What year to avoid BRZ?
As a seasoned auto service provider, I often receive inquiries about specific vehicle models and their reliability. One such model that has garnered attention is the Subaru BRZ. While the BRZ is celebrated for its sporty performance and handling, certain model years have been reported to have issues that potential buyers should be aware of. In this article, we will explore which year of the BRZ to avoid and why.
Understanding the Subaru BRZ
The Subaru BRZ, a compact sports car developed in collaboration with Toyota, is known for its rear-wheel-drive layout and engaging driving experience. However, like any vehicle, it has its strengths and weaknesses. Knowing which model years have faced significant problems can save you from future headaches.
Model Years to Avoid
Based on various reports and owner feedback, the following model years of the Subaru BRZ are generally advised to be avoided:
- 2013: The inaugural year of the BRZ saw several complaints regarding engine issues, particularly related to excessive oil consumption.
- 2014: Similar to the 2013 model, the 2014 BRZ continued to experience oil consumption problems, along with some reports of transmission issues.
- 2015: While improvements were made, some owners still reported engine knocking sounds and other performance-related concerns.
Common Issues with These Model Years
Here are some of the prevalent issues reported by owners of the 2013 to 2015 BRZ models:
- Oil Consumption: Many owners reported that their vehicles consumed oil at a higher rate than expected, leading to potential engine damage if not monitored closely.
- Transmission Problems: Some drivers experienced difficulties with the manual transmission, including grinding gears and difficulty shifting.
- Engine Knocking: A noticeable knocking sound from the engine was reported, which could indicate deeper mechanical issues.
Conclusion
While the Subaru BRZ is a fantastic sports car, potential buyers should exercise caution when considering models from 2013 to 2015 due to the reported issues. If you're in the market for a BRZ, it may be wise to look for newer models or thoroughly inspect any used options from these years. Always consult with a trusted mechanic to ensure you're making a well-informed decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the lifespan of a Subaru BRZ?
Subaru vehicles are renowned for their exceptional longevity, often surpassing 200,000 miles or more with proper maintenance and care.
Are 2016 Subaru BRZ reliable?
The 2016 Subaru BRZ has a reliability rating of three out of five from J.D. Power, which is considered average across the industry.
How long does a BRZ clutch last?
50,000 miles
When properly maintained, a Subaru clutch should last at least 50,000 miles.
What is the life expectancy of the Toyota 86 engine?
How long do Toyota 86s last? Although there is limited information about the vehicles, most drivers predict them to survive around 150,000 miles. This number is decent for a sports car but won't come close to the longevity of SUVs and vehicles built for more wear and tear on the highway and city.
What is wrong with the Subaru BRZ?
There are known issues with poor gear changing on the BRZ gearboxes. If you are finding it difficult to engage any of the gears, you are not alone. This seems to be more of an issue on cold mornings and when changing from first to second gear and from third to second.
How long will a BRZ engine last?
The community responded by sharing that BRZs can last for over 200,000 miles if maintained properly. Moreover, many users reported that their BRZs had reached high mileage without significant issues. Some users mentioned their daily-driven BRZs with 115,000 and 130,000 miles, respectively.
Why do BRZ engines fail?
Early on, forum critics suspected the popped engines were the result of oil starvation at the oil pickup, caused by a material known as RTV (room-temperature vulcanizing silicone). RTV is used in manufacturing to seal many components in the engine, like the oil pan, timing cover, heads, and valve covers.
Is BRZ an everyday car?
This car makes mundane errands fun. The BRZ delivers attainable power without getting over your head.
Is Toyota 86 or Subaru BRZ better?
Verdict: Toyota GT86 vs. Subaru BRZ: which should you buy? Though they're different on paper, the experience of owning and driving both these models is extremely similar, so there's no bad pick. The choice ultimately comes down to availability and styling preference.
How reliable is 2017 Subaru BRZ?
How Reliable Is the 2017 Subaru BRZ? The 2017 Subaru BRZ has a below-average predicted reliability rating of 2.5 out of five from J.D. Power.
