Toyota GR86 & Subaru BRZ Common Problems & Fixes

by Ezekiel Lee September 23, 2025

The Toyota GR86 (and its twin, the Subaru BRZ) delivers incredible balance, rear-wheel-drive fun, and affordability.
But like any performance car, the GR86 benefits from preventive maintenance and a few smart upgrades to stay reliable—especially if you drive it hard on track or in the canyons.

This guide summarizes known issues, service intervals, and proven solutions based on shop experience and data from the GR86 enthusiast community.

1. RTV Sealant & Oil Strainer Clogging

The Issue:
Some FA24 engines leave the factory with excess RTV (gasket maker) around the oil pan.
Small pieces can break off and collect in the oil pickup strainer, restricting oil flow.

Symptoms:

Oil-pressure warning light
Ticking or knocking sounds under load
Potential engine damage if ignored

Recommended Fix:

One-time oil pan drop & strainer cleaning at ~5,000–10,000 miles (or sooner if you track the car).
Replace RTV with a proper OEM gasket or correctly applied sealant.

Good news:
In many cars, once the strainer is cleaned, subsequent inspections show negligible debris.
For most daily-driven cars, this is a one-and-done maintenance item.

2. Oil Starvation on Track

The Issue:
Under sustained high-G cornering, oil can slosh away from the pickup, causing brief pressure drops—known as oil starvation.

Who’s at Risk:
Owners who track the car or run sticky tires.

Proven Solutions:

Sims baffle kit – an internal plate that keeps oil near the pickup.
0.5-quart oil overfill – reduces the chance of oil uncovering the pickup.
Magnetic drain plug – provides early warning if engine wear particles increase.

Pro Tip:
Some drivers experiment with a 1-quart overfill, but this can lead to oil aeration and PCV ingestion.
A half-quart overfill is the safer long-term compromise for spirited street and moderate track use.

3. Clutch & Throwout Bearing Noise

The Issue:
Many second-gen GR86/BRZ models develop a squeaky clutch pedal or notchy shifting early in life.
The culprit is often the throwout bearing and clutch fork assembly, which leaves the factory with too little grease and a shallow internal grease trap.

Recommended Fix:

During clutch service, re-grease the throwout bearing and fork with a high-temperature, high-pressure lubricant.
For heavily tracked cars, consider an aftermarket throwout bearing or clutch fork kit for better longevity.

4. Valve Spring Recall (FA20 carryover owners)

If you own a first-generation 2013–2020 86/BRZ, check that the valve spring recall has been performed.
While the 2022+ FA24 engine doesn’t share this exact defect, early production cars occasionally exhibit light valve-train noise, making regular valve-clearance inspections worthwhile.

5. Typical Wear Items & Service Intervals

Even without known “problems,” the GR86 thrives on timely maintenance:

Item	Interval (street)	Interval (track)	Notes
Engine oil & filter	6,000 mi or 1 year	3,000 mi or every 2–3 track days	Use 0W-20 or 5W-30 high-quality synthetic
Manual transmission fluid	30,000–40,000 mi	15,000–20,000 mi	Upgrade to a high-performance fluid if tracked
Differential fluid	30,000–40,000 mi	15,000–20,000 mi	Critical for LSD longevity
Brake fluid	2 years	Before every heavy track season	Use DOT 4 or higher for track
Spark plugs	60,000–100,000 mi	~30,000 mi if heavily tracked	Iridium OEM spec
Coolant	100,000 mi / 10 years	50,000 mi or 5 years	Check hoses annually

6. Recommended Preventive Upgrades

Beyond regular servicing, these upgrades extend reliability and enhance performance:

Oil cooler (track users): Maintains stable oil temps in hot climates or during long sessions.
Stainless steel brake lines & performance pads: Improves pedal feel and fade resistance.
High-quality tires & proper alignment: Reduces uneven wear and optimizes grip.
Ceramic-coated headers (if modified): Helps manage under-hood heat when running aftermarket exhaust systems.

7. Owner Checklist

✅ Drop the oil pan once and inspect the strainer.
✅ Add a Sims baffle and consider a 0.5-quart overfill if you track the car.
✅ Re-grease the throwout bearing and clutch fork during the first clutch service.
✅ Stick to shorter fluid intervals if you drive aggressively.
✅ Use OEM-quality seals and hardware to avoid premature leaks and failures.

Final Thoughts

The GR86 rewards proactive maintenance and thoughtful upgrades.
Addressing RTV and oil starvation early, ensuring the clutch system is properly lubricated, and sticking to shorter service intervals will let your FA24 engine sing at 7,500 RPM for years to come.

Whether you’re carving canyons, commuting, or chasing lap times, a well-maintained GR86 isn’t just more reliable—it’s more fun.