2013 Subaru BRZ: common problems and reliability

One of the worst BRZ years.

One of the Subaru BRZ years to avoid. All BRZ years

64 owner complaints, most about engine. 2 recalls.

Should I buy a 2013 BRZ?

The 2013 Subaru BRZ has 64 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and fuel/propulsion system.

Safety record for the 2013 model year

64
Owner complaints
2
Recalls
0
Crash reports
1
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2013 Subaru BRZ vehicles (US, public record).

The Year Score compares this year with other BRZ years only. How we score it

Is 2013 a good year for the BRZ?

Across the 11 BRZ model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2023) to 64 (2013). With 64 complaints, the 2013 BRZ sits above the model's median of 3.

These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.

Where owners report problems

engine
47
fuel/propulsion system
3
visibility/wiper
3
electrical system
3
engine and engine cooling
2

Recalls affecting the 2013 BRZ

engine and engine cooling:engine

Campaign 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.

equipment:other:owners/service/other manual

Campaign 12V254000

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.”

What owners say across generations

Overwhelmingly positive sentiment centered on the vehicle's core philosophy as an affordable, lightweight, and balanced sports car.

Owner insights cover all generations of the BRZ. See the full BRZ owner picture and every model year.

Other BRZ model years

Compare every BRZ year side by side to see how 2013 ranks against the rest.

Compare the BRZ against its rivals

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