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Subaru Brz Service Schedule & Costs

Every service item for the Subaru Brz — what needs doing, when, and what it should cost at an independent garage versus a main dealer.

ZC6 (2012–2021)2.0 naturally aspirated boxer

Subaru Brz service: key facts

Routine service items

These are the items covered in a standard service. Most garages include oil, oil filter and a basic inspection. The rest are typically checked or replaced on a schedule.

Service itemIntervalTypical cost
Engine oil and filter
Subaru specifies 6,000 miles or 6 months.
ZC6 · FA20
6,000 miles or 6 months
£80–£120
Dealer: £120–£180
Air filter
Manufacturer interval 12,000 miles. Performance air filters are popular modifications but require more frequent cleaning. Replace cabin filter at same time.
ZC6 · FA20
12,000 miles or 1 year
£25–£45
Dealer: £40–£70
Cabin pollen filter
Located behind glovebox. Can be changed without tools. Replace with air filter for convenience.
ZC6
12,000 miles or 1 year
£15–£25
Dealer: £25–£40

Major service items

These are the big-ticket items. Miss them and you risk engine or gearbox damage. The costs are higher but the consequences of skipping are much worse.

Service itemIntervalTypical cost
Manual gearbox oil
Subaru states lifetime fill but specialists recommend 30,000-mile changes. Use 75W-90 GL-5. Poor shifting quality improves noticeably with fresh oil.
ZC6
30,000 miles or 3 years
£80–£120
Dealer: £120–£180

Periodic maintenance

Items that don't need doing at every service but should be on your radar at the right mileage or age.

Service itemIntervalTypical cost
Spark plugs
Iridium plugs specified by Subaru. Gap critical for proper ignition timing. Enthusiasts often change at 30,000 miles for optimal performance.
ZC6 · FA20
60,000 miles or 5 years
£120–£180
Dealer: £180–£250
Brake fluid
DOT 3 specified. Track users should use DOT 4 and change annually. Brake system contamination causes brake binding issues documented in MOT failures.
ZC6
2 years
£60–£90
Dealer: £90–£130
Coolant flush
Long-life coolant specified for 10 years or 100,000 miles. Check level regularly as FA20 can develop cooling system leaks. Replace thermostat at same time.
ZC6 · FA20
100,000 miles or 10 years
£120–£180
Dealer: £180–£250

Known issues to watch for

The most common problems reported on the Subaru Brz, ranked by severity.

dangerous
Valve spring recall (early) (ZC6)
Early FA20 engines were fitted with valve springs that could fracture under load, potentially causing valve damage and catastrophic engine failure.
major
Brake disc warping (ZC6)
MOT data shows BRZ fails brake disc inspections at 424.9x the fleet average, particularly for excessive fluctuation in brake effort through wheel revolution.
major
Brake binding (ZC6)
MOT statistics show BRZ fails for brake binding at 424.9x the fleet average, with significant brake effort recorded when no brake is applied.
minor
Throwout bearing noise (ZC6)
The clutch release bearing (throwout bearing) in the FA20 manual transmission develops a characteristic chirping or squealing noise when the clutch pedal is depressed.

Check a Subaru Brz's service history

Enter a reg to see franchised dealer service records — dates, mileage, and work done at every visit.

Check service history

£6.99 · Full refund if no records found

Related

Subaru Brz service FAQs

How often should a Subaru Brz be serviced?

A Subaru Brz should have an oil service every 6,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. Subaru specifies 6,000 miles or 6 months.

How much does a Subaru Brz service cost?

A basic service at an independent garage typically costs £80–£120. Main dealer servicing is usually £120–£180. Major items like timing belts or gearbox services cost significantly more.

Can I service a Subaru Brz at an independent garage?

Yes. Under UK consumer law, using an independent garage does not void your manufacturer warranty, provided they use parts meeting the manufacturer's specification and follow the correct schedule. However, independent services won't appear in the franchised dealer digital records.