documented by the Subaru service center, and all evidence has been preserved. I have been without a primary vehicle for over 7 months.

The current issues with my recently purchased used vehicle are as follows: clutch, odometer tampering, steering rack, 2 axle leaks, electrical issues, inspection issues. I tried to see if the dealership that I bought the car from is willing to fix these issues they keep going back and forth with me on these issues even though I just recently purchased the car stating that I have to pay for it. I purchased this car [xxx]. There were several issues with this car prior to purchase that were not disclosed when I purchased it. The dealership that I bought the car from, highline car connection/yankee auto sales, insisted we buy an extended warranty. Upon inspection at dan perkins Subaru, one of the biggest safety issues with this vehicle is the clutch, I was informed that the clutch cover was missing and there were aftermarket bolts used, I was informed that the clutch is a normal wear and tear item such as an oil change and because of these two issues my warranty will not cover fixing the clutch. As you can see in my documents I just recently purchased this vehicle and had it for 28 days. I also noticed that there was odometer tampering, I reviewed the paperwork the dealership gave me for the carfax report and I went online to retrieve my own carfax report, there are several discrepancies in which I included with my documents. My vehicle has been in the shop since December 6th 2024 it is not safe to drive on the road in the condition it is which is the same condition the car was sold to me in. For the last week I have been going back and forth with the original dealership the insurance company allstate with the warranty and dan perkins Subaru trying to figure out a way to get my car safe on the road and no one is willing to assist me properly. Please review the documents and get back to me at your earliest convenience thank you for your assistance with these issues. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2017 Subaru Impreza Wrx 🔎.

With 61,700 miles on the car the engine lost a rod bearing going around a sharp corner on and off ramp of interstate highway. If failure had caused block to crack or break it would have put oil down on the highway and would of caused loss of control of the car. From research done online it seems sharp corners cause engine catastrophic failure. Car is currently at Subaru dealership. Subaru will not do anything about the issue. Vehicle had fresh oil change 2 days before failure with no noise or warning before failure.

See all problems of the 2019 Subaru Impreza Wrx 🔎.

I purchased the vehicle used with 33800 miles and at 34100 the engine stalled and was hard to start, once started it was knocking severely. I have seen a class action law suit based on the same issues but the 2020 model year is not included.

See all problems of the 2020 Subaru Impreza Wrx 🔎.

I bought a 2018 Subaru wrx with 61,000 miles, after driving it 6,000 miles with engine spun a rod bearing, requiring a complete engine replacement. This is a vehicle that in the previous 4th generation of the car, it was recalled for this exact issue. The total repair bill for this fix is $11,720. 43. This is on a car with 67,000 miles. 7,000 miles over Subaru's manufacture warranty. After speaking with a few service advisors at Subaru. It is my belief, that this is a known issue with this model.

I would just like to complain about the excess rtv on the engine oil pan that has been demonstrated on numerous videos of people opening up the oil drain pan and finding chunks of rtv blocking some of the engine oil pickup tube. I have not opened up my oil drain pan due to cost. This has not lead to failure as of yet but it is worrisome. Thank you.

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Engine rod knock at 32,000 miles due to bearing failure causing loss of control of vehicle and sudden loss of power and control. Car was logged to be traveling at 35 mph with normal acceleration at time of failure. Carter Subaru confirmed bearing failure, and fits with the pattern confirmed in 2012-2017 wrx sti engine failure class action settlement, as part in 2018 remains unchanged from 2017 according to mechanics. Head mechanic at dealership confirmed that only car modification (intake) would not cause catastrophic loss of oil leading to bearing failure, and thus it is likely due to engine design that leads to poor oil circulation as a known issue in this ej25 engine type. Engine components have been inspected by carter Subaru, and have been made available to Subaru of America, along with images, videos, pictures, receipts, logs, records, computer/ecu data, receipts, tool purchases, and other maintenance and service logs for the car (including prior to ownership). Dealership acknowledges that the car maintenance exceeded the manufacturer recommendation, yet engine still failed even with oil changes done at 3,000 mile intervals. . . While manual states much higher interval to follow. Engine still failed at increased oil change levels. Problem appeared once engine started knocking, which means the engine has already suffered irreversible engine failure and needs to be replaced, according to Subaru. Subaru of America assigned a customer advocate but has been incommunicado for the duration of the investigation and refuses to answer or even acknowledge that a claim has been opened, as they constantly cite erroneous interactions with the vehicle owner.

My engine starting making like a clunking sound I always have took my car for service at the dealership I own the 2015 Subaru wrx premium I haven’t move the car after the noise due to scare I might mess something with the engine.

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Severe engine failure! was driving steady speed on highway, then I let off the throttle and heard a bad knocking noise on deceleration. The engine oil temp increased to around 230f. I slowed down to limp it to the next exit and it started jerking. I made it to an exit and the engine stalled at the red light. No smoke, oil level good, coolant level good. Had it towed to Subaru dealer, where they said the engine has severe damage and needs a short block engine assembly. Warranty was denied because it has a cold air intake. Complained to Subaru corporate because an intake should not cause catastrophic engine failure at only 38,000 miles.

