The 2016 WRX with the FA20DIT is a solid platform but shows two distinct failure patterns: aggressive tuning/abuse leads to catastrophic engine failure (ringland, bearing, piston damage), while stock or lightly-modded examples commonly suffer transmission mount failures and occasional turbo/PCV issues.
Ringland Failure / Piston Cracking (Cylinder #4 Most Common)
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 30,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Check engine light with misfire codes P0304, Loss of power under boost, Excessive blow-by or oil consumption, Metallic rattling from engine bay
Fix: Complete short block replacement or engine rebuild required. Typically 18-24 labor hours for removal, machine work, reassembly. Often triggered by aggressive tunes, low-octane fuel, or sustained high-load driving. OEM short block or upgraded forged pistons are standard fixes.
Estimated cost: $6,500-12,000
Transmission Mount Failure (Rear Mount)
Common · low severityTypical onset: 40,000-70,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking when shifting or engaging clutch, Excessive drivetrain movement on launches, Vibration through shifter at idle
Fix: Rear transmission mount tears or separates from bracket. 1.5-2 hours to replace. Common on all driving styles, accelerated by spirited launches. Aftermarket urethane mounts last longer but increase NVH.
Estimated cost: $250-450
Turbo Wastegate Rattle / Actuator Failure
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Rattling noise from engine bay at idle or light throttle, Overboost or underboost codes, Poor throttle response or limp mode
Fix: Wastegate actuator rod wears or internal wastegate flapper develops play. Can sometimes be adjusted, but turbo replacement is common fix at this age. 6-8 hours labor for turbo R&R including coolant/oil lines.
Estimated cost: $1,800-3,200
PCV System Clogging / Oil Consumption
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Burning oil smell from exhaust, Oil consumption 1 quart per 1,000-2,000 miles, Rough idle or hesitation, Oil residue around intake components
Fix: PCV valve and associated hoses clog with oil vapor sludge, causing pressure buildup and oil being pulled through intake. 2-3 hours to replace PCV valve, clean intake, replace hoses. Catch can installation recommended for prevention.
Estimated cost: $350-650
Throw-Out Bearing (TOB) Squeal
Occasional · low severityTypical onset: 50,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: High-pitched squealing when clutch pedal is depressed, Noise disappears when pedal released, No impact on clutch function initially
Fix: Throwout bearing wears prematurely on some units. Since transmission must come out, most replace clutch assembly at same time even if not worn. 8-10 hours labor for clutch job.
Estimated cost: $1,200-2,000
Head Gasket Seepage (External)
Rare · medium severityTypical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Oil weeping from head/block interface, Burning oil smell after hard driving, No overheating or coolant mixing
Fix: External oil seepage more common than internal coolant leaks on FA20. Requires head removal, resurfacing, new gaskets. 12-16 hours labor if caught early. Can lead to catastrophic failure if ignored and oil drips onto exhaust.
Estimated cost: $2,500-4,000
Buy one if stock or tastefully modified with full service records, but walk away from anything with a mystery tune history or deferred maintenance — the gap between a bulletproof WRX and a $10k paperweight is razor-thin.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.