Thinking about buying a used Toyota BRZ twin (2021) in New Zealand? We've documented 5 known faults for this model spanning engine, transmission, and fluid leaks. 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.
5
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$800–$1,800
Typical repair
3
Systems covered
Known Toyota BRZ twin faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
01FA24 big-end bearing failure on high-revving track-driven examples
CriticalRareEngine $5,000–$12,000 to fix
A subset of GR86 owners who regularly drive their cars at or near the 7,500 rpm redline on track have experienced FA24 big-end (connecting rod) bearing failure. The failure mode appears linked to oil starvation during sustained high-lateral-g cornering, where the wet-sump oil supply to the main and big-end bearings is interrupted. This is documented on GR86 track-use threads and is similar to the oil surge issue that affected the previous FA20 engine. The result is spun or destroyed bearings requiring a partial or full engine rebuild.
Symptoms to notice
Deep knocking sound from the engine that worsens under load
Sudden loss of oil pressure warning light during or after track use
Metallic particles visible in oil at service
Engine may develop a tick that rapidly progresses to a knock
What to check
Ask seller directly about track use history. Check the oil for any metallic glitter. Look for evidence of an oil catch can or baffled sump, which responsible track owners typically fit. If a workshop inspection is possible: A compression and leak-down test is advisable on any car with known track use.
Where to look: Connecting rod big-end bearings inside the FA24 flat-four engine block
Ask the seller
“Has this car been driven on a circuit or racetrack?”
“Has an oil pressure gauge or baffled sump been fitted?”
“Has the oil ever shown any metallic contamination at a service?”
02Rear differential output shaft seal leak
MinorOccasionalFluid Leaks $350–$800 to fix
A proportion of GR86 ZN8 owners have reported rear differential output shaft seal leaks, resulting in gear oil seepage from the diff housing. This is identified by oil residue around the rear differential and a gradual reduction in diff oil level. If undetected, low differential oil causes premature wear and ultimate failure of the rear diff internals. The ZN8 diff shares design lineage with previous 86/BRZ platforms where similar seal degradation was noted on used examples.
Symptoms to notice
Gear oil smell from underneath the rear of the car
Oily residue or wet patch on the rear differential housing
Differential whine or slight vibration at speed if oil has run low
What to check
Check the diff oil level via the fill plug if accessible. Look for oil residue on the rear subframe or driveshafts. If a workshop inspection is possible: Put the car on a hoist and inspect both output shaft seal areas on the rear differential for oil weeping.
Where to look: Rear differential output shaft seals, left and right, on the Torsen rear diff
Ask the seller
“Has the rear differential oil ever been changed or inspected?”
“Is there any oil residue under the rear of the car?”
“Has any differential leak been noted at WOF inspections?”
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
TransmissionMajor
3 more documented faults on the Toyota BRZ twin
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 5 documented faults for the Toyota BRZ twin, the recurring problem areas are engine, transmission, and fluid leaks. A Toyota BRZ twin 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 Toyota BRZ twin?
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We've catalogued 5 known faults for the Toyota BRZ twin, covering engine, transmission, and fluid leaks. 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 Toyota BRZ twin?
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Most single repairs on the Toyota BRZ twin fall between $800–$1,800 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 5 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 Toyota BRZ twin?
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Yes. A Toyota BRZ twin 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.