Segment:
Compact Performance Sedan/Hatchback
Target Audience:
Enthusiast drivers, DIY mechanics, Subaru WRX STI owners
Competitors:
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Ford Focus RS, Volkswagen Golf GTI
Performance Focus:
Tuned for high performance, rally heritage
All Wheel Drive:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system
Engine Management:
Fuel injection, ignition, emissions control, ECU diagnostics
Drivetrain:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, differentials, driveshafts, clutch, gearbox
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension, struts, springs, anti-roll bars, steering rack
Brakes:
Brake system hydraulics, ABS, rotors, pads, calipers, parking brake
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, power distribution, charging system, starting system, accessories
Body Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, seats, interior trim, HVAC system
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tune-ups, spark plug replacement
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Symptom-based troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
Repairs:
Engine component overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake system repair, suspension component replacement
Assembly Disassembly:
Detailed steps for removing and installing major components
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds
Diagnostic Tools:
Includes information for using Subaru Select Monitor (SSM) or equivalent OBD-II scanners
Transmission Type:
6-speed Manual
Gear Ratios:
1st: 3.600, 2nd: 2.275, 3rd: 1.609, 4th: 1.212, 5th: 0.953, 6th: 0.777, Reverse: 3.500
Transmission Type:
N/A for WRX STI model
Center Differential:
Viscous coupling limited-slip center differential
Rear Differential:
Helical limited-slip rear differential
Transmission Fluid:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil
NHTSA Frontal Driver:
5-star
NHTSA Frontal Passenger:
5-star
IIHS Front Crash Rating:
Good
IIHS Side Impact Rating:
Acceptable
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (4-wheel disc)
Traction Control:
Standard
Stability Control:
Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) - Standard
Airbags:
Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (severe duty)
Engine Oil Type:
API SJ or SL, ILSAC GF-3, SAE 10W-30 synthetic recommended (check owner's manual for specific viscosity)
Oil Filter Part Number:
Subaru 15208AA031 (example, always verify)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Not Applicable (EJ257 uses a timing chain)
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (or equivalent silicate-free, ethylene glycol based coolant) - Blue
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.8 US quarts (4.5 liters) with filter change
Common Issue 1:
Head gasket leaks (though less prevalent on EJ257 than earlier EJ25s)
Common Issue 2:
Turbocharger failure (often due to poor oil maintenance or hard driving)
Common Issue 3:
Clutch wear and failure (especially with aggressive driving)
Common Issue 4:
Catalytic converter failure (can be heat-related)
