Consumer Report now lists the FR-S and BRZ as "Unreliable Vehicles"!

[PWBRZ]

Originally Posted by A&F

CR Ratings are based on actual consumer data, ie: from the owners.

So CR doesn't actually test the cars?

[brz007]

Originally Posted by mwjcyber

No Ethanol-free fuel in New Mexico. Please understand your recommendation isn't valid for most people.

Fortunately new HPFP just released finally fixes the crickets.

The new pump does not fix the crickets, mine are back. I called Subaru- rep flat out told me its not a permanent fix. They told me I need to go to the dealer for see whats wrong.... really disappointed with Subaru for this.

Other then the crickets, no other problems.

[A&F]

Originally Posted by PWBRZ

So CR doesn't actually test the cars?

Define test. Like send to a lab for dissection? No.

The do buy used cars and make written reviews. They also test drive new cars and write reviews. Just like any other automotive reviewer.

Then then collect data from owners. They then compile the data.

Your two sources of honest to God data driven vehicle reliability and dependability information is JD Powers and Consumer Reports.

Your car scored low, get over it.

[CruiseZen]

I'm in the demographic of potential FR-S/BRZ buyers that could potentially be affected by this rating by Consumer Reports. I never buy a car on impulse but usually spend months researching things before finally pulling the trigger. I read all the reviews I can find and then finally make my choice. I have to say from what I've been able to gather through reviews and extensive reading of the threads of this board that I'm feeling very comfortable with making a purchase of a FR-S Monogram. (Still awaiting word from local dealers on allocation.) From what I've been able to gather, it seems that the crickets that inhabit the fuel pump along the the moisture problems in the tail lights are more than half (maybe as much as 70%) of the reliability problems. To me these seen minor as they do not affect the performance or operability of the car. I do however find the continuance of these problems across multiple model years a bit disappointing. However, as they are under warranty it seems that other than inconvenience it is not a major black mark against the vehicle.

I plan to purchase an FR-S Monogram series as soon as they are available in the southeast. I have test driven one and loved how it performed. It's exactly the kind of fun vehicle I've been wanting. (I'm tired of my boring but reliable Corolla.) I'm confident that the bugs will be worked out by Toyota and Subaru as time goes by. I've owned 4 Toyotas over the years and even had one Subaru. All these cars were reliable and held up well past 150,000 miles. I have no reason to believe that the twins will be any different.

[Tromatic]

Willing to bet a whole dime that the impression of poor reliability came from reading this forum.

[SirBrass]

The crickets issue has more to do with E requirements in fueling, not an actual unreliability problem.

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[Don Ivey]

Originally Posted by BadMoon

I've had several new cars in the past few years and this is by far the one with the most problems.

However, I still love it all the same.

I think that pretty much says it all. I don't want a middle of the road "perfect" car that doesn't make me smile on a regular basis.

[BadMoon]

Originally Posted by Don Ivey

I think that pretty much says it all. I don't want a middle of the road "perfect" car that doesn't make me smile on a regular basis.

When I wrote that comment I had my FRS. I traded it in recently...... For a BRZ!

Seriously these cars are awesome!

[jcblown13]

Consumer reports should stick to toasters and sewing machines. And, if you want someone's opinion then that's what you will get.

[paiceyfan]

I agree that these surveys can be incredibly misleading due to the questions not being specific enough. I have a 2014 BRZ and it's great so far...I wonder how other 2014s are doing. Early days, though...

[Septic]

Originally Posted by PabloN

The article gives a single score that includes everything anyone might complain about. They haven't published the breakdowns yet.

The breakdown for reliability history is available online. There are two below average reliability ratings for fuel system and squeaks and rattles. There are several categories which received "better"; this includes (ironically) paint.

[EAZYBRZY]

Did they fix the chirp for the 2014 or are people still having problems?


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[carbonBLUE]

If chirping were a problem, then my car would have died by now with how many miles i have on my car. It seems more engines died because of untrained service techs replacing fuel system components. Seems like the shitty techs at dealerships are installing parts incorrectly leading to engine failure. How many threads are up now on failed engines after a DI seal replacement or a coil replacement?

[skye67]

Anyone who bases their car buying on CR. Needs to own nothing more than a 4 door sedan or a mini van. Look up the history of the Suzuki Samurai and CR. Total fraud on CR part. Stick to CR if your looking to buy a snowblower or a toaster. And if you use CR for buying advise on stereo equipment, you would be better off deaf.