|
Just about ready to move on...
As some other recent posts, I'm just about ready to put the FR-S behind me. I love the car, the way it drives, the looks, philosophy behind it, equipment, etc.
However, I can't believe the number of small but very frustrating issues I have been having with the car. I'm not sure of my build date, but I just got the car last May. Here's my list: -Rough idle, bogging and stalling. -Crickets, fixed once, came back within 100km. -various rattles -rear deck popping -clutch throwout bearing noise (I think that's what it is) -AC issues. I know some of these problems are very common.. which does not make them acceptable, to the contrary actually, it makes it worst... I'm not one to complain about every little thing in a car, I understand it's a machine and that it is being put under a huge a mount of stress on a daily basis, let alone in track duty. But in my work, if I presented such a flawed product as final, I would be fired. I bought a new car, and am absorbing a great amount in depreciation and I don't think it's too much to expect not to have to go to the dealership every month for a new problem, and to get an old problem re-fixed... I bought with Toyota expecting Toyota reliability.. Had I known, I would've probably gone another route. Thing is the car is freaking addicting, and I can't imagine giving it away.. :cry: and most problems are not noticeable unless I'm stopped and idling, which I do a lot. I'll give it another chance, send it to the dealer to get it all fixed, and if anything else comes up too soon for my taste, I think I'll have to trade it in.. Also, I would'nt be surprised if they tell me clutch bearing is not covered under warranty, which would make me ''disappointed''. :( All this and I'm at less than 10K km. Meanwhile my matrix xrs sits in the driveway at 110K km with nothing going wrong.. and my borther's A3, 130K km *boooooo Audi reliability*.. guess what, nothing either.. |
My crickets came and then went. Dont know why but I never had any fixes. Only explanation is I started only putting in Chevron with Techron in my car and no more "no name/discount" brand gas.
Rear deck pops all the time and I cant figure out what it is. I agree it gets annoying. Various little rattles for me too. They usually come and go and I only hear them when the radio is completely off. I overlook these as I have had rattles/creeks in other cars. |
Sorry to hear. Lmk what they find with the "clutch throwout bearing noise" issue.
I too have something like this but only happens when cold, at idle, in neutral, and clutch is engaged. Sounds like a little knocking but when I press down on the clutch peddle it will go away. Once its up to temp I cant duplicate it but that's when the crickets take its place lol. |
give it time bro its barely been a year since release. No other car for me could replace this car, for what its meant to be, besides the new Jag F-type. This IS my poor mans Jag F-type and I feel very engaged every time I drive it even if Im grannying and getting 30mpg. I'm afraid if I ever did go forced induction with this car I'd NEVER get rid of it. Only time will tell if the feeling will last. Hopefully yours comes back to you.
|
Quote:
Never experience rough idle or stalling. Experienced the little dip at idle with AC on but I believe that's most cars. Have the crickets but waiting on new part # fuel pump then will have it replace on warranty. Rattles - only one from the passenger side that annoys me but it appears it might be the window controls. Will have dealer look at it when I get them to exterminate the crickets. rear deck popping - WD40 took care of that clutch - no issues AC - no issues I do understand where you coming from though. Bought a brand new car so I expect a brand new card ride experience. I'm bother by the rattle, crickets and at one point pops but not enought to get rid of the car. |
Quote:
|
Its crazy how many posts are starting to pop up of people wanting to get rid of there cars because of these same rattling issues...There are 2 FRS' in my driveway everyday one assembled in 2012 and one in 2013 and neither of them have any of these issues except for the well known crickets which doesnt affect the performance of the car its just annoying..lol
**I got only one rattle from door speakers bass being to loud once i turned the bass down that went away completely |
Hope the dealership helps you with your issues. In the end, only you can decide whether this car is right for you. It definitely sounds like you've had your share of problems.
|
Quote:
I wish there was a more efficient quality control program for car manufacturers but it's almost impossible to have perfect product realization. These issues suck, I agree, but I simply look at it as, "hey, atleast you have a new car to complain about, right?" I think if the dealership is doing awful jobs that don't actually fix the problem you should look into another dealership. I'm currently going this myself...my dealership actually lied to my face and said they fixed and did what I had asked them too. I feel your frustration EDIT: Rattling in the doors from music can be fixed with Dynomat. They use thin plastic panels that vibrate from the bass, at least that's what I assume. Haven't done this myself yet but it's worked on other cars |
I'm sorry to hear that. I am very satisfied with mine, I hope you get everything situated.
|
I agree with Sportsguy83.
