Selling a damaged or dead Subaru BRZ

A BRZ with a dead engine or crash damage can still be sold. We buy whole non-running and junk cars, with free pickup anywhere in the US.

The BRZ and the Toyota twin

Wikipedia describes the Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ as 2+2 sports cars developed together by Toyota and Subaru, all built at Subaru's Gunma plant in Ōta, Japan. In the US, Toyota's version was first sold as the Scion FR-S. Both are front-engine, rear-wheel-drive cars, a layout no other Subaru on this site uses.

First generation: 2013-2020 model years

Wikipedia lists a 2.0-liter FA20 flat-four with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic. Subaru ended first-generation BRZ production in July 2020.

These model years hold 87 complaints, and the 2013 makes up most of them. On the 2013, engine complaints (46) dwarf everything else; visibility and wiper (3) is next. Every year after that through 2020 has 7 complaints or fewer.

Two recalls cover the 2013:

• Engine valve springs (18V772). The valve springs may fracture. Dealers replace them free. The 165,534 vehicles in the campaign include the Impreza, XV Crosstrek and Scion FR-S, so most of that number is not BRZs.
• Owner's manual (12V254). On 1,886 2013 BRZs built November 25, 2011, through May 25, 2012, the manual described the front passenger occupant detection system wrongly. Subaru mailed corrected manuals.

Two more cover the later cars:

• Rearview camera display (18V935). On 2018 BRZs, a software issue may stop the audio display from starting, so the camera image doesn't show. The 71,190 vehicles include the Legacy and Outback.
• Low-pressure fuel pump (21V587). The in-tank pump may fail on 2018-2019 BRZs. The campaign's 175,968 vehicles span seven Subaru models and the Toyota 86.

Second generation: 2022 model year on

Wikipedia says production started in July 2021, for the 2022 model year, with a 2.4-liter FA24D flat-four. The 2022 BRZ's top trim earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+.

The 2022-2024 cars have 14 complaints. The 2022 has 10: engine (6) and exterior lighting (3). That lighting count lines up with recall 23V609, which replaces both rear combination lamps on 2022 BRZs whose rear turn signals may cut out. Its 8,915 vehicles include the Toyota GR86. Cars this new haven't been driven long enough to build much of a record, so these counts can still rise.

BRZ complaints and recalls by model year

Wikipedia gives North American first-generation model years as 2013-2020 and second-generation as 2022 on, so there is no 2021 row. No complaints were on file for 2025 or later at the count.

Should you fix it?

• A 2013 with engine trouble: check for the valve spring recall first. If that work is done or doesn't apply, get a written diagnosis. The blown engine guide helps you weigh it.
• A manual that slips: see worn-out clutch.
• Crash damage: sports cars are often totaled by insurers. See insurer totaled it.

If the repair is near what a running BRZ would sell for, parting with the BRZ unrepaired usually makes more sense.

Selling your BRZ whole

1. Note the VIN, mileage, transmission and the problem.
2. Get an offer online or call (877) 421-6008.
3. Tell us about ground clearance. A lowered BRZ, or one that won't roll, loads fine if the driver knows ahead.
4. Keep it complete. If wheels, exhaust or other parts were swapped or sold, say so.
5. Have the title ready. Still paying it off? See still owe on the loan.

Other Subarus: the WRX, Impreza and Crosstrek, or all Subaru models.