The Subaru BRZ is a rear-wheel-drive sports coupe sold in the United States since the 2013 model year, developed jointly with Toyota. It spans two distinct generations, with production paused for the 2021 model year during the platform transition.
Engine displacement changed between generations, from a 2.0-liter unit through 2020 to a 2.4-liter unit starting in 2022. Timing system type did not change across either generation, but confirming engine details before service remains important.
Knowing whether an engine uses a timing belt or timing chain affects maintenance cost, replacement scheduling, and long-term engine reliability. This guide breaks down timing system data for every Subaru BRZ model year sold in the United States.
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Does the Subaru BRZ Have a Timing Belt or Timing Chain?
The Subaru BRZ uses a timing chain across all U.S. model years, 2013 through 2026, excluding 2021 when the model was not sold. No timing belt was offered on any BRZ engine.
Note: The Subaru BRZ was not sold in the U.S. market for the 2021 model year, so no entry appears for that year.
2026 Subaru BRZ Timing Belt Or Timing Chain
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Option(s) | 2.4L FA24D (naturally aspirated, DOHC, dual injection) |
| Timing System | Timing Chain |
| Interference Engine | Yes |
| Replacement Interval | N/A (lifetime component, no scheduled replacement) |
| Maintenance Notes | No timing-related hardware changes this model year |
Same timing system as previous model year. Subaru’s factory literature for the 2026 BRZ lists no revisions to the FA24D engine or its dual timing chain assembly compared with the prior model year.
2025 Subaru BRZ Timing Belt Or Timing Chain
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Option(s) | 2.4L FA24D (naturally aspirated, DOHC, dual injection) |
| Timing System | Timing Chain |
| Interference Engine | Yes |
| Replacement Interval | N/A (lifetime component, no scheduled replacement) |
| Maintenance Notes | No scheduled timing chain replacement listed |
No scheduled timing chain replacement interval applies to 2025 BRZ models. Subaru’s maintenance schedule lists oil changes and periodic inspections instead, since the chain is designed to last the engine’s service life.
2024 Subaru BRZ Timing Belt Or Timing Chain
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Option(s) | 2.4L FA24D (naturally aspirated, DOHC, dual injection) |
| Timing System | Timing Chain |
| Interference Engine | Yes |
| Replacement Interval | N/A (lifetime component, no scheduled replacement) |
| Maintenance Notes | Only one engine offered; no turbocharged variant available |
Only one engine option was offered for the 2024 BRZ in the U.S. market. No turbocharged variant or alternate displacement existed this year for any BRZ trim level.
2023 Subaru BRZ Timing Belt Or Timing Chain
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Option(s) | 2.4L FA24D (naturally aspirated, DOHC, dual injection) |
| Timing System | Timing Chain |
| Interference Engine | Yes |
| Replacement Interval | N/A (lifetime component, no scheduled replacement) |
| Maintenance Notes | Second full year of FA24D production, no engine changes |
Timing system on the 2023 BRZ remained a chain-driven design, matching the engine introduced for the 2022 redesign. Subaru did not offer a belt-driven engine variant for the second-generation BRZ.
2022 Subaru BRZ Timing Belt Or Timing Chain
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Option(s) | 2.4L FA24D (naturally aspirated, DOHC, dual injection) |
| Timing System | Timing Chain |
| Interference Engine | Yes |
| Replacement Interval | N/A (lifetime component, no scheduled replacement) |
| Maintenance Notes | First year of redesigned FA24D engine, larger displacement than prior generation |
The 2022 redesign introduced the larger 2.4-liter FA24D engine, replacing the previous 2.0-liter FA20D. Despite the displacement increase, the engine retained a dual timing chain design consistent with prior BRZ generations.
2020 Subaru BRZ Timing Belt Or Timing Chain
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Option(s) | 2.0L FA20D (naturally aspirated, DOHC, dual injection) |
| Timing System | Timing Chain |
| Interference Engine | Yes |
| Replacement Interval | N/A (lifetime component, no scheduled replacement) |
| Maintenance Notes | Final year of first-generation FA20D engine before 2021 production pause |
Timing system on the 2020 BRZ remained a chain-driven design, consistent with the FA20D engine used since the model’s 2013 debut. Production paused after this year ahead of the 2022 redesign.
