VehicleVerdict

2013 Subaru BRZ problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 80 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 17.8 times the median BRZ year — the 2013 model ranks #1 of 10 BRZ years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 61% of all reports (49 of 80), far ahead of other at 8.

80

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2013 compare to other BRZ years?

BRZ NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted80 complaints2013: 80 complaints2014: 8 complaints2015: 3 complaints2016: 5 complaints2017: 10 complaints2018: 1 complaints2019: 1 complaints2020: 4 complaints2022: 12 complaints2024: 3 complaints
BRZ NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all BRZ years to avoid →

What are the most common 2013 Subaru BRZ problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine4961%
Other810%
Fuel System56%
Visibility & Wipers45%
Electrical System45%
Lighting23%
Body & Structure23%
Transmission23%
Brakes23%
Seats11%
Steering11%

Does the 2013 Subaru BRZ have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

18V772000EngineNovember 1, 2018 · 165,534 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Subaru will notify their owners. Toyota will notify the FR-S owners. Dealers will replace the valve springs, free of charge. The recall began December 26, 2018. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614, Toyota owners may contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-888-270-9371. Subaru's number for this recall is WTY-84.

12V254000OtherJune 5, 2012 · 1,886 units

Defect

SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2013 BRZ VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 25, 2011, THROUGH MAY 25, 2012. THE OWNER’S MANUAL CONTAINS AN INACCURATE DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTUAL OPERATION OF THE FRONT PASSENGER OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM. OTHER PORTIONS OF THE OWNER’S MANUAL, DESCRIBING THE AIR BAG SYSTEM, REQUIRE CLARIFICATION. AS SUCH, THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD (FMVSS) NO. 208, “OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION.”

Consequence

MISINFORMATION COULD LEAD TO AN INCREASED RISK OF INJURY TO FRONT SEAT OCCUPANTS DURING CERTAIN CRASH CONDITIONS.

Remedy

SUBARU WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND WILL MAIL CORRECTED OWNER’S MANUALS, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 19, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“BLOWN SHORT BLOCK / CRACKED CYLINDER HEAD, BROKEN CONNECTING ROD, $7000+ ESTIMATES FOR ENGINE REBUILD. MY BRZ STALLED WHILE TRAVELING ON THE FREEWAY. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 3, 2021 · fire

“SO THE TECH DID MY RECALL, AFTER THE RECALL, IT WAS IDLING WEIRD AND ACTING STUPID, THE CAM GEAR SPROCKET DIED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, IT GOT REPLACED AND WAS RUNNING FINE WITH NO ISSUES. TOOK IT ON THE TEST DRIVE THEY WERE WAS LOOKING AT THE VVT ANGLES, AND EVERYTHING WAS LOOKING GOOD THEN HE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · March 11, 2019

“THIS VEHICLE MAKES A "CHIRPING" FROM THE FUEL SYSTEM THAT WHICH SUBARU OF AMERICA CLAIMS YIELDS NO DANGER OR EFFECT TO THE VEHICLE. FROM MY OBSERVATION WITH THE SUBARU BRZ IT MAKES SOUNDS SUCH AS THE ENGINE IS CUTTING OUT AND STARTING BACK IMMEDIATELY, ALSO DIED ON THE ROAD WHILE SITTING IN NEUTRAL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · January 7, 2014

“TAILLIGHT CONDENSATION WHEN RAINING. KNOWN DEFECT, BUT COMPANY WILL NOT PAY FOR REPAIR. STATING OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY. MAY OCCLUDE LIGHTS WHEN DRIVING. BROKEN DRIVER'S SIDE SUNVISOR IMPEDING VISION. MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS ON ONLINE FORUMS, AGAIN REPORTED TO BE OUTSIDE WARRANTY DESPITE SAFETY ISSUE.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · April 2, 2019

“ARGUABLY SYSTEMIC ELECTRICAL PROBLEM BATTERY WENT DEAD -RE CHARGED AND THEN ULTIMATELY REPLACED BY DEALER SWITCH FOR PASSENGER WINDOW ONLY WORKS INTERMITTENTLY. WAS REPLACED AND CONTINUES TO NON FUNCTION CAR WILL NOT START ON OCCASION ALTHOUGH LIGHTS, RADIO ETC WILL GO ON NO RESPONSE WHEN IGNITION…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 1, 2014

2013 Subaru BRZ — common questions

Is the 2013 Subaru BRZ reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 80 complaints put the 2013 model at #1 of 10 BRZ years. It is one of the BRZ years to avoid.

What are the most common 2013 BRZ problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (49 complaints), other (8 complaints), fuel system (5 complaints).

Does the 2013 Subaru BRZ have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2013 Subaru BRZ. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Subaru BRZ years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the BRZ years to avoid are 2013. The cleanest record among BRZ years belongs to 2019.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.