Received my FR-S in April '12. Been through 3 tail lights, have crickets like crazy. Otherwise no other issues I can think of. The crickets might not really be considered a malfunction. That is unless the fuel pump fails later as a result. This is a quirky car made for the most part for enthusiasts. If the flaws you are experiencing have ruined your enthusiasm unfortunately I say let it go. Fortunately, I haven't felt that way at all. I only wish I had waited to snatch up a bargain from someone like yourself. I hope this isn't your first new car. These type of cars (lightweight, performance oriented) are more likely to have rattles and squeaks. Some people put insanely high expectations on the flawlesness of a new car. |
Different people are sensitive to different things, I bet the OP would sit in my car and say "how can you stand this?" while I would sit in his and say "sounds good to me!".
Best of luck OP, hope you're happy with whatever automotive decisions you make. |
Running down your list, and I haven't seen nearly any of these issues. Although when a few did creep up, I would remind myself that this is a sports car designed to be lightweight in its' 1st generation and not an overweight GT, family-camry, or 5th gen car. IMO Chasing down rattles & pops with some CLD tiles and silicone is a lot cheaper than trading in the car, but if you needed a 3400 lb car instead of a 2700 lb car then like many have mentioned, you're probably better off moving on.
-Rough idle, bogging and stalling. Nope -Crickets, fixed once, came back within 100km. Crickets, I got em' - will wait for mfg to fix -various rattles Window switch area - easy to fix, see the DIY on the board -rear deck popping Nope - my buddies BRZ has it, but not on my FRS -clutch throwout bearing noise (I think that's what it is) Nope - first I've heard of this, take the car to the dealer -AC issues. Nope - but the AC does shut off (purposefully) at WOT is that what you're referring to? |
Randomly my car drops to 400-500 rpm for a second then goes back up while idling, but it's rare and the same thing happened with my Honda.
One day I started driving and heard some rattling coming from the back and I thought I had the rear deck issue. Turns out the rear seat just had not been pushed back in all the way and it popped out of the lock and was banging when I hit bumps. I get a noise from the transmission when it's idling and I put it into first. Sounds like a drop, not really sure how else to explain it. I thought that was normal for this car based on what I read. I'm not sure if that is the sound you are referring to. |
I say move on if your not happy.
I know what it is like when you are not satisfied with a car. |
I know what you are going through bro. I had the headliner rattle in my FR-S and it was driving me NUTS! The Toyota dealership I work at fixed it thank God. If they could not have fixed that rattle, I would have sold the car. And I love it, but a rattle or recurring problem will drive anyone nuts.
I sold a 560hp Lingenfelter Corvette for this FR-S, and I have not regretted the decision one bit. I look forward to driving this car everyday I wake up. Good luck. |
Here is the problem. Name me another RWD lightweight (sub 2800lbs) sports coupe that can be an alternative, and besides that, name me another RWD sub $30K sports coupe that does not experience issues?
My 2013 Gencoupe had far more annoying issues than my BRZ. Every 2013 turbo Gencoupe has a wastegate rattle that Hyundai refuses to even acknowledge. At least with the crickets (for me) they are minor and are not consistent. The wastegate rattle was always there. The Gencoupe was a rattle trap. Dashboard, doors, rear area, shifter, everything rattled within 5K miles and the dealer told me they fixed them, and well, they did not. Every car has issues. My brother has a Corolla and the car has way more rattles than my BRZ. My buddy has a Ford Focus ST that has been in the shop three times because the My Touch system keeps locking up and he cannot make/take calls or even use the radio. I have driven affordable sports cars my whole life (from BMW, to Mazda, to Hyundai, to Subaru, to VW, etc). There is no such thing as a perfect sports car. They tend to rattle, have more road noise, are driven harder, etc. You just deal with it, or you get something like a Camry or Accord or Sonata. |
We will miss you........http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/...s/popcorn5.gif
|
Quote:
|
Quote:
|
What are these 'Crickets' everyone speaks of?
|
@SCharged, I have some of these problems as well. In Ontario, Shell 91 gas has no ethanol, and I have found it stops the crickets. As others have said, the sound isn't hurting anything (but it is extremely irritating). Once a permanent fix is found, I'll be waiting at my dealer the next morning to make an appointment. I won't bother 'til then.
