The 2023 BRZ with the FA24 engine is generally solid, but high-rpm driving and oil starvation issues can lead to catastrophic bottom-end failures—mainly connecting rod bearings and crankshaft damage—typically on track-driven or hard-use examples.
Connecting Rod Bearing Failure (RTV Silicone Contamination)
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 15,000-50,000 mi
Symptoms: knocking or ticking from bottom end at idle, metallic rattle under load, low oil pressure warning, sudden catastrophic engine failure
Fix: Complete engine teardown required. RTV silicone from factory assembly breaks loose and blocks oil pickup, starving rod bearings. Replace rod bearings, crankshaft if scored, flush oil system thoroughly. 20-30 labor hours for short block or full rebuild.
Estimated cost: $8,000-15,000
Short Block Failure from Oil Starvation (Track Use / High G Cornering)
Occasional · high severitySymptoms: engine knock during or after hard cornering, oil pressure drop under sustained lateral Gs, catastrophic spun bearing
Fix: FA24 has marginal oil pan design for track use. Extended high-G cornering uncovers oil pickup. Requires short block or full rebuild with aftermarket oil pan and baffle. 25-35 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $9,000-18,000
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Leaks
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 30,000-60,000 mi
Symptoms: transmission fluid spots under vehicle, burnt smell from hot fluid on exhaust, low fluid level on dipstick
Fix: Cooler lines or fittings develop seeps, especially on manual transmission models. Replace lines and fittings, refill fluid. 2-3 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $400-700
Transmission Mount Deterioration
Common · low severityTypical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: clunking on shifts or throttle tip-in, excessive driveline movement, vibration at idle
Fix: Rubber mount wears from spirited driving. Replace transmission mount. 1.5-2 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $250-450
Fuel Filter Clogging (Direct Injection Carbon Buildup Related)
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: rough idle, hesitation under acceleration, check engine light with fuel trim codes
Fix: In-tank fuel filter gets clogged. Drop tank, replace filter and pump assembly if needed. Often coincides with carbon cleaning service. 3-4 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $500-900
Head Gasket Weeping (Less Common on FA24 Than FA20)
Rare · medium severityTypical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: external coolant seepage at head/block mating surface, slight coolant smell, minor coolant loss over time
Fix: FA24 improved over FA20, but isolated cases still occur. Head gaskets and resurfacing if needed. 12-16 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $2,500-4,000
Excellent driver's car, but only buy used if comprehensive service records prove frequent oil changes and no track abuse—engine failures are expensive and not uncommon on hard-use examples.
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.