FR-S / BRZ Reliability Low (Consumer Reports)

[Jegan_V]

Originally Posted by BlueSTaR

I bet it's based off of some crap like number of warranty claims.

Most of us driving our 86 are going to be WAY more particular than a typical Accord driver too.

No, that's not how any of these organizations operate. Its data given to them from their subscribers, the problem with cars like ours...the data pool is generally too small allowing for a small number of cars to cause this data be skewed in one direction or another. For example if they have 50,000 Camrys to sample versus 5,000 FR-S and say 2,000 FR-Ses had a minor engine issue but in the Camry sample 10,000 Camrys suffered major engine issues...they're still going to say the FR-S has an unreliable engine based on the percentage. JD Power however is even worse, they fail to narrow down even a category of problems a car, where a car with terrible iPod connectivity is equated as a problem in the same way a car with catastrophic engine failure is.

I personally feel these organizations need a revamp on how they report car reliability and problems. Thorough research of each and every car model listing known problems like say "premature control arm failure", TSBs particularly the hidden kind, known recalls are more useful than CR's coloured bubble or JD's terrible number of problems. As these organizations are with their data, they're simply too vague. True Delta is definitely better as you can read issues on specific cars the owners report unfortunately their sample size is very small especially for our cars. However if you read it up, due to much more detailed info nobody will find these cars discouraging on the unreliability front, only annoyances.

[coredump4]

Originally Posted by Drive

I love my 86 and I accept the minor problems that come along with it... it is a first year production model so what do you expect. The only issue that is noticeable for me is the crickets, which will be fixed once my fuel pump is replaced at my next service - however it's not a big deal.

Exactly. New model, new engine... some extra problems are likely. But like you, I expected that going in. And it's a Toybaru, so reliability will ultimately be above average. I love my BRZ, and aside from crickets, have had no issues... Not even a CEL. I can't make sense of CR's survey findings.

[t.chk]

Its funny because of this: http://money.cnn.com/gallery/autos/2...ars/index.html

Best pick for 2013

[BRZnut]

In the latest Consumers the BRZ had a big black dot..worse of the worst. But I can not find the specific breakdown of what the owners reported was wrong. Anyone have it?

[Black Tire]

I am a member of Consumer Reports and was asked to partake in the annual auto survey. Since I have been very busy, I decided not to participate. I would have had only good things to say about the car (Scion FR-S). I wonder how many other owners like me there are out there? Probably quite a few, so take the rating with a grain of salt.

[Tromatic]

Originally Posted by BRZnut

In the latest Consumers the BRZ had a big black dot..worse of the worst. But I can not find the specific breakdown of what the owners reported was wrong. Anyone have it?

It's all over this site, which is exactly where I think they got the "data" from, because there sure is no evidence that the FR-S/BRZ is unreliable. If you were a CR research drone doing a drive-by though, spending a few hours here would have you convinced the FR-S sucks ass. Thanks, whiners!

[radroach]

The warranty fixes are mostly for things that aren't problematic. A lot of people are going to say this and that about the reliability of the car.

This car is different from most mundane cars out there, it runs harder than your average Toyota or Subaru family car. It's got a more complex engine design than a miata or s2000 engine so requires slightly more expensive maintenance (oil, spark plug service).

Certain types of consumers who may not like to deal with any sorts of small problems in a car wouldn't want an FR-S / BRZ for sure. But if you're the type of person who isn't bothered by small issues with the car, then this consumer reports review shouldn't alarm you.

[regal]

I think its a big deal if you car about resale. KBB factors CR and others in the rating. Could take a bath on this car once out of warranty.

[Mister]

Mechanically the car is pretty good. There have definitely been some growing pains, I have had 6 issues covered under warranty, (5 really, crickets don't count). I also had my transmission replaced, and some interior quality issues (premature wear). However parts have been replaced and everything the dealer fixed seems to be much more solid then the original.

If you have a good dealer they will take care of you with any issues that may come up. However as far as I have seen most issues are just launch type items, and some QA failures. Things such as leaky tail-lights, misaligned windows, popping trunk decks, stuff that likely will not be repeated in the 2014's and on, and does not really affect drivability.

I would be surprised if on both cars the CR rating did not sky-rocket for the 2014MY now that most of the kinks are worked out.

[kevman_101]

The numbers are swayed due to nic-nacs that are only annoyances and not problematic at all. See crickets and fogged tail lights. Nearly every car has them and a lot have gone multiple times to get those things fixed, which probably gives high number of claims. But to me, those should not be considered to hurt reliability. But the Di injector seals yes, but it`s a pretty rare occurrence still.

[Sigh-on-Rice]

I wonder if Consumer Report weighs the type of issues.
Like if they count both "Engine Blow" and "Leaky Taillight" as just "One Issue".
In other words, would they say a car with 50% chance of engine blowing more reliable than a car with 80% chance of leaky taillight?

I agree that this car is not reliable though.
I had 7 cars before this and had a total of 3 issues.
This car alone had 7 issues already.

[regal]

Originally Posted by kevman_101

The numbers are swayed due to nic-nacs that are only annoyances and not problematic at all. l.

Tell that to the hundreds with total engine failures. There are quite a few on this forum, PM them start a conversation. This is NOT typical Toyota reliability at all.

[Mikem53]

Originally Posted by regal

Tell that to the hundreds with total engine failures. There are quite a few on this forum, PM them start a conversation. This is NOT typical Toyota reliability at all.

Hundreds? Seriously...? I don't see mention of that many..
Those that had engine failure were usually either boosted or heavy track use..
Even if there were a few hundred as you falsely claim.. Out of 30k+ cars built.. That's a percennatge any car company could easily live with.. Especially on a new engine..
You're car might be faster if you didn't carry around that chip on your shoulder..

[Sleeperz]

That is why it is a SCION in NA not a Toyota. Toyota usually have there cars sorted out in Japan before selling in NA. For the FRS it was released without a rundown in Japan first.

Originally Posted by regal

Tell that to the hundreds with total engine failures. There are quite a few on this forum, PM them start a conversation. This is NOT typical Toyota reliability at all.