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Buying guide

Subaru WRX STI VA (2014 to 2021): buying guide, problems and NZ numbers

The Subaru WRX STI VA was built from 2014 to 2021 as a sedan, with a manual gearbox, all wheel drive and petrol power. Chassis code: VAB. Redline has a curated guide to its 6 most reported weak points, from owner club and specialist sources.

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Key facts

Years
2014 to 2021
Chassis codes
VAB
Body types
Sedan
Gearboxes
Manual
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 WRX and WRX STI VA (2014 to 2021). Not every car has these; check this one.

  1. Ringland failure (STI EJ257)

    Ringland failure, usually caused by detonation, is the best known STI engine problem.

    Where to look
    The engine, and a compression test sheet
    How to test
    On the drive listen for knocking and feel for a flat engine. Watch for smoke. Ask for a compression test.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost new pistons or a whole engine

    Sources: fastcar.co.uk (opens in a new tab), pistonheads.com (opens in a new tab)

  2. Rod bearings (STI EJ257)

    Rod bearing failure is reported and is almost always fatal for the engine.

    Where to look
    The engine and the oil pressure gauge
    How to test
    Listen for a knock that rises with revs and check oil pressure hot.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost replacement engine

    Sources: fastcar.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

  3. Intake carbon build up (WRX FA20)

    The direct injection FA20 in the WRX can build up carbon in the intake ports, giving power loss, rough idle and misfires.

    Where to look
    The intake ports, and the idle quality from cold
    How to test
    Check for a smooth idle and a clean pull through the revs, and ask whether the ports have been cleaned.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost walnut blasting the ports

    Sources: fastcar.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

  4. Turbo

    Turbo failure is not terminal but is costly. Grey smoke and missing boost are the signs.

    Where to look
    The turbo on top of the engine, and the exhaust
    How to test
    Watch for grey smoke and feel for full boost on the drive.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost turbo and fitting

    Sources: fastcar.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

  5. 6 speed manual (STI)

    Grinding on upshifts points to wear from heavy use, and jumping out of gear can mean wear or a bad rebuild.

    Where to look
    The gear lever
    How to test
    Change up quickly through every gear and accelerate hard in each to check it stays in gear.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost gearbox rebuild

    Sources: fastcar.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

  6. Suspension knocks

    Knocking is usually a worn drop link or bush, or possibly a damper or top mount.

    Where to look
    The drop links and bushes at each corner
    How to test
    Drive over speed bumps slowly and listen for knocks.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Low cost links and bushes

    Sources: fastcar.co.uk (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

  • Is it the WRX with the FA20 or the STI with the EJ257?
  • Has a compression test been done?
  • Has it been tuned, and by whom?
  • Has the intake been cleaned of carbon on the WRX?

New Zealand notes

  • NZ new WRX and STI models were sold here; check service records with a Subaru dealer.

A VA suits a buyer who wants a modern AWD turbo sedan and will check the engine type and tuning history carefully.

US recalls

Looking up US recall data.

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