Power Train Problems of Subaru Impreza Wrx - part 1

When accelerating from a stop, the car is having trouble accelerating despite having the accelerator fully depressed. The engine sounds like it is roaring, but hardly any power is being produced. When the vehicle hits about 35-40mph, the engine surges and then full power is produced. It feels like potentially an issue with the turbo or the transmsission. This is creating a significant safety hazard as the vehicle is behaving unpredictable and could lead to an accident when having to accelerate into traffic or merge. The vehicle has already had 3 cvt transmission replacements under factory warranty. The vehicle currently has approximately 47,000 miles but is outside factory warranty now.

See all problems of the 2018 Subaru Impreza Wrx 🔎.

Driving kids home from school and while making a left hand turn through a large intersection, when shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear I heard an immediate pop and then it lost all power in third while sounding like a bag of gravel under the car. I could have easily lost power while merging on a highway instead of a lower speed turn and endangered the welfare of my two daughters. Subsequent tear down by parkway Subaru confirmed that 3rd gear had experienced catastrophic failure with hardly any gear teeth remaining on 3rd gear. I have found the problem reported numerous times online, specifically third gear. The transmission was inspected by a Subaru of America specialist, who then denied that it was a manufacturer issue. No warnings or signs of mechanical failure prior to the incident. Shifting had been normal and routine throughout lifetime of the car (1 year 15k miles). I had to wait 2 weeks to be told they were denying warranty or good will assistance on a year old vehicle purchased new. I have been driving a rental car since the incident while my car has been sitting at the dealership. Dealer has been unable to provide specific reasoning for denial of warranty beyond stating that "they feel it is not a manufacturer or material defect". Feelings aren't empirical evidence of failure last time I checked. I have tried to reach soa agent assigned to my case for three straight days with no communication until this afternoon (5/15) in which I missed their call and they did not respond when I called back within 5 minutes. Attached below are pictures from other consumers who experienced the same failure, as well as a picture of my own failure and are a report on Subaru 2022+ wrx models and issues relating to 3rd gear specifically.

See all problems of the 2024 Subaru Impreza Wrx 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2021 Subaru Impreza Wrx 🔎.

2020 wrx: tr690 (cvt) transmission that the car came equipped with, began leaking between the engine and (cvt) transmission, it was noticed during an oil change at 71686 miles but not identified as (cvt) transmission fluid immediately, it was cleaned and assumed to be oil spill. Another oil change was done at 77576 miles, and the (cvt) transmission was leaking between engine and (cvt) transmission, it was noted before the oil was even drained. I looked up recalls from NHTSA and found none. Then looked at Subaru service bulletins and found service bulletin 16-103-16 that only covers 2015 my through 2019 my wrx with (cvt) transmission leaking at front pump/chain cover between the engine and (cvt) transmission. The coverage of the service bulletin extended the (cvt) transmission warranty to 10 years 100,000 miles, and my vehicle is within the current requirements to receive repairs with only 79000 miles, but is not listed because it is a 2020 wrx, the modle of wrx with the tr690 (cvt) transmission ran from 2015 my through 2021 my. My vehicle is also registered through my Subaru app and the service bulletins/service campaign page says no sbs or scs are available, help is appreciated, thank you.

See all problems of the 2020 Subaru Impreza Wrx 🔎.

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.

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.

See all problems of the 2015 Subaru Impreza Wrx 🔎.

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 🔎.

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.

Nhtsa id:#10186366 Subaru TSB #03-78-17r this bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing. Production change information: the new clutch release bearing was incorporated into production starting with VIN h9824973.

While driving, the clutch became stiff and unusable. Ultimately the car could not be shifted resulting in using a lower gear than normal to limp the car to safety. The car had to be towed to a mechanic. During the repair the mechanic identified that the cause of the failure was the clutch fork pivot ball punched through the stamped steel clutch fork. Looking online this seems to be a common failure since aftermarket re-designed parts are offered. I feel this is a manufacturer defect which resulted in the clutch failure and a 2500. 00 repair. This car is only 7 years old with 67k miles on it. The clutch fork should not have failed catastrophically at this point in the car's life.

See all problems of the 2016 Subaru Impreza Wrx 🔎.

