2013 TOYOTA SCION FR-S

Typical onset: 30,000-80,000 mi

Symptoms: Misfires under high RPM (above 6,000), Check engine light with cylinder misfire codes P0300-P0304, Metal debris in oil or catastrophic engine damage if spring breaks

Fix: Toyota issued a recall for certain VINs through 2013. Requires cylinder head removal and valve spring replacement on all cylinders. 12-16 hours labor if caught early. If the spring breaks and valves drop, you're looking at full engine rebuild or replacement.

Estimated cost: $2,500-4,000 for preventive fix, $8,000-12,000 for rebuild after failure

Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: Rough idle when cold, Loss of power especially below 3,000 RPM, Hesitation on acceleration, Occasional misfires (P0300 range codes)

Fix: Port fuel injection would wash valves clean, but the FA20 is direct-only. Requires walnut blasting the intake valves with manifold removed. 4-6 hours labor. Should be done every 60,000-80,000 miles as preventive maintenance.

Estimated cost: $400-700

Typical onset: 40,000-90,000 mi

Symptoms: Chirping or squealing noise when clutch pedal is depressed (manual only), Noise disappears when pedal is released, No engagement issues, just annoying noise

Fix: The OEM throwout bearing is marginal. Replacement requires transmission removal. Most techs replace clutch assembly at the same time since you're already in there. 6-8 hours labor.

Estimated cost: $800-1,200 TOB only, $1,500-2,200 with clutch kit

Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: Red transmission fluid puddle under vehicle, Transmission temperature warning light, Harsh or delayed shifts if fluid level drops

Fix: The automatic has external cooler lines that corrode or crack at fittings. Replace both lines and top off fluid. 2-3 hours labor. Catch it early before fluid level gets critically low.

Estimated cost: $300-600

Symptoms: High-pitch whine or cricket chirping from behind dash, especially at idle, More noticeable in hot weather, No performance impact

Fix: The in-tank fuel pump resonates through the cabin on many units. Some dealers applied damping material under TSB, but it rarely fully resolves it. Replacing pump costs more than it's worth for a noise-only issue. 3 hours labor if you insist.

Estimated cost: $400-700 (not recommended unless pump is actually failing)

Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi

Symptoms: Humming or growling noise that increases with speed, Noise changes pitch in turns, Vibration through steering wheel at highway speeds

Fix: Front hub assemblies wear out, especially if driven hard or in harsh climates. Replace as complete hub assembly. 2-3 hours per side.

Estimated cost: $350-550 per side

Typical onset: 60,000-110,000 mi

Symptoms: Gear oil dripping from rear diff cover or pinion seal, Whining noise from rear under acceleration if fluid runs low, Burning oil smell after spirited driving

Fix: Cover gasket or pinion seal leak. Drop diff, replace seal/gasket, refill with 75W-90 GL-5. 2-3 hours labor. Don't ignore it — a dry diff destroys itself fast.

Estimated cost: $250-450