“FA20” covers two Subaru 2.0-liter boxer engines: the naturally aspirated FA20D in the 2013 to 2020 BRZ, Scion FR-S and Toyota 86, and the turbocharged, direct-injected FA20DIT in the 2015 to 2021 WRX. Neither has a widespread head gasket problem like older EJ engines. The most commonly reported FA20D issues are an early valve spring recall and the well-known torque dip around 4,000 rpm; the FA20DIT’s reported issues are carbon buildup on intake valves, oil consumption on some engines, and piston or ringland damage on heavily modified cars.
FA20D (BRZ, FR-S, 86)
| Issue | What to know |
|---|---|
| Valve spring recall | Early cars were subject to a valve spring recall; check recall status by VIN with a dealer |
| Torque dip | A dip in torque around 4,000 rpm is a design trait, not a fault |
| Oil consumption | Check the level between changes, especially on cars driven hard |
| Fuel pump and injector noise | A ticking from the direct-injection system is normal |
FA20DIT (2015 to 2021 WRX)
| Issue | What to know |
|---|---|
| Carbon buildup | Direct injection only, so intake valves are not washed by fuel; rough idle over high mileage |
| Oil consumption | Reported on some engines; monitor between changes |
| Piston and ringland damage | Mostly on modified cars with knock from poor fuel or excessive boost; see Subaru ringland failures |
| Rod bearing failure | Rare on stock engines; follows oil starvation or low oil; see spun rod bearing |
FA20 head gasket problems
Head gasket complaints are uncommon on FA engines compared with the older EJ25. Coolant loss on an FA20 is more often a hose, water pump or radiator issue; see losing coolant but no leak.
Buying a used FA20 car
- Check recall completion by VIN for early BRZ, FR-S and 86 models.
- Ask how often the oil was changed and check the level and condition.
- On a WRX, ask about engine modifications and look for signs of hard use, such as smoke, blow-by or a misfire on one cylinder.
- Run a compression or leak-down test if there is any doubt; see compression and leak-down tests.
Is the FA20 reliable?
Yes, when maintained with good oil, changed on time, and kept at the correct level. On turbo cars, avoid low-octane fuel and knock under load. Check the oil level often on any boxer engine.
Replacement and rebuilds
For damaged engines, replacement long and short blocks are listed on Subaru FA20 and FA24 engines. See FA20 vs FA24, what is a boxer engine?, WRX vs STI and BRZ and GR86 parts.
More guides: how long a Subaru engine lasts · FA20 specs · FA20 vs EJ25.
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