My car was running with any issue until right after the recall repair. The recall (valve springs) repair was performed during the week of may 6th, 2019. I picked up the car on may 11, 2019 and the engine stalled a few times on the road on the same day when I drove the car back home. I called the dealer the same day I picked up the car and left them a message about the engine stall. Then, on…
2013 Subaru BRZ engine problems
moderate 44 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
44
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 44 engine complaints filed for the 2013 Subaru BRZ, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
How fast does it fail?
Cumulative share of the 13 mileage-bearing engine complaints filed against the 2013 Subaru BRZ by each odometer reading. Median failure: 72,000 mi.
10% have failed by42,743 mi
Half the fleet by72,000 mi
90% have failed by120,000 mi
Curve based on owner-reported odometer mileage at the time of complaint. Reflects when owners filed, not when symptoms first appeared. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve.
What stands out
Owners have filed 44 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 5 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2013 BRZ's FA20 engine experiences a marked spike in catastrophic failures following Subaru's valve spring recall (WTY-84, NHTSA 18V-772000). Owners report that vehicles in perfect working condition before the recall begin stalling without warning 700 to 10,000 miles after service completion. The pattern is consistent: engine knocking, loss of power on highways, check engine lights, and internal damage including rod knock, bearing failure from oil starvation, and blown short blocks.
Evidence of service contamination appears frequently. One dealership admitted debris entered the mass air flow sensor while the engine sat open during recall work; another owner found RTV sealant blocking oil passages. Owners cite dramatic fuel economy drops (25 MPG to 14 MPG), new engine noises (clunking, ticking, whining), and repeated check engine lights requiring multiple dealer visits.
Repair costs run $1,450–$8,000 depending on damage severity. Subaru denies responsibility in most cases, claiming recalls were performed correctly. Dealerships have demanded additional $650 fees for recall work that was supposed to be free, and have refused to service vehicles with aftermarket parts or non-original replacement engines—one owner lost vehicle registration for over a year. Independent mechanics and forums document dozens of similar post-recall failures, though Subaru has not issued a recall for the recall work itself.
Failure modes owners describe
Catastrophic engine failure after valve spring recall
Multiple owners report complete engine failure—stalling, loss of power, inability to restart, knocking noises, and internal damage—occurring weeks to months after the WTY-84 valve spring recall service. Owners describe finding metal shavings in oil, rod knock, bearing failure from oil starvation, blown short blocks, and cracked heads. In one case, failure occurred just 700 miles after recall; in another, 1,600 miles; in another, 5,000 miles. Owners who had done regular oil changes with quality synthetic oil report sudden catastrophic failure with no warning.
When: Typically 1–10 weeks post-recall, 700–10,000 miles after service completion
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalling while driving; Loss of power on highway or city streets; Loud knocking or clunking noise from engine; Check engine light illumination; Inability to restart or multiple restart attempts needed; Metal shavings adhering to oil dipstick; Rod knock; Severe vibration
Codes mentioned: P0017 (camshaft/crankshaft position correlation), P0171 (system too lean), Internal engine failure codes
Repairs/costs cited: Engine teardown/diagnosis $1,450–$1,800; short block replacement $2,311+; full engine replacement $3,200–$8,000+; some owners were denied warranty coverage and charged out of pocket
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru issued recall WTY-84 and NHTSA campaign 18V-772000 for valve springs; however, owners report Subaru denies responsibility for post-recall failures, claiming work was performed correctly and failures are unrelated; some dealerships refused recall work without additional customer charges ($650+); manufacturer did not assist in many cases
Oil contamination and debris in engine post-recall
Multiple owners report evidence of contamination introduced during recall service. One owner states dealership admitted debris got into the mass air flow sensor while the engine was open for recall work. Another owner found RTV sealant in the oil pan and oil pickup, blocking oil passages and causing starvation. Owners cite this as evidence of improper workmanship during the valve spring replacement.
