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Subaru BRZ
Coupe · Gas · 8 versions · owner report
Ranked #5 of 6 used sports cars on owner data, price and power
Every generation
Power
Combined, EPA 2027
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment centered on the vehicle's core philosophy as an affordable, lightweight, and balanced sports car.
6 problems reported (3 recurrent, 3 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- RecurrentEngine reliability concerns (2022+ FA24 engine)
Potential oil starvation and engine failure during sustained high-RPM/high-G cornering (e.g., on track), potentially linked to excess silicone sealant (RTV) blocking the oil pickup.
- RecurrentSilicone sealant (RTV) issue
Concern that excess sealant from manufacturing can break off and clog the oil pickup tube in the second-generation models, leading to oil starvation.
- RecurrentPoor factory speaker sound quality
Speakers are described as "infuriating" and tuned while stationary, becoming useless at speed.
+ 3 more issuesShow fewer
- IsolatedElectrical/electronic gremlins
Isolated but severe reports on a 2023 model of complete electrical failure, steering assist warnings, infotainment glitches, and random no-start conditions.
- IsolatedEngine sound
The flat-four engine note is described by some as "annoying" or lacking a pleasing character.
- IsolatedThrottle response
Noted as "significantly worse" and less responsive compared to a Mazda Miata in one direct comparison.
The version owners recommend
Manual transmission is overwhelmingly the preferred choice among enthusiasts. For the first generation (2013-2020), the Limited trim with the Performance Package (Brembo brakes, Sachs dampers) is noted for its enhanced equipment. For the second generation (2022+), specific trim recommendations are less clear from the data, but the manual transmission and the more street-compliant suspension tuning of the BRZ versus the GR86 are highlighted as positive differentiators.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Mazda Miata (MX-5), Toyota GR86/Scion FR86/GT86, Toyota GR Corolla, Honda Civic Si and Honda Civic Type R.
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Overall sentiment
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment centered on the vehicle's core philosophy as an affordable, lightweight, and balanced sports car. The driving experience is consistently praised for its predictable handling, excellent balance, and engaging nature, with owners describing it as a "back to basics" sports car that delivers thrills through chassis dynamics rather than raw power. The manual transmission is highly favored, and the car is noted for its practicality relative to other sports cars, with usable trunk space and fold-down rear seats. Criticisms are present but generally isolated or specific to certain model years. These include concerns about engine reliability in the second-generation (2022+) models related to potential oil starvation and silicone sealant (RTV) issues during aggressive driving, underwhelming engine sound, and some complaints about infotainment quality and speaker performance. The consensus is that it represents exceptional value for driving enthusiasts, though potential buyers are advised to be mindful of maintenance and specific known issues.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as a more practical and slightly more powerful alternative to the Mazda Miata, offering more interior space, headroom, and cargo utility while maintaining a similar lightweight, rear-wheel-drive ethos. Directly compared to its twin, the Toyota GR86, with nuanced differences noted: the BRZ is described as having a slightly more compliant, street-oriented suspension tune and throttle mapping, while the GR86 is often characterized as having a stiffer, more track-focused setup. Frequently mentioned as a superior value proposition to more expensive performance cars (e.g., BMW M2, Porsche models) for delivering a pure driving experience at a significantly lower cost, though it concedes in areas of interior luxury, power, and brand prestige. Considered less powerful but more engaging in handling dynamics compared to hot hatches like the Civic Si or GR Corolla, which offer more practicality and all-wheel drive.
Recommended configurations
Manual transmission is strongly recommended. For spirited driving or track use on second-generation models, owners recommend proactive maintenance: checking oil levels frequently, changing oil more frequently (e.g., every 3,000 miles with full synthetic), and considering overfilling the oil by approximately half a quart. Some suggest dropping the oil pan early (around 10,000 miles) on new-generation cars to clean excess silicone sealant (RTV) as a preventative measure. Using high-quality tires is emphasized for maximizing performance. For daily driving, the BRZ's stock suspension is considered a good balance.
General recommendations
Highly recommended for driving enthusiasts seeking an affordable, engaging, and balanced rear-wheel-drive sports car. Suitable as a daily driver for individuals without significant passenger or cargo needs, though noted to be more practical than a Miata. Not recommended as a primary vehicle for those requiring all-weather capability or regular rear passenger space. Crucial to test drive before purchase. When buying used, extreme caution is advised due to the high likelihood of previous owners modifying or driving the car hard; a thorough pre-purchase inspection and verification of maintenance history are essential. For new second-generation models, owners should be vigilant about oil levels and consider preventative measures regarding the RTV issue if planning aggressive driving.
Remarks
The platform is co-developed with Toyota, sold as the GR86 (and previously Scion FR-S, Toyota 86). Owner discussions frequently compare the two, with subtle but noted differences in suspension tuning, throttle mapping, and aesthetic details influencing choice. The first-generation (2013-2020) models are generally considered reliable with routine maintenance, though high-mileage used examples require careful vetting for abuse. The second-generation (2022+) introduced a more powerful 2.4L engine (FA24), which brought performance gains but also sparked widespread community discussion about oiling system reliability under extreme use. This has led to a culture of proactive maintenance among informed owners. The car's reputation is built on its chassis and driving dynamics, with most criticisms relating to powertrain refinement or specific reliability concerns rather than the core driving experience. Analysis based on approximately 45 substantive owner discussions.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearWorst year: 2013. Years to avoid: 2022, 2017, 2014, 2013Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score. See all Subaru BRZ years to avoid
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 3 | 0 | engine |
| 2023 | 1 | 0 | engine |
| 2022 | 10 | 1 | engine |
| 2020 | 2 | 0 | suspension |
| 2019 | 1 | 1 | engine |
| 2018 | 1 | 2 | engine and engine cooling |
| 2017 | 7 | 0 | unknown or other |
| 2016 | 3 | 0 | suspension |
| 2015 | 3 | 0 | engine |
| 2014 | 6 | 0 | engine |
| 2013 | 64 | 2 | engine |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices6 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2022 · exterior lighting:turn signalcampaign 23V609000
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2022 BRZ and Toyota GR86 vehicles. The rear turn signals may intermittently become inoperative.
2019 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pumpcampaign 21V587000
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
2018 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pumpcampaign 21V587000
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
2018 · visibility:rearview mirrors/devicescampaign 18V935000
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018 Legacy, Outback, and BRZ vehicles. In the affected vehicles, a software issue may cause the audio display system to not initialize, resulting in the camera display remaining blank. If this occurs, the rearview image will not display while backing up the vehicle. As a result, the vehicles fail to comply with requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
2013 · engine and engine cooling:enginecampaign 18V772000
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.
2013 · equipment:other:owners/service/other manualcampaign 12V254000
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.
Specifications
2.4 D-4S
4-cylinder · 228 hp · RWD · automatic
Built 2021–2026