How common are engine problems in the 2013 Subaru BRZ?

NHTSA lists 49 engine complaints for the 2013 BRZ, which is 77% of all 64 complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2013 Subaru BRZ engine?

Yes. Recall 18V772000, reported November 1, 2018, covers engine valve springs that may fail; Subaru replaces the valve springs free of charge.

At what mileage do 2013 BRZ engine problems usually appear?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for engine complaints on the 2013 BRZ is 60,000 miles.

Did the 2013 BRZ engine issues cause any crashes or fires?

NHTSA data shows 0 crashes and 0 injuries linked to these engine complaints, but 1 fire was reported.

2013 Subaru BRZ Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 49 engine complaints for the 2013 Subaru BRZ, 77% of all complaints filed for the year, with a median failure mileage of 60,000. A related recall (18V772000) covers valve spring failures.

Engine complaints: 49; 77% of 64
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 1
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 60,000 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Owners report spun rod bearings and oil starvation causing knocking noises and stalling, in one case with only 54,000 miles on the engine.
Some describe complete engine failure, including cracked cylinder heads, broken connecting rods, and blown short blocks, occasionally with stalling on the freeway.
Several complaints describe misfires and detonation traced to failed direct fuel injectors, sometimes with the check engine light coming on.
Multiple owners who had the valve spring recall (18V772000) performed report new problems afterward, including clogged oil passages, damaged camshafts and valves, and RTV sealant blocking oil pathways.
A few owners report chirping or squeaking noises from the engine area during deceleration at low speeds.
Some owners report delays getting the recall completed due to dealers lacking parts or requesting extra payment for unrelated modifications.

When 2013 Subaru BRZ engine complaints were filed

First complaint Jul 12, 2013, latest Apr 23, 2024.

49 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jul 2013 to Apr 2024; peak Jun 2019 (5).

Engine recalls for the 2013 Subaru BRZ

NHTSA 18V772000Nov 1, 2018Engine165,534 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine
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.

Engine complaints by BRZ model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201349 (77%)
20145 (83%)
20152 (67%)
20160 (0%)
20170 (0%)
20181 (100%)
20191 (100%)
20201 (50%)
20226 (60%)
20231 (100%)
20242 (67%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems in the 2013 Subaru BRZ?: NHTSA lists 49 engine complaints for the 2013 BRZ, which is 77% of all 64 complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2013 Subaru BRZ engine?: Yes. Recall 18V772000, reported November 1, 2018, covers engine valve springs that may fail; Subaru replaces the valve springs free of charge.
At what mileage do 2013 BRZ engine problems usually appear?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for engine complaints on the 2013 BRZ is 60,000 miles.
Did the 2013 BRZ engine issues cause any crashes or fires?: NHTSA data shows 0 crashes and 0 injuries linked to these engine complaints, but 1 fire was reported.