Subaru BRZ Problems: 4 Issues Every Owner Should Know
2013-2025 model years · Based on 2,530+ owner reports · Last updated March 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 2,530+ owner reports, the 2013-2025 Subaru BRZ has 4 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical by the Au7o research team. The most serious is FA20 Valve Spring Recall - Engine Stalling Risk ($0-$0 repair). The most commonly reported issue is Throwout Bearing Noise and Premature Failure with 950 owner reports. Across all issues, repair costs range from $0 to $2,000. Full technical analysis and DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
All 4 Known Issues
The FA20 engine in 2013-2016 BRZs was subject to a safety recall (WQG-66 / NHTSA 18V-845) for defective valve springs that can fracture due to insufficient hardness. A broken valve spring causes a cylinder misfire and can lead to engine stalling. In worst cases, the broken spring allows valve-to-piston contact, causing catastrophic engine damage. Subaru recalls affected VINs for free valve spring replacement. The recall also affects the Toyota 86/Scion FR-S which shares the same engine.
Common Symptoms
- Engine misfire (single cylinder)
- Check engine light with misfire code (P0301-P0304)
- Rough idle or engine shaking
- Loss of power
- Engine stalling at idle or low speed
- Ticking or unusual noise from engine top end
How to Fix
Check recall status by VIN at subaru.com/owners/recalls. Recall WQG-66 (NHTSA 18V-845) covers free replacement of all intake and exhaust valve springs (16 total) at Subaru dealer. If valve-to-piston contact occurred, engine replacement is covered under the recall. Do not delay - a broken valve spring can cause catastrophic engine damage.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 520+ owners who fixed this issue
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The FA20 engine in the BRZ consumes oil at elevated rates during high-RPM driving, spirited canyon runs, and track use. The engine design with direct injection and high compression (12.5:1) combined with the oil-fed variable valve timing system means oil consumption increases significantly when the engine is frequently operated above 5,000 RPM. Consumption rates of 1 quart per 1,000-2,000 miles are reported by owners who drive aggressively. The narrow oil galleries in the FA20 make proper oil level maintenance critical.
Common Symptoms
- Oil level drops noticeably after spirited driving or track days
- Low oil pressure warning during hard cornering (oil starvation)
- Oil consumption of 1 qt per 1,000-2,000 miles with aggressive driving
- Blue smoke under hard acceleration
- Oil level normal during city/highway commuting but drops during performance driving
How to Fix
Check oil level before and after every spirited drive or track day. Carry an extra quart of 0W-20 (OEM spec) or 5W-30 (commonly used upgrade for track use). For track cars, install an oil catch can (Radium Engineering 20-0255-02 or Crawford Performance V3) to reduce oil vapor entering the intake. Consider an oil cooler for track use. Subaru considers up to 1 qt per 3,000 miles as acceptable.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 680+ owners who fixed this issue
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Manual transmission BRZs commonly develop throwout bearing (release bearing) noise, typically a chirping, squealing, or grinding sound when the clutch pedal is pressed or released. The noise is most apparent in cold weather and often appears between 20,000-60,000 miles. While the noise itself is mostly a nuisance, a failed throwout bearing can cause clutch disengagement problems. Subaru has not issued a recall, but the issue is well-documented across both BRZ and Toyota 86 communities. Replacement requires transmission removal.
Common Symptoms
- Chirping or squealing noise when pressing clutch pedal
- Grinding noise at clutch engagement/disengagement point
- Noise worse in cold weather, may quiet when warm
- Difficulty shifting gears in advanced failure
- Clutch pedal vibration or pulsation
- Rattling at idle that goes away when clutch is pressed
How to Fix
Replace throwout bearing (Subaru 30502AA162 or Koyo equivalent). Since transmission removal is required (6-8 hours labor), replace the clutch disc, pressure plate, and pilot bearing at the same time. Exedy OEM replacement kit (FJK1005) includes all components. For track-use BRZs, upgrade to an Exedy Stage 1 kit (BRZ01H1). Apply Subaru grease to input shaft splines and throwout bearing guide tube during reassembly.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 950+ owners who fixed this issue
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2022+ second-generation BRZs (and twin Toyota GR86) have reports of rear differential whine or droning noise, particularly noticeable at 30-50 mph during deceleration and light throttle. The noise comes from the ring and pinion gear mesh in the Torsen limited-slip differential. While some gear noise is normal for an LSD, affected vehicles have excessive noise audible inside the cabin. Subaru released TSB 03-73-23 addressing differential noise with fluid replacement procedure.
Common Symptoms
- Whining noise from rear of vehicle at 30-50 mph
- Noise most noticeable during deceleration/coast
- Droning sound that varies with speed, not RPM
- Noise may quiet down after differential warms up
- Sound more prominent with windows up in quiet cabin
How to Fix
Have dealer perform differential fluid replacement per TSB 03-73-23 using Subaru 75W-90 GL-5 gear oil with friction modifier (Subaru SOA427V1710). The break-in fluid is replaced with the updated fluid and an additive that reduces gear mesh noise. If noise persists after fluid change, ring and pinion inspection and possible replacement may be needed under warranty.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 380+ owners who fixed this issue
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Subaru BRZ problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 2,530+ owner reports, the 2013-2025 Subaru BRZ has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: FA20 Valve Spring Recall - Engine Stalling Risk, Throwout Bearing Noise and Premature Failure, FA20 Engine Oil Consumption During Spirited Driving. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Subaru BRZ reliable?
The 2013-2025 Subaru BRZ has 4 known issues documented across 2,530+ owner reports. 1 issue is rated critical: FA20 Valve Spring Recall - Engine Stalling Risk. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Subaru BRZ problems?
Repair costs for known Subaru BRZ issues range from $0 to $2,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, FA20 Valve Spring Recall - Engine Stalling Risk, typically costs $0-$0 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What year Subaru BRZ is the most reliable?
Reliability varies across model years of the Subaru BRZ. Based on owner reports, issues are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2013-2025 Subaru BRZ with 4 documented issues from 2,530+ owner reports.
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