Toyota FR-S common problems: what to check before you buy
Credov's researched list of the 4 faults the Toyota FR-S is known for (2012–2021), 4 of them serious or costly. Each one says what to look for when you check the car, so you can spot it before you buy. Not every car has these faults: they are the ones worth checking on this model.
Known problems on the Toyota FR-S
Rod bearing knock and sudden engine failure
Safety risk
2012–2021 · 4U-GSE, FA20D · petrol · Engine
What to look for: Check the oil level on the dipstick before starting.
Why it matters: A US class action (2024) covers 2013-16 FR-S, 2017-21 86 and BRZ; the lead car failed at about 103,000 km. CarComplaints lists FR-S 'engine failure' at an average of about 110,000 km and US$6,700. Symptoms are a knock that gets louder with revs, low oil pressure light, then loss of power. Track use, over-revving (missed downshifts) and tunes that cause knock make it more likely.
2012–2021 · 4U-GSE, FA20D · petrol · Exhaust and emissions
What to look for: Stand by the car and sniff for burning oil and listen for sizzling from the exhaust.
Why it matters: The timing chain cover and sump (both RTV-sealed) also weep; one owner called the timing cover leak extremely common and quoted over US$2,500 to fix, as the cover job is big on a boxer. Valve cover gaskets leak onto the exhaust too. Burning oil smell at the lights, smoke from under the bonnet and, in rare cases, fire have been reported. Left unrepaired this grows into a major repair bill.
What to look for: Idle in neutral and listen with the clutch pedal up, then pressed, then half pressed.
Why it matters: Some noises turned out to be a dry clutch fork pivot that needed grease. CarComplaints lists release bearing failure on the 2013 FR-S at an average of about 114,000 km and US$2,100; NHTSA has one failing at 78,000 km. Fix means the gearbox out, so most owners do the clutch at the same time. Left unrepaired this grows into a major repair bill.
What to look for: Look for tow hooks, track stickers, harness bars, bucket seats, aftermarket wheels with gouges, mismatched paint or overspray (crash repair), bent.
Why it matters: Japanese imports are often ex-club cars with stripped interiors or race parts. Lowered cars on coilovers with lots of negative camber chew the inside edges of tyres and scrape the front undertray. Instrumented testing found the FA20 oil pressure dips briefly in fast right-hand corners (much less than the later 2.4), and regular track use on a standard sump, especially with the oil a little low, adds bearing wear;
Got a question about a Toyota FR-S? Ask Credov: a noise, a warning light, a part or how to fix it.
Also check on every car
On top of the faults above, every Credov inspection covers the basics: fuel smell, leaks or filler rust, engine oil leaks, power steering fluid leak, drive belt cracks or squeal, rust underneath: chassis and mounts, engine mounts, engine oil level and colour, coolant level, colour and leaks, head gasket failure signs, cold start: rattle, knock or smoke, rough or hunting idle, engine running hot on gauge, gearbox or diff oil leak, swapped gearbox without lvv and more.
Researched by Credov from manufacturer recalls and service bulletins, owner reports and workshop sources. Repair prices are typical ranges, not quotes. See also fault codes and repair costs.