Mileage is 19,300 on 4/5/23 I was entering the gated community where I live stoped pressed remote to open gate then with clutch engaged shifted my wrx into first and the entire steel shaft broke at base where pin secures shaft to linkage this is a wrx sti short throw shifter pn c1010va001 445 dollar option the Subaru of ontario repair department indicated that they have never seen such an issue in all ther years and did not have a clue as to why the steel thick shifter broke in half other than the obvious in which that I am in fact superman. The dealership Subaru of ontario they called back and told me the defective steel rod was not covered under warranty and said that I caused the issue and I have to pay 1,200 with no eta or anything. I would like an investigation regarding grade of steel/tensile strength of the wrx shift assembly since it is extremely unsafe if I was on freeway the resulting failure would potentially been catastrophic my understanding that this component cannot be easily broken by human hands I have never applied 1000 psi or so of pressure that is why ian investigation into why this extremely unsafe driving condition wherein the shifter cab easily break has to be done.

Lifetime tracking data displayed incorrectly with higher data results. High rev's max speed 131mp. I have never gone over 89 mp. Manufacturer communication number: 09-79-21 components: electrical system, engine and engine cooling NHTSA id number: 10201791 manufacturer communication number: 09-79-21 summary this bulletin announces availability of ecm reprogramming files to address isolated concerns of inaccurate values being displayed when accessing lifetime tracking data using the Subaru select monitor and / or a generic scan tool (gst). 1 affected product vehicle makemodelyear Subaruwrx2021.

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 contact owns a 2020 Subaru wrx. The contact stated while starting the vehicle the vehicle would not start. The vehicle was diagnosed by the dealer and the dealer that no failure was found to the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and stated that telemetric control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 20,000.

10,510 miles, a more pressing issue arose: the transmission started to bind while in gear. As I pressed the gas pedal, my wrx refused to accelerate, and instead, the engine rpms surged. This occurred while I was on a three-lane street, in the lane furthest from the shoulder. Despite my attempts to pull over, the wrx wouldn’t engage in gear. I narrowly avoided collisions three times before managing to reach the nearest safe area to stop, which was a side road. The experience was harrowing, especially with my three children in the car. I had no choice but to have the car towed to the dealership on a flatbed. To this day, the dealership has been unable to diagnose the issue. I suspect that approximately 50 new miles were added to my odometer during its time there. The following parts were replaced in an attempt to address the problem: oil seal, main transmission shaft, lk nut-23x11, lk wash 23x35x2. 3, and gasket case r. The transmission work included replacing the clutch and associated components: pressure plate, throw-out bearing, fork, flywheel, cover cp-clutch, bearing clutch r, flywheel ay flex, complete clutch disk, spring release lever, and high-performance gear oil 75w90. Additionally, the 5th/6th synchro set and sleeve/hub, sleeve & hub no 2, and ring baulk were replaced. My wrx was in the shop for nearly 60 days. I communicated with the dealership and the manufacturer’s representatives via calls and text messages five times on the first day the dealer received the wrx, and three more times before the work order was created. "while in 2nd gear and preparing to shift at 3,500 rpms. I thought about pushing in the clutch. However, before doing so the vehicle became unresponsive without any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to the failure. " then was told voided warranty for several different reasons after the next reason: first, due to mud found under the wrx; second, the use of unauthorized parts; third, allegations of racing/speeding; and fourth, c.

The transmission began leaking fluid and has experienced slippage while driving. I took the vehicle to hendrick Subaru in Feb. 2023 for diagnostics and was told the leak was unserviceable and needed replacement. I was told they detected minor slippage at the time. It is now June 2023 and the dealer is telling me that the transmission is not going to be replaced, but rather "resealed" and they are now claiming there is no record of it ever slipping and they cannot replicate it. Subaru took months to approve any type of repair so I was forced to drive my vehicle while it continued to leak transmission fluid, which could have potentially caused additional damage.

Premature clutch failure due to faulty clutch release fork and bearings.

See all problems of the 2017 Subaru Impreza Wrx 🔎.

