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Subaru · Known Issues

2013 Subaru BRZ Problems: 5 Known Issues

2013 model year · 2,150+ owner reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's analysis of 2,150+ owner reports, the 2013 Subaru BRZ has 5 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are FA20 Valve Spring Recall - Engine Stalling Risk ($0-$0 repair) and FA20 Valve Spring Fracture (Recall WTY-84) - Stall/No-Start ($0-$0 repair). 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.

In This Article

  • BRZ Engine4
  • BRZ Transmission1
  • Recalls2
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Engine4
  • Transmission1
  • Recalls2
  • FAQ

All 5 Known Issues

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Community reported
520 owners

On the 2013-2016 Subaru BRZ FA20, 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.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $0

Research This Issue

Based on 520 owner reports

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High Confidence520 owner reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026

On the 2013 Subaru BRZ FA20, 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 post-repair rod knock due to RTV misapplication during reassembly.

Common Symptoms

  • engine stall
  • abnormal valvetrain noise
  • no-start condition
  • check engine light

How to Fix

Free recall repair at Subaru dealer under WTY-84R / NHTSA 18V-772 — valve springs replaced with redesigned higher-durability units (engine-out, ~12 hours labor). Verify VIN status at subaru.com/recalls. Note: some owners have reported post-repair engine failures (including rod knock at low mileage) per The Drive's reporting; root cause of post-repair failures is disputed and not officially confirmed.

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Typical repair cost:$0 - $0

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jun 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.

  • Genuine Subaru SOA427V1310 synthetic 0W-20 engine oil, 1 quart

    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.

    OAKOS Automotive

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Typical repair cost:$50 - $500

Research This Issue

Based on 680 owner reports

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High Confidence680 owner reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026

On the 2013-2014 Subaru BRZ FA20, 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 defect. Subaru issued an ECU reflash via TSB; later production cars received the updated calibration at factory.

Common Symptoms

  • rough idle
  • RPM hunting at idle
  • cold start shaking
  • stalling
  • check engine light

How to Fix

Subaru TSB 11-136-14R (revised 05/13/14) ECM reprogramming resolves the issue at no cost under warranty (labor op A455-288, 0.4 hr). Production fix incorporated Sept 27, 2013, so later 2014 build-dates may already have the updated calibration. No hardware replacement needed. Verify by VIN at dealer.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $150

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jun 2026
Community reported
950 owners

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.

    Rallispec

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Typical repair cost:$800 - $2,000

Research This Issue

Based on 950 owner reports

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High Confidence950 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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Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.

Data sourced from 2,150+ owner reports, NHTSA recalls, TSBs, and automotive forums.

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.