2014 Subaru Brz problems
The Toyota 86 and the Subaru BRZ are 2+2 sports cars jointly developed by Toyota and Subaru, manufactured at Subaru's Gunma assembly plant.
The 2+2 fastback coupé has a naturally-aspirated boxer engine, front-engined, rear-wheel-drive configuration, 53/47 front/rear weight balance and low centre of gravity; it was inspired by Toyota's earlier AE86, a small, light, front-engine/rear-drive Corolla variant widely popular for Showroom Stock, Group A, Group N, Rally, Club and drift racing.
For the first-generation model, Toyota marketed the sports car as the 86 in Asia, Australia, North America (from August 2016), South Africa, and South America; as the Toyota GT86 in Europe; as the 86 and GT86 in New Zealand; as the Toyota FT86 in Brunei, Nicaragua and Jamaica and as the Scion FR-S (2012–2016) in the United States and Canada.
The second-generation model is marketed by Toyota as the GR86 as part of the Gazoo Racing family.
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Common 2014 Subaru Brz problems
The 2014 Subaru BRZ is a popular choice for car enthusiasts due to its sporty performance and stylish design. However, like any vehicle, it is not without its common problems. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues with the 2014 Subaru BRZ, based on owner complaints and expert analysis:
- RPM dips: Some owners have reported that the RPM will dip to 500 RPM when the car is in neutral before coming to a stop. It is unclear whether this affects performance or reliability, but it is worth mentioning to the dealer if it occurs.
- 4th gear grind: A few owners have reported a grinding noise when shifting from 3rd to 4th gear at 6,000 RPM. This issue was found to be caused by a problem with the synchros, and the dealer agreed to replace the transmission in one case.
- Steering damper knocking: Some owners have reported a knocking sound coming from the steering rack when taking turns at low speed. This issue is caused by a weak spot in the steering damper, which is an inexpensive part to replace and relatively easy to install.
- Transmission throw-bearing wear: Early models of the BRZ, including the 2014 model, have been known to experience wear in the transmission throw-bearing. This can cause unusual noises when applying the clutch and make it difficult to change gears. Replacing the bearing is a relatively easy fix, but if the clutch fork is also affected, it may need to be replaced as well.
- Condensation in rear lights: Some owners have reported condensation building up in their rear lights, especially after heavy rainfall. This issue is common in the BRZ and can be solved by applying a seal to the lights or replacing them if they have corroded or broken due to the moisture.
- ECU software fault: Some owners have reported issues with the engine idling roughly, causing the car to shudder and sometimes cut out. This issue is caused by an ECU software fault and can be fixed by having Subaru re-map the ECU.
- Gearbox problems: Some owners have reported difficulty engaging gears, especially on cold mornings and when changing from first to second gear and from third to second. This issue could be caused by low transmission fluid levels or an issue with the gear syncros.
- Fuel pump problems: Some owners have reported a chirping noise when the engine is idling, which is a known problem with the high-pressure fuel pump. If the vehicle is under warranty, Subaru will replace the pump free of charge.
- Backfiring and tapping noise: Some owners have reported backfiring and a tapping or ticking noise from the engine, which could be caused by heavy loads exceeding the strength of one or more of the valve springs. This issue can be fixed by replacing the valve springs with stronger ones.
- Power steering loss: Some owners have reported a loss of power steering while driving, causing the power steering light to illuminate. This issue is more common in BRZ models built between January 2013 and December 2015 and can be fixed by replacing the power steering ECU and wiring harness.
In summary, the 2014 Subaru BRZ has several common problems that owners have reported. These include high-pressure fuel pump noise, RPM dips, 4th gear grind, steering damper knocking, transmission throw-bearing wear, condensation in rear lights, ECU software fault, gearbox problems, fuel pump problems, backfiring and tapping noise, and power steering loss. While some of these issues may affect performance or reliability, many of them can be easily fixed with relatively inexpensive parts or software updates.
What are the main issues with the Subaru BRZ?
Subaru BRZ Most Common Problems
- Valve spring recall saga.
- Second gear grind.
- Weak brake pads.
- Worn clutch throw bearings.
What is the weakness of the BRZ?
We embarked on this undertaking to see if budget-minded upgrades could address the BRZ's (and the GR86's) primary shortcoming: weak brakes that don't stand up well to heavy abuse, which result in longer braking distances on the track and, ultimately, slower lap times.
Is a Subaru BRZ a reliable car?
The Subaru BRZ Reliability Rating is 3.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 20th out of 21 for subcompact cars. The average annual repair cost is $672 which means it has average ownership costs. The frequency of repairs is average, but when issues do arise, they are more likely to be severe than with other models.