I first noticed the car engine began making a loud ticking sound and significantly lost power as I exited the freeway heading toward my home after work. After towing the vehicle to the Subaru dealership, they tore apart the engine and found a connecting rod bearing had failed. It had slid out between the rod and crankshaft and shattered in the oil system sending shards of metal into the engine and all components that the oil touches. Every component that oil touches needed to be replaced. Prior to this problem, maintenance and oil changes were performed according to Subaru's specifications. Had the engine completely failed on the freeway during my commute home (during rush hour traffic) I could have caused an accident and possibly hurt myself and others. Subaru inspected and kept the components that were faulty though they never accepted responsibility for the failure of the components. There was absolutely no indication nor warning signal prior to the failure of the connecting rod bearing. Subaru blamed me for the component failure saying the vehicle was not properly maintained though they never asked me for proof of maintenance. I had to pay $7868 to repair the car to it's original mechanical state.

Defective oem throw-out bearing and fork in the six speed manual transmission completely burning the clutch. I was going up a hill and the car just started rolling back. No gear would work on the car.

Unknown - car will occasionally not shift into 2nd gear, and will be able to engage every other gear other than second.

See all problems of the 2019 Subaru Impreza Wrx 🔎.

The engine blew up around 75k miles, it had blown a rod barring even though the car had been maintained. The clutch prematurly went out causing me to have to replace everything but the flywheel at under 75k miles. The clockspring is bad in the car affecting the horn and air bags. Having to get that replaced as well. The car is currently at a dealership getting everything resolved other than the clutch as thats already been replaced. My safely and others safely were at risk as if the clutch went out while driving, my horn would not work, my airbag light was on flashing and possibly wouldn't deploy in an accident and the engine blowing up due to a thrown rod barring put me at risk as it was on the freeway this happened. You can get all this info on mileage and what has been replaced. This has cost me thousands upon thousands of dollars to fix in the car when none of it should of happened.

I was driving on the highway. I had the car in 6th grade. All of a sudden the dash display tells me I'm in 4th gear instead of 6th, and I didn't even touch anything. Then the tacometer started bouncing around and when I pushed the gas peddle, it sounded and felt like it was out of gear. All of a sudden smoke came pouring out from under the hood and into the car. So I pulled over immediately. Had a tow truck come get my car, and the clutch is fried! unknown what caused the problem. It had some this to me once before, but only the part where it told me on the dash that it was in a different gear than it was in. That time, I took it out of gear, put it back in, and it was fine. The time it broke down, taking it out of gear and putting it back in didn't do any good.

Very similar issues described in previous engine failures reported. New car, off the showroom floor, serviced on frequent. There was a sudden loud clunky noise and complete loss of power. 7 weeks later still at Subaru and dealership not able to identify the issue but not started to say it was driver fault?.

Started having a rattling noise while depressing the clutch in first and second gear. Took it in to the shop and they said throw out bearing went bad. Had it replaced in 5/12/2019. Same issue recurred a few months later. Took it in and they said it needed replacing again. Second repair was on 11/19/2019.

Tl-the contact owns a 2017 Subaru wrx. The contact stated that while, making turns the accelerator pedal was applied but, the vehicle failed to move without warning. The accelerator pedal was applied several times. The accelerator pedal pertengage increased to seventy five percent message was displayed. . The vehicle was taken to Subaru of little rock12121 colonel glenn rd, little rock, ar 72210501) 503-5454 but, was not daignosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 32,000. Ap.

While driving vehicle the engine started knocking. Took to dealer under warranty and denied claim.

Clutch/brake assembly broke away from fire wall. Making car undrivable.

See all problems of the 2008 Subaru Impreza Wrx 🔎.

The welds that attach the brake and clutch peddle to the vehicle brake and allow the whole peddle assembly to move. Because of this, braking efficiency and drive gear engagement become compromised. In the event that a hard stop is needed, the whole assembly could brake and keep the driver from being able to stop. This issue is a huge hazard! this is not a convenience issue, this is a life and safety issue to not only the occupants of the Subaru but everyone on the road! I have contacted soa, and they informed me that I would have to take care of the repair myself. This repair is not just some nuts and bolts coming loose or something like that. This is a huge repair that is structural to the vehicle. At costs of well into the thousands! soa knows of the issue and refuses to do anything about it! my vehicle currently sits at 92k miles because of the poor clutch engagement I had to replace my clutch at 78k. I have video and photo evidence to go along with everything that is stated above, but a quick google search will show you that thousands of Subaru wrx and sti owners from 2008 to 2014 are or will experience this exact issue!.

