Subaru BRZ ZC6 Reliability - Problems & Costs

Common Problems

Timing cover / cam plate oil leak

€400 - 8001 of 6

Factory RTV sealant on the front timing cover degrades, causing oil seepage typically from 60,000-100,000 km · more· less

The most common BRZ problem. The front timing cover is sealed to the engine block with liquid gasket (RTV sealant) rather than a solid gasket. Over time, heat cycles cause the sealant to crack and shrink, allowing oil to seep out. The leak typically appears first at the cam plate (a small blanking plate on the rear of the cylinder head) or at the front timing cover surface. The cam plate leak is a straightforward fix: an aftermarket billet aluminium cam plate with an O-ring seal replaces the factory stamped steel part for around €50-100 in parts. The front timing cover reseal is more involved but does not require engine removal. A specialist reseal including surface preparation, new sealant, cam seals, and fresh oil costs €400-600. If ignored, oil can drip onto the exhaust and create a burning smell, and prolonged low oil levels risk engine damage.

Throwout bearing noise

€300 - 1,2002 of 6

Release bearing develops chirping or grinding noise, a well-known design weakness across the entire production run · more· less

The OEM throwout bearing (clutch release bearing) has a known design flaw that has plagued the ZN6/ZC6 platform since launch. The factory applies only a thin layer of grease that breaks down quickly under heat. Symptoms include a chirping, squealing, or grinding noise when pressing or releasing the clutch pedal. The throwout bearing carrier can show visible scoring with as few as 3,000 km on the odometer. Subaru issued a revised bearing part number, but even updated OEM bearings have proven short-lived. Aftermarket upgraded bearings are available from specialists. Since replacing the throwout bearing requires gearbox removal, most owners combine it with a clutch replacement. Bearing-only replacement at an independent shop costs €300-500 in labour plus €30-80 for the part. A combined clutch and throwout bearing replacement runs €800-1,200 at an independent shop. The noise itself is harmless until the bearing begins to seize, at which point clutch operation becomes stiff or inconsistent.

Valve spring failure (2012-2013 models)

€0 - 4,0003 of 6

Defective valve springs on early production cars can fracture, causing engine stall or catastrophic damage · more· less

Subaru issued recall WTY-84 for BRZ models produced between April 2012 and May 2013. A manufacturing defect in the valve spring material causes fatigue strength to be lower than specification. If a valve spring fractures while driving, the engine may stall and potentially suffer valve-to-piston contact, destroying the cylinder head and possibly the block. The recall replaces all 16 valve springs with improved components, free of charge at any Subaru dealer. However, some owners reported that during the recall repair, excess sealant was applied which subsequently caused engine issues. If the recall has not been completed, the risk of spring fracture increases significantly with age and mileage. Engine damage from a fractured spring costs €3,000-4,000 for a cylinder head rebuild or more for a complete engine replacement. Always verify recall completion on any 2012-2013 BRZ before purchase.

Ignition coil failure (2012-2014 models)

€200 - 6004 of 6

Early coil packs overheat under sustained high-RPM driving, causing misfires and check engine light · more· less

The 2012-2014 BRZ uses ignition coils that are prone to overheating, particularly under sustained high-RPM driving or track use. The issue triggers diagnostic codes P0351-P0354 and causes misfires, rough running, and check engine light. Subaru issued TSB 07-120-17 which calls for replacement of the wiring harness and coil packs with the revised 2015+ design. The updated coils and harness connectors feature a shape change and positive lock mechanism. New and old parts are not interchangeable and must be installed as a set. An independent shop can perform the update for €200-400 in parts and labour. If left unaddressed, persistent misfires can damage the catalytic converter, which is significantly more expensive to replace. Cars from 2015 onwards use the revised design and are not affected.

Subframe and underbody corrosion

€300 - 1,5005 of 6

Front and rear subframes develop surface rust in salt-heavy climates, potentially progressing to structural concerns · more· less

Like many Japanese cars, the BRZ's subframes and underbody components have minimal factory corrosion protection. Surface rust on subframe welds and suspension mounting points is common on cars older than 5-6 years, particularly in northern European countries that salt roads in winter. In most cases the corrosion is cosmetic and can be arrested with professional underbody treatment (Dinitrol, Tectyl, or similar) costing €300-500. However, in severe cases where corrosion penetrates the structural metal of the subframe, replacement is necessary to pass roadworthiness inspection. A new front subframe costs €400-600 in parts with around €400-600 in labour. Applying underbody protection proactively is strongly recommended for any BRZ that will see winter use.

