As an all-wheel drive sports car, the Subaru WRX checks nearly every box a driver could want. All-terrain tires? Check. Sleek exterior? Check. Up-to-date tech? Check.

Since the model's production began in 2014, Subaru has upped the ante on the WRX with every new model year. It’s always prioritized great handling and is one of the few newer models that offer both a continuously variable automatic transmission and a six-speed manual. In both versions, the clutch plays a vital role.

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How much does it cost to replace a clutch in a Subaru WRX?

Again, the exact amount you pay for your new clutch depends on how old your WRX is, the area you live in, and the type of transmission your Subaru is equipped with. In general, the average cost to replace a clutch on a Subaru WRX is around $1,850.

The high cost is only partly thanks to the cost of the clutch kit itself. Most OEM Subaru WRX clutch kits cost between $700 and $1,100, so the additional amount is for the labor-intensive process of replacing the clutch.

You can take your WRX to either a Subaru service center or your local mechanic to get the job done. While a dealership may cost more, it does give the added benefit of factory-trained mechanics, plus a free inspection every time you bring in your car for another service.

What is a clutch?

The clutch is a vital part of your car's internal workings and is found on vehicles with both manual and automatic transmissions. Those with manual transmissions though, tend to exhibit the most problems with the clutch.

In simple terms, the clutch is the component that transfers rotational power to the wheels from the engine. When a car is running, the engine spins all the time, but the car's wheels don’t.

To make sure the car can come to a stop without the engine turning off, the clutch engages the wheels to a non-spinning transmission from that running engine. To do this, the clutch transfers engine power to the gearbox temporarily so you can switch gears.

The clutch works in tandem with something called a flywheel. While the flywheel is connected to the engine, the clutch plate is connected to the transmission, and the friction generated between the two keeps the whole system working.

When you are not pressing down on the clutch pedal, springs push the clutch disc against the flywheel, which keeps the wheels and engine spinning at the same speed and sends power to the transmission. When you press down on the clutch, springs disengage that connection, and you can change gears.

All that friction can cause wear and tear on the clutch and its mechanisms. This is one of the leading causes of problems with the component.

You might also experience:

Leaks or other breakage in the

master or slave cylinders

A broken

clutch cable

Worn clutch release bearings

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What are the symptoms of a Subaru WRX clutch problem?

There are a few symptoms of a Subaru WRX clutch problem that you’ll want to be on the lookout for. Rattling, slipping, grinding, and weak acceleration are all indications that something is wrong.

A rattling sound when you’re shifting gears may be a sign that there is something wrong with your clutch disc or another vital part of the component.

If you notice the clutch “slipping”—in other words, the pedal sticking and not coming back up—or if you feel you have to press down more firmly on the pedal to get it to respond, this might be an indication that the disc designed to catch your flywheel isn’t doing the job.

A grinding sound when shifting gears is also a red flag, as it indicates a significant amount of wear and tear that has impaired the clutch’s function. Similarly, weak acceleration can be a sign that your clutch has seen better days.

If you’re experiencing any of these issues with your Subaru WRX clutch, take it to your mechanic or Subaru Service Center, pronto.

Is it safe to drive with a bad clutch?

No, it is not safe to drive with a bad clutch. Driving with a failing clutch can cause further damage to other components of your car. Worse, if your failing clutch becomes a broken clutch, your car won’t move correctly, and you’ll be left unable to drive it at all.

How long should a Subaru WRX clutch last?

The good news is that a clutch is designed to last. Most of the time, yours should get you anywhere between 60,000 and 100,000 miles before you’ll need to replace it. If you want your clutch to last even longer than that predicted lifespan, try not to accelerate too harshly or drive the car too hard, as this can put extra stress on the system.

Subaru WRXs aren’t known for many clutch issues, though some drivers have complained of a creaking noise made by the pedal in models manufactured from 2014 to 2018. This was caused by the grease used in the clutch release bearing, which was not heat-resistant enough to withstand the temperatures created inside the machine when the driver's foot is pressed down on the clutch for long periods.

This issue was resolved for later model years, it seems, with fewer complaints about the clutch since then.

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