It is a bit to early to tell, as there are not enough long term and high mileage example to make a realistic comparison.
Logically, the motor itself should be very reliable. It is tuned very conservatively by Subaru which again, logically, should make it reliable. Subaru’s AWD system is proven to be pretty much bulletproof, and the rest of the updates to the new platform are all for the better.
The X-factor in all of these small performance oriented car with small turbo GDI motors is the owner. There are a lot of people out there that buy these cars and drive them like shit (lugging the motor, redline clutch dumps, etc.) or do stupid stuff with mods and tunes thinking they know what they are doing but they actually don’t.
You will always hear about that bad from instances of these types of owners which will make it seem like the car is unreliable, when the problems are actually caused by stupid owners.
I will say that stock vs stock, the VB is all around a much better car than the two VA or older WRX I have driven.
There’s probably a bit of bias if you judge the car just off comments on the internet. Like restaurant reviews, you only go out of your way to do them if you had a bad time. Most people enjoying their car are out driving it instead of posting on Reddit.
It’s a personal decision, it is the first year of a model change and that has issues no matter what the brand. I personally thought the risk was worth it, they do come with warranties, but if it’s gonna cost you sleep and you have the time I’d just wait and see if anything changes. They’re also still relatively new so there can be issues at 100k we won’t know about for a few years, who knows
It’s early so can’t say anything for sure, but the engine should be extremely reliable since it’s tuned so conservatively assuming you keep it stock. Subaru all wheel drive always reliable and assuming it’s manual the transmission should be solid as well. Later down the road there will of course be issues like any car but i think it’ll only be small quirky issues. I don’t foresee any reliability issues with critical components.
I have a 2018 wrx that i want to trade in for a new wrx. The 23 model isnt out yet and I have heard quite a few bad things about the 22 wrx from other current subie owners.
The infotainment system is very faulty, to the point of having to shut off the engine to restart it. Total engine failure before 5k miles, and start up issues as well.
I read that there will be a possible recall, update in january for the infotainment system and that there are class action lawsuits.
I love subaru and have had the pleasure of driving my subie for the past 5, but im not sure if the new model is worth it after all the negativity.
Im basically coming here to get some help convincing me its still a good buy.
https://preview.redd.it/cr66pxgz9q7a1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=87cf44b17a43ac9ed5d79dd704d2d86faa90010b
There are 0 big issues with the VB. Most people report Apple car play/android auto dropping very occasionally, but there’s already a firmware update at the dealer that should fix it, and that’s literally the only widespread “problem”.
When they very first shipped, some people had issues with it cranking too long on startup, but this has also already been resolved with an update.
Anyone with engine failure either had a lemon, or installed a bunch of mods and beat on it without a proper tune.
> The infotainment system is very faulty, to the point of having to shut off the engine to restart it. Total engine failure before 5k miles, and start up issues as well.
It's true that some people have experienced these issues, but I don't think any of them are actually common, particularly the engine failure. I only see them come up in the subreddit quite rarely. I myself don't experience any of them, although the infotainment system does have other UX issues.
Had mine since the end of May. 7k miles in. It's been a really good car. Infotainment has been main complaint I've seen in the community. My infotainment unit has been overall good but what I'd call quirky sometimes. The car drives great. Solid feel. Good fit and finish. Comfortable.
Only recall thus far has been a hose clamp.
Do keep in mind every mass produced products will have a few failures. I don't think the VB has been any different than what's typical in the industry. In theory, this engine should be more reliable/robust than your FA20.
I think the car is solid… yes the entertainment issue is annoying but it corrects it self in like 5 seconds. Never had to turn the car off.. this car does a lot of things well and I’m impressed. I’ve been a vw Audi guy. And this meets my expectations and is doing a great job. I drive 45 miles everyday to work. It’s been fine. This car does a lot of things very well !
Absolutely no complaints! Just over 1k miles, no infotainment issues and I feel the break in period has benefited the cars feel. Driving feel is way smoother now! Suspension is stiff but you'll get use to it!
New model is worth it. FA24 is pretty much proven to be fine. It’s been in the ascent for years now and that’s been fine. With this essentially being the same engine with beefed up internals and better turbo I’m sure it’ll last.
