A critical safety recall affecting 2013 Subaru BRZ models with the FA20 boxer engine: defective valve springs can fracture, causing sudden stall or catastrophic engine damage.
Reviewed by SubaruReview Editorial Team · Last reviewed 2026-05-15 · Editorial standards
This is one of several documented BRZ problems we track, and it fits inside the broader Engine Guides guide. If you're weighing repair against replacement, cross-check the Subaru repair-cost database and any open NHTSA recalls on your VIN before booking a shop.
The valve springs in the 2.0L FA20 Boxer engine may fracture while the vehicle is in motion. If a spring breaks, the valve can drop into the combustion chamber, leading to a catastrophic collision between the piston and the valve. This results in immediate engine failure, loss of power, and an increased risk of a crash. Post-recall, many owners reported 'spun rod bearings' due to excessive RTV sealant clogging oil pickups during the re-assembly process.
Improperly heat-treated valve springs supplied to Subaru were prone to high-stress fracturing. Per NHTSA 18V-772, the defect affects 2013 Subaru BRZ, 2013 XV Crosstrek, and 2012-2014 Impreza vehicles built with the affected spring lot.
Improperly heat-treated valve springs supplied to Subaru were prone to high-stress fracturing. Per NHTSA 18V-772, the defect affects 2013 Subaru BRZ, 2013 XV Crosstrek, and 2012-2014 Impreza vehicles built with the affected spring lot.
National average $0–$0. The repair is free under federal recall WTY-84 / NHTSA 18V-772 (all 16 valve springs replaced). However, secondary repairs for engine failure caused by improper RTV application during the recall service can cost $5,000 to $8,000 for a long-block replacement.
Difficulty 5/5. Replacement of all 16 valve springs with updated, redesigned components featuring higher fatigue resistance.
Engine misfiring (P0300-P0304); Unusual metallic ticking or knocking from the cylinder head; Sudden loss of power while driving; Engine stalling and inability to restart; Check Engine Light (CEL) illumination
Owners typically pay $0–$0 at an independent Subaru shop, parts and labor included. Our Subaru Timing Chain Replacement Cost (FB Engines) guide breaks the job down by parts, labor hours, and where the money actually goes.
Cross-check NHTSA campaign 18V-846, which covers FA20 Valve Spring Fracture on 2012-2014 BRZ/Forester XT/WRX/Legacy. Recall work is free at any Subaru dealer — always run your VIN before paying for the fix.
We rate it 5/5 on our DIY scale. Most owners come out ahead with an independent Subaru shop; read labor-hour benchmarks in the repair-costs hub before you commit tools and a weekend.
It's part of our Engine Guides cluster, which collects every article covering the same system as this failure.
Same failure mechanism documented on a different Subaru — shares components with this article.
Same failure mechanism documented on a different Subaru — shares components with this article.
EJ, FA, FB, and EZ boxer deep-dives — the engine background this failure sits inside.
Dig into the Problems Database to plan your next maintenance sprint, or browse every model hub for buyer's guides, generation breakdowns, and known-issue lists.