Thinking about buying a used Subaru BRZ (2012–2024) in New Zealand? We've documented 30 known faults for this model spanning engine, transmission, body & rust, and suspension. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
30
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$550–$1,800
Typical repair
6
Systems covered
Known Subaru BRZ faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
01FA20 Piston Ring Land Cracking Under Sustained High-RPM Track Use
CriticalOccasionalEngine $9,000–$22,000 to fix
The FA20's forged and cast aluminium pistons have relatively narrow ring land walls. Under sustained high-RPM operation (track days, time attack), thermal cycling and combustion pressure fatigue can crack the top ring land. This allows combustion gases to bypass the rings, causing rapid oil consumption, blue smoke, and eventual hydraulic lock or connecting rod failure if oil level drops undetected.
Symptoms to notice
Excessive engine oil consumption of more than 0.5 litres per 1,000 km, often discovered between services
Blue smoke from the exhaust under hard acceleration or when lifting off the throttle at high RPM
Low compression reading (below 1,200 kPa) or high leak-down percentage on affected cylinders
What to check
Check for blue oil smoke under hard acceleration or on overrun. Inspect oil level before purchase — a track-used car burning oil between checks is a red flag. Pull spark plugs and inspect for oil fouling. If a workshop inspection is possible: Perform a compression and leak-down test across all four cylinders.
Where to look: Pistons in both cylinder banks of the horizontally-opposed FA20 engine
Ask the seller
“Has the car been used on a track or in any motorsport events?”
“Can you supply the last five service records showing oil level checks?”
“Would you be willing to allow a compression and leak-down test before purchase?”
02ZD8 FA24 early oil consumption reports
MinorOccasionalEngine $300–$4,000 to fix
The second-gen ZD8 BRZ's larger 2.4 FA24 boxer has drawn early oil-consumption reports from some owners, and early engines were subject to scrutiny, so oil use and level should be checked on used examples.
Symptoms to notice
Oil consumption between changes
Low oil warning
Need to top up between services
Faint smoke under load
What to check
Check oil level and consumption history and ask about any engine-related recalls or service actions performed.
Where to look: FA24 boxer engine
Ask the seller
“Does it use oil between changes?”
“Any recall or engine work done?”
“Has oil level been monitored?”
EngineCritical
EngineCritical
EngineCritical
EngineMajor
TransmissionMajor
EngineMajor
TransmissionMajor
TransmissionMajor
EngineMajor
Body & RustMajor
SuspensionMajor
EngineMajor
CoolingMajor
EngineMajor
SuspensionMajor
TransmissionMajor
EngineMajor
Fluid LeaksMajor
SuspensionMajor
TransmissionMajor
EngineMinor
EngineMinor
TransmissionMinor
EngineMinor
SuspensionMinor
SuspensionMinor
EngineMinor
TransmissionMinor
28 more documented faults on the Subaru BRZ
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 30 documented faults for the Subaru BRZ, the recurring problem areas are engine, transmission, and body & rust. A Subaru BRZ with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.
What are the most common problems with a used Subaru BRZ?
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We've catalogued 30 known faults for the Subaru BRZ, covering engine, transmission, and body & rust. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
How much do repairs cost on a Subaru BRZ?
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Most single repairs on the Subaru BRZ fall between $550–$1,800 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 30 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Subaru BRZ?
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Yes. A Subaru BRZ inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.