Is BRZ high maintenance?
A Subaru BRZ will cost about $6,393 for maintenance and repairs during its first 10 years of service. This beats the industry average for popular coupe models by $1,030. There is also a 18.74% chance that a BRZ will require a major repair during that time. This is 2.76% better than similar vehicles in this segment.
What are the main issues with the Subaru BRZ?
Subaru BRZ Most Common Problems
- Valve spring recall saga.
- Second gear grind.
- Weak brake pads.
- Worn clutch throw bearings.
What is the weakness of the BRZ?
We embarked on this undertaking to see if budget-minded upgrades could address the BRZ's (and the GR86's) primary shortcoming: weak brakes that don't stand up well to heavy abuse, which result in longer braking distances on the track and, ultimately, slower lap times.
Is a Subaru BRZ a reliable car?
The Subaru BRZ Reliability Rating is 3.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 20th out of 21 for subcompact cars. The average annual repair cost is $672 which means it has average ownership costs. The frequency of repairs is average, but when issues do arise, they are more likely to be severe than with other models.
Is BRZ high maintenance?
A Subaru BRZ will cost about $6,393 for maintenance and repairs during its first 10 years of service. This beats the industry average for popular coupe models by $1,030. There is also a 18.74% chance that a BRZ will require a major repair during that time. This is 2.76% better than similar vehicles in this segment.
2014 Subaru Brz car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Subaru Brz problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine problems
- Fuel/propulsion system problems
- Power train problems
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2014 Subaru Brz vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2014 Subaru Brz complaints
The NHTSA has received 6 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2014 Subaru Brz.
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-25
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JF1ZCAB14E9
- Components: ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: 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
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-11-11
- VIN: JF1ZCAB14E8
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: 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 FROM THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO ANOTHER DEALER, NORTH FORT LAUDERDALE SUBARU (855 S. FEDERAL HWY, POMPANO BEACH, FL 33062; (954) 889-5776) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE WAS KNOCKING AND THAT THE OIL WAS LOW. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN OIL CHANGE WAS NOT DUE FOR SEVERAL THOUSAND MORE MILES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000.
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-06-05
- VIN: JF1ZCAC19E8
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
- Summary: TERRIBLE RATTLING/KNOCKING ENGINE SEEMS TO STRUGGLE WHEN COMING TO A STOP AND WILL UNEXPECTEDLY STALL/SHUT OFF ON HIGHWAY AND STREET USE *TR
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-01-06
- VIN: JF1ZCAC11E9
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: 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 SHUT OFF (WHILE STILL AT 74 MPH). KEPT THE CLUTCH PEDAL PUSHED IN AND PULLED OVER TO THE SHOULDER AND ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE ENGINE, BUT WOULD MAKE ONE CLICK NOISE, THEN STOP. CAR TOWED TO MECHANIC AND FOUND BROKEN VALVE SPRINGS AND ROCKER ARMS INSIDE THE ENGINE.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-01-03
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: 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 WHEN I TAP THE GAS PEDAL AND REV THE CAR JUST A BIT.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-05-01
- VIN: JF1ZCAC1XE9
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: SUBARU BRZ FUEL PUMP DEFECTIVE FILING COMPLAINT FOR THE RECORD - THE 2014 SUBARU BRZ FUEL PUMP WHEN WARM MAKES A METALLIC CHIRP (VERY AUDIBLE - FILE VIDEO WITH SOUND AVAILABLE) AS IF ITS VALVES ARE EXPANDING AND CAUSING FRICTION RELATED METALLIC SOUNDS. SUBARU ACKNOWLEDGES THERE ARE KNOWN ISSUES AND GETTING IT REPLACED SHOULD BE AS EASY AS ASKING - DEALERSHIP NOTED TO ME IT IS A NUISANCE AND NOT A PROBLEM (COULD NOT CONFIRM THEY WOULD GET PAID UNDER WARRANTY) - CALLS TO CORPORATE WERE MADE AND ALTHOUGH A RETURNED VOICE CALL SAID IT WAS SAFE - MY REQUEST FOR THIS STATEMENT IN WRITING HAS NOT BEEN GRANTED. HOPING IF ENOUGH PEOPLE COMPLAINT - A RECALL WILL BE ISSUED AND NOT SELECTIVE BASED ON A DEALERSHIPS PROFIT. A HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP AND FRICTION NOISES WHEN HEATED ARE A DANGEROUS COMBINATION. CONFIRMED A SUBARU TECHNICAL NOTE EXISTS FOR THIS PROBLEM - THEY STATED MY MODELS VIN# WAS UNDER THE TECH NOTE FOR REPLACEMENT BUT NOW WEEKLY CALL ARE NOT RETURNED AFTER 5 WEEKS REQUESTING STATUS OF REPLACEMENT PART. YOU CAN SEARCH THE INTERNET FOR MANY OTHER EXAMPLES OF PEOPLE WITH SIMILAR PROBLEM (ONE NOTED HIS CAR DID CATCH FIRE AND BURN - ROOT CAUSE FUEL PUMP FAILURE). I'D LIKE TO SEE ALL HIGH PRESSURE BRZ FUELS PUMPS EXHIBITING THIS BEHAVIOR REPLACED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT IN A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. *TR
Negative 2014 Subaru Brz car reviews
Positive 2014 Subaru Brz car reviews
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Although the BRZ could benefit from more horsepower, it still offers unparalleled feel, balance, and handling. The steering is sublime and the driving position is perfect. The seats are as good as Recaros and the extra features of the Limited version are well worth the cost. The car's appearance is greatly improved with 18
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This car is such a blast to drive! The handling is good, and the gas mileage is stellar. However, it does get rather loud on the highway.
