My 2013 subaru brz was recalled and "repaired" for faulty valve springs at maguire subaru in ithaca, ny in spring 2019 at 45,000 miles. 700 miles later on june 6, 2020, I experienced a catastrophic engine failure while I was driving in motion! Maguire has had my car for 8 weeks now. After a short block replacement, they decided to replace whole engine which is now also experiencing more valve problems. When will this be resolved???? Recall the recall??
2013 Subaru BRZ engine complaints
Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 49, newest first, as owners wrote them.
I took my 2013 subaru brz to the subaru dealership for the wty84 fa20 valve spring recall on december 24, 2019. The dealership kept my car for three months and I picked up my car on march 31, 2020 after the repairs were completed. Two and a half months later, and only 1,600 miles since the repairs, on june 19, 2020 my car started losing power while I was driving on the freeway and stalled. I pulled to the side of the road and was not able to restart the car. Stranded, I had no choice but to call a tow truck to tow my car to the dealership. The tow truck driver checked the battery, which was in good health, and tried to jump-start the engine but the engine would not turn over. He checked the oil level and immediately saw metal shavings in the oil adhering to the dipstick. He later tried to start the car again and this time the car started but the engine was making a loud horrible knocking noise. At the dealership, I was told that the engine had a rod knock, and possible broken rod bearing with signs of engine failure and that I would have to pay $1,450 for a tear down to determine the problem, and additional for any repairs. There have never been any metal shavings in the oil prior to the dealership repairs being done and I have never had these problems before. Regular oil changes have been completed every 5,000 to 7,500 miles by a licensed mechanic using only mobil 1 full synthetic motor oil and oil quality and levels have been excellent between changes. The car has 72,000 miles and has worked wonderfully up until now.
There is an open recall for my vehicle's engine due to the valve springs, which can result in engine failure. I previously replaced the engine completely twice due to engine failure, and I provided the receipts where the original parts were replaced, and done so with higher quality components after the second failure. However, both the dealership and the manufacturer stopped responding to my communication requests via phone and email and despite following up in person as well, and were silent when I stated that they were denying me a path to register my vehicle despite the part having been replaced and the original motor no longer being in the vehicle, which they required in order to complete the service. The first time the motor failed, I was at a dead stop and started to make a left hand turn when the motor stalled out. The second time, the motor just started making a loud noise and vibrating strongly. Both times I brought it to a mechanic to fix the motor, the second time I had it rebuild with stronger components and I have not had a problem since. There have been many reports from owners that have had their recalls completed by dealership service centers, the only ones authorized to make the repairs, and that subsequently had their motors fail despite there being nothing wrong to begin with. I do not want my vehicle that had been repaired with stronger components to have recall work done that can yourself the same terrible results, replacing stronger components with inferior components, especially when I paid out of pocket to do so and do not have any issues. I'm currently unable to register the vehicle due to this impasse and block on my current registration due to the incomplete recall, suffering over a year worth of loss of use.
Engine failure while driving. Engine had recall work preformed at 33,266 miles and failure happened at 35,915
In late 2018 I was notified by subaru of the valve spring recall for my 2013 brz. I carried my car in on march 31st 2020 to have the recall done. I picked my car up on april 9th 2020. On april 14th 2020, after exiting the highway, my engine stalled at a red light. It restarted on the first try with check engine light and traction light on. I drove the car directly back to the dealer to check that everything was done correctly. The diagnosis was fault p0017 and throttle body carbon up. The technician performed an ECM update and cleaned the throttle body and returned the car to me. No charges were incurred. On may 12th 2020 while driving, the check engine light and traction light came on once again. I again brought the car back into the dealer to be checked out. The diagnosis was fault p0171 system too lean. Checked for leaks and found none. The mass air flow sensor was cleaned and the car returned to me. No charges were incurred as it was admitted that debris could have gotten in the sensor while the engine was open performing the recall. On june 4th 2020 , after exiting the highway, the engine stalled again. This time 5 tries to restart the engine were to no avail. On the 6th try the engine finally restarted with no warning lights on. I drove the car back to the dealer. My car was kept for 1 week and the diagnosis was a bad mass air flow sensor. I was charged $651.44 to replace the sensor. My car was returned to me on june 12th 2020. On june 13th 2020 the check engine light and traction light was back on. When I carried my car in on march 31st 2020, there were no prior issues with the engine or any other component on the vehicle. The car drove and functioned perfectly fine. There have many complaints about the brz recall making engines. I believe I've fell victim to this. Please investigate the subaru/toyota valve spring recall for 2013 brz and frs.
