Miata Owner Is Hesitant About Switching To a Subaru BRZ Due To Potential Engine Failure And RTV Issues, But Are The Fears Well-Founded?

When buying a new car, an important question to ask yourself is, is it worth the trade? Sports cars are no exception, and with modern cars becoming more expensive and burdened by tech, asking yourself the question is more important than ever. Being a sports car owner myself, I am currently finding trouble replacing my current vehicle with something better without spending a lot of money. 

While browsing the  Subaru BRZ group on Facebook, I stumbled upon a post by a member who seems to be plagued by a similar dilemma. However, his concerns were based on what may be an exaggerated issue. Here’s what the post says:

“I’m on the fence, really, about getting the new BRZ. The engine failure and RTV issues are making me hesitant. I currently drive an NC Miata (2013) and just wondering if it’s worth the switch?

The picture is a brand new 2025 TS model I’m considering (40k asking price)”

The truth about the BRZ, 86, FR-S engine failure and RTV issues.

There were some issues with the RTV and some engine failures, but these aren’t as common as the internet makes them out to be. Back in 2024, there was a class-action lawsuit against Toyota and Subaru, which included the Scion FR-S models. It was related mostly to the older versions of the sports car, featuring the FA20, 2.0-liter engine, but also a limited number of 2023 GR86 models, equipped with the newer, FA24, 2.4-liter boxer engine. 

The cause of the engine failures was reportedly a loss of oil pressure and oil film, which can damage the engine catastrophically, and in some cases, even catch fire. The lawsuit alleged that Toyota and Subaru used room temperature vulcanizing (RTV) instead of traditional gaskets. 

This is a type of silicone that begins to heal immediately when exposed to air. RTV is also water-repellent, which in theory, makes it superior to water-based sealants. The issue is that the manufacturers allegedly used too much RTV, which in turn blocks oil passages, causing low oil pressure. 

The community chimes in with some great insights

One owner says: “There is no engine failure or RTV issue unless you are doing extended track sessions with your car on 0W20 oil

> 2022 BRZ 76,000 miles”.

Another user adds: “RTV was never an issue, it just looks ugly.

Engines blowing up is what happens if you have a low oil level and run 20-weight or 30-weight oil on track without an oil cooler.

In the 86 Challenge, we have multiple cars with 70+ trackdays on their original engine. My engine being one of those. I just treat the upper oil fill line like the lower line.”

Some members add that even prolonged track sessions aren’t a problem: “The RTV issue isn’t much of a thing anymore and they only have oil starvation if you’re on 200tw tires and track your car extremely hard for long sessions.”

One owner summarizes the “issue” well: “It's blown out of proportion. Treat the car nicely, and it'll treat you nicely back. If you intend on tracking it, take the necessary steps to make it track-ready. Despite what some may say, the vehicle is not track-ready from the factory.

I'm at 18k miles in my 2023, still drives like the day I bought it.”

Is 0w20 oil too thin?

Using the right oil is one of the most important aspects of maintaining your car. It can make or break your ownership experience (and, potentially, your bank account). Most modern engines can operate on thinner oil due to improved machining processes during manufacturing, which enable tighter tolerances. 

Thinner oil also means less resistance, which in many cases gets you 1 extra MPG. Actually, the existence of thinner engine oil has more to do with emission requirements than longevity, and we have CAFE to thank for that. 

That said, many owners recommend using thicker oil when tracking the car, due to its better lubrication properties. Things get hot, and metal components expand. Luckily, most engines can work with a range of oil viscosities. In the case of the FA24 engine, you can also use 5w20.

Is it worth the trade?

While we are used to saying “Miata is always the answer” when talking about an affordable, fun sports car, cars like the 86 and BRZ prove there are alternatives. For a long time, Mazda held a monopoly over affordable rear-wheel-drive performance, and the owner justifiably has second thoughts about trading in his 2013 Miata. 

The NC is labeled as the “most hated Miata” due to being the largest and heaviest of all generations. But until the ND’s first update, in 2018, the NC was also the most powerful of the bunch. Many who have driven one, me included, claim that the steering is actually better than on the ND.

The owner clearly values balance and lightness over brute power, which, in times when we are spoiled by horsepower, is commendable.

If you want to see the full discussion, click here. If you are a Subaru BRZ/ Toyota GR86 / Scion FR-S owner, or have related experience, I am curious to know what you think in the comments below. Also, would you make the switch from an NC Miata to a BRZ? 

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Dimitar Angelov's automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota, Honda, and Nissan are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov's car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications, and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.