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This car is fantastic! I purchased it for my wife back in April 2014 in Portland and she absolutely adores it. We have been the only owners and have taken great care of it, always using the correct oil and premium gas. While I was working out of town, we needed a third car and ended up buying a big, old American land yacht. Now that I am back in town, we have decided to let go of one of our cars. Since my daughter occasionally needs a car to drive when she is home from college, we figured a Towncar with automatic transmission would be better for her to drive than a sports car with a manual transmission. This car is a blast to drive! The GPS works perfectly and the stereo sounds amazing. The back seat is spacious enough for one teenager or for groceries. Additionally, it is built to accept a bike rack, which is a great feature.
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My wife and I were on the hunt for a sports car and we looked at several different models. After much consideration, she fell in love with the BRZ. It took some time, but we finally found one in inventory in ATL that was not yet in dealer stock. We went in and put down a deposit. We had test-driven the Scion version and it was okay, but not great, so we weren't sure if we would buy it when it came in. However, it was well worth the wait. The BRZ drives much better than the FRS and the quality of the interior, along with the few upgraded options, are great. It's a fantastic little car! If you can find one, it's definitely worth considering.
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This is the first 2 door rear wheel drive coupe I have owned, and I must say it's an absolute blast to drive! Having previously owned SUVs and sedans, the low seating position, combined with the super responsive steering and manual transmission, make for an amazing driving experience. When I see cars that cost 2 to 3 times more, I can't help but think they way overpaid for the badge and extra horsepower that will hardly be used in my traffic congested area.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2014 Subaru Brz problems:
2014 BRZ Issues/Problems...Periodically Updated - Toyota GR86 ...
Mar 11, 2014 ... I understand that this noise is common among the frs/brz's, so it doesn't bother me since it isn't affecting performance or reliability. RPM ...
Here Are The Subaru BRZ Years To Avoid - CoPilot
Sep 6, 2022 ... 2014 Subaru BRZ ... 2014 sees a substantial drop in reported issues with the BRZ. Complaints vary from minor issues like a broken sun visor and a ...
Subaru BRZ: Common Problems and Solutions | BreakerYard.com
Subaru BRZ Common Problems and Solutions · Knocking From Steering Rack · Unusual Noise From Clutch (Manuals) · Condensation In Rear Lights · Poor engine idling ...
Common BRZ Reliability Issues : r/ft86
Mar 1, 2017 ... ... common problems/cost of ownership with the BRZ. ... I'm approaching 45K on my 2014 and haven't had a single issue. ... Subaru BRZ, and Toyota GT86/ ...
2014 Subaru BRZ Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2014 Subaru BRZ? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.
Other years of Subaru Brz
Are you having problems with your 2014 Subaru Brz?
Salvador Becker 2024-03-11
If you're considering purchasing this car, it's important to keep in mind the potential expense of walnut shell blasting for your intake valves. It's unfortunate that Subaru hasn't followed Toyota's lead in combining Direct Injection with Port Injection to automatically clean the intakes. However, despite this issue, these cars handle wonderfully and are a blast to drive. It's just a shame that some owners have experienced blown head gaskets, especially on vehicles that are pushed to their limits like the BRZ. Hopefully, Subaru will eventually realize that the boxer design is becoming outdated, as even Porsche is moving away from it. While the design may look and sound great, it's important to consider the potential maintenance costs. Overall, these cars are a joy to drive, but it's important to find a reliable mechanic to keep them running smoothly.