I've fixed a bunch of minor rattles by myself on the cheap, and I'd be happy to help you out with some of them, but it is much easier to explain in person. Have you seen the Ottawa group cruise happening on the 5th of October? That would be a good opportunity to get together with some other FR-S/BRZ owners and discuss...maybe we can help you out. I'm pretty sure that Scion Canada does not have a TSB out on the rear deck noise, but Subaru does. One of the local owners took his FR-S in for this, and the Tech couldn't find the information he needed, so he went across the street to the Subie dealer, got their TSB, and went to work. As someone else mentioned, WD-40 has helped with this noise for some. There is a thread here somewhere showing where to spray. Re the throw-out bearing noise: I really don't think that is the issue, but it is hard to say without hearing it. It is quite normal for rear wheel drive cars to exhibit some transmission noise in neutral with the clutch engaged (pedal out). My FR-S does it, but I don't really notice because it is only 1/2 as loud as my Mustang. You should consider the group cruise if you're not busy that day...Talking with other owners and listening to their cars may put your mind at ease. Here is the info if you haven't seen it already: http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=46583 |
Quote:
|
Quote:
When driving around and not trying to listen for them, they're not there. Forget you ever heard about them. |
It's strange how my '14 FXT does not have crickets despite having the same engine (albeit turbo) as my BRZ. The FXT doesn't have any rattles at all and runs faster 0-60 than my BRZ :drool:. Perhaps Subaru should think about replacing those Toyota DIs with Subaru DIs on the BRZ. Who knows it might add some torque.
|
Your not going to find a car that is as engaging to drive for anywhere near the price. Trust me, I've tried. I too am annoyed everyday by rattles, pops, and other noises. But those rattles exist because the car was:
1. Built as light as possible 2. Used cheaper interior materials to save money for drivetrain components. Think of it this way... 1. Fun to drive 2. Refined (quiet/rattle free) 3. Inexpensive to buy Now pick two. If you go to the used car market, you have more options. But if your looking for something new off the lot, there is simply not anything like the twins, unless you start looking at a hot hatchback...which are fun, but a different category of car, and wrong wheel drive. |
Interesting I keep hearing complaining about these cricket things... Or something about rattling interior pieces... I say you need more exhaust to cancel it all out, I'm just happy this car has air conditioning and power locks. Like my dad always told me as a kid keep complaining and whining and blaming every body you will never get anywhere. Get over it. If ur motor went out, I could understand, but these crickets are not that big of a deal.
|
Quote:
The FR-S/BRZ/GT86 is an entirely new platform designed from the ground up from two different companies and this is the first model year. Kinks are going to happen with brand new car designs, especially ones from scratch. On top of that, the car was built to a budget, with most of the money going into engine, suspension, driving balance, feel, etc, so there are plenty of sacrifices made in other areas like refinement, quiet, comfort, rattles, whatever else. I knew what I was getting myself into when I got my FR-S and am pleased with it. I've had some small rattle issues with my driver's side door and rear deck lid and am not entirely thrilled with some of the cheap interior build quality, but it's what I signed up for. If I wanted something fast, fun, and light with the build quality of a Bentley, I would have expected to pay a lot more more for it. Instead, I got the most fun I could get for 25k. By comparison, my girlfriend's loaded Toyota Camry is smooth, quiet, comfortable, quality fit and finish, nice interior materials, packed with features, nav, sunroof, etc, and cost almost exactly as much as my car. Pick your priorities. |
If you want the look of an expensive car, the performance of an expensive car, and the luxury of an expensive car you are going to want to buy an expensive car. Choose 2 or spend more money for the 3rd.
|
a fix to the crickets is apparently coming in the near future, according to toyota motor corp techs (not the guys that work at dealerships, the ones that work at hq in torrence). So they haven't completely ignored the issue...
|
Quote:
|
Quote:
Every rattle, whistle and creek has been pretty easy to solve, power delivery is awesome and once you replace all the crap fluids the design is spot on. It's not a car for those wanting the Toyota experience It's a Subaru, so a little mechanical aptitude goes a hella long way |
I agree with thill 100%. People are comparing this car to the likes of s2000/350z/rx8/even lotus elise! Those cars had a 50k price tag brand new! Your car can easily match all the above(not the lotus im assuming) easily and for 20k less! People complain about so many things..s2000 not enough power...350z too heavy....rx8 eat too much gas and unreliable...lotus not confortable etc.. lets see these people make a car that is fun/reliable/modern/ noise free/practical on a budget? How many is on the market for the same price with no issues? Mine has issues too like the noise from the tranny and such but owning a real ae86 puts things in prospective for me anyways(car has rattle everywhere/ idles funny/rusty but ohh so fun to drive!
|
Quote:
:burnrubber: |
Quote:
|
This is a tuner car for a reason :)
|
You and I both, OP.
|
All new cars have problems. Every single one. Don't kid yourself that selling this, losing money, and buying something else is going to make you happy.
|
Quote:
I for one am completely tired of all the "OMG my car makes a noise threads" and the pointless bitch about their car... seemz like all the people who bought the car just because it was the cool thing to do are slowly but surely getting weaved out. |
| All times are GMT -4. The time now is 10:24 AM. |
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2026, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
User Alert System provided by
Advanced User Tagging v3.3.0 (Lite) -
vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2026 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.