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After Recall Subaru, BRZ/Scion FR-S Keep Grenading Engines

Even after a 2019 recall and class-action lawsuit valve springs continue to break. Toyota and Subaru are still scratching their collective heads over what could be causing catastrophic failures. Over 400,000 Subaru BRZ and Scion FR-S cars powered by the Subaru 2.0-liter boxer engine would stall from breaking valve springs.  There have been reports of …

Even after a 2019 recall and class-action lawsuit valve springs continue to break. Toyota and Subaru are still scratching their collective heads over what could be causing catastrophic failures. Over 400,000 Subaru BRZ and Scion FR-S cars powered by the Subaru 2.0-liter boxer engine would stall from breaking valve springs. 

There have been reports of fixed cars having catastrophic engine failures

Scion FR-S is on display at the 108th Annual Chicago Auto Show at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois on February 19, 2016 | Getty Images

Then, after the recall, there were reports of fixed cars having catastrophic engine failures. It was happening (and continues from what we understand) within the first few thousand miles after the recall fix. This led to the class-action lawsuit filed last year. The Drive notes that they continue to get a steady stream of emails from owners experiencing blown engines. So, what’s going on?

The response from dealerships confronted with answering for their recall fixes resulting in blown engines is mixed. Some deny the fix had anything to do with lunched engines. Others offer discounts on labor and parts to rebuild the engine. But owners still have to shell out a fair chunk of change. 

The class-action lawsuit is being reviewed by the Easter District of Pennsylvania, where it was filed

RECALL: The Subaru BRZ and Scion FRS Are Basically The Same Cars

Subaru BRZ compact coupe sports car on display at Brussels Expo on January 13, 2017 in Brussels, Belgium. The BRZ is also marketed as Toyota 86 (Toyota FT86, “Toyota GT86) and as Scion FR-S in the US. | Getty Images

As the class-action lawsuit is being reviewed by the Easter District of Pennsylvania, where it was filed, everyone involved has to wait for it to proceed. Owners are warned to keep all records, invoices, and correspondence related to their issues and interactions with dealers. As for the recall itself, a Subaru spokesperson told The Drive that about 75% of the affected vehicles have had the recommended repairs. 

As for the allegations in the class-action lawsuit, a Subaru spokesperson stated, “Subaru strongly disagrees with the allegations made in the lawsuit and we have filed with Toyota a Joint Motion to Dismiss Plaintiff’s Consolidated Amended Complaint.” A Toyota spokesperson told The Drive, “The safety and security of our customers is a top priority. Toyota encourages customers to have the remedy for any open safety recall completed. A customer can see if their vehicle is involved in a safety recall by visiting Toyota.com/repair or nhtsa.gov/recalls. Enter the Vehicle Identification Number or license plate information. Regarding this lawsuit, we’ll respond to the allegations in the appropriate forum.”

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