Has anyone had a warranty claim denied? Seized engine! Pics of teardown added 6/5

[Scrappy Jack]

As a potential buyer and non-owner, I don't have access to the factory manual or warranty information. I see they quote a few times regarding "racing." I assume you have only been to HPDEs to this point and not actual competition events, per your description.

Your case may hinge on that, or it may be irrelevant semantics. If you don't already I would definitely get the full warranty information, as issued at the time of purchase, in writing.

It is also worth noting that they can market the car as being track-oriented and still explicitly refuse to warranty damage caused by track-driving / racing / etc.

Best of luck. These kinds of issues - and their resolutions - are what will dictate whether I pick up a 2014 or go with a different car all together.

[Dorian]

This is why I am glad that I am waiting until at least model year 2014. I hope that there issues are addressed sooner than later for current owners.

[RYU]

*** Not legal advice disclaimer *** (please don't sue me)

If they are hinging on details and saying you were specifically denied warranty claims because they think you were "racing" then the term "racing" vs. tracking your car in an HPDE are two totally different things. Argue the difference and they may concede.

In general, they have promoted this car as a track capable car as you've mentioned so you can also claim you bought this car and relied on that information. It's like the lawsuit of the false MPG claims. There's usually a way to settle but it requires effort on your part.

Unfortunately, like with all lawsuits, it's all one big waste of time. Best of luck. Email me if you need any help.

[dsgerbc]

The fact that there are references to track use in marketing materials - is a non-starter. No manufacturer will cover a heavily-tracked car if they know it was tracked, there usually something in the warranty statement these days. I'd pursue the injector seal story. Hire a lawyer first (or have a lawyer-friend send them something in lawyereese) and see if that gets you an investigation approved. If not - you gonna have to have your car towed to an independent store and have it inspected (and later repaired on your own dime cause otherwise the wait might be quite long) there. Document everything. I doubt Subaru will acknowledge the issue until enough non-tracked BRZs fail for the same reason, so it might drag on for a while.

I might bring my car in and complain about the symptoms you listed (popping sounds when starting, some fluctuating idle etc and my car hasn't seen track yet) so just Subaru gets more data on this. I also need to bug them about another HPFP and a new pass-side window switch.

[#87]

So if I drive my car on the redline on the street and don't disable trac and I get this issue, will they claim I was racing and try to deny me?

Are they basing your racing use on the metal found or the online evidence. It seems they say the metal shavings mean you were racing but then reference other evidence.

[Trashed675]

Originally Posted by RYU

*** Not legal advice disclaimer *** (please don't sue me)

If they are hinging on details and saying you were specifically denied warranty claims because they think you were "racing" then the term "racing" vs. tracking your car in an HPDE are two totally different things. Argue the difference and they may concede.

+1
You could certainly argue that it wasn't racing, it was spirited driving around a closed course.

I took Reg Pridmore's "CLASS" motorcycle school 2 years ago at ORP. Over the 2 day event there were, i think, 3 "crashes"(one totaled bike, two just needed new plastics), all of them were totally covered by their insurance companies because it wasn't "racing", it was an instructed event with no winner and no prizes.

I know thats not apples to apples, but i think its worth noting how the wording on official documents can be interpreted in several different ways.

Either way, with a totally stock motor, you should be able to just about rev the nuts off it all day long and not have it seize.

Bad form Subaru, bad form.

[CSG Mike]

These are e-mails #1 and #2 from Subaru. The e-mails in the OP are #3 and #4. I have posted these by request.

We are sorry to learn of the concerns with your 2013 Subaru BRZ and we appreciate the opportunity to review them.

In response to the complaint, Subaru of America, Inc. reviewed this with our field representative and Irvine Subaru. Based on the dealerships inspection of the vehicle the engine concern would not be a matter for warranty. Subaru of America, Inc. is of the opinion that there is no mechanical nor manufacturing defect that caused this concern and it is a result of the vehicle not being driven as the design intended. Unfortunately, we will not be able to provide assistance for this repair.

We regret that we are unable to provide you with the answer that you may have anticipated. However, we appreciate the opportunity to explain our position. Should you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us.

Sincerely,
Bill

Hi Mike,

The piston failed due to aggressive driving and there is metal throughout the engine causing the engine failure. The dealership can show you the parts that broke on the vehicle. This is a customer pay issue and not a matter for warranty. Ultimately our position in this matter will not be changing.

Bill

[B L U E S L A T E]

Good luck with this one, Kang. Sorry to hear shit keeps happening to you.

[maj75]

I had a similar issue with Suzuki and a pair of boat engines. Had to get a lawyer to get them to warranty the damage.

HPDE are not competition or racing events. The ones I attend are very specific about this. The main reason is for insurance purposes. No ordinary liability policy will cover a racing incident, but they do have to cover driver education events.

The warranty seems to track this same distinction. I don't know what type of events you were participating in, but if they involved wheel to wheel racing for prizes or awards, then you may have a problem getting warranty coverage. Likewise, you wouldn't have coverage,if you spun, hit the wall, and damaged your car, under your auto policy.

Good Luck.

This may be an educational experience for a lot of us here who do HPDE but no actual racing. I assumed that we were safe under the warranty.

Get your engine back and have it examined by an expert. See what the expert says about the cause of the failure. That will tell you whether you have a case or not. The explanations provided by Subaru are worthless. They give no specific reason for the failure. Get your engine back ASAP.

[ayau]

Is the FA20 really that weak? The first engine failure could have been a manufacturer defect, but two engines in a row?

[whtchocla7e]

If car is stock, why does it matter how it was driven?

If I buy a car with a 7k rpm redline, I'd expect it to operate at 7k all day long.

[SMOKETREES]

Get a lawyer man

[Hanakuso]

Originally Posted by maj75

HPDE are not competition or racing events. The ones I attend are very specific about this. The main reason is for insurance purposes. No ordinary liability policy will cover a racing incident, but they do have to cover driver education events.

Many insurance companies have exclusions these days for HPDE events. Now i'm getting curious how warranty words things and if it's similar to insurance policies. I have a feeling HPDE events will void warranty.

[CSG Mike]

Originally Posted by ayau

Is the FA20 really that weak? The first engine failure could have been a manufacturer defect, but two engines in a row?

Both engines had identical symptoms. I personally know enough people that have experienced the same symptoms that I've lost count.

Originally Posted by maj75

I had a similar issue with Suzuki and a pair of boat engines. Had to get a lawyer to get them to warranty the damage.

HPDE are not competition or racing events. The ones I attend are very specific about this. The main reason is for insurance purposes. No ordinary liability policy will cover a racing incident, but they do have to cover driver education events.

The warranty seems to track this same distinction. I don't know what type of events you were participating in, but if they involved wheel to wheel racing for prizes or awards, then you may have a problem getting warranty coverage. Likewise, you wouldn't have coverage,if you spun, hit the wall, and damaged your car, under your auto policy.

Good Luck.

This may be an educational experience for a lot of us here who do HPDE but no actual racing. I assumed that we were safe under the warranty.

No wheel-to-wheel racing here, strictly track days. I don't have a racing license, and the car is not race prepped. In fact, it has a complete interior that's never been modified or gutted in any way. No roll cage, and I'm pretty sure any racing organization would look at the car and give us a "are you kidding?" look if we tried to show up and race with it.