Subaru BRZ/Toyota 86/Scion FRS Maintenance & Common Issues

Subaru BRZ/Toyota 86/Scion FRS Maintenance & Common Issues

May 16, 2022Austen Wageman

Subaru BRZ issues and how to shop for a used one

Is the Subaru BRZ reliable?

The Subaru BRZ is a great car. It's a light, nimble sports car that's great for weekend drives and track days alike. However, like all cars, it's not perfect. There are some common issues and reliability problems that you need to be aware of if you're the proud owner of a 2022 Subaru BRZ. Luckily, most of these issues can be fixed with a quick part replacement. Overall, the Subaru BRZ is a great car, but like all cars, it has its share of common issues and reliability problems. If you're aware of the following Subaru BRZ problems, you can fix them quickly and enjoy your car for years to come.

Subaru BRZ parts by MAPerformance

Subaru BRZ fluid changes

Anyone who has driven a car knows that fluids are essential for running the vehicle smoothly. Transmission fluid helps to keep the gears shifting smoothly, differential fluid ensures that the wheels rotate properly, engine oil keeps the engine components lubricated, and coolant helps to keep the engine from overheating. However, these fluids can take a lot of abuse over time, and it is important to replace them on a regular basis. Doing so will ensure that the components they service are not damaged and that the car continues to run smoothly. Consequently, fluids are an important part of maintenance that should not be overlooked.

Browse BRZ drivetrain fluids

BRZ transmission fluid change interval

How often you change your transmission fluid depends on your use. If you're beating your car on the track often, we recommend replacing it every 7500 miles. If you do this, it's relatively cheap insurance. Refresh your transmission oil with our Subaru BRZ transmission fluid. 3 quarts is more than enough to change out your transmission oil.

BRZ differential fluid change

Over time, the differential fluid can start to break down, causing the differential to work less effectively. That's why it's important to regularly refresh your differential fluid. Our BRZ differential fluid is specifically designed for use in Subaru BRZs. 2 quarts is more than enough for your differential.

Subaru BRZ oil change interval

One of the most important maintenance tasks is changing your oil. Depending on how you drive your car, most Subaru vehicles will need an oil change every 6 months or 6,000 miles. If you frequently put stress on your engine, you may need to change your oil more often. Changing your BRZ’s oil regularly with our BRZ engine oil helps to keep your engine clean and running smoothly. Your car will thank you for it.

Subaru BRZ coolant

A cooling system is vital to the proper function of an engine, and the coolant plays a critical role in maintaining the system's efficiency. Our BRZ coolant is formulated to protect against corrosion and rust, and it is also pre-diluted to prevent the use of poor-quality water. This engine coolant provides long-lasting protection for all cooling system components. When it comes to preventing cooling system failure, our BRZ coolant is the best choice for your vehicle. 

BRZ battery replacement

If you own a first-generation Subaru BRZ, Toyota G6, or Scion FRS, you may want to consider swapping out the original battery for something aftermarket. The original batteries in these vehicles are known to be pretty bad, and they're known to fail within 2-4 years. So if you can, swap out that original battery for something aftermarket so you're not left stranded with a dead battery. There are a number of aftermarket batteries that are compatible with these vehicles, and they're usually more reliable than the original batteries. So if you're having problems with your original battery, don't hesitate to replace it with an aftermarket battery. It could save you a lot of hassle down the road.

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Subaru BRZ coil packs can go bad

One of the most common issues with early Subaru BRZs is the coil packs. They tend to overheat, which can cause a misfire and premature wear on the spark plugs. To save time and money, you can get a BRZ coil pack replacement with the newest revision. This will help to prevent any further issues with overheating, and it will also extend the life of your spark plugs. In addition, it's a good idea to check the coil packs regularly for any signs of wear or damage. By doing this, you can be sure that your BRZ is running at its best.

What to look for when buying a used Subaru BRZ

Be aware of Subaru BRZ mods when buying used

It’s important to be aware of check-engine lights and any modifications to the car related to the powertrain. If you’re looking at buying a used car, it’s essential to know exactly what you’re getting yourself into and how those parts work together. The BRZ is a highly modifiable platform in terms of making more power, but not everyone knows exactly what they’re doing when it comes to pairing modifications with each other and keeping the car running healthy. Just be aware of what you’re getting into before making a purchase, and you can save yourself some headaches down the road.

