Toyota and Subaru sue 86 and BRZ over engine failure

A new lawsuit points to a host of factors that may have contributed to the premature failure of the 86/BRZ boxer engine

A U.S. woman has filed a lawsuit against Toyota and Subaru, claiming the horizontally opposed four-cylinder engines in the Scion FR-S, Toyota 86/GR 86 and Subaru BRZ models are prone to catastrophic failure at low mileage, even under warranty. .

Plaintiff Laura Young purchased a used 2019 Toyota 86 in October 2021, but less than two years later, in April 2023, the car suddenly lost power, the engine failed, and the mileage was only about 64,000 miles (approximately 103,000 kilometers). A mechanic inspected the engine and found that it was failing due to “lack of oil, loss of oil film and excessive wear.”

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The lawsuit targets the first-generation model equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and the second-generation GR 86 and BRZ equipped with a more powerful 2.4-liter boxer engine. The two engines were said to “suffer from the same design or manufacturing defect.”

For example, the viscosity of the engine oil specified for sports cars is said to be too low, meaning the oil may break down under heavy throttle and high revs. Additionally, the lawsuit alleges that Subaru’s boxer engines have inherent problems, such as oil collecting in the cylinder heads instead of circulating through the engine.

Toyota and Subaru have also been criticized for using room temperature vulcanized (RTV) silicone instead of traditional gaskets. The lawsuit alleges that the silicone hardens and crumbles when exposed to heat, entering the crankcase. From there, silicone reportedly entered the oil and coolant channels, causing severe damage.

Owners of first- and second-generation Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ models have long complained about engine problems, and the lawsuit shows the two Japanese automakers are aware of the problems. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has also received multiple complaints that these models are prone to engine failure.

The plaintiffs added that while Toyota and Subaru were aware of the engine issues, they neither issued a recall nor extended warranties on affected vehicles.