A New Subaru and Toyota Engine Failure Lawsuit Includes All BRZ, FR-S, 86, and GR86 Boxer Engines

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A new class action lawsuit alleges Subaru's Boxer engines in the BRZ, Scion FR-S, Toyota 86, and GR86 are defective in the two automaker's sports cars. Here are the latest details.

Subaru's Boxer engine is under fire. 

Subaru's 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter Boxer engines in the BRZ, Scion FR-S, Toyota 86, and Toyota GR86 are allegedly defective in a new class action lawsuit

The Subaru and Toyota Boxer, engine failure lawsuit, is massive and includes all Subaru and Toyota vehicles equipped with 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter four-cylinder Boxer engines. T

Subaru, Scion, and Toyota sport coupes that are included in the lawsuit. 

  • 2013-2016 Scion FR-S
  • 2013-2023 Subaru BRZ
  • 2017-2023 Toyota 86/GR86

The Subaru and Toyota Boxer, engine failure lawsuit, includes all first and second-generation Subaru BRZ, Scion FR-S, and Toyota 86/GR86 models.  

It's important to note that the Boxer engine is primarily a Subaru design in the Subaru/Toyota BRZ/GR86 joint venture. This joint venture, formed in 2012, aimed to combine Subaru's expertise in boxer engines with Toyota's knowledge in hybrid technology. However, it incorporates some Toyota parts, most notably the D-4S direct injection system, a Toyota technology used on the four-cylinder engine, allowing for more efficient fuel delivery.

CarComplaints says, "Arkansas plaintiff Laura Young filed the Boxer engine failure lawsuit for more than $5 million for her 2019 Toyota GR86, which she purchased used in October 2021."

"In April 2023, the plaintiff was driving her Toyota when it suddenly lost power, and the engine failed when the GR86 had about 64,000 on the odometer. The powertrain warranty coverage is for 60 months or 60,000 miles, whichever occurs first."

The plaintiff did not contact a Toyota dealership, but she says she contacted an independent auto repair shop after her Toyota GR86 sport coupe was towed home.

"Upon a complete professional teardown of the engine, it was determined that the engine failure was due to oil starvation, loss of the oil film, and excessive wear. Ms. Young's vehicle is still disabled, and Defendants have not replaced her defective engine with a non-defective one," according to the Toyota Subaru boxer engine lawsuit.

What is the problem with the sports car's Boxer engines?

The report says the Subaru Boxer engines allegedly suffer from low oil pressure and a loss of oil film, which damages and destroys the boxer engines due to a lack of engine oil.

The lawsuit alleges that drivers and others are in danger when the Boxer engines fail while driving, and in the worst case, the plaintiff claims the Boxer engines can catch fire.

"Defendants admit they had known about the Engine Defect before the first Class Vehicle was sold yet chose to conceal it from purchasers. Defendants have never disclosed the Engine Defect to Plaintiff or the Class members," the Boxer engine failure lawsuit says. 

The report says that the plaintiff, Laura Young, complains that the Toyota and Subaru vehicles have never been recalled to repair the boxer engines, and the automakers need to extend the warranties. Customers also allegedly have yet to be offered replacements or suitable repairs, and the class action further alleges customers haven't been reimbursed.

The lawsuit alleges Subaru and Toyota used room temperature vulcanizing (RTV) silicone instead of traditional gaskets.

The heat from the Boxer engine allegedly hardens the silicone, which causes it to break apart and find its way into the crankcase. Young alleges that Toyota and Subaru "applied RTV excessively and clumsily during manufacturing."

The fractured hardened silicone allegedly gets into oil and coolant passages, damaging and destroying the Boxer engines.

A lawsuit was filed in 2019 for Boxer engine problems. 

I reported in March 2019 that some Subaru BRZ and FR-S 2.0-liter engines were dying after the recall fix had been done at some Toyota dealers. The report said technicians were applying too much sealant, causing some BRZ and FR-S engines to fail.