Valve spring recall (subaru recall wty-84 and the federal safety agency id 18v‑772) was performed aug-sep 2019. On march 16, 2020 while driving, the car was experiencing rod knock and had to be pulled off the road and towed to farrish subaru in fairfax, va. The car's engine was torn down, short block and long block. Found a bearing failure due to oil starvation. It is now may 28, 2020, over 10 weeks since the car was towed to the dealership and I still do not have my car back. I have sr #[xxx] case number with subaru of america who I contacted to get involved. There are numerous complaints on the internet about subaru brz, scion frs, toyota 86s having serious engine problems with a lot having serious engine problems after the recall numbers stated above. This is a very serious and dangerous problem that needs immediate attention. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 subaru brz. The contact took the vehicle to courtesy subaru of chico (896 east ave, chico, ca 95926) to be repaired under the federal safety agency campaign number: 18v772000 (engine and engine cooling). Upon returning the vehicle, the contact became aware of knocking sound coming from the engine. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact restarted the vehicle and the knocking sound persisted. The contact stated the failure was intermittent. The contact stated that the knocking sound was progressively getting worse. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who was unable to diagnose the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer informed the contact to have the vehicle taken back to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Had factory valve spring recall completed by subaru. The engine seized while driving after the valve springs were replaced. The subaru dealership says the car needs at a minimum an engine short block, heads and valve work.
In march 2019, I had my brz brought to a subaru dealer for a valve spring recall. It took the dealership three times before they got it right, and 5000 miles later, my engine is blown up. I've read on several websites that this has been happening to many other brz and toyota frs owners/cars. I had 47,000 miles on this vehicle with no problems whatsoever before I brought it in for the recall. Now I have a broken/blown or repairable engine on my hands. I was driving home one night on the freeway, when I hear this horrible knocking noise and my car lost power and then shut down. I had to pull over to the side of the road and call aaa for a tow. The dealership is telling me it will cost over $8000 to replace. This is unacceptable! So I am filing a complaint.
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 check engine light illuminated and there was a clicking type noise coming from the engine, the vehicle seized and would no longer move. The vehicle was towed to a subaru dealership who advised the code was reading 'internal engine failure'. When confronted with the complaints about the recall, it was dismissed saying that the recall had to do with the top part of the engine and this appears to be coming from the bottom. They are currently working to take apart the engine to determine the cause to have it covered under the limited powertrain warranty. Based on all complaints it appears this issue is directly related to the service provided on the recall.
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 failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact stated that an independent mechanic came to the driver's residence to replace the engine. The vehicle was repaired. The VIN was included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 18v772000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 68,000.
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 they said it will cost $1800 to tear my engine apart and check for problem. I called subaru corporate and they said this is workmanship issue and I need to deal with the dealership. Now I'm stuck with a dead car. My car was perfectly function before the recall done. Please investigate this issue.
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 the federal safety agency campaign number: 18v772000 (engine and engine cooling). Upon taking possession of the vehicle, the contact heard a loud ticking noise coming from the engine. There were no warning indicators illuminated; however, an unknown warning indicator later illuminated as the contact continued driving. The contact called the dealer and they did not assist. The vehicle was then taken to bud clary subaru (961 commerce ave, longview, wa 98632, 360‑575‑6868) for diagnostic testing. The contact was informed that if the failure was linked to the recall, the dealer would service the vehicle free of charge. If the failure was not linked to the recall, the contact would have to pay for the diagnostic test. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and did not assist. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 42,743.
In march 2019 I took my car into subaru for a factory recall on the valve springs. They did the work and I received my car back about two weeks later. About two months after that my car died while driving on a highway for no apparent reason. I called subaru and told them what happened and that I think something went wrong due to the recall work they did on my valve springs. They assured me it had nothing to do with the work they did but that they would inspect my vehicle. After returning the car to the retailer that worked on it previously I was told that I needed to purchase a new short block because of "oil starvation in cylinder 3" and that nothing was wrong with the top end of the engine where they worked at previously. I authorized the work and they did not give me a rental/ loner vehicle for the two moths they had my car working on it. I paid the $2,311.25 to get my car back and before I drove it off the lot the car had a check engine light on. I took it back and told them my car was not fixed. Since, they told me that the cam sprocket went bad ( in the top end of the motor where they said they inspected and everything was fine before ) and that I may need a new ecu. I called subaru corporate and started a claim with their customer service department for some help but that got me nowhere and it has been difficult getting any information from the service department in charge of fixing my vehicle. I did some research and found that I am not the only one who has suffered catastrophic engine failure after the factory recall on the valve springs which leads me to making a complaint with the federal safety agency 3 moths after I took my car back to get serviced.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 subaru brz. While driving approximately 65 MPH, a knocking noise was heard from the engine compartment and the vehicle suddenly stalled. The vehicle was towed to an unknown dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously serviced per the federal safety agency campaign number: 18v772000 (engine). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.
