What are the most common Subaru BRZ problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 2,150+ owner reports, the 2013 Subaru BRZ has 5 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: FA20 Valve Spring Recall - Engine Stalling Risk, FA20 Valve Spring Fracture (Recall WTY-84) - Stall/No-Start, Throwout Bearing Noise and Premature Failure. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Subaru BRZ reliable?
The 2013 Subaru BRZ has 5 known issues documented across 2,150+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: FA20 Valve Spring Recall - Engine Stalling Risk and FA20 Valve Spring Fracture (Recall WTY-84) - Stall/No-Start. 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 is the 2013-2016 Subaru BRZ FA20 Valve Spring Recall - Engine Stalling Risk?
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… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2013 Subaru BRZ FA20 Valve Spring Fracture (Recall WTY-84) - Stall/No-Start?
Subaru's FA20 boxer engine in early BRZs has valve springs prone to fracture, causing abnormal engine noise, stalling while driving, and a no-restart condition. NHTSA recall WTY-84 (18V-772) covers 2013 BRZ. Repair requires engine removal (~12 hours labor); some owners reported p… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2013-2021 Subaru BRZ Throwout Bearing Noise and Premature Failure?
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… Repairs typically run $800-$2,000. Severity: medium.
What is the 2013-2021 Subaru BRZ FA20 Engine Oil Consumption During Spirited Driving?
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 sig… Repairs typically run $50-$500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2013-2014 Subaru BRZ FA20 Rough Idle / Hunting / Stall - ECM Reflash (TSB 11-136-14R)?
Early FA20-equipped BRZs exhibit rough idle, RPM hunting, shaking, and occasional stalling shortly after cold start. Often triggers CEL with cam timing codes P0017, P0018, or P0019. Caused by ECU's reaction to normal mechanical variation in the AVCS system rather than a hardware… Repairs typically run $0-$150. Severity: medium.
