The 2022 BRZ with the FA24 engine is vastly improved over the old FA20, but early adopters report some teething issues with the new platform. Most concerns center on the transmission/drivetrain rather than catastrophic engine failures—a welcome departure from the first-gen's bearing and head gasket nightmares.
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Leaks
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 20,000-50,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid puddles under car, typically pink or red, Low fluid level on dipstick causing delayed shifts or slipping, Burnt transmission fluid smell if driven low on fluid
Fix: Replace transmission oil cooler lines and possibly the cooler itself if fittings are damaged. Straightforward job, about 2-3 hours labor including fluid refill and system check.
Estimated cost: $500-900
Rear Transmission Mount Failure
Common · low severityTypical onset: 30,000-60,000 mi
Symptoms: Excessive clunking when shifting gears or letting off throttle, Vibration through shifter at idle or under load, Visible cracking or tearing in rubber mount bushings
Fix: Replace rear transmission mount—common on spirited drivers or those who launch hard. Simple bolt-in job, 1-1.5 hours. OEM mount recommended; aftermarket polyurethane increases NVH but lasts longer.
Estimated cost: $250-450
High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure (Direct Injection)
Rare · high severityTypical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Hard start or no-start condition, especially when engine is hot, Rough idle, misfires, or loss of power under acceleration, Check engine light with low fuel pressure codes (P0087, P0088)
Fix: Replace high-pressure fuel pump mounted on the engine block. Requires removing intake components for access, 3-4 hours labor. Use OEM pump only—aftermarket units frequently fail early on DI systems.
Estimated cost: $1,200-1,800
RTV Silicone Contamination in Oil System
Occasional · high severitySymptoms: Oil pressure warning light flickering at idle when hot, Metal shavings or blue RTV chunks visible in oil filter during changes, Possible engine knock or bearing noise if starvation occurs
Fix: Factory assembly issue—excessive RTV sealant from engine build can break loose and clog oil pickup screen or bearings. If caught early, drop pan and clean pickup screen (3-4 hours). If bearings are damaged, you're looking at short block replacement or full engine rebuild (20-30 hours).
Estimated cost: $800-1,200 for cleanup; $8,000-12,000 for engine replacement
Turn Signal Bulb Socket Corrosion
Occasional · low severitySymptoms: Turn signal hyper-flashing or not working on one side, Bulb looks intact but won't light up, Green corrosion visible in socket contacts
Fix: Clean or replace turn signal bulb socket—affected by NHTSA recall but dealer fix isn't always permanent. Clean contacts with electrical cleaner and dielectric grease, or replace socket pigtail. 0.5 hours per side.
Estimated cost: $100-200
Throwout Bearing Noise (Manual Transmission)
Common · low severityTypical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Chirping or squealing noise when clutch pedal is pressed, Noise disappears when pedal is released, No change in clutch engagement or shift quality
Fix: Replace throwout bearing (release bearing) and inspect clutch disc/pressure plate while transmission is out. If clutch still has life, bearing-only replacement runs 6-8 hours. Smart move is to do full clutch kit at same time.
Estimated cost: $900-1,400 bearing only; $1,500-2,200 with full clutch
Buy it—the FA24 platform is far more reliable than the first-gen BRZ, but stick to 2023+ model years if possible to avoid early production gremlins, and budget for a pre-purchase inspection focusing on RTV contamination and transmission health.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.