2015 Subaru WRX STI — Should You Buy One?
Typical asking price: $22,000–$34,000. This is one of the more reliable vehicles in its class — here's what to watch for anyway.
Kestrel Take
The last of the hydraulic-steering, big-wing STIs and a future classic. The EJ257 is the same double-edged sword as always — strong stock, fragile under a bad tune. Bought by enthusiasts and often modified and tracked. A stock, clean-title, well-maintained one is the smart buy.
What we checked
Checked against public records, 2026-09-25
NHTSA holds 3 owner complaints for the 2015 Subaru WRX STI, and no recall campaigns.
That is too small a record to read a pattern from, so we are not going to pretend otherwise — with numbers this low one owner moves the percentage by a lot. What has been filed is grouped under the engine (2), the fuel system (1), the body and structure (1). Treat those as things to look at, not as the vehicle's known weaknesses. A thin file usually means few of these were sold or few owners filed. It is not evidence the vehicle is trouble-free, and the issues below are our own research rather than a reading of this record.
Counts come from the NHTSA complaint and recall database — free, public, and worth checking yourself.
Known Issues for the 2015 Subaru WRX STI
Ranked by wallet impact. These are documented, recurring problems — not freak accidents. How we decide that.
Aggressive tunes, detonation, or neglected oil crack ringlands and spin bearings. Verify the tune, compression, and oil history.
Repair cost (estimate): $4,000-$9,000 — about 32% of what this car is typically worth
Source: not yet checked against public records.
Most were modified; verify build quality and inspect for hard use.
Repair cost: Not yet priced
Source: not yet checked against public records.
Launches wear the clutch and driveline; salt states rust. Inspect all.
Repair cost (estimate): $800-$3,500
Source: NHTSA complaints filed under the body and structure (1).
Crashed cars return with washed titles; verify carefully.
Repair cost: Not yet priced
Source: not yet checked against public records.
Walk-Away Red Flags
- ✗Aggressive unknown tune
- ✗Low or uneven compression
- ✗Salvage title
- ✗Mismatched tires or driveline noise
Good Signs
- ✓Stock or a documented conservative tune
- ✓Healthy compression and clean title
- ✓Complete oil and service history
- ✓Adult-owned
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Known issues on this page are based on documented owner reports, NHTSA complaints, class-action records, and manufacturer technical service bulletins. Individual vehicles vary. A pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is always worth doing.
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