Had the valve spring recall done on my vehicle. After my vheicle was fixed car was making ticking noise. Brang the car back to dealership to chick on ticking noise and said that the car was fine, brang vehicle in a few times and always get the same answer on 7/19/18 was driving on the highway and car was making rapid ticking noise engine started losing power and engine died on highway.
After I picked up my car from completing the valve spring recall work at a local subaru dealer, my car check engine light and the traction light turned on in less than 6 miles driving. I drove my car back to the dealer on the next morning, and the dealer told me there were ECM, cam gears and wiring harness issues and need replacement. Issues are still unresolved and I am waiting for the dealer and subaru investigation.
Not accelerating properly and engine knocking after having j02 valve spring recall performed. Car is back in the shop for over 2 months.
I picked up my car from getting a recall done (the federal safety agency id 18v‑772, subaru recall wty-84) on the valve springs a few days ago. My motor was running great and I didn't have any problems before the recall. Since I got my car back from the recall, there have been several noises coming from the engine and a burning smell once the car gets up to temperature. There is a noise briefly upon startup which leads me to believe it is oil pressure related. There is also a high pitched whining sound while accelerating. When I'm cruising on the highway, there is an occasional, sporadic clatter that sounds like someone is playing a snare drum under my hood. The dealer claims that the repair was performed correctly. Many people have had problems with their motors after this recall! In fact, there are more cars that have had problems after the recall than were affected by faulty valve springs to begin with! Some people have been ripped off by the dealers and it is totally unacceptable! One car burned to the ground two weeks after the recall! I live in the mountains and it's summer in southern california and I don't want to start the next wild fire from my car catching fire. I haven't been driving it the last few days. Someone has to do something! I understand subaru and toyota (the other manufacturer involved with producing this vehicle) have made statements about this but that is not good enough! They need to be held accountable for this mistake. These cars are not safe after the recall and some of their customers are losing a lot of money. There is a problem with the recall procedure or the technicians are not being careful enough.
Car had 18v‑772 (subaru wty-84) valve spring recall performed april 2019 with just under 10k miles. That was less than 200 miles ago. While driving on the highway, check engine light and traction control lights came on and engine felt like it lost power. I haven't had a single problem with the vehicle prior to recall being performed.
I dropped my car off for the valve spring recall on 3/26/2019 for work to be done that week. The federal safety agency campaign number: 18v772000. I was returned the car 10 days later, far longer than told. On wednesday, 6/5/2019, the engine started making a loud clunking sound especially at idle and when the A/C was on. I noticed the sound when I pulled into my garage and it was unable to be missed. The car still drove so I immediately brought it to my local subaru dealer who did the recall. They claimed they had no idea what it was and would diagnose on 6/6 and I would receive a call. Call never came but doing more research online about the issues with the recall I found videos that sound just like the noise I have. Approximate mileages since work done is 1750 miles, exact unknown since the car is at the dealership. I was unhappy that when they took the car they claimed if the cause is something they took apart then they will be liable but if it is anywhere else the costs are on me. I know that is probably a blanket statement but this sound is pretty distinctive. They took the car and gave me a lonaer as they said it wasn't safe to drive since the sound appeared to be from the engine block, location of bearings.
Valve spring recall - had the valve spring recall performed and roughly 10k miles later my car has stalled and when won't stay running when you try to start and if you do get it running there is a loud clunky noise that sounds like a valve tap. I was driving and coming off the off ramp and the car just died on me. I rolled to the shoulder of the road.
Had the engine valve springs recall repair done and in a little over a month, and 1,903 miles later, the engine died without any prior warning of any kind. The oil and filter was changed at the repair time as well. I was driving late this past friday night along a highway and the car started making a loud noise and knocking under the hood. Fortunately, I was at a place where I could slow down and pull off. As soon as I barely got off the road, my car died. From what I have been reading, this definitely happened as a result of the recall repair. I just hope that subaru will cover the repair costs because it sounds like the engine is done according to other reports I have read. Praise the lord, I or no one else was hurt from this incident. Recall repair completed april 15,2019. Engine failure happened may 25, 2019. In the process of getting the car towed to a different subaru repair center today.
