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Buying guide

Subaru BRZ ZC6 (2012 to 2020): buying guide, problems and NZ numbers

The Subaru BRZ ZC6 was built from 2012 to 2020 as a coupe, with a manual or automatic gearbox, rear wheel drive and petrol power. Chassis code: ZC6. Redline has a curated guide to its 6 most reported weak points, from owner club and specialist sources.

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Key facts

Years
2012 to 2020
Chassis codes
ZC6
Body types
Coupe
Gearboxes
Manual, Automatic
Drive
RWD (rear wheel drive)
Fuel
Petrol

On NZ roads

Counting every one on the NZ register. The first look can take up to 15 seconds.

Known weak points

Curated by Redline from owner club and specialist sources Commonly reported by owners and specialists for the Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ (first generation) (2012 to 2021). Not every car has these; check this one.

  1. FA20 valve springs

    Early cars were recalled for valve springs that could break at high revs and cause serious engine damage.

    Where to look
    The recall record for the VIN, and the service book
    How to test
    Ask for proof of the valve spring recall. Without it, note the VIN and check with a Toyota or Subaru dealer.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost engine damage if a spring breaks; recall work is free

    Sources: carsales.com.au (opens in a new tab), fastcar.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

  2. 2016 electrical recall

    A 2016 recall covered nearly every car sold up to then for an electrical fault that could affect the steering.

    Where to look
    The recall record for the VIN
    How to test
    Confirm with a dealer that the recall was done on any pre 2016 car.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Low cost recall work is free at a dealer

    Sources: carsales.com.au (opens in a new tab)

  3. Clutch release bearing

    A worn clutch release bearing makes an odd noise when the clutch pedal is pressed.

    Where to look
    The clutch pedal and bellhousing
    How to test
    With the engine idling, press and release the clutch several times and listen for a whirr or chirp that changes with the pedal.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost gearbox off to replace

    Sources: fastcar.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

  4. 2nd gear synchro

    Second gear can be reluctant to engage and grind. The synchros are slow when cold, so judge it warm as well.

    Where to look
    The gear lever
    How to test
    Change into 2nd quickly cold and again fully warm. A grind that stays once warm points to wear.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost fresh oil helps; synchros mean a rebuild

    Sources: fastcar.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

  5. Valve train noises and engine faults

    Tapping from the valve train, fuel pump noise, clogged oil passages in the heads on some engines and hard starting from the cam position sensor are reported.

    Where to look
    The engine bay with the bonnet up, from a cold start
    How to test
    Listen from cold for tapping from the heads and for a whine or buzz from the fuel pump. Check the car starts first time.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost sensors are cheap; head work is not

    Sources: carsales.com.au (opens in a new tab)

  6. Underbody scrapes

    These low cars are prone to scraped sills, sumps, exhausts and low suspension parts.

    Where to look
    The sills, sump, exhaust and front suspension arms from underneath
    How to test
    Get low with a torch and look for scrapes, dents and bent parts.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost depends on the damage

    Sources: carsales.com.au (opens in a new tab)

General guidance from owner and specialist sources. Check the specific car with an independent inspection. Researched 1 November 2026.

What the cost bands mean
  • Low: a small job. Typically a few hundred dollars or less at an NZ workshop, often a DIY fix.
  • Medium: a proper workshop job. Typically several hundred to a couple of thousand dollars.
  • High: a major job. Typically several thousand dollars or more, enough to change what the car is worth.

Service items

Questions to ask the seller

  • Has the valve spring recall been done, and is there proof?
  • Has the 2016 electrical recall been done?
  • Has the clutch or release bearing been replaced?
  • Has it been tracked, and are the brake pads standard?
  • Is it standard, or has it been tuned or turbocharged?

New Zealand notes

  • Both NZ new and Japanese import cars are common. Check the recalls against the VIN with a dealer either way.

A first generation 86 or BRZ suits a driver who wants an affordable, rear drive coupe to enjoy on back roads and track days.

US recalls

Looking up US recall data.

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