When: Discovered post-recall during diagnostic inspections and oil changes
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light after recall completion; Fuel trim codes (P0171 system too lean); Metal shavings in oil; RTV sealant debris in oil passages
Codes mentioned: P0171 (system too lean)
Repairs/costs cited: Mass air flow sensor cleaning; mass air flow sensor replacement $651.44; oil passage cleaning (not typically offered)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One dealership acknowledged debris contamination during recall work and performed MAF sensor cleaning free of charge; however, owner later had to pay $651.44 for sensor replacement when failure recurred; no systematic recall for contamination-related damages issued
Check engine light and drivability issues post-recall
Owners report check engine light illumination and poor drivability immediately or within days of picking up vehicles after valve spring recall. Issues include stalling, fuel trim errors, and multiple diagnostic cycles with repeated repairs at the same dealership without resolution.
When: Within days to weeks post-recall
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illumination; Traction control light illumination; Engine stalling; Multiple warning lights simultaneous illumination; Poor acceleration
Codes mentioned: P0017 (camshaft/crankshaft position correlation), P0171 (system too lean), Unspecified maintenance failure codes
Repairs/costs cited: ECM updates; throttle body cleaning; mass air flow sensor cleaning; ECM replacement; cam sprocket replacement; wiring harness replacement; multiple visits to dealership for repeated diagnostics
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships performed ECM updates and component cleaning at no charge initially, attributing issues to debris contamination from recall work; however, subsequent failures required owner payment; Subaru corporate did not assist in many complaints
Unusual engine noises post-recall
Owners consistently report hearing new engine noises after picking up vehicles from recall service: loud clunking at idle and under load, high-pitched whining during acceleration, sporadic clatter resembling snare drum, loud ticking, and knocking. These noises often precede catastrophic failure.
When: Immediately upon return from service or within 2–10 weeks post-recall
Symptoms owners cite: Loud clunking noise at idle; Clunking when air conditioning is on; High-pitched whining during acceleration; Sporadic clatter under hood; Loud ticking noise; Knocking noise from engine block; Burning smell once engine reaches temperature
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships often unable to diagnose; owners report noises suggest bearing or oil pressure issues; one owner noted dealership claimed noises were from high-pressure fuel pump, not engine damage
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships claimed repairs performed correctly and were unable to identify cause of noises; some refused further diagnostics without diagnostic fees; manufacturer did not provide guidance
Fuel economy degradation post-recall
One owner reports dramatic fuel economy drop immediately after valve spring recall—from stable 25–26 MPG to 14 MPG within days of receiving vehicle. Dealership diagnostic testing found no identifiable cause and reported reset trip meters showed improvement, but owner's actual driving showed 22–23 MPG, still significantly below pre-recall baseline.
When: Immediately post-recall
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden drop in fuel economy; Check engine light intermittently illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership performed multiple system checks with no definitive repair; problem remained unresolved
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership diagnostics inconclusive; no warranty claim or TSB issued for fuel economy issues post-recall
Direct injector seal failure
One owner reports failed direct injector seal unrelated to valve spring recall but present in the complaint cluster. Owner describes hearing fireworks-like sound under hood; dealership took weeks to diagnose because no check engine code was generated. Once identified and repaired, owner notes this issue is becoming common in BRZ and FRS models and Scion acknowledges it while Subaru does not. Repair typically $1,000+.
When: During normal driving; timing relative to vehicle age/mileage not specified in complaint
Symptoms owners cite: Fireworks-like popping sound under hood; No check engine code illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Direct injector seal replacement; cost $1,000+; owner notes many repairs end in engine seizure if not addressed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru refuses to acknowledge the issue as a known defect and denies warranty claims; Scion (Toyota) acknowledges the problem per owner research
Recall service delays and parts unavailability
Multiple owners report inability to schedule or complete valve spring recall due to parts shortages and dealership workload. One owner was placed on a waiting list for three months with no callback; another dealership refused to perform recall without additional customer payment ($650) for removal and reinstallation of modifications.
