2014 SCION FR-S

Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: metallic knocking from engine, especially on cold start, low oil pressure warning, sudden loss of power, catastrophic engine failure without warning in severe cases

Fix: The FA20's oil pickup design and thin rod bearings make it vulnerable to starvation during hard cornering or low oil levels. Once bearings spin, you're looking at complete engine rebuild or short block replacement. Typically 20-30 hours labor for short block swap, plus machine work if rebuilding. Many owners go with built motors or used JDM replacements.

Estimated cost: $4,500-8,500

Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi

Symptoms: misfires on one or more cylinders, check engine light with misfire codes, ticking noise from valve train, loss of compression in affected cylinder

Fix: Early FA20 engines had weak valve springs that could break, dropping fragments into the cylinder and destroying the engine. Toyota issued a TSB but no formal recall. Requires head removal and complete valve train inspection/replacement. 12-16 hours labor if caught early; full rebuild if fragments caused damage.

Estimated cost: $2,000-3,500

Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi

Symptoms: clunking when shifting or letting off throttle, excessive drivetrain movement felt through shifter, vibration at idle in gear, difficulty getting into first or reverse

Fix: The rear transmission mount wears out from spirited driving and creates annoying driveline slop. Straightforward replacement, 1-2 hours labor. Many owners upgrade to stiffer aftermarket mounts while they're in there.

Estimated cost: $200-400

Typical onset: 30,000-70,000 mi

Symptoms: chirping or squealing with clutch pedal released, noise disappears when clutch is depressed, no actual clutch function issues initially

Fix: The throwout bearing develops annoying chirping that doesn't affect function but drives owners crazy. Requires transmission removal to replace properly, 6-8 hours labor. Many live with it unless doing clutch work anyway. Some find temporary relief with clutch pedal adjustment.

Estimated cost: $800-1,200

Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi

Symptoms: difficulty starting, especially when hot, stumbling or hesitation under hard acceleration, engine stalling at operating temperature, fuel pump whine from rear of car

Fix: In-tank fuel pump can fail, leaving you stranded. Requires dropping the fuel tank, 3-4 hours labor. Not unique to this platform but worth noting since it's a common failure point on these cars.

Estimated cost: $600-900

Symptoms: cricket-like chirping from rear of car, especially after shutdown, noise from fuel tank area when car is parked, no performance impact

Fix: The fuel tank pressure equalization system makes cricket noises due to valve flutter. Completely harmless but annoying. Some dealers replaced fuel tank assemblies under goodwill, but many owners just live with it. 0 hours - no fix needed unless you can't stand the sound.