I had an 02 WRX with 18" rims and Brigestones on it. At 105K km, the rear struts were both shot - Subaru said that they weren't up to handling the loads from the 18 inchers, so.........I traded it in for an STi, figuring that they would probably have properly matched the struts to the wheels/tires. At 30,000 km, both rear struts are done - they are replacing them under warranty - apparently there is some service bulletin about them. What's with that?

Eariler ones clunked sometimes. Here are some discussions about it:

 

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1098232

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=520870

 

I suppose the addition unsprung weight could cause accelerated strut wear but it doesn't seem very likely to me. Struts don't usually get replaced under warranty I don't think anyway.

Edit not quote.