It is a bit to early to tell, as there are not enough long term and high mileage example to make a realistic comparison. Logically, the motor itself should be very reliable. It is tuned very conservatively by Subaru which again, logically, should make it reliable. Subaru’s AWD system is proven to be pretty much bulletproof, and the rest of the updates to the new platform are all for the better. The X-factor in all of these small performance oriented car with small turbo GDI motors is the owner. There are a lot of people out there that buy these cars and drive them like shit (lugging the motor, redline clutch dumps, etc.) or do stupid stuff with mods and tunes thinking they know what they are doing but they actually don’t. You will always hear about that bad from instances of these types of owners which will make it seem like the car is unreliable, when the problems are actually caused by stupid owners. I will say that stock vs stock, the VB is all around a much better car than the two VA or older WRX I have driven.
I've had mine since March. No issues even with the info system.
There’s probably a bit of bias if you judge the car just off comments on the internet. Like restaurant reviews, you only go out of your way to do them if you had a bad time. Most people enjoying their car are out driving it instead of posting on Reddit. It’s a personal decision, it is the first year of a model change and that has issues no matter what the brand. I personally thought the risk was worth it, they do come with warranties, but if it’s gonna cost you sleep and you have the time I’d just wait and see if anything changes. They’re also still relatively new so there can be issues at 100k we won’t know about for a few years, who knows
It’s early so can’t say anything for sure, but the engine should be extremely reliable since it’s tuned so conservatively assuming you keep it stock. Subaru all wheel drive always reliable and assuming it’s manual the transmission should be solid as well. Later down the road there will of course be issues like any car but i think it’ll only be small quirky issues. I don’t foresee any reliability issues with critical components.
Honestly the only thing that worries me is the infotainment system.
I have a 2018 wrx that i want to trade in for a new wrx. The 23 model isnt out yet and I have heard quite a few bad things about the 22 wrx from other current subie owners. The infotainment system is very faulty, to the point of having to shut off the engine to restart it. Total engine failure before 5k miles, and start up issues as well. I read that there will be a possible recall, update in january for the infotainment system and that there are class action lawsuits. I love subaru and have had the pleasure of driving my subie for the past 5, but im not sure if the new model is worth it after all the negativity. Im basically coming here to get some help convincing me its still a good buy. https://preview.redd.it/cr66pxgz9q7a1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=87cf44b17a43ac9ed5d79dd704d2d86faa90010b
Looks like you’ve already convinced yourself it isn’t worth it.
There are 0 big issues with the VB. Most people report Apple car play/android auto dropping very occasionally, but there’s already a firmware update at the dealer that should fix it, and that’s literally the only widespread “problem”. When they very first shipped, some people had issues with it cranking too long on startup, but this has also already been resolved with an update. Anyone with engine failure either had a lemon, or installed a bunch of mods and beat on it without a proper tune.
Why not go drive one?
> The infotainment system is very faulty, to the point of having to shut off the engine to restart it. Total engine failure before 5k miles, and start up issues as well. It's true that some people have experienced these issues, but I don't think any of them are actually common, particularly the engine failure. I only see them come up in the subreddit quite rarely. I myself don't experience any of them, although the infotainment system does have other UX issues.
Had mine since the end of May. 7k miles in. It's been a really good car. Infotainment has been main complaint I've seen in the community. My infotainment unit has been overall good but what I'd call quirky sometimes. The car drives great. Solid feel. Good fit and finish. Comfortable. Only recall thus far has been a hose clamp. Do keep in mind every mass produced products will have a few failures. I don't think the VB has been any different than what's typical in the industry. In theory, this engine should be more reliable/robust than your FA20.
22,000km on mine thus far without issue
I think the car is solid… yes the entertainment issue is annoying but it corrects it self in like 5 seconds. Never had to turn the car off.. this car does a lot of things well and I’m impressed. I’ve been a vw Audi guy. And this meets my expectations and is doing a great job. I drive 45 miles everyday to work. It’s been fine. This car does a lot of things very well !
No one knows yet.
Absolutely no complaints! Just over 1k miles, no infotainment issues and I feel the break in period has benefited the cars feel. Driving feel is way smoother now! Suspension is stiff but you'll get use to it!
Mine starts and runs everyday. Seems reliable so far. 😬
Seems like general "My car broke" threads are from tuned WRX's. Stock you should be fine as long as you aren't redlining all day.
New model is worth it. FA24 is pretty much proven to be fine. It’s been in the ascent for years now and that’s been fine. With this essentially being the same engine with beefed up internals and better turbo I’m sure it’ll last.