Subaru BRZ Problems by Year
NHTSA has 101 owner complaints and 5 safety recalls on file for the Subaru BRZ, across 11 model years (2013–2024). The 2013 model year has the most complaints (64). The most reported problem area overall is engine.
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Subaru BRZ years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical BRZ year: 2013, 2022. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
- 2013 BRZ: 64 complaints, 2 recalls
- 2022 BRZ: 10 complaints, 1 recall
- 2017 BRZ: 7 complaints, 0 recalls
Model years with the fewest complaints
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common Subaru BRZ problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 65 | 8 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 7 | 5 | 0 |
| Electrical System | 5 | 3 | 0 |
| Exterior Lighting | 5 | 2 | 0 |
| Power Train | 5 | 4 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 4 | 3 | 1 |
| Visibility/wiper | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Air Bags | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Equipment Adaptive/mobility | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Seats | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Structure | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Suspension | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Wheels | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Equipment | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility | 1 | 1 | 0 |
All Subaru BRZ model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 BRZ | 3 | 0 | — | Engine | |
| 2023 BRZ | 1 | 0 | — | Engine | |
| 2022 BRZ | 10 | 1 | — | Engine | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2020 BRZ | 2 | 0 | — | Engine | |
| 2019 BRZ | 1 | 1 | — | Engine | |
| 2018 BRZ | 1 | 2 | — | Engine and Engine Cooling | |
| 2017 BRZ | 7 | 0 | — | Unknown or Other | |
| 2016 BRZ | 3 | 0 | 5★ | Electrical System | |
| 2015 BRZ | 3 | 0 | 5★ | Engine | |
| 2014 BRZ | 6 | 0 | 5★ | Engine | |
| 2013 BRZ | 64 | 2 | — | Engine | Far more complaints than other years |
More from Subaru: all Subaru models · Subaru VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Subaru BRZ years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 2013 (64), 2022 (10) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical BRZ year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the Subaru BRZ?
Engine, with 65 complaints across 8 model years.
How many recalls does the Subaru BRZ have?
5 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.