I was driving on the highway going up a hill and my Subaru wrx was not shifting correctly. It smelled like burnt rubber and it felt like my vehicle didn't have any power at all so I got off on the nearest exit. I stopped at a stop light, put the vehicle in 1st gear and it would not move at all. I had to push the car out of the road with a strangers help. The car smelled like burnt rubber and it put me in a very dangerous situation. Car was towed to the nearest Subaru dealership and they said the clutch and flywheel needed to be replaced. I called the dealer where I purchased the vehicle and they said that they already replaced the clutch and flywheel before I bought the vehicle at 27,000 miles. When my clutch went out, my vehicle had 35,000 miles on it and now Subaru doesnt want to pay for this clutch. So now I am on my 3rd clutch at 35,000 miles. Its obvious that this is a common problem with other owners. In fact, Subaru even knows about this issue. They have issued two service bulletins (design changes) for the clutch's in their 2014-2017 Subaru wrxs. My guess is, they know this is a problem and they are trying to cover it up. I never would have purchased this vehicle if I knew about this issue and I will never purchase a Subaru again.

Firewall welds broke and clutch needs replacement at 88,000 miles. The clutch is still stiff and makes a creaking noise despite the firewall welds being repaired.

The clutch keeps going bad in a few thousand miles under normal use. This is the second time only after 2000 miles. Subaru tells me I abuse the clutch and don't know how to drive. I have driven only manual transmission cars, never had any problems before with any car. This Subaru has a bad clutch which they won't accept.

This issue occurs on acceleration , most noticeable when merging onto freeway from on ramp 1/2 throttle , the vehicle starts to accelerate normal then hits around 4200 rpm and the boost gauge goes nuts fluctuating up and down and the vehicle looses power , hesitates , surges ( like a flat spot ) then finally gets a little higher in rpm and it will pick up again through the rest of rpm gauge , most noticeable in lower gears ( mines a 6 speed manual , I have taken the car to dealer on 5/30/18 with 1380 miles on the odometer , huffines Subaru denton texas , tony the service manager drove my car and duplicated the complaint , he then proceeded to get another new wrx off the lot similar to mine and again duplicated the complaint ( so this is a known issue ) the dealer claims its just a design in the car , its very unsafe as you think you will get up to speed and then it hesitates which could cause an accident , the dealer did say they would open a case with Subaru techline which they did not , so I called Subaru customer service and filed a complaint , they call back 2 days later and tell me we spoke to dealer nothing we can do , so I proceeded to do an internet search and found numerous people complaining about the same issue on 17-18 wrx models , I currently have 2006 miles on the car and its still doing this , not sure if its a drive by wire , throttle map issue or a flaw in the factory tuning causing this but it needs to to be addressed and fixed , vehicle gives false sense of security on accelleration .

Throw out bearing has now gone out for the 3x. Subaru of America did everything to not replace under warranty. Grind in 3rd gear not due to driver error.

At 300 rpm car made loud sounds and died side of highway. Had to be towed 100 miles. Also had oil issue - went through a lot of oil.

I had checked my oil about a week prior to this happening. I was out on the interstate on my way to get my oil changed when I heard a loud knocking and lost all power steering and power brakes. Almost caused an accident on the interstate. I had it towed to a mechanic who told me all of my full synthetic oil was gone from the engine and it was blown. There was no smoking no leaking no lights or anything to let me know something was going wrong until it was too late. Subaru has been arguing with me for months and finally said they would cover half of the repairs but I do not feel I am responsible at all. I showed my maintenance records to a Subaru engineer who said it would be no problem getting the engine fixed at no cost to me. Well apparently that decision was reversed by someone and now I only get half of the help they promised me. My engine has been defective from the get go and Subaru needs to own up to it. Should not be replacing that engine at 56k original miles and I have every record showing I took amazing care of that car.

See all problems of the 2012 Subaru Impreza Wrx 🔎.