Tail light and headlight condensation

€50 - 4006 of 6

Factory gaskets are too thin, allowing moisture into light housings causing fogging or water pooling · more· less

The factory tail light gaskets on the BRZ are a known weak point. The gasket material is too thin and degrades over time, allowing water vapour and eventually liquid water into the tail light housing. This causes fogging, condensation, and in severe cases pooling water that can damage the LED elements. Headlights are similarly affected but less frequently. Aftermarket neoprene gaskets designed for the BRZ/GT86 (such as Gasket Ninja brand) provide a superior seal for around €20-30 and are a worthwhile preventive measure. New OEM tail light units cost €150-200 each if internals are damaged. Headlight condensation is typically resolved by resealing with fresh silicone.

Reliable sports car with well-documented, manageable issues

The BRZ is one of the more reliable sports cars available, with a simple naturally aspirated engine, no turbo or complex electronics to fail, and strong community support. The FA20 engine can exceed 200,000 km with proper maintenance. The main ownership concerns are oil leaks from the timing cover (almost universal on higher-mileage cars), throwout bearing noise (cosmetic until it seizes), and valve spring recall completion on early models. Post-2017 facelift cars addressed the ignition coil issue and generally have fewer problems. Underbody corrosion requires attention in salt-heavy climates.

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

General checks

Service history
Complete Subaru dealer or specialist records essential. Verify oil changes every 6 months or 10,000 km.
Tires
Check tread depth, age (date codes), and uneven wear. Rear tires wear faster due to rear-wheel drive.
Cold start
Start engine completely cold. Listen for unusual rattling, ticking, or knocking in the first 30 seconds.
Test drive
Minimum 30 minutes including highway speeds and varied RPM range to get engine fully warm.

Specific for this vehicle

Check for oil leaks under the engine
Look underneath for oil drips, especially around the front timing cover area and cam plate at the rear of the cylinder heads. A burning oil smell from the exhaust side indicates active leaks.
Listen for throwout bearing noise
With the engine running in neutral, slowly press and release the clutch pedal. Listen for chirping, squealing, or grinding. Some noise is common, but loud grinding or stiff pedal feel indicates imminent failure.
Verify valve spring recall completed (2012-2013)
Contact Subaru with the VIN to confirm recall WTY-84 has been performed. This is critical for all 2012-2013 models.

+ 3 more checksShow less

Inspect underbody for corrosion
Check front and rear subframes, suspension mounting points, and brake lines for surface rust or structural corrosion. Essential for cars from salt-heavy climates.
Check tail lights for moisture
Look inside the tail light housings for signs of condensation, fogging, or water pooling. Indicates failed gaskets.
Test all ignition coils (2012-2014)
Drive the car through the full RPM range. Hesitation, misfires, or a check engine light may indicate the original coil packs have not been updated to the revised 2015+ design.

Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins

Valve spring fracture (2012-2013 BRZ) - Recall WTY-84 Verify completed

Fuel pump failure (2018-2019 BRZ) - Recall WRG-21 Verify completed

Takata airbag inflator (various years) Verify completed

Contact Subaru with the VIN to verify all recalls have been completed. The valve spring recall (WTY-84) is particularly critical for 2012-2013 models as unrepaired cars risk catastrophic engine damage.

Warranty Status

Factory warranty (3 years / 100,000 km) Expired on all first-gen BRZ models

Rust perforation warranty Typically 6 years from first registration

Extended warranty Available through Subaru dealers on newer examples

All first-generation BRZ models (2012-2020) are now outside their original 3-year / 100,000 km factory warranty. Extended warranty options may be available through Subaru dealers for more recent model years. Safety recalls have no expiry date and must be performed regardless of warranty status.

Sources: Research draws on model-specific owner forums and owner communities, recall information from official authorities, German automotive press, and multiple workshop cost references cross-checked against each other.

This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.

Subaru BRZ ZC6

↔ Also consider