This Bulletin provides the diagnostic procedure for the STARLINK® Remote Engine Start (RES).
View on NHTSA →2014 Subaru BRZ engine problems
severe 4 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
When does it fail?
Of the 4 engine complaints filed for the 2014 Subaru BRZ, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 100,000-125,000 mi.
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.
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.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This Service Information Bulletin provides the Service Manual Correction to the diagnostic procedure for DTC B2A16 (Immobilizer Key Collation Diagnosis).
View on NHTSA →This Bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be followed when diagnosing engine oil leakage on FA and FB type engines.
View on NHTSA →The purpose of this bulletin is to advise of SOA’s revised Catalytic Converter Recycling Program shipping procedure.
View on NHTSA →This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
View on NHTSA →Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Subaru brz. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to coconut creek Subaru (4980 n, fl-7, coconut creek, fl 33073; (888) 459-5432) for an unstated recall on the valve spring. The contact stated that recently while the brakes were depressed at a red light, the vehicle shut-off independently. The vehicle was restarted however, there was a knocking sound coming…
I was driving the car on the Highway & the car caught on fire from the engine bay area. I drover the car for about 5 miles before the fire. the car has no modification & everything in OEM/Stock condition. Many people reported having the same issue with engine catching on fire for Subaru BRZ Toyota 86 & Toyota FRS since they all share the same engine & mechanical component
Driving 74 MPH on highway with cruise control on. Subtle, repeating forward jerking motion felt for 3 seconds, then went away. Check engine light was flashing during the jerking motion and turned off when jerking motion stopped. The jerking motion and blinking light came back 4 to 5 times before becoming violent. I pushed in the clutch pedal during the violent jerking motions and the engine…
This may be similar to the current recall posted for earlier models of the Scion fr-s and Subaru brz, however my car was manufactured after the recalled production time frame. (cuts off at september 2013, my car was made in december 2013) my car is a 2014 Subaru brz manual and when idling stationary, once in a while rpms drop and car shakes as if it's trying to stall. This is more noticeable…
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2014 Subaru BRZ?
It's a meaningful issue. 4 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Based on the 4 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 93,000 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
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.