Engine complaints by model year
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
These particular vehicles (and their Toyota counterpart, the GR86) have been experiencing issues with excess RTV sealant used on the oil pan and timing cover getting into the oil. Once this RTV sealant is in the oil, it clogs the oil pickup tube filter. As the excess sealant collects on the filter, it begins to starve the engine of oil. There have been a number of documented failures so far (including one that made international auto news). Some owners are inspecting their oil dip stick and finding anywhere from light to heavy sealant residue even on the dip stick. I inspected my own and found traces of RTV sealant stuck to it as well. In the provided picture, you will see traces of sealant on the length of the dip stick as well as the tip. At this time, Toyota and Subaru have not issued a recall or service bulletin of any sort for this problem. …
The new 2022 Subaru BRZ's and Toyota GR86's have been found to have an excessive amount of RTV silicone on the engine oil pan. This can clog up the oil pickup filter and cause oil starvation leading to catastrophic engine failure. A few engines have already failed and more people have been finding RTV silicone in their oil filters and dipsticks including me.
I was driving the car on the Highway & the car caught on fire from the engine bay area. I drover the car for about 5 miles before the fire. the car has no modification & everything in OEM/Stock condition. Many people reported having the same issue with engine catching on fire for Subaru BRZ Toyota 86 & Toyota FRS since they all share the same engine & mechanical component
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Subaru BRZ. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to coconut creek Subaru (4980 n, fl-7, coconut creek, fl 33073; [phone]) for an unstated recall on the valve spring. The contact stated that recently while the brakes were depressed at a red light, the vehicle shut-off independently. The vehicle was restarted however, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine. The contact took the vehicle to another dealer, north fort lauderdale Subaru (855 s. Federal hwy, pompano beach, fl 33062; [phone]) and was informed that the engine was knocking and that the oil was low. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact stated that an oil change was not due for several thousand more miles. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 102,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Subaru BRZ. The contact stated while driving 70 mph, he heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The vehicle loss motive power and stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 18V772000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the Vin was not included. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Subaru BRZ. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with maintenance failure. The contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V772000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 58,498.
Related recalls (1)
Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Subaru Impreza, 2012-2013 Impreza Stationwagon, 2013 Subaru BRZ, XV Crosstrek and Toyota Scion FR-S vehicles. The engine valve springs in these vehicles may fracture causing an engine malfunction or a possible engine stall.
Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. Toyota will notify the FR-S owners. Dealers will replace the valve springs, free of charge. The recall began December 26, 2018.
Frequently asked questions
Which Subaru BRZ years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2013 (49), 2022 (6) and 2014 (5) model years. Engine complaints make up 77% of all complaints for the 2013.
Is there a recall for Subaru BRZ engine problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 18V-772 (engine, Nov 1, 2018). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Subaru BRZ engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 64,000 miles; 29% happened before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.