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2020 Subaru WRX maintenance schedule

The 2020 WRX is part of the VA generation (2015-2021), sold as a sedan. Below: its service intervals with the source behind each one, the fluids it takes, the problems owners report for this year, and the NHTSA recalls issued for it.

Service schedule

What the 2020 WRX needs, and when

All 5 of these items come from Subaru's own published schedule. Manufacturer rows link to Subaru's own schedule, Independent rows to a service shop or parts retailer's published guide.

ServiceIntervalSource
Engine oil and filter (FA20DIT)

Strict adherence required to protect turbo bearings.

6,000 mi / 6 monthsManufacturer
Brake fluid30,000 mi / 30 monthsManufacturer
Engine coolant137,500 mi / 11 yearsManufacturer
Transmission fluidInspect, replace as neededManufacturer
Spark plugs60,000 mi / 5 yearsManufacturer

Intervals are for normal driving; towing, short trips, extreme heat or dust shorten them. Services we could not find an interval for are left off rather than guessed.

Fluids and engines

What goes in it

Powertrains in this generation

  • 2.0L 4-cyl (FA20DIT), AWD

Confirm the exact spec against the owner's manual or the label under the hood; capacities vary by engine and drivetrain.

Known problems

What 2020 WRX owners run into

Problems reported for this model year, with the mileage they tend to show up at. Buying past a window is not automatically a pass - it just needs to be priced in.

Intake Carbon Buildup

high severity

From about 50,000 mi · $400-$1,200 to fix

Rough idle, severe hesitation, P0300 random misfires

Source: au7o.io

Safety recalls

1 NHTSA recall for the 2020 Subaru WRX

From NHTSA's recall database, matched by model and year. Recall repairs are free at Subaru dealers, and a given car may already be fixed or fall outside a campaign, so check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before you buy.

Exterior lighting

NHTSA 22V522000

July 2022

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2021 WRX vehicles. The backup light switch may corrode and become inoperative, which can result in the backup lights not illuminating and the rearview camera image not displaying when the vehicle is in reverse.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the backup light switch, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-22.

Other WRX model years

VB (2022-2026)

20222023202420252026

VA (2015-2021)

2015201620172018201920202021

Shopping new? The Subaru WRX guide covers the current model, with what it costs to keep for 1 to 15 years.

Sources

Researched 2026-09-21. Modeling, not mechanic advice - always confirm against your car's owner's manual and service records.

Running a WRX for income?

Carlyle scores the exact listing on cost per remaining mile and projected Turo income, so you know what a 2020 WRX earns before you buy it.

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