Verdict
2013 Subaru BRZ: Complaints, Recalls & Known Issues
What the public record actually says about the 2013 Subaru BRZ — every figure below is a NHTSA or EPA number, not an opinion.
The read
More reported complaints than most coupe.
Owners filed 63 NHTSA complaints — more complaints than 71% of 2013 coupes. Engine leads the reports (67%). 2 safety recall campaigns on record — check the VIN and remedy terms with a dealer.
Based on NHTSA complaint volume against 2013 coupes, not adjusted for how many were sold. It describes the model year, not the individual car you are looking at.
Complaints filed
63
Reports to NHTSA, 2013
Safety recalls
2
NHTSA campaigns on record
NHTSA crash test
Not rated
Overall NCAP rating
Combined MPG
26
EPA estimate
Complaint volume vs. segment peers
More complaints than 71% of 2013 coupes
The bar is this car's percentile among 2013 coupes by complaint volume — a full bar means the fewest complaints in its class. Not adjusted for sales.
Known issues
Engine issues lead owner complaints (67% of 63 reports), followed by unknown or other (8%).
+ 6 more component categories with fewer reports.
Share of all 63 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11434598, ODI 11447920, ODI 11425002, ODI 11376871, ODI 11375242.
Recalls(2)
Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.
Engine And Engine CoolingJan 2018 · 18V772000Details +Close −
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.
Risk: 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.
EquipmentMay 2012 · 12V254000Details +Close −
SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2013 BRZ VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 25, 2011, THROUGH MAY 25, 2012. THE OWNERS MANUAL CONTAINS AN INACCURATE DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTUAL OPERATION OF THE FRONT PASSENGER OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM. OTHER PORTIONS OF THE OWNERS 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.
Risk: 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 OWNERS MANUALS, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 19, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.
A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.
Investigations
0 NHTSA investigations on record
No investigations are on record as of Jul 2026. An empty record is not a clean bill of health.
Crash-test ratings
2013 Subaru BRZ 2 DR RWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Not rated
- Frontal
- Not rated
- Side
- Not rated
- Rollover
- Not rated
Fuel economy by trim
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BRZ | 2.0L 4-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 24 | 33 | 28 |
| BRZ | 2.0L 4-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 21 | 29 | 24 |
EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.
Before you buy
Useful next checks
Federal records tell you about patterns. These checks can tell you more about the specific car in front of you.
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Compare model years
"Fewest reports" and "most complained" describe raw NHTSA complaint totals, not vehicle reliability. The last few model years are left unlabelled because they have had less road time.
2013 Subaru BRZ: frequently asked
What does the complaint record show for the 2013 Subaru BRZ?
Owners filed 63 NHTSA complaints about the 2013 Subaru BRZ — more complaints than 71% of comparable 2013 coupes, so it sits toward the weaker end of its class. That's a signal, not a guarantee about any single car.
What are the most common problems on the 2013 Subaru BRZ?
The most-reported problem areas are Engine (67% of complaints) and unknown or other (8%).
How many recalls does the 2013 Subaru BRZ have?
2 recalls have been issued that affect the 2013 Subaru BRZ, covering components such as engine and engine cooling. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.
What gas mileage does the 2013 Subaru BRZ get?
The EPA rates the 2013 Subaru BRZ between 24 and 28 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.