Every Subaru problem,
recall, and repair cost
The reference owners actually use. Documented failures, NHTSA recalls, and real fix costs for every Subaru on the road — sourced, dated, and updated.
Most-Reported Problems
Documented failures with symptoms, root cause, and what the fix actually costs.
EJ255/EJ257 Ringland Failure
Detonation cracks the second piston ringland, destroying the engine — common in tuned 2008-2014 WRX/STI.
EJ257 Rod Bearing Failure
STI rod bearings spin under sustained high RPM — often catastrophic and without warning.
2022+ WRX FA24 RTV Oil Pickup Clog
Excess factory RTV sealant breaks loose and clogs the oil pickup screen — engine starvation.
Legacy GT Turbo Failure
VF40/VF46 turbos on 2005-2009 Legacy GT fail by 100k miles from oil starvation.
FA20 Valve Spring Recall
Defective valve springs in 2012-2013 BRZs can fracture, dropping a valve and destroying the engine.
Valve Spring Recall (FA20)
The FA20 engine in early BRZ/FRS models experienced a recall due to faulty valve springs that could lead to engine damage.
Latest NHTSA Recalls
Open campaigns affecting Subaru owners — check your VIN.
2026 Forester – Hinge And Attachments
A rear hatch support bracket that detaches can allow the rear hatch to fall unexpectedly during use and increase the risk of injury.
0 units affected · reported 2025-12-18
2025 Forester – Child Seat
A loose child seat anchor bolt increases the risk of injury to a child during a crash.
0 units affected · reported 2025-06-19
2025 Forester – Wheels
A loss of vehicle stability increases the risk of a crash.
0 units affected · reported 2025-01-23
Rear-View Camera Image Failure
Increased risk of crash while backing up; FMVSS 111 noncompliance.
118,000 units affected · reported 2024-04-18
What Repairs Actually Cost
National-average parts + labor, with money-saving tips.
Subaru CVT Replacement Cost
$4.5k–$8.5kReplace TR580/TR690 Lineartronic CVT with reman or new unit.
Outback · Legacy · Forester · Crosstrek
Subaru Turbo Replacement Cost
$1.9k–$3.8kFull replacement of the exhaust-driven turbocharger assembly including seals, gaskets, and oil supply lines.
WRX (2002-2021) · WRX STI (2004-2021) · Forester XT (2004-2018) · Outback XT (2005-2009, 2020-2025)
Subaru Catalytic Converter Replacement Cost
$1.4k–$3.4kReplacement of the under-car or manifold-integrated catalytic converter assembly to resolve P0420 efficiency codes.
Outback · Forester · Crosstrek (XV) · Impreza
Subaru Head Gasket Replacement Cost
$1.8k–$3.2kReplace both head gaskets on a 2.5L EJ-series boxer engine.
Outback · Legacy · Forester · Impreza