BRZ (1st)
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Engine Reliability Ratings
Subaru BRZ Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data
NA
2.0L 4-cyl / 200 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Subaru BRZ regardless of engine variant.
Recalls (4)
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018 Legacy, Outback, and BRZ vehicles. In the affected vehicles, a software issue may cause the audio display system to not initialize, resulting in the camera display remaining blank. If this occurs, the rearview image will not display while backing up the vehicle. As a result, the vehicles fail to comply with requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Subaru Impreza, 2012-2013 Impreza Stationwagon, 2013 Subaru BRZ, XV Crosstrek and Toyota Scion FR-S vehicles. The engine valve springs in these vehicles may fracture causing an engine malfunction or a possible engine stall.
SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2013 BRZ VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 25, 2011, THROUGH MAY 25, 2012. THE OWNERΒS MANUAL CONTAINS AN INACCURATE DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTUAL OPERATION OF THE FRONT PASSENGER OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM. OTHER PORTIONS OF THE OWNERΒS MANUAL, DESCRIBING THE AIR BAG SYSTEM, REQUIRE CLARIFICATION. AS SUCH, THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD (FMVSS) NO. 208, ΒOCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION.Β
Alternatives in Sports Car
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2013-2020 Subaru BRZ problems?
The 2013-2020 Subaru BRZ has accumulated 85 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Engine, Fuel System, Electrical System. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Subaru BRZ engine is most reliable?
The 2013-2020 Subaru BRZ was offered with 2 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2.0L 4-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2013-2020 Subaru BRZ a good used car?
The 2013-2020 Subaru BRZ can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 85 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2013-2020 Subaru BRZ have?
The 2013-2020 Subaru BRZ has 85 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2013-2020 Subaru BRZ?
There are 4 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2013-2020 Subaru BRZ vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN β check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Subaru BRZ?
Before buying a used Subaru BRZ, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Engine, Fuel System, Electrical System, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the BRZ?
The 2020 Subaru BRZ received an overall N/A-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 4 stars. Side crash: N/A stars. Rollover: 5 stars (7.1% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: No. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 85 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: moderate. Last updated: 2026-05-23.