The 2018 BRZ with the FA20 engine is a solid sports car platform, but it shares the FA20's critical weakness: catastrophic engine failure from bearing/oil starvation issues, particularly in spirited driving. These engines can grenade without warning, often before 100,000 miles.
FA20 Rod Bearing Failure / Spun Bearing
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Metallic knocking/ticking at idle that worsens with RPM, Loss of oil pressure warning, Metal shavings in oil during changes, Sudden catastrophic failure with no warning in some cases
Fix: Complete engine rebuild or short block replacement required. 16-24 labor hours depending on shop approach. Many opt for forged internals while it's apart. Some failures occur during spirited driving (track days, autocross) due to oil starvation in high-G corners.
Estimated cost: $6,000-12,000
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Leaks
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid spots under car near front, Low transmission fluid level, Difficult shifting or grinding in manual transmission, Burnt fluid smell
Fix: Replace cooler lines and fittings where they connect to radiator. Occasionally the entire cooler assembly needs replacement. 2-3 labor hours plus fluid refill.
Estimated cost: $400-800
Valve Spring Failure (Early Production)
Rare · high severitySymptoms: Misfires on one or more cylinders, Rough idle and loss of power, Check engine light with misfire codes, Metallic ticking from valve cover area
Fix: Primarily affected early FA20 engines (mostly 2013-2014, but some 2018s from early production). Requires cylinder head removal and valve spring replacement on affected cylinders. 8-12 labor hours.
Estimated cost: $2,500-4,000
Throwout Bearing Noise (Manual Transmission)
Common · low severityTypical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Chirping or squealing when clutch pedal is depressed, Noise disappears when pedal is released, No performance impact, just annoying
Fix: Requires transmission removal to replace throwout bearing. Most owners wait until clutch replacement is needed anyway. 6-8 labor hours if done standalone.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
Rear Differential Bushing Wear
Occasional · low severityTypical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking from rear on acceleration/deceleration, Increased driveline vibration, Visible differential movement under throttle
Fix: Replace differential carrier bushings and/or mounts. Many upgrade to polyurethane bushings at this point. 3-4 labor hours.
Estimated cost: $500-900
Fuel Pump Recall-Related Issues
Occasional · high severitySymptoms: Engine stalling at low RPM or idle, Difficulty starting when hot, Sudden loss of power while driving, Check engine light with fuel system codes
Fix: Part of widespread Subaru/Toyota fuel pump recall. Dealer replacement covered under recall. If pump fails outside recall coverage, 2-3 labor hours for in-tank pump replacement.
Estimated cost: $0 (recall) or $600-1,000
Buy one if you want an affordable RWD sports car, but budget $2-3K for a preventive engine refresh or accept the risk of a grenaded motor — especially if the previous owner tracked it.
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.