What goes wrong, what it costs, and what to check before you buy a used Subaru BRZ.
The Subaru BRZ occupies a niche position on the UK market.
We track 4 known issues across the Subaru BRZ range, including 1 rated as safety-critical. Knowing which variants and configurations to approach with caution can save you from expensive surprises after purchase.
Found a Subaru BRZ? Enter the reg to see which of our 4 known issues apply to that exact car, plus full MOT history and mileage checks.
ZC6 (2012–2021) — Engine options included the 2.0 naturally aspirated boxer. Our database flags 4 known issues on this generation, 1 of which are rated as safety-critical. The most significant concern is Valve spring recall (early) (£0–£0 to address).
Early FA20 engines were fitted with valve springs that could fracture under load, potentially causing valve damage and catastrophic engine failure. Subaru issued a recall covering approximately 2013-2016 model years following documented engine failures. The recall replaces all valve springs with redesigned parts that have higher fatigue resistance. This is merged from the original expert database entry covering the same recall issue.
If valve springs fracture, valves can drop into cylinders causing immediate engine destruction requiring complete rebuild or replacement. The recall work prevents this failure mode. Cars subject to recall but not repaired remain at risk of catastrophic engine failure without warning.
Listen carefully for a rattle or ticking noise from the engine on cold start — this is the most common early sign. Ask for evidence of chain replacement in the service history. On higher-mileage cars without documented replacement, budget for preventative work.
MOT data shows BRZ fails brake disc inspections at 424.9x the fleet average, particularly for excessive fluctuation in brake effort through wheel revolution. This indicates brake disc warping or distortion affecting multiple age bands from new to 60,000 miles. The thin sports car brake discs appear susceptible to heat distortion from enthusiast driving or track use, with failures documented from very low mileage.
Warped discs reduce braking effectiveness and can cause dangerous brake fade under hard use. MOT failure likely if distortion exceeds limits. Replacement typically required as skimming rarely successful on thin sports car discs. Track use accelerates the problem significantly.
Check brake disc condition for lipping or scoring. Test braking at moderate speed for pulling to one side or vibration through the steering wheel. Review MOT advisories for brake-related items.
MOT statistics show BRZ fails for brake binding at 424.9x the fleet average, with significant brake effort recorded when no brake is applied. This typically indicates seized brake caliper pistons or contaminated brake fluid causing calipers to stick partially applied. The performance brake setup appears more sensitive to brake fluid degradation and caliper maintenance than typical family cars.
Binding brakes cause premature disc and pad wear, reduced fuel economy, and potential brake failure if caliper seizure progresses. Can lead to brake fade and dangerous loss of stopping power. Requires caliper rebuild or replacement plus brake fluid change.
Check brake disc condition for lipping or scoring. Test braking at moderate speed for pulling to one side or vibration through the steering wheel. Review MOT advisories for brake-related items.
The clutch release bearing (throwout bearing) in the FA20 manual transmission develops a characteristic chirping or squealing noise when the clutch pedal is depressed. This is a widely reported issue across BRZ and GT86 models using the same transmission assembly. The bearing itself is a consumable component but premature noise development suggests inadequate lubrication or bearing quality issues specific to this application.
Initially just noise nuisance but bearing wear will progress to affect clutch operation and eventually require replacement. Complete clutch replacement typically needed as transmission must be removed to access bearing. Safe to drive but plan for repair within 10,000-20,000 miles of noise onset.
Check each gear engages smoothly without crunching. Feel the clutch bite point — very high or very low can indicate wear. Listen for bearing noise when the clutch is depressed.
For the full breakdown of all 4 tracked issues with repair costs, see the Subaru BRZ common problems page.
Routine servicing (oil and filter change every 6k miles) typically costs £80–£120 at an independent garage.
See the full Subaru BRZ service schedule for every interval and cost breakdown.
The Subaru BRZ has some well-documented weak points, including 1 safety-critical issue that demand careful checking. The right example, properly maintained, can still be a sound purchase — but cutting corners on the pre-purchase inspection is not advisable.
Before committing, check the car's full MOT history, verify the service record is complete, and if possible arrange a specialist inspection. Enter any registration into our free report to see the complete picture.
Get Car Wise maintains a database of known mechanical issues for every popular car on UK roads, tracking the faults that owners, specialists and DVSA data reveal.
When you run a report on a specific Subaru BRZ, we cross-reference the exact variant, engine and age against our database of 4 known issues. Combined with full MOT history analysis, mileage verification and DVLA data, you get a complete picture before viewing.
Enter the registration for MOT history, mileage verification, known faults for that exact variant, and a Get Car Wise Score.
This guide was compiled from independent expert reviews, DVSA MOT data, specialist workshops and our own database of 4 known Subaru BRZ issues. We are not affiliated with any source listed.