The 2016 BRZ with the FA20 naturally-aspirated boxer is a mechanically solid sports car, but early FA20 engines suffer from a catastrophic valve spring failure issue that can destroy the engine without warning. Beyond that, it's a low-maintenance platform with minimal electronic gremlins.
Valve Spring Failure (Recall-Eligible but Not All Fixed)
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 30,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Sudden catastrophic engine failure, often with no warning, Bent valves, damaged pistons, and cylinder wall scoring, Metal debris throughout engine oil, Check engine light with multiple misfires immediately before failure
Fix: Subaru issued a recall (WTX-45) for valve spring replacement on 2013-2016 models, but many weren't completed. If springs fail, you're looking at complete engine rebuild or short block replacement. Rebuild involves R&R engine, disassembly, new pistons, rings, bearings, machining work, and reassembly. 25-35 labor hours for full rebuild, 15-20 for short block swap.
Estimated cost: $6,000-10,000
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Leaks
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid spots under car, front-center location, Low transmission fluid warning or hard shifting if neglected, Visible seepage at cooler line connections near radiator
Fix: The rubber hoses and crimp-on fittings deteriorate. Replace both cooler lines and inspect the transmission-side hard lines for corrosion. 2-3 hours labor including fluid refill and bleed procedure.
Estimated cost: $350-600
Throwout Bearing Noise (Manual Transmission)
Common · low severityTypical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Chirping or squealing when clutch pedal is depressed, Noise disappears when pedal is released, No effect on clutch operation initially, Can progress to clutch chatter or difficulty shifting
Fix: Throwout bearing wears prematurely. Requires transmission removal to access. Since you're in there, smart money is replacing clutch disc, pressure plate, pilot bearing, and rear main seal at the same time. 8-10 hours labor for full clutch job.
Estimated cost: $1,200-1,800
Transmission Mount Failure
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking during aggressive shifts or throttle transitions, Excessive shifter vibration at idle, Visible tearing or separation of rubber mount, Drivetrain slop during launch
Fix: The rear transmission mount absorbs tons of stress on this platform, especially with spirited driving. Replace with OEM or upgraded polyurethane unit. 1.5-2 hours labor on a lift with proper support.
Estimated cost: $250-450
Cricket Chirp from Fuel Pump
Common · low severityTypical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Audible chirping or buzzing from rear seat area, especially when tank is below half, No effect on fuel delivery or performance, Sound increases with ambient temperature
Fix: The fuel pump develops a resonance issue. TSB exists (fuel damper kit) but many owners live with it. If replacing pump, it's a drop-tank job. 3-4 hours labor if you're doing pump replacement.
Estimated cost: $600-900
Rear Differential Whine
Occasional · low severityTypical onset: 60,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Whining or humming proportional to speed, most noticeable 45-65 mph, Does not change with throttle input (rules out engine/exhaust), May worsen during cold weather
Fix: Rear diff can develop bearing noise or gear wear, especially if fluid wasn't changed regularly. Drain and refill with proper 75W-90 GL-5 first (1 hour). If noise persists, diff rebuild or replacement needed (6-8 hours labor for R&R and rebuild).
Estimated cost: $400-500 fluid service, $1,800-2,800 rebuild
Buy one if the valve spring recall was completed and compression test is clean — otherwise you're gambling with a $7k engine rebuild at any moment.
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.