2019 Subaru BRZ Timing Belt Or Timing Chain
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Option(s) | 2.0L FA20D (naturally aspirated, DOHC, dual injection) |
| Timing System | Timing Chain |
| Interference Engine | Yes |
| Replacement Interval | N/A (lifetime component, no scheduled replacement) |
| Maintenance Notes | No belt-related service listed in maintenance schedule |
No scheduled timing chain replacement interval applies to 2019 BRZ models. Technicians recommend inspecting chain tensioners and guides once mileage climbs into higher ranges, since the chain is not a routine replacement item.
2018 Subaru BRZ Timing Belt Or Timing Chain
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Option(s) | 2.0L FA20D (naturally aspirated, DOHC, dual injection) |
| Timing System | Timing Chain |
| Interference Engine | Yes |
| Replacement Interval | N/A (lifetime component, no scheduled replacement) |
| Maintenance Notes | Apple CarPlay and Android Auto added, no drivetrain change |
Only one engine option was offered for the 2018 BRZ in the U.S. market. No alternate displacement or timing configuration existed this year, keeping specifications identical to surrounding model years.
2017 Subaru BRZ Timing Belt Or Timing Chain
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Option(s) | 2.0L FA20D (naturally aspirated, DOHC, dual injection) |
| Timing System | Timing Chain |
| Interference Engine | Yes |
| Replacement Interval | N/A (lifetime component, no scheduled replacement) |
| Maintenance Notes | Mid-cycle refresh; manual-transmission output increased to 205 hp |
The 2017 refresh raised manual-transmission output to 205 horsepower, though automatic models stayed at 200. The FA20D engine and its timing chain configuration carried over unchanged from the prior three model years.
2016 Subaru BRZ Timing Belt Or Timing Chain
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Option(s) | 2.0L FA20D (naturally aspirated, DOHC, dual injection) |
| Timing System | Timing Chain |
| Interference Engine | Yes |
| Replacement Interval | N/A (lifetime component, no scheduled replacement) |
| Maintenance Notes | StarLink infotainment added standard, no drivetrain change |
Timing system on the 2016 BRZ remained a chain-driven design, matching every other first-generation model year. Subaru did not offer a belt-driven engine variant for the BRZ at any point in its production.
2015 Subaru BRZ Timing Belt Or Timing Chain
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Option(s) | 2.0L FA20D (naturally aspirated, DOHC, dual injection) |
| Timing System | Timing Chain |
| Interference Engine | Yes |
| Replacement Interval | N/A (lifetime component, no scheduled replacement) |
| Maintenance Notes | Suspension tuning updated, no timing system changes |
Standard BRZ maintenance schedules for 2015 call for periodic oil changes rather than chain replacement. Technicians recommend visual inspection of chain tensioners and guides once mileage exceeds 100,000 miles.
2014 Subaru BRZ Timing Belt Or Timing Chain
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Option(s) | 2.0L FA20D (naturally aspirated, DOHC, dual injection) |
| Timing System | Timing Chain |
| Interference Engine | Yes |
| Replacement Interval | N/A (lifetime component, no scheduled replacement) |
| Maintenance Notes | Second model year, no notable mechanical changes |
Only one engine option was offered for the 2014 BRZ in the U.S. market. No alternate displacement or timing configuration existed this year, keeping the FA20D specification unchanged from launch.
2013 Subaru BRZ Timing Belt Or Timing Chain
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Option(s) | 2.0L FA20D (naturally aspirated, DOHC, dual injection) |
| Timing System | Timing Chain |
| Interference Engine | Yes |
| Replacement Interval | N/A (lifetime component, no scheduled replacement) |
| Maintenance Notes | First model year; established baseline timing configuration |
As the first U.S. model year, the 2013 BRZ introduced the FA20D naturally aspirated engine with a timing chain from launch. This configuration set the standard carried through the entire first generation.
