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Subaru BRZ: 6-Speed Manual Transmission 2nd Gear Synchro Wear

6-Speed Manual Transmission 2nd Gear Synchro Wear is a common transmission fault on the Subaru BRZ on the 2012–2023 cars, and we rate it major. Putting it right costs $1,800 to $4,000 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. Below is what goes wrong, the symptoms to notice on a test drive, where to look, and what to ask the seller before you hand over any money. It is one of 26 documented faults on the Subaru BRZ.

Vehicle
Subaru BRZ
Years
2012–2023
Fuel
petrol
Gearbox
manual
System
Transmission

This page covers the Subaru BRZ as a model. Some faults only affect particular engines or build years — enter a plate below to narrow the list to one car.

All Subaru BRZ faults26 documented faults on this model

What you are looking at

No photograph available

We do not hold a verified photograph for this fault yet. We would rather show none than show a picture of something else.

What goes wrong

The TY75 6-speed manual gearbox used in the BRZ has a documented weakness in the 2nd gear synchroniser ring, which wears prematurely under aggressive or frequent gear changes. The synchro's carbon-fibre cone material degrades faster than the other forward gears in real-world sport driving, the use case for which the car is marketed. The result is increasingly difficult or grinding 2nd-gear engagement, particularly when downshifting at higher engine speeds.

What you would notice

  • Grinding or crunching when selecting 2nd gear on quick upshifts from 1st
  • Resistance or a 'notchy' feel when engaging 2nd, especially on downshifts
  • Need to double-clutch or slow the shift significantly to avoid a grind into 2nd
  • Occasional difficulty engaging 1st gear from a standstill on warm transmission
  • Metallic debris visible if transmission fluid is drained (silver flakes)

How to check it

Where to look. TY75 6-speed manual gearbox — 2nd gear synchroniser ring assembly

During the test drive, perform multiple deliberate 1-2 and 3-2 downshifts at moderate to high throttle. Feel for any resistance, notchiness, or grinding when selecting 2nd. Attempt a fast 1-2 upshift — a worn synchro will crunch if the shift is made without a pause. Check for any aftermarket short-shifter that may have accelerated wear.

What it costs to put right

$1,800 to $4,000 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That is for this job on its own, not for the car.

An estimate, in NZD, for the repair as normally carried out. What a specific car costs depends on which part has failed and what it damaged on the way — treat this as the floor for a negotiation, not a quote.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the transmission ever crunched or resisted going into 2nd gear, even occasionally?”
  • “Has the gearbox oil been changed from the factory fill, and if so how recently?”
  • “Has any aftermarket short-throw shifter been fitted, and is the factory unit available?”

Now check the Subaru BRZ you are actually looking at

Everything above is true of the model, and it is free. What it does not tell you is whether THIS car has been looked after: its odometer history and whether the reading has ever gone backwards, whether there is still money owing on it, whether it has been reported stolen, how many owners it has had and what it is really worth today. That comes from the official records for that plate. Enter the plate for the free details, or get the full history and a market valuation from $13.49.

Not sure what you would be paying for? See what a full KickTyres check includes.

Where this comes from

The failure described above is documented in published sources — owner forums, technical service bulletins, recall notices and workshop write-ups — held in our fault database. The inspection instructions and the cost estimate are KickTyres’ own interpretation of them, and it is a starting point for an inspection rather than a manufacturer statement.

Subaru BRZ buyer questions

Is 6-speed manual transmission 2nd gear synchro wear serious on a Subaru BRZ?

We rate it major and common on the Subaru BRZ. The TY75 6-speed manual gearbox used in the BRZ has a documented weakness in the 2nd gear synchroniser ring, which wears prematurely under aggressive or frequent gear changes. The synchro's carbon-fibre cone material degrades faster than the other forward gears in real-world sport driving, the use case for which the car is marketed. The result is increasingly difficult or grinding 2nd-gear engagement, particularly when downshifting at higher engine speeds.

How much does it cost to fix on a Subaru BRZ?

$1,800 to $4,000 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That figure is for this job on its own. A car showing the symptoms on this page is usually worth either walking away from or negotiating down by at least the repair figure.

Which Subaru BRZ years are affected?

Our research records this fault on the 2012–2023 Subaru BRZ. Build dates move around, especially on imported cars, so treat the range as the years to look hardest at rather than a guarantee either way. The official records tell you the exact build and first registration date for the car in front of you.

How do I check for it before I buy?

During the test drive, perform multiple deliberate 1-2 and 3-2 downshifts at moderate to high throttle. Feel for any resistance, notchiness, or grinding when selecting 2nd. Attempt a fast 1-2 upshift — a worn synchro will crunch if the shift is made without a pause. Check for any aftermarket short-shifter that may have accelerated wear. Look here: TY75 6-speed manual gearbox — 2nd gear synchroniser ring assembly