A class action lawsuit was filed in 2019 by a 2013 Scion FR-S owner who claimed he took his sports coupe to a Toyota dealer for the recall and had repairs done. One week later, his engine developed a "hard knocking," so he returned to the dealer and was told there were metal shavings in the oil, but the dealer refused to fix it.

The Subaru and Toyota Boxer engine failure lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey on July 1, 2024. This could have significant implications for Subaru and Toyota, as they are accused of concealing these defects. The lawsuit, if successful, could lead to substantial financial penalties and damage to their reputations. I will bring further updates when they become available. 

Have you experienced any engine issues in a Subaru BRZ, Scion FR-S, Toyota 86, or Toyota GR86? If so, click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news and providing expert analysis on Subaru, which you'll find here, ensuring that you, as a reader, are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on my X SubaruReportAll Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierlFacebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Subaru

Submitted by Tom (not verified) on November 11, 2024 - 1:40PM

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I have a 23 BRZ. If it blows up bummer, pretty much every Mfg. Has a POS engine now. I'm sure if you go directly to Subaru or Toyota they will stand by their cars. If the dealer won't help, go above them direct to Subaru or Toyota. You have to ride em to get results

Submitted by Hunter (not verified) on November 11, 2024 - 3:54PM

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Replaced engine in my 2015 subaru brz from oil starvation in December of 2021, consistent oil changes every 5k miles and was surprised at around the 3k mark my oil was low and began to knock. Currently still driving with the new engine with no issues so far but know that these Subaru motors are always prone to fail. Hope this lawsuit goes through, Subaru/Toyota need to be held accountable for a known issue for over 10 years now

Submitted by Christian (not verified) on November 11, 2024 - 4:06PM

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My 2018 86 has had a tick at idle since about 25000 miles on it. Toyota "has not ever said it's an issue " the car now has over 110000 miles on it and same tick. The last time it was at the dealership was to put new tires on it and Toyota did there "Inspection" and did not commit on it. That was done in Lagrange GA.

Submitted by Kameron Daniels (not verified) on November 11, 2024 - 4:21PM

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As a Subaru technician, owner of a 24 BRZ, and enthusiast of the brand, the oil starvation issue does not come from rtv blocking oil passages. This has been proven by many, even after clearing the oil pickup of rtv people are experiencing oil pressure drops on tracks on right hand turns when pulling large lateral G's. This is due to the oil pan not being deep enough and oil pooling into the heads while turning. While this is a known issue by Subaru, you will not experience this issue unless hard tracking the vehicle, or having modifications such as sticky tires or suspension upgrades to allow the vehicle to pull more G's

Submitted by Daniel Aubert (not verified) on November 11, 2024 - 4:52PM

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My engine blew after they botched the valve spring recall on my 2013 Scion FRS. They replaced the short block, but who knows how much damage was done to the rest of the engine.

Submitted by Alexander Geisse (not verified) on November 11, 2024 - 5:02PM

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While my car has not blown (knock on wood) i have dropped my oil pan to check out the rtv issue. I did it through an independent shop instead of Toyota because they wanted to charge an arm and leg if “no excessive rtv was seen” however Toyota would not allow me to see the teardown which meant they can easily lie about it. The independent shop allowed me to be there and view the entire teardown of the oil pan, once off the RTV around the oil pan was extremely excessive and sloppy. I could not believe the amount of RTV used! It was over layered everywhere causing it to break in pieces and get sucked up the pick up tube. I did take pictures of the pick up tube and did find a significant amount of RTV chunks. A bit more and it wouldve been completely clogged not allowing necessary oil causing starvation.

Submitted by Joey Muir (not verified) on November 11, 2024 - 5:24PM

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I own a failed engine 2013 FR-S which has had silicone residues in the oil pump screen at 123000km (Canada).I knew the engine was blown, but still feel bad for the previous owner and am still dwelling on if I should wait to see what happens with the lawsuit before adding another engine.