Timing Belt vs Timing Chain on the Subaru BRZ
A timing belt is a reinforced rubber belt that connects the crankshaft to the camshafts, keeping valve and piston movement synchronized. Belts run outside the engine oil system and degrade from heat and mileage, requiring replacement at a manufacturer-specified interval to prevent failure.
A timing chain performs the same synchronization role using metal links submerged in engine oil for lubrication, similar to a bicycle chain. The BRZ uses dual timing chains, one for each camshaft bank, rated to last the engine’s full service life.
Timing belts require replacement on a fixed mileage or time schedule regardless of visible wear, since rubber degrades predictably over time. Timing chains are not replaced on a set schedule; instead they are inspected for stretch, noise, or tensioner wear during routine service.
Belt replacement is a planned, scheduled expense, while chain failure is uncommon but can occur if oil maintenance is neglected. Warning signs on the BRZ include rattling noise at cold startup, rough idle, or a check engine light tied to camshaft timing codes.
Subaru BRZ Timing System Maintenance
The Subaru BRZ’s timing chain has no manufacturer-published replacement interval on either generation, since it is engineered as a lifetime component. Subaru’s maintenance schedule for the BRZ focuses on oil changes rather than a scheduled timing chain replacement at set mileage.
A rattling or clacking noise on cold startup can signal timing chain stretch, low oil pressure, or a failing tensioner. This noise often fades as oil pressure builds but should not be ignored, since it can indicate developing wear inside the timing system.
Because the timing chain runs submerged in engine oil, regular oil changes directly affect its longevity and the tensioner’s performance. The BRZ’s high-revving engine makes clean, properly specified oil especially important for long-term timing system reliability.
A qualified technician should inspect the timing chain if the BRZ develops unusual noise, rough idle, or a check engine light tied to camshaft or crankshaft position sensors. Early diagnosis helps avoid more extensive engine repair costs later.
| Timing Belt | Timing Chain |
|---|---|
| Rubber construction | Metal link construction |
| Scheduled replacement required | No scheduled replacement interval |
| Typically lasts 60,000-105,000 miles | Typically lasts engine lifetime |
| Runs dry, outside oil system | Runs lubricated in engine oil |
| Not used on Subaru BRZ | Used on all Subaru BRZ model years |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Subaru BRZ have a timing belt or chain? The Subaru BRZ uses a timing chain on every model year it has been sold, 2013 through 2026. No U.S.-market BRZ engine was equipped with a timing belt.
When should a Subaru BRZ timing belt be replaced? The BRZ does not use a timing belt on either generation, so no belt replacement interval applies. Both the FA20D and FA24D engines use a timing chain inspected during routine service.
Does the timing chain need maintenance on a Subaru BRZ? The timing chain itself has no fixed replacement schedule, but consistent oil changes are essential for its longevity. Clean oil reduces chain stretch and tensioner wear over the engine’s operating life.
Is the Subaru BRZ an interference engine? Yes, both the FA20D and FA24D engines used in the BRZ are interference designs. If the timing chain fails, pistons and valves can collide, causing serious internal engine damage.
How much does Subaru BRZ timing belt replacement cost? Timing belt replacement cost does not apply to the BRZ, since the vehicle uses a timing chain rather than a belt across every generation and model year offered.
What engine does the Subaru BRZ use? First-generation BRZs, 2013 through 2020, used the 2.0-liter FA20D engine. Second-generation models from 2022 onward use the larger 2.4-liter FA24D engine, both with timing chains.
Conclusion
Every U.S.-market Subaru BRZ, from 2013 through 2026 excluding the unproduced 2021 model year, uses a timing chain. The FA20D and FA24D engines are both interference designs, and no BRZ model year offered a timing belt.
Because the chain has no fixed replacement interval, consistent oil maintenance and prompt attention to unusual noise matter more than mileage-based scheduling. Always verify timing system details using the owner’s manual or manufacturer service information before scheduling repairs.
