What year Subaru BRZ should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, avoid the 2013, 2017, and 2022 Subaru BRZ. The 2013 model has the highest complaint index (100) with 64 complaints, mostly engine-related.

Is the 2013 Subaru BRZ reliable?

The 2013 BRZ has the worst complaint record of any BRZ year, with 64 complaints, a complaint index of 100, and two recalls, including one for engine valve springs. Engine problems account for 77% of its complaints.

Does the 2022 Subaru BRZ have engine problems?

Yes. NHTSA complaints describe excess RTV silicone on the oil pan clogging the oil pickup filter and causing oil starvation, sometimes leading to engine failure. Engine issues make up 60% of the 10 complaints filed for 2022.

Which Subaru BRZ year is best?

No BRZ model year is listed as a best year in the data; 2018 and 2019 have the lowest complaint indexes at 0 and 10, with only one complaint each, but there isn't enough data to call them the best.

Are there recalls on the Subaru BRZ?

Yes, NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns across all BRZ model years, including engine valve spring issues on 2013 models and rear turn signal problems on 2022 models.

Subaru BRZ Best and Worst Years (2013–2024)

Across 2013-2024, the Subaru BRZ years to avoid are 2013, 2017, and 2022, based on NHTSA complaint volume and complaint index scores of 100, 80, and 90. 2013 stands out with 64 complaints and 77% tied to engine problems, including valve spring recalls.

Avoid 2013 Avoid 2017 Avoid 2022

Model years: 11; 2013–2024
NHTSA complaints: 101
Recall campaigns: 5
Crashes reported: 2
Fires reported: 3
Top problem area: Engine

BRZ Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Subaru BRZ problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2013	Avoid	100	64	0	1	2	Engine	26	—
2014	Caution	60	6	0	1	0	Engine	26	5★
2015	No verdict	40	3	0	0	0	Engine	26	5★
2016	No verdict	50	3	1	0	0	Brakes	26	5★
2017	Avoid	80	7	1	1	0	Airbags	25.5	—
2018	No verdict	0	1	0	0	2	Engine	24	—
2019	No verdict	10	1	0	0	1	Engine	25.5	—
2020	No verdict	30	2	0	0	0	Engine	24	—
2022	Avoid	90	10	0	0	1	Engine	23.5	—
2023	No verdict	20	1	0	0	0	Engine	23.5	—
2024	No verdict	70	3	0	0	0	Engine	23.5	—

BRZ years to avoid: what went wrong

2013 Subaru BRZ Index 100 · 64 complaints · 2 recalls

The 2013 BRZ has the highest complaint index (100) and the most complaints of any year, 64 total. Engine problems dominate, making up 77% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 60,000. Owners report stalling, blown short blocks, cracked cylinder heads, and broken connecting rods. Fuel system and electrical issues also appear, some at very low mileage. NHTSA lists two recalls for this year, including a valve spring replacement campaign covering the engine and a separate owner's manual correction recall. This combination of high complaint volume and recall activity puts 2013 at the bottom relative to other BRZ years.

2013 engine problems →

2022 Subaru BRZ Index 90 · 10 complaints · 1 recalls

The 2022 BRZ has a complaint index of 90 and 10 total complaints, the second-worst among all years covered. Engine issues make up 60% of complaints, with owners reporting excess RTV silicone on the oil pan clogging the oil pickup filter and causing oil starvation, in some cases leading to engine failure. Electrical system complaints, 30% of the total, describe rear turn signals becoming inoperative or hyperflashing in sunlight. NHTSA lists one recall for this year covering the rear combination lamp assemblies. This combination of engine and electrical concerns places 2022 among the years to avoid.

2017 Subaru BRZ Index 80 · 7 complaints · 0 recalls

The 2017 BRZ carries a complaint index of 80 with 7 total complaints. Airbags are the top problem area at 29% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 46,785. Owners report SRS warning lights cycling on and off without dealers finding a cause. Other reports describe brake and traction control warning lights, accelerator sticking, engine stalling with smoke, and manual transmission grinding or difficulty shifting gears. No recalls are listed for this model year. Relative to other BRZ years, 2017 ranks poorly due to this mix of airbag, fuel system, and transmission complaints.

Most common Subaru BRZ problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Engine68 (67%)
Other14 (14%)
Fuel System10 (10%)
Electrical System9 (9%)
Brakes5 (5%)
Transmission & Powertrain5 (5%)
Visibility & Wipers5 (5%)
Structure & Body4 (4%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (3%)
Airbags2 (2%)

Frequently asked questions

What year Subaru BRZ should I avoid?: Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, avoid the 2013, 2017, and 2022 Subaru BRZ. The 2013 model has the highest complaint index (100) with 64 complaints, mostly engine-related.
Is the 2013 Subaru BRZ reliable?: The 2013 BRZ has the worst complaint record of any BRZ year, with 64 complaints, a complaint index of 100, and two recalls, including one for engine valve springs. Engine problems account for 77% of its complaints.
Does the 2022 Subaru BRZ have engine problems?: Yes. NHTSA complaints describe excess RTV silicone on the oil pan clogging the oil pickup filter and causing oil starvation, sometimes leading to engine failure. Engine issues make up 60% of the 10 complaints filed for 2022.
Which Subaru BRZ year is best?: No BRZ model year is listed as a best year in the data; 2018 and 2019 have the lowest complaint indexes at 0 and 10, with only one complaint each, but there isn't enough data to call them the best.
Are there recalls on the Subaru BRZ?: Yes, NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns across all BRZ model years, including engine valve spring issues on 2013 models and rear turn signal problems on 2022 models.