Submitted by Brad Boswell (not verified) on November 11, 2024 - 5:26PM

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I have a 2013 Scion FRS that had the recall work done at a Toyota dealership in Canada in february of 2019. My engine failed a few days after they finished working on it. I got the car towed back to the Toyota dealership and they refused to replace the engine and told me it had nothing to do with the work they did and wanted 7000 dollars to replace it with a used engine. My car is currently being stored in a garage with no engine in it and I have been waiting for a class action lawsuit to be able to get my car back on the road. I really enjoyed driving this car and hope this class action goes through.

Submitted by Baraneo (not verified) on November 11, 2024 - 5:45PM

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The gr86 didn't come out until late 2021, the 86 and brz gen 1 were discontinued before that until their last 2020 model. Please research basic facts before baiting people and leading them astray.

Submitted by David Maggio (not verified) on November 11, 2024 - 7:19PM

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Yes, I have a scion frs and have blown the engine. Also I had problems with the dealer and the valve spring recall. That was terrible

Submitted by Robyn Ackley (not verified) on November 11, 2024 - 8:07PM

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I have a 2013 Scion FRS had the recall done and then the engine blew. I had to replace the engine. The tech when replacing it had commented on paperwork verbatim what has happened to other FRS owners

Submitted by Javier Rodriguez (not verified) on November 11, 2024 - 8:14PM

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I bought a 2013 scion frs. For my son and it was good for a year. But suddenly the engine started making a noise. And it lost power I took it to a mechanic the mechanic said. That the engine was damaged and it had to be replaced I couldn't find one. My mechanic took the car to Pensilvania. Cause he knew a guy that rebuild engines .I spend over 5000.00 dollars to Make it work. But after that I had more problems I took it to another mechanic and he told me it was the electric system failure he temporarily fixed. Until now I don't know what to do with that car I had a very bad experience. Very bad engine....

Submitted by Changeyouroile… (not verified) on November 11, 2024 - 8:18PM

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I have a 23 BRZ I did my break in oil change around 1500 or so. What I found surprised me . It was dangerously low. At 1500 miles!!! We all know Subarus guzzle oil, but a brand new motor?! I now change my oil every 1500-1800 miles to prevent this. Also the idemitsu factory oil is as thin as rubbing alcohol.Even a Motul 0/20 is much thicker and doesn't disintegrate as rapidly.

Submitted by Dyllin McDonald (not verified) on November 11, 2024 - 9:03PM

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In July of 2023, my 2022 Toyota GR86, while going through a McDonald's parking lot, my engine seized and locked up. I tried starting the engine again and it wouldn't. I immediately contacted Toyota and had it towed to Hendrick Toyota in Charleston, SC. After they inspected it, they told me that the engine was blown, without doing a teardown of the engine at all. They deemed it irreparable and wanted to charge me $18,500 to replace the engine.

Submitted by Dustin (not verified) on November 11, 2024 - 9:12PM

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My first generation BRZ died just after warranty. Subaru did F**K all. I will never buy another Subaru. They don't give a shit about their customers.

Submitted by steve (not verified) on November 11, 2024 - 9:47PM

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I was told last week that ours has an oil leak from the timing cover that is going to cost us$1500 to fix. They said "they all do it, it's because they use silicone casket goo instead of proper gaskets.
Under 60,000Mi (100,000K's).
Really not good enough. but, we're in Australia, so it'll be "stiff shit, pay the bill". Such a shame, we've only had it 3 months and it's still immaculate.

Submitted by Stephen Fitzgerald (not verified) on November 11, 2024 - 10:13PM

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I have a 2023 GR86 with about 23,000 miles am I looking at a problem down the road? And will my car be included in this law suit?
Thank you for any information you can give me !

Submitted by Shaylee Lingenfelter (not verified) on November 11, 2024 - 10:26PM

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I have a 2013 Scion Fr-S currently with a blown engine sitting in my driveway. Was driving the road when suddenly the engine just stopped working and developed a loud knocking noise.