When: During initial recall notification and scheduling phase (2019–2020)
Symptoms owners cite: No service available; Repeated broken promises of callbacks; Additional charges demanded for recall work
Repairs/costs cited: Some dealerships demanded $650 additional charge for 'remove and reinstall modifications,' contrary to Subaru recall notice stating work is free
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru issued recall letters but dealerships reported parts unavailability; manufacturer initially did not provide additional support for scheduling delays; some dealerships charged unauthorized fees per Subaru corporate confirmation of the error
Denial of recall coverage for modified engines
Owners report being denied recall service because engines had aftermarket modifications or because replacement engines were installed post-failure. One owner with turbo and associated aftermarket parts was refused recall. Another owner who had engine replaced out of pocket was told manufacturer would not cover recall because original engine was no longer in vehicle, blocking registration.
When: At time of recall attempt
Symptoms owners cite: Dealership or manufacturer refusal to perform recall; Vehicle unable to be registered due to incomplete recall
Repairs/costs cited: One owner paid $3,200 estimate to address valve spring issue independently after being denied recall
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru denied recall coverage citing aftermarket modifications or non-original engine; manufacturer refused to engage with owner who had rebuilt engine with stronger components, resulting in over one year loss of use and registration block
Synthesized from 44 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 15 most recent
On july 17 2019 we bought the 2013 Subaru brz from a BMW dealership. At the time of sale we were advised that the vehicle had an open recall, therefore we had asked that the recall be serviced prior to taking possession of the vehicle. The service was completed at another dealership on july 26, 2019. Less than 4 months later on november 17, 2019, shortly after driving on the freeway the…
Driving under normal conditions and started hearing something that sounded like fireworks under the hood of the car. I immediately parked it and researched. The issue appeared to be a failure of the seal on the direct injector for the fuel system. I had it repaired at the dealership where the car was purchased. That took several weeks since the issue doesn't cause the car to report a code or…
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Subaru brz. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 18v772000 (engine and engine cooling). The vehicle was taken to Subaru of el cajon (900 arnele ave, el cajon, ca 92020) to have the recall repair performed. Approximately 3,000 miles after the vehicle was repaired under the recall, the contact's son was driving at 40 MPH and heard an abnormal…
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Subaru brz. While the contact's son was driving 65 MPH, the vehicle lost power and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The driver heard an abnormal noise and then the vehicle seized. The vehicle was towed to the driver's residence. Ocean Subaru of fullerton (located at 1100 s euclid st, fullerton, ca 92832, (888) 428-2419) was called and informed of the…
This is a complaint about the work performed on my vehicle for the wty-84 recall. I brought my vehicle into the dealership (annapolis Subaru). After multiple issues with the workmanship my car's engine is blown. Annapolis Subaru has stated that they have worked on my vehicle long enough and will not fix the blown engine. The work that was performed was done due to negilence while performing…
In april 2019, I brought my 2013 Subaru brz to the Subaru dealership for valve spring recall. About 5 months later while I'm driving home from work, my car making loud knocking noise and vibrate aggressively. I'm very fortunate that I make it home safe. After doing some research, I found out I'm not the only one had engine failure after valve spring recall done. I tow my car to the dealership and…
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Subaru brz. The contact stated that the motor failed four times and had to be replaced. The vehicle made an abnormal noise, drove roughly, and constantly stalled. The vehicle was repaired and had to be taken to the dealer (wallace Subaru of johnson city, 3101 e oakland ave, johnson city, tn 37601, (877) 258-6065) again for further diagnostic testing. The contact was…
Blown short block / cracked cylinder head, broken connecting rod, $7000+ estimates for engine rebuild. My brz stalled while traveling on the freeway.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Subaru brz. The contact bought the vehicle used from an independent mechanic. Prior to the contact taking possession of the vehicle, it was serviced at wilsonville Subaru, 9200 sw bailey st, wilsonville, or 97070, 503-946-9203) per NHTSA campaign number: 18v772000 (engine and engine cooling). Upon taking possession of the vehicle, the contact heard a loud ticking noise…
Had engine trouble with your 2013 Subaru BRZ?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2013 Subaru BRZ?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 44 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 37 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 46,000 and 91,000 miles, with the median around 60,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 46,000; a quarter make it past 91,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/Subaru/BRZ.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.