Is the 2010 Subaru Impreza WRX reliable?
The 2010 Subaru Impreza WRX can be a reliable used sports compact when it has a solid maintenance history; it is not without age-related quirks common to turbocharged Subarus. With careful upkeep, owners report solid performance and reasonable reliability, but neglecting routine service can lead to expensive, front-of-mind repairs such as turbo, gasket, or drivetrain wear.
Reliability landscape for the 2010 WRX
When evaluating reliability for the 2010 WRX, it helps to understand that this model sits in Subaru’s turbocharged EJ25 era. The engine and drivetrain offer strong performance, but they demand regular maintenance and attentive monitoring of cooling, oil, and turbo systems. Overall, the vehicle can be dependable for daily driving or spirited use if the service history is complete and major components have been kept up to date. Conversely, cars with patchy maintenance are at higher risk for issues that commonly surface in older Subarus.
Common issues to watch for
Below are the issues most frequently reported by owners and covered in service notes for the 2010 WRX. These items tend to surface as the car ages or with higher mileage, so prospective buyers should inspect accordingly.
- Head gasket and cooling-system concerns on EJ25 engines, including coolant leaks or overheating symptoms
- Oil consumption and burning on higher-mileage engines, which can indicate valve train wear or ring sealing issues
- Turbocharger and intercooler system wear or leaks, including boost-control and vacuum line issues
- Clutch wear and manual transmission wear on earlier 5-speed setups, especially with aggressive driving histories
- Suspension components, wheel bearings, and bushings showing wear in higher-mileage examples
Head gasket and engine-health specifics
Despite improvements over some earlier EJ25 iterations, head gasket and cooling-system integrity remain a focal point for inspection on the 2010 WRX. Buyers should look for signs of coolant/oil mixing, milky oil on the dipstick, coolant puddles under the vehicle, or overheating episodes in the car’s history. A thorough inspection of the cooling system, water pump, radiator, and thermostat is wise, especially on cars with higher mileage or inconsistent maintenance records.
Turbo and fueling-system specifics
The turbocharged setup means boost-related problems, oil leaks around the turbo, and worn intercooler piping are common wear items in older WRXs. Listen for unusual whines, check for blue smoke on startup or during acceleration, and inspect hoses and clamps for cracks or looseness. Addressing boost leaks promptly helps protect the engine and maintain performance integrity.
Maintenance and longevity tips
Proactive care is the key to maximizing reliability in a 2010 WRX. The following maintenance practices align with how owners and technicians tend to preserve these cars over time.
- Follow the factory maintenance schedule, including timing-belt replacement and related water-pump service around or before the 100k-mile mark
- Perform regular oil changes with high-quality synthetic oil, and consider more frequent changes if you drive the car aggressively or in hot climates
- Inspect seals and gaskets prone to leaks (valve-cover gaskets, oil cooler lines, intercooler piping) and replace as needed
- Regularly inspect the turbo system for oil seepage, boost leaks, and wear; address any anomalies early
- Keep up with recalls and service bulletins; verify service history with a VIN-based check through a dealer or NHTSA resources
- Practice prudent driving habits and allow the turbo to cool after hard driving to extend turbo life
Conclusion: Staying ahead of maintenance, especially around the timing belt interval and the turbo system, helps the 2010 WRX deliver consistent reliability for a car of its age.
Ownership costs and resale value
As a turbocharged performance model, the WRX tends to have higher maintenance and repair costs than non-turboized compact rivals. Parts and labor for Subaru specialty items—such as timing-belt kits, turbo seals, and aftermarket performance components—can be more expensive. Fuel economy typically sits in the low to mid-teens city and high-teens to low-20s highway, depending on driving style. Insurance also tends to be higher for performance-oriented models. Resale value is helped by a loyal Subaru community, but market value will hinge on maintenance history, mileage, and any recorded incidents or major repairs.
Bottom-line verdict
For the 2010 WRX, reliability is largely a function of maintenance discipline. With complete service records and a history of timely repairs, the car can be a dependable daily driver with strong performance potential. Flat-out reliability is not the standout feature of this era, but a well-kept example often performs well into the high-mileage range. Buyers should prioritize a thorough pre-purchase inspection focused on the engine, turbo, cooling system, and transmission, and anticipate higher ownership costs relative to non-turbo compact sedans.
Summary
The 2010 Subaru Impreza WRX offers solid reliability when maintained properly, but its turbocharged EJ25 engine and drivetrain demand diligent care. Key reliability considerations include head gasket and cooling-system health, oil consumption in higher-mileage engines, turbo-related wear, and manual-transmission wear with spirited driving. Prospective buyers should seek a full maintenance history, perform a detailed pre-purchase inspection, and budget for higher-than-average maintenance and repair costs for a car of this performance category. With those precautions, the WRX can deliver engaging performance and dependable service long after its purchase.
