2017 SUBARU BRZ

Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi

Symptoms: Misfires, rough idle, or check engine light with valve train codes, Metallic rattling or ticking from engine that worsens with RPM, Sudden loss of power or total engine failure if broken spring damages piston/cylinder

Fix: Early FA20 engines had weak valve springs that can break and drop into the cylinder, destroying pistons, cylinder walls, and requiring complete engine rebuild or replacement. If caught early (spring broken but no piston damage), you're looking at 12-16 hours for head removal, valve work, and reassembly. If the spring damaged internals, you're into full short block replacement territory at 25-35 hours labor.

Estimated cost: $3,500-8,000 for head work only; $8,000-12,000 for short block replacement

Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: Low oil pressure warning, especially during hard cornering or high-RPM pulls, Knocking or tapping noise from lower engine that increases with load, Metal shavings in oil, visible during oil changes, Sudden engine seizure in worst cases

Fix: The FA20's horizontal layout and shallow oil pan make it vulnerable to oil starvation during sustained cornering or low oil levels. Once rod bearings start knocking, the crank journals are usually scored. You're dropping the engine (8 hours), splitting the case, measuring everything, and likely replacing crank, rods, and bearings. Most shops recommend short block replacement at this point. Total 30-40 hours.

Estimated cost: $7,500-11,000

Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi

Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, burning 1+ quart every 1,000-2,000 miles, Blue smoke from exhaust on startup or under acceleration, Fouled spark plugs, misfires on cold starts, Low compression readings on one or more cylinders

Fix: Early FA20 pistons had thin ring lands that crack under heat and stress, especially if the engine sees frequent high-RPM use or detonation. Requires engine removal, disassembly, and piston replacement with updated parts. You're also replacing rings, honing cylinders, and doing a complete reseal. 25-30 hours labor.

Estimated cost: $5,000-7,500

Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: Transmission fluid spots under car, typically near front crossmember, Low transmission fluid level on dipstick, Slight burning smell or fluid dripping onto exhaust components

Fix: The factory crimped cooler lines corrode and develop leaks where they connect to the cooler or transmission. Simple fix: replace both lines with updated parts or aftermarket braided lines. 2-3 hours labor including fluid refill and mess cleanup.

Estimated cost: $300-600

Typical onset: 50,000-80,000 mi

Symptoms: Excessive driveline clunk when shifting or letting out the clutch, Vibration or buzzing felt through shifter, especially in 1st-3rd gears, Visible tearing or separation of rubber mount when inspected from below

Fix: The rear transmission mount wears out from aggressive shifting and launches. It's a consumable on these cars if driven hard. Jack up the transmission slightly, unbolt old mount, bolt in new one. 1-1.5 hours.

Estimated cost: $200-350

Typical onset: 40,000-70,000 mi

Symptoms: Rattling or buzzing noise when clutch pedal is depressed, Vibration or pulsing through pedal during engagement, Noise disappears when pedal is fully released or fully depressed

Fix: The factory throwout bearing and clutch fork setup is marginal. If just the bearing is noisy but clutch still grabs fine, you can replace bearing and resurface flywheel while transmission is out. Most folks do full clutch kit at this point since you're already in there. Transmission removal on BRZ is 6-8 hours due to tight engine bay.

Estimated cost: $1,200-1,800 for full clutch job with flywheel resurface

Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: Slight coolant smell or visible residue around head gasket mating surface, Very gradual coolant loss with no external leaks visible, No overheating or combustion gas in coolant (passes block test)

Fix: Unlike older Subaru EJ engines, the FA20 doesn't suffer epidemic head gasket failure, but you'll occasionally see minor seepage. If it's not mixing oil and coolant or causing overheating, you can monitor it. Real fix is heads off, resurface, new gaskets, new head bolts. 14-18 hours labor.

Estimated cost: $2,500-3,800