What is the most common engine problem on the 2013 Scion FR-S?

Engine complaints make up 82% of all complaints filed for the 2013 FR-S, the largest share reported for any year of this model. Owners describe rod bearing failures, stalling, rough idle, and oil leaks, with a median failure mileage of 75,445 miles.

Is there a recall for the 2013 Scion FR-S engine?

Yes. Recall 18V772000 covers the engine valve springs on 2013 Scion FR-S vehicles, along with related Subaru models. Dealers replace the valve springs free of charge, and the recall does not carry a do-not-drive or park-outside warning.

Does the valve spring recall fix all the engine issues?

Not according to some owner reports. At least one complaint describes engine knocking occurring after the recall repair was completed, and other complaints describe separate issues like rod bearing failure and oil leaks that are not part of the recall.

How many engine complaints does NHTSA have for the 2013 FR-S compared to other years?

NHTSA lists 147 engine complaints for the 2013 FR-S versus 4 for 2014, 5 for 2015, and 1 for 2016, making 2013 far and away the year with the most engine complaints for this model.

2013 Scion FR-S Engine Problems

147 of 179 total complaints (82%) for the 2013 Scion FR-S involve the engine, with median failure mileage at 75,445 miles. A related recall (18V772000) covers engine valve springs, and owners also report rod bearing failures, stalling, and oil leaks.

Engine complaints: 147; 82% of 179 complaints
All complaints this year: 179
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 2
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 75,445 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Rod bearing or rod knock failures leading to sudden engine shutdown or slowdown, sometimes attributed to excess sealant causing oil starvation.
Engine stalling at low speeds or while idling, in some cases requiring full engine replacement.
Rough idle and RPM surging between roughly 400 and 1,100 RPM after warm-up, accompanied by check engine and VSC lights, linked by dealers to a camshaft gear or variable valve timing defect.
Valve spring failures tied to recall 18V772000, with some owners reporting engine knocking or stalling even after the recall repair was performed.
Oil leaks from a rear camshaft block-off plate causing a burnt oil smell in the cabin and oil dripping onto the exhaust pipe.

When 2013 Scion FR-S engine complaints were filed

First complaint Sep 6, 2012, latest Jun 8, 2026.

147 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2012 Q3 to 2026 Q2; peak 2019 Q2 (42).

Engine recalls for the 2013 Scion FR-S

NHTSA 18V772000Nov 1, 2018Engine165,534 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Subaru Impreza, 2012-2013 Impreza Stationwagon, 2013 Subaru BRZ, XV Crosstrek and Toyota Scion FR-S vehicles. The engine valve springs in these vehicles may fracture causing an engine malfunction or a possible engine stall.
Risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. Toyota will notify the FR-S owners. Dealers will replace the valve springs, free of charge. The recall began December 26, 2018. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614, Toyota owners may contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-888-270-9371. Subaru's number for this recall is WTY-84.

Engine complaints by FR-S model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

2013147 (82%)
20144 (80%)
20155 (36%)
20161 (33%)

Frequently asked questions

What is the most common engine problem on the 2013 Scion FR-S?: Engine complaints make up 82% of all complaints filed for the 2013 FR-S, the largest share reported for any year of this model. Owners describe rod bearing failures, stalling, rough idle, and oil leaks, with a median failure mileage of 75,445 miles.
Is there a recall for the 2013 Scion FR-S engine?: Yes. Recall 18V772000 covers the engine valve springs on 2013 Scion FR-S vehicles, along with related Subaru models. Dealers replace the valve springs free of charge, and the recall does not carry a do-not-drive or park-outside warning.
Does the valve spring recall fix all the engine issues?: Not according to some owner reports. At least one complaint describes engine knocking occurring after the recall repair was completed, and other complaints describe separate issues like rod bearing failure and oil leaks that are not part of the recall.
How many engine complaints does NHTSA have for the 2013 FR-S compared to other years?: NHTSA lists 147 engine complaints for the 2013 FR-S versus 4 for 2014, 5 for 2015, and 1 for 2016, making 2013 far and away the year with the most engine complaints for this model.