2019 Subaru BRZ
The 2019 Subaru BRZ is a rear-wheel-drive sports coupe known for its sharp handling and engaging driving experience. It comes equipped with a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated horizontally-opposed four-cylinder engine, producing 205 horsepower and 156 lb-ft of torque when paired with the 6-speed manual transmission or 200 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque with the 6-speed automatic. The BRZ is praised for its affordability, lightweight design, and communicative steering. However, some owners find its engine lacking in low-end torque and its interior somewhat basic.
Engine
2.0L Naturally Aspirated Horizontally-Opposed Four-Cylinder (FA20)
- Excessive Oil Consumption
- Description/Symptoms: Some owners report higher than expected oil consumption, requiring frequent top-offs between oil changes. The amount of oil consumed varies.
- Solution: Subaru issued a service bulletin about this issue, but there is no solution. Some have tried heavier weight oil or changing oil brands, but this is not a fix. Replacing the piston rings may reduce oil consumption in some cases.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Valve Spring Recall (Earlier FA20 Engines, but some 2019s impacted)
- Description/Symptoms: Potential for valve spring fracture, leading to engine stall or failure.
- Solution: Replace the valve springs.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: Typically covered under recall.
- Recalls: Affects specific VIN ranges. Subaru Recall Number WRD-17
Transmission
6-Speed Manual
- Occasional Grinding or Difficulty Shifting into Certain Gears
- Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported experiencing a grinding noise or difficulty engaging specific gears, particularly when the transmission is cold. This can sometimes be resolved by double-clutching or allowing the transmission to warm up.
- Solution: Replacing the transmission fluid with a higher-quality synthetic fluid can sometimes alleviate the issue. In more severe cases, a transmission rebuild or replacement may be necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $3,000+ depending on severity.
- Recalls: None Found
6-Speed Automatic
- No Issues Found
Suspension
- No Issues Found
Electrical
- Head Unit/Infotainment System Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Freezing, slow response times, Bluetooth connectivity problems, or complete failure of the head unit.
- Solution: Software updates, replacing the head unit.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+ depending on the fix.
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Tail Light Condensation
- Description/Symptoms: Moisture build-up inside the tail light housings. This doesn’t typically affect functionality but can be aesthetically unappealing.
- Solution: Replacing the tail light assembly or attempting to seal the existing unit.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $500+ per tail light.
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Rattling and Squeaking Noises
- Description/Symptoms: Reports of rattles and squeaks emanating from various parts of the interior, such as the dashboard, door panels, or rear seats. These noises can be exacerbated by rough roads or temperature changes.
- Solution: Tightening loose trim pieces, applying sound-deadening material, or replacing worn-out clips and fasteners.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $500+ depending on the severity and location of the noise.
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2019 Subaru BRZ is a generally reliable sports car, but owners should be aware of a few potential issues. The most notable concerns are the potential for excessive oil consumption and the valve spring recall (though this affects a limited number of 2019 models). Some owners have also experienced minor issues with the manual transmission, infotainment system, tail lights, and interior noises. While the cost of these repairs can vary, addressing them promptly can help prevent more significant problems down the road. Overall, the BRZ offers a fun and engaging driving experience, but potential buyers should carefully inspect the vehicle and address any identified issues before making a purchase.