Customer owns a 2018 Subaru wrx: while driving 15-20 mph, the vehicle started making an abnormally subtle knocking sound that became louder while driving to the destination. Customer has no recollection of a warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be rebuilt, cost to the customer was going to be over $11,000. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and as of now, has yet to offer any assistance with repairs. However, Subaru of America did offer $750 towards the purchase of a new vehicle. The failure mileage was 41,573. The exact diagnosis was engine rod bearing failure; and as earlier stated no assistance to customer has yet to be offered, other than $750 off the purchase of a new vehicle.

The contact owns a 2018 Subaru wrx. The contact stated while driving 15-20 mph, the vehicle made an abnormally subtle knocking sound that became louder while driving to the destination. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be rebuilt. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered to provide assistance towards the purchase of a new vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 41,573.

The contact owns a 2015 Subaru wrx. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he heard an abnormal sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed failures with the drive belt, front drive axles, rear axle differential seals, and windshield washer reservoir. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 87,000.

Engine failure rod bearing failure is extremely common. Can leave motorist in danger being stranded on the road. Subaru of America has inspected the engine but claims they are at not fault and refuse to assist. Investigate online how common the motor failure on a fa20dit motor is. I can tell you many owners who are on their 2nd to 3rd motor. This is extremely dangerous and I hope there is a resolution.

Low engine oil levels came on just last week. I had gotten my complimentary oil/rotate last month. I’ve heard and seen videos on this vehicle having excessive rtv sealant on the oil pan. Makes me very concerned seeing how the rtv clogs the oil pickup resulting in oil deprivation. Seeing how this is my only car I rely a lot on this vehicle. The engine could’ve seized up on me anytime. When the light had come on I checked my dipstick and found that there was hardly any oil in the engine. T dipstick was practically dry. I have documentations to prove it as well. I’ve topped up my own oil and will be monitoring this problem. If I reproduce the same problem I will be back to complain again/headed to the dealership. This needs to be fixed ASAP. Seeing how my car only has 18,000 miles it’s ridiculous. Recall the vehicles already and get this issue resolved before someone gets seriously injured. No way I’m paying for something production messed up on.

See all problems of the 2022 Subaru Impreza Wrx 🔎.

Engine failed while driving causing vehicle to stall.

Oil pickup tube was clogged with rtv that was over used to seal the oil pan, which causes less oil flow into the engine and can cause failure.

The electric pushbutton would not function. I have a standard transmission and I let the clutch out too soon by accident. It killed the engine but the electrical components stayed on, such as lights, interior dash gauge, air conditioning, radio, everything else functioned as if the car were on and running however, I couldn't start the vehicle and the push button did not generate any response from the vehicle. Opening and shutting the door did not work, getting out and locking the car did not do anything. It was just like when a desktop computer freezes with the screen still functioning. This is the third time it has happened, the first 2 times it was 1. In a store parking lot 2. In my garage. 3. Today it happened as I was trying to leave the house, in my garage again. Each time, letting off the clutch too soon is what caused the car to behave this way. The first time I sat in the parking lot for about 15 minutes, same with the second time. This time I made sure to look at a clock and it happened at 10:50 am cst, it is 11:21 am cst currently and still no response from the car, it will not turn on. My safety so far has not been a concern as I was in a parking lot or garage each time this has happened but if this happens in traffic or in an intersection, it will be deadly. It will kill people both myself and other motorists. I have slipped off of the clutch before in this vehicle and this malfunction does not happen each time. It is sporadic. I don't know why it happens only sometimes. The problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. The vehicle or component has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or any other people. The first occurrences have been in the month of June 2023. There were no other warning lamps on to indicate any problems. The dash lights, air, etc remain on after it happens just like when you switch the car to the "accessories" position however the engine will not crank.

The contact owns a 2019 Subaru wrx. The contact stated while driving 40 mph, there was an abnormal popping sound detected, and the engine seized. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who informed the contacts that the repair was not covered under the warranty. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The technician checked the black box, which indicated that the vehicle had been driven at 144 mph, the turbo was spun, and the warranty was declined. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.

Excessive rtv silicone was used on the oil pan on this year/make/model. This issue causes pieces of rtv to break off inside the oil pan and clog the oil pickup resulting in the engine being deprived of oil. I’m seeing more and more people document this issue online and worry the $33,000 car I just bought may have this issue. Subaru has not issued any recall knowing this is affecting many many vehicles.

The secondary O2 pump will burn out or continue running causing unsafe risk to short circuit a fire. Recall has already been previously documented in the -2014 models however Subaru uses the same design and part number. My car secondary O2 pump was replaced under warrenty at 55k miles now at 90knmiles have the same cel code.

Engine has rod knock present common amongst owners. Short block replaced under warranty at 55k miles. How can a stock engine with synthetic oil changes commonly fail? flaws.

