Valve spring recall (2013 BRZ and FR-S)

Added 2026-10-26 · Updated 2026-10-26

Symptoms

Abnormal engine noise or engine malfunction, and in the worst case the engine stalls while driving.

Cause

Valve springs built before a May 2013 tolerance change can break. The fix raised the lower limit on spring wire diameter. The recall covers about 9,500 2013 BRZs built Dec 2011 to Jul 2013 and about 25,300 2013 FR-S built Mar 2012 to Jul 2013.

Fix (summary)

Free dealer replacement of the valve springs with an improved design (Subaru WTY-84, NHTSA 18V-772; Toyota notice J02). It is a long job, about 12 to 14 hours of flat-rate labour. If a spring has already broken, the engine is repaired or replaced. Check your VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup.

Related build entries

• Check recalls and service bulletins before you modify

Other ZN6/ZC6 problems

• Low-pressure fuel pump recall (2018-19)
• Key can come out when not in Park (FR-S and 86 automatics)
• Rough idle or stalling on early cars (ECU software)
• Oil seepage from the cam plate, cam carriers or timing cover
• High-pitched chirp or cricket noise from the engine
• Creaking clutch pedal

More for this car

• All Toyota 86 / Subaru BRZ / Scion FR-S (ZN6/ZC6, 2013-2020) fitment answers · ZN6/ZC6 common problems
• Newsletter archive: past issues with every new and corrected entry

Sources

• Part 573 Safety Recall Report 18V-772 (valve springs) — Manufacturer filing hosted by NHTSA (regulatory; read 2026-10-26; full page read)
• Toyota/Scion dealer remedy notice J02 for recall 18V-772 (2013 FR-S valve springs) — Toyota (manufacturer notice hosted by NHTSA) (mfr spec; read 2026-10-26; full page read)
  Remedy kits SU003-08062 (M/T) and SU003-08061 (A/T); flat-rate 12.2-13.8 h.

Summaries are in our own words. Not repair instructions; consult the factory service manual.

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