2013 subaru brz 2.0 limited. I am the original owner. Factory recall relating to fa20 valve spring replacement completed by sherman oaks (california) subaru in april 2019. (dropped car off for repair monday, 4/15/2019, received car from dealership on wednesday 4/24/2019) after receiving car, following valve spring replacement, noted significant decrease in avg mpg as reported by car (average was 25-26 mpg before recall repairs. This had been stable for years. Immediately after repair average mpg as reported by car was around 14mpg.) dealer advised leaving car with them for diagnosis & repair. Returned car to sherman oaks subaru monday 5/5/2019; received car from dealership saturday 5/11/2019. Dealership's diagnosis failed to identify a cause, several systems checked with no remarkable findings, "reset of trip meters" reported to produce avg mpg "27-30" on dealership's test drive. When I picked up the car, car reports actual average mpg of 23.3 (!); not "27-30" as described to me and still markedly lower than pre-valve spring repair average mpg. After driving 21.9 miles, average mpg decreased further to 22.2. Something is clearly wrong with the engine following recall repair. Because there are many online reports of serious failures (e.g. Fire, engine stalling and then unstartable) as mileage post-repair accumulates, I am concerned about driving my brz. (pdfs of related dealership workorders are available if they would be helpful to you.)
Took my car in because got a recall letter for valve failures only owned car for 3 months they (subaru) refused to repair it said it has aftermarket parts on it. (ie aftermarket turbo and parts that go with it ) all these cars at some point are going to have aftermarket parts added that's what they were desined for speed. And now they are using that excuse to put people in dangers. I have an estimate it will cost me almost $3200.00 dollars to fix their negligence since they wont.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 subaru brz. The contact received a recall notification for the federal safety agency campaign number: 18v772000 (engine and engine cooling). The vehicle was taken to ocean subaru of fullerton (located at 1100 s euclid st, fullerton, ca 92832, (888) 428-2419) where the valve spring was replaced. The contact stated that less than ten minutes after leaving the dealer, a knocking noise occurred and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle stalled and all the other warning indicators illuminated. The contact was able to coast the vehicle into a parking lot and powered off the engine. The vehicle was restarted and the knocking noise continued. The vehicle was driven back to the dealer and the contact was informed that there would be a diagnostic fee. The vehicle was not repaired due to the diagnostic and repair fees. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and did not assist. The approximate failure mileage was 69,536. *bf
I brought my 2013 subaru brz on 01/19/2018 from a private owner. I received a recall letter on 01/23/2019, so I went to the closest dealer in my area which is the camelback subaru at phoenix, az. I made an appointment with sheldon v pinto, he told me that there are 50 cars are waiting for the recall fix, so they put me in the waiting list and said will contact me in march. I waited for their phone calls for the whole month, they seem to forget my appointment. I went there the second time on march 22th, robert eby the service advisor told me that they still do not have the availability and will contact me next week. I waited another week for their phone calls, got no response. So I called robert on april 1st, he still uses the excuse that they can not fix the recall issues for now and will contact me later. As the time I write this complaint, still got no phone calls from them. It has been three months since I first visit their dealership, they are not willing to fix the recall issue obviously. The engine valve spring has the defects, which could cause engine stall in the middle of the road. I daily my car, their dereliction of duty potentially increased the risk of life.
Brought the car in for valve spring recall, car came back with clogged oil passages. Damaged heads such as rockers, camshafts, intake and exhaust valves. Rtv sealant found in oil pan and oil pickup. Rtv is blocking oil passages in engine causing starvation.
After authorized subaru dealer repaired car related to valve spring recall, check engine light came on and subaru dealer doesn't know how to fix it. Car has gone in and out of the dealer multiple times. Has been in the dealer now for about 2 months.
So the tech did my recall, after the recall, it was idling weird and acting stupid, the cam gear sprocket died and needed to be replaced, it got replaced and was running fine with no issues. Took it on the test drive they were was looking at the vvt angles, and everything was looking good then he was at 5-6k RPM making sure it was good then oil pressure dropped vvt went crazy, and it rod knocked. Brzs have been having issues non stop after recalls. In motion.
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