According to Au7o's analysis of 1,630+ owner reports, the 2021 Subaru BRZ has 2 documented known issues. No issues are rated critical, indicating generally reliable ownership. The most commonly reported issue is Throwout Bearing Noise and Premature Failure with 950 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $50 to $2,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 2013-2021 Subaru BRZ, 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 you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
Exedy FJK1005 OE-replacement clutch kit
Not for second-generation FA24 BRZ, automatic transmission, or a track-power build requiring a separately engineered clutch/flywheel combination.
High Confidence950 owner reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026
Community reported
680 owners
On the 2013-2021 Subaru BRZ FA20, 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 you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
2013-2020 Subaru BRZ FA20 according to the live product listing; for 2021 or any modified/track-use engine, confirm the current owner manual and oil specification before purchase.
High Confidence680 owner reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026
NHTSA Recalls2 recalls
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Campaign #21V58700029/07/2021
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018 Legacy, Outback, and BRZ vehicles. In the affected vehicles, a software issue may cause the audio display system to not initialize, resulting in the camera display remaining blank. If this occurs, the rearview image will not display while backing up the vehicle. As a result, the vehicles fail to comply with requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
Campaign #18V93500031/12/2018
Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.
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According to Au7o's analysis of 1,630+ owner reports, the 2021 Subaru BRZ has 2 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Throwout Bearing Noise and Premature Failure, FA20 Engine Oil Consumption During Spirited Driving. None are rated critical, but regular maintenance is recommended.
Is the Subaru BRZ reliable?
The 2021 Subaru BRZ has 2 known issues documented across 1,630+ owner reports. No issues are rated critical, suggesting generally good reliability. 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 $50 to $2,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
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.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
