That strange sound or hesitation in your BRZ isn’t your imagination. The shift feels rough. The engine makes a noise that wasn’t there last week. You assume it’s nothing, just the car adjusting. Then the problem gets worse. Before you know it, the minor issue has turned into an expensive repair.
At Fremont Foreign Auto, we’ve seen this happen too often. BRZ owners love their cars, but many ignore early warning signs. Our team knows these cars inside and out. More importantly, we know how to fix problems before they lead to breakdowns.
Engine Ticking That Won’t Shut Up
The BRZ should purr when running properly. If your engine is ticking loudly at idle, that’s a problem. 2013-2016 models frequently develop ticking due to worn valve lifters or high-pressure fuel injector noise. Some ticking is normal, but excessive noise signals potential trouble.
The Fix: Our technicians don’t guess. We use advanced diagnostics to pinpoint the noise. If worn lifters are the cause, we replace them. If injectors are misfiring, we recalibrate them. We focus on fixing exactly what’s wrong, not just masking the symptoms.
The Infamous “Cricket” Sound From The Fuel Pump
Some BRZ owners describe their fuel pump noise as a high-pitched chirp. The sound isn’t a minor annoyance—it signals a flaw in 2013-2014 models, especially when using ethanol-blended fuel. If left unchecked, it can lead to fuel delivery issues.
The Fix: Subaru never fully solved this, but we have. Our team replaces the fuel pump with an upgraded version that eliminates the noise. We also recommend using specific fuel blends to prevent future problems.
Rough Idling Or Stalling At Stops
A BRZ should idle smoothly. If your car shudders, drops RPMs, or stalls at a stoplight, something is wrong. Owners of 2013-2015 models frequently report this issue, which is often caused by a clogged idle air control valve or a vacuum leak. Carbon buildup or air leaks throw off the engine’s balance, making the car struggle to idle correctly.
The Fix: We deep-clean or replace the IACV, inspect vacuum lines, and reset idle parameters. Once we finish, your BRZ will run smoothly without hesitation.
Water Inside The Tail Lights? That’s A Problem.
A little moisture inside your tail lights may seem harmless, but it can cause serious damage. The weak factory seals in 2013-2016 models allow water to enter, leading to electrical failures. Over time, the moisture corrodes the LEDs, making your lights dim or completely fail.
The Fix: We remove the housing, fully dry the interior, and re-seal it with professional-grade waterproof materials. If the LEDs are damaged, we replace them before they fail completely.
Notchy, Slipping, Or Hesitant Transmission
If your BRZ hesitates during shifts, the transmission may have a serious problem. Manual BRZs from 2013-2015 often develop worn synchronizers, which make shifts feel rough or notchy. Automatic models suffer from clutch pack wear, leading to slipping and delayed response.
The Fix: Our technicians inspect synchros, clutch components, and transmission fluid. Sometimes, a simple adjustment solves the issue. If the clutch is worn out, we replace it with a high-performance unit. No matter the issue, we make sure your BRZ shifts as smoothly as it should.
Fix It Before It Breaks.
You know when your BRZ feels off. Trust that instinct. Ignoring a small issue doesn’t make it go away—it just makes the repair more expensive later.
At Fremont Foreign Auto, we don’t guess. We diagnose, repair, and get it right the first time. Our shop in Fremont serves Union City and the East Bay, providing expert-level service for BRZ owners who want their cars performing at their best.
Call (510) 793-6067 today. Let’s fix your BRZ before a small problem turns into a major repair.