Submitted by John Crespo (not verified) on November 11, 2024 - 10:41PM

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Hi, 2017 86 here. When I drive, I tend to hear the sound “tu tu tu tu” coming from the engine bay. This has been more noticeable recently. The car has shut off on my but this was when I had the key turnt once and had the AC on for 20 minutes then attempted to turn it on afterwards- in which it wouldn’t turn on (could be unrelated).

But am wondering if the sound I hear from the engine as I drive and am parked is the same issues as this lawsuit. Looking forward to hearing from you. Thanks!

Submitted by Robert Ledferd (not verified) on November 11, 2024 - 10:43PM

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I have 2013 FRS and I have had continues issues that has cost me thousands of dollars and the issues still continue. Shingle was rebuilt due to medal shaving in the block and for the past three the engine randomly loses power and does not want to accelerate . How do you join the class action suit? .

Submitted by Robert Ledferd (not verified) on November 11, 2024 - 10:47PM

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I have 2013 FRS and I have had continues issues that has cost me thousands of dollars and the issues still continue. Shingle was rebuilt due to medal shaving in the block and for the past three the engine randomly loses power and does not want to accelerate . How do you join the class action suit? .

Submitted by Neil Benskin (not verified) on November 11, 2024 - 11:34PM

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My engine died while I was driving home after work , just shutdown,I had to replace the engine completely for 13,000$ ,plus Toyota damaged my catalytic converter installing the engine, I noticed the car seemed louder when I picked it up , but unfortunately didn't say anything at the time .and neither did Toyota

Submitted by Marcus Ray (not verified) on November 11, 2024 - 11:48PM

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We have had 2 2013 frs and both failed with spun rod bearings . Traded one and still trying to figure out what engine to put in it. Love the car , but the boxer is trash the way it is.

Submitted by John Vose (not verified) on November 11, 2024 - 11:59PM

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I am reaching out to express my deep disappointment and seek assistance regarding my 2015 Subaru BRZ Limited, which has been my pride and joy since I purchased it with about 30k miles . Now with approximately 70,000 miles on the odometer, I have taken great care to follow all recommended maintenance schedules to ensure the longevity and performance of my vehicle.

Unfortunately, I have faced unexpected and repeated issues that have left me both financially and emotionally exhausted. Specifically, I’ve had to replace the transmission twice, all before hitting 60,000 miles. Now, at 75,000 miles, my dealership has informed me that the entire engine needs replacement due to internal damage.

This news is disheartening, especially as my extended warranty provider has dropped coverage due to the repeated failures. I am now left to manage the cost of these extensive repairs on my own, which has put a significant strain on me both financially and emotionally.

I am a loyal Subaru owner—this is my second Subaru vehicle—and I have always trusted in the quality and reliability of your brand. However, these issues have shaken that trust, and I feel abandoned in this situation. I am reaching out with the hope that Subaru might assist in some way to help alleviate the burden of these recurring repairs

Submitted by Luke (not verified) on November 12, 2024 - 12:48AM

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I have a 2023 gr86 and I notice sometimes during hard acceleration I can hear engine rattling like it's staved of oil I have 30,000kms and have had the oil changed 3 times and I keep the oil filters i cut them open and they all have red and grey silicone inside. Time will tell.

Submitted by Omar Jamil (not verified) on November 12, 2024 - 1:34AM

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I saved a lot of money to buy my gt86 2 years ago. Then it got exactly the same problem described in the case. I'm still no able go understand what went wrong. It developed a loud banging due to oil starvation. Been 2 years and the car is still with me without an engine as I cannot afford the ridiculous price for even used FA20's as a student. What are the steps I can take towards toyota for this. Obviously can't afford a lawsuit

Submitted by Don (not verified) on November 12, 2024 - 2:40AM

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2013 wrx. Engine failed 10k miles out of warranty. Low oil pressure. 6k to replace. Still drive the car today