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Buying guide

Subaru WRX STI GR and GV (2007 to 2014): buying guide, problems and NZ numbers

The Subaru WRX STI GR and GV was built from 2007 to 2014 as a sedan or hatchback, with a manual or automatic gearbox, all wheel drive and petrol power. Chassis codes: GRB, GRF, GVB and GVF. Redline has a curated guide to its 5 most reported weak points, from owner club and specialist sources.

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Key facts

Years
2007 to 2014
Chassis codes
GRB, GRF, GVB, GVF
Body types
Sedan, Hatchback
Gearboxes
Manual, Automatic
Drive
AWD (all wheel drive)
Fuel
Petrol

On NZ roads

Counting every one on the NZ register. The first look can take up to 15 seconds.

Known weak points

Curated by Redline from owner club and specialist sources Commonly reported by owners and specialists for the Subaru Impreza WRX and STI GR (2007 to 2014). Not every car has these; check this one.

  1. EJ25 ringlands and cylinder 4

    A US class action covered piston and ringland trouble on 2009 to 2014 WRX and STI models, with cylinder 4 the worst affected. Labouring the engine at low revs in high gears and low octane fuel make it worse.

    Where to look
    The engine, and a compression test sheet
    How to test
    Get a compression test done before buying. Listen for knock and watch for smoke.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost pistons or a replacement engine

    Sources: pistonheads.com (opens in a new tab)

  2. Clutch pedal squeak

    A squeaking clutch pedal can be an early sign of spot weld failure on the pedal assembly or the bulkhead.

    Where to look
    The clutch pedal box under the dash and the bulkhead behind it
    How to test
    Press the clutch several times with the engine off and listen for a squeak or creak.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost welding behind the dash

    Sources: pistonheads.com (opens in a new tab)

  3. Release bearing and gear selection

    Release bearing trouble is not unknown, and gears that grind unless you wait for the revs to drop are a warning sign.

    Where to look
    The clutch pedal and gear lever
    How to test
    Change up quickly through the gears warm. Listen for a noise that changes when the clutch is pressed.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost clutch and bearing job

    Sources: pistonheads.com (opens in a new tab)

  4. Brake master cylinder recall

    A 2012 recall covered about 3,000 Impreza, Legacy and Outback cars for the brake master cylinder. Pulsing brakes are reported by some owners.

    Where to look
    The recall record for the VIN, and the brake pedal
    How to test
    Have a Subaru dealer check the VIN. Feel for pulsing through the pedal under firm braking.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Low cost recall work is free

    Sources: pistonheads.com (opens in a new tab)

  5. Air conditioning and electrics

    Air conditioning can fail when its O rings fail, and a rich mixture engine light is usually an open circuit in the emissions system.

    Where to look
    The air conditioning, and the dash warning lights
    How to test
    Run the air conditioning on cold and check all warning lights go out after start up.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Low cost O rings and diagnosis

    Sources: pistonheads.com (opens in a new tab)

General guidance from owner and specialist sources. Check the specific car with an independent inspection. Researched 1 November 2026.

What the cost bands mean
  • Low: a small job. Typically a few hundred dollars or less at an NZ workshop, often a DIY fix.
  • Medium: a proper workshop job. Typically several hundred to a couple of thousand dollars.
  • High: a major job. Typically several thousand dollars or more, enough to change what the car is worth.

Service items

Questions to ask the seller

  • Has a compression test been done, and can I see the figures?
  • Has it been remapped, and on what fuel?
  • Does the clutch pedal squeak, and has it been looked at?
  • Has the brake master cylinder recall been done?

New Zealand notes

  • NZ has NZ new and Japanese import GR and GV cars, with 2.0 and 2.5 engines depending on market. Check which engine it has.

A GR suits a buyer who wants a practical turbo AWD hatch or sedan and will pay for a compression test first.

US recalls

Looking up US recall data.

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