Car has some type of black silicone inside oil pan. Inside upper pan as well. Also has clogged a screen that oil passed through. I have seen many people online do this pan drop time and time again and still having big chunks blocking its path to engine. I’m afraid of oil deprivation. This with ultimately destroy the entire motor. This could lead to serious injury or death if the motor suddenly goes. I believe this needs to be looked into to help prevent this. More of these 2022 Subaru wrxs being manufactured in this manner could ultimately destroy a 30,000$ vehicle and lead to crashing out unexpectedly. My phone number is +1 (570) 971-1105 thank you for your time. ,james carr.

The vehicle’s oil pan has seal is made up of rtv silicone and it seems an excessive amount was placed around the oil pan. I’ve noticed that this has caused some of the silicone sealant to chip off into the oil pan causing it to flow into the oil pick up. Over time I’ve noticed a burning smell from the engine bay area and the exhaust. I know different models of Subaru have the same engine type and have all faced this issue causing catastrophic damage to the engine. And so far I have not heard Subaru making any headway to fix the issue. This is my daily vehicle and I really do not want what could be a simple fix to destroy my car. But I’m sure a lot of other Subaru wrx owners are facing this issue! there have been many owners posting videos of them dropping the pan to show residue of the rtv silicone getting caught in the oil pick up filter. Subaru needs to fix this since it came from the factory with this defect!.

The fa24 engine for this car uses an rtv gasket to seal the oil pan. Subaru ended up using too much rtv sealant on this engine which ended up causing pieces of rtv to fall off inside of the oil pan. This can cause a clog in the oil pickup which may result in oil starvation for the engine. If this happens in traffic and the motor blows up, it could cause a collision. Subaru doesn't have any active service or recalls for this issue and it has been known to happen on the brz and Toyota 86 which both use the same engine. You can see online that others have dropped the oil pans on their fa24s and found rtv fluid in their oil pan. Recently, rallysport direct on youttube release a video detailing them dropping the oil pan on a 22 wrx and found large pieces of rtv clogging the oil pickup. If Subaru doesn't address this issue, it can affect many vehicles on the road.

The seal on the oil pan is chipping off and getting into the oil pan and oil pick up system and causing oil starvation.

There is a huge concern about excess rtv getting into the oil pick up that will cause oil starvation in the engine once enough particles of rtv have caused obstruction. The 2022 wrx has the same engine fa24 as the Subaru brz and Toyota gr86, both have had issues with excess rtv in the oil can and have caused catastrophic damage. There has been many articles, forum posts, and videos showing this issue. Lastly, removal of rtv is very labor intensive as the header must be dropped in order to get the oil pan off. You can not remove the oil pick up without taking the entire front timing cover off either. In conclusion, most will not be able to have this cleaned out themselves and would only have the option to pay the dealership or an independent shop to do the work.

Excessive rtv used to seal engine and oil pan is clogging the oil pickup in the oil pan. Many 2022 Subaru wrx owners have had a technician take off the oil pan to inspect the oil pickup and inside the oil pan. They are finding lots of grey rtv as well as black rtv. Both grey and black are used to seal the engine in different areas. This is very concerning especially since most of these cars are under the 1st oil change time and mileage. Under 6000k miles. . . Long term there will be a significantly greater amount of floating rtv that will inevitably clog the oil pick up. . . My 2022 wrx only has 400 miles on it and I am already losing sleep over this very serious global issue with this engine.

Rtv sealant was over applied to the oil pan and timing cover which will result in a clogged oil pickup. Having a clogged oil pick up will starve the engine from oil which yields extremely catastrophic results, especially in a performance sports sedan. This is the same complaint as the others. Thank you.

Excessive use of rtv is finding its way into oil pan and clogging oil pick up. Will most likely cause oil starvation to the engine. This needs to be addressed by Subaru ASAP.

Subaru's negligence strikes again with the same problem their other cars have had in previous years. The rtv silicone, a substance utilized to seal various components in the engine block was excessively applied in surplus. Therefore, this rtv ends up clogging essential components of the engine block, such as, however not limited to, the tube used to draw and release oil from the oil pan. There is also potential evidence that other components and chambers in the engine block may also be affected. This rtv blockage, if ignored, may cause oil starvation, damaging or outright destroying various essential components of the engine block and therefore leaving the engine totaled and unrepairable. What I ask is we force a recall on Subaru's part as a standard required check-up for this issue to have these blockages cleared and excess removed. Otherwise, we'll be seeing a lot of blown motors as a result. Important to note: Subaru dealerships are not running this fix as a warranty, therefore checkups and repairs must be made out of pocket.

There has been many credible reports with evidence that an excessive amount of rtv is used in the oil pan area, causing enough silicone to become lodged within the lines. This can and will cause the motor to fail as oil starvation can occur. Removing the oil pan would void the warranty and is not in a serviceable location. Subaru of America has been made aware of these reports but has not responded with a recall. Reported incident is the date in which this was first reported by body shops I could find. . Read more...