2022+ GR86 / BRZ FA24 oiling problems: RTV sealant in the oil pickup and oil pressure on track

Published · Updated

Does the 2022+ GR86 / BRZ FA24 engine have an oiling problem?

Short answer: Two separate issues are reported. Early cars can have excess factory RTV sealant clogging the oil pickup, checked by filter inspection and fixed by dropping the pan. On track, oil pressure drops in long right-handers above about 6,000 rpm; there is no factory fix, and owners log pressure, overfill slightly and add accumulators.

Guide · 6 sources · Facts as of 2026-10-30

Two problems, not one

Facts as of 2026-10-30. Reports of FA24 engine failures in the 2022+ GR86 and BRZ mix two separate issues: sealant debris in the oil pickup, which can affect any early car, and oil pressure loss under sustained cornering, which shows up on track. They have different checks and different fixes. Neither is covered by a recall or a service bulletin that we found.

1. RTV sealant in the oil pickup

What owners found: on early cars, mostly 2022-2023, extra RTV sealant from the factory oil-pan joint broke off and collected on the oil pickup strainer, restricting oil flow. Reports came from North American and Japanese owners. The Drive reported RTV in the pickup of a failed engine at under 14,000 miles, and a performance shop found it in the sump screen of a BRZ with under 3,000 miles. Usually nothing shows until damage is done: low oil pressure under load, then bearing noise or a spun bearing.

How to check: cut open the oil filter at the first changes and look for sealant pieces, and look through the drain hole with a borescope. The strainer can only be cleaned by dropping the oil pan. Some shops suggest doing that once at around 5,000-10,000 miles as cheap insurance, especially before track use. Resealing the pan means new sealant, which must be applied sparingly, and it is worth documenting what you find in case of a warranty claim.

Warranty position: Toyota said it reviews warranty claims case by case and that HPDE use alone does not void the warranty.

2. Oil pressure drops in right-hand corners on track

Data from owners and shops shows logged oil pressure falling from roughly 50-60 psi into the 20s in long, fast right-hand corners or over crests, mostly above 6,000 rpm. Under sustained cornering load, oil pools in the cylinder heads instead of returning to the pickup. Subaru said it stands behind the FA24's design as a road car; Toyota later covered at least two failed engines under warranty, one with a confirmed spun bearing.

What owners do: fit an oil pressure sensor and logger before tracking the car; overfill slightly (up to about half to one quart); keep revs under about 6,000 rpm in long right-handers; and add an Accusump-style accumulator. In the data reported, baffles (including a prototype and a Tomei part) made little or no measurable difference, and an oil cooler may cost a few psi. None of these has factory backing, and overfilling has its own risks, so log pressure before trusting any fix.

What we could not confirm

Related known problems

FAQ

Is the RTV problem fixed on newer GR86s and BRZs?

The reports are mostly from early 2022-2023 cars, but we found no recall, bulletin or official production change. Cutting open the oil filter and a borescope look are cheap checks on any car.

Does tracking a GR86 void the warranty?

Toyota said HPDE use alone does not void the warranty and that it reviews claims case by case. Keep oil pressure logs and service records.

Do oil pan baffles fix the FA24 track oil pressure drop?

Not in the data reported: a prototype baffle and a Tomei baffle made little measurable difference. Owners rely on a small overfill, rpm discipline in right-handers and an accumulator.

Keep exploring

Sources

Summaries are in our own words. Fitment is not guaranteed; wheels, hubs and suspension are safety-critical. Disclaimer.

Report a correction — spotted an error or have a better source? Email hello@chassisdex.com.

Get new fitment notes by email

Occasional updates (about monthly) when we add or correct ChassisDex entries.

Double opt-in: we email you a confirm link first. We store your email address, the car you pick (if any) and the page you signed up on. Never sold or shared; unsubscribe any time. Privacy note.