Subaru BRZ bumper bar issues

The original equipment manufacturer (OEM) front bumper bar on the Subaru BRZ is very thin, particularly at the corners and edges, and breaks easily. Some of these parts were made quite cheaply, resulting in poor durability. The BRZ is marketed toward a younger crowd and consequently, these cars are crashed quite often due to inexperience on the road. Therefore, it is advisable to inspect the front bumper bar for any signs of damage before driving the car. This inspection should include a visual inspection of the bumper bar for any cracks or other signs of damage, as well as a check of the bumper bar's mounting brackets to make sure they are securely attached to the car body. If there is any doubt about the condition of the bumper bar, it could be used as leverage to buy/walk away.

Subaru BRZ front bumper molding

Subaru BRZ front bumper canard set

Subaru BRZ Front Bumper Skid Plates

On the rear of the Subaru BRZ, the subframe is susceptible to rusting on the top mounting points. Road grime, salt, and snow can accumulate in this area and cause corrosion. The subframe is a critical component of a rear-wheel drive vehicle as it helps to redistribute stress from the wheels to the rest of the car. Therefore, it is important to keep the subframe in good condition to avoid any potential problems. If you notice any rust or corrosion on your subframe, be sure to have it checked out by a professional as soon as possible. If neglected, it could lead to serious problems down the road.

BRZ subframe spacers

BRZ lower subframe brace

BRZ subframe bushing kit

BRZ wheel stud replacement

BRZ factory wheel studs are known to be pretty fragile and can snap easily. If you're looking for a good reason to upgrade, check out MAPerformance for some high-quality BRZ wheel studs like BRZ ARP wheel studs.

BRZ transmission rebuild

The BRZ is a great car, but one known issue is that the transmission isn't the strongest. If you're looking into a used BRZ or you want to make more power on your BRZ, be aware that the transmission is known to not have the strongest transmission. If you're test driving a used BRZ and you hear a grinding noise, a clunk or pop, especially in cold weather or before fluid is warmed up completely, it could indicate that it might need servicing or a rebuild in the future. The good news is that transmissions aren't terribly expensive, nor are the parts to rebuild them. So if you're considering a used BRZ, make sure to get it serviced and check the transmission before making your purchase.

Browse BRZ transmission parts

BRZ suspension

If you're taking a used BRZ for a test drive, check the suspension components for wear and tear. Even if the car has low mileage, the previous owner might have been hard on it or never replaced worn-out parts. Go over some bumps and listen for rattling, clanking or anything that sounds broken. If you already own a BRZ, keep an eye on your suspension. It's good to check your suspension components like sway bar links, bushings, control arms, ball joints, shocks (if they haven't been swapped out for coilovers). Replace them as needed and you'll have great handling and ride quality for years to come.

Browse BRZ suspension upgrades

BRZ airbag light

Some people try to disable the passenger side airbag sensor in order to save weight, causing the airbag light to come on. If this happens, the airbags may not deploy properly in the event of an accident or go off unexpectedly, which could lead to serious injuries. So if you have an airbag light going off, replaced airbags, or sensors, be sure to have them fixed or inspected as soon as possible. Don't take chances with your safety–it's just not worth it.

MAPerformance has BRZ replacement parts

BRZ aftermarket parts by MAPerformance

Not to worry–These common problems with the Subaru BRZ can be fixed and you can keep your BRZ maintained at a low price with MAPerformance. We are proud to offer a wide selection of aftermarket parts for the Subaru BRZ. We understand that every driver is unique, and we believe that your car should reflect your individual style. Whether you're looking for a new set of wheels, an upgraded exhaust system, or more, we have the perfect parts for you. In addition to our great selection, we also offer competitive prices. We want our customers to get the best possible value. If you ever have any questions about Subaru BRZ reliability problems, our products, or our services, don't hesitate to give us a call at 1-888-MAPerformance. Our team members would be more than happy to assist you in any way they can.

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