Most common 2013 Subaru BRZ problems
Share of the 64 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Subaru BRZ complaints by model year
Best BRZ years: 2014, 2017, 2018. Years to avoid: 2013. Compare all years →
2013 Subaru BRZ recalls (2)
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.
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.
Equipment › Other › Owners/service/other manual
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.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and will mail corrected owner's manuals, free of charge. The safety recall began on June 19, 2012. Owners May contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
What 2013 Subaru BRZ owners say
Engine & cooling all 49 →
The contact owns a 2013 Subaru BRZ. The contact stated while driving 70 mph, he heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The vehicle loss motive power and stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 18V772000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the Vin was not included. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Subaru BRZ. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with maintenance failure. The contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V772000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 58,498.
Fuel & propulsion system
2013 Subaru BRZ 2.0 limited. I am the original owner. Factory recall relating to fa20 valve spring replacement completed by sherman oaks (california) Subaru in April 2019. (dropped car off for repair Monday, 4/15/2019, received car from dealership on Wednesday 4/24/2019) after receiving car, following valve spring replacement, noted significant decrease in avg mpg as reported by car (average was 25-26 mpg before recall repairs. This had been stable for years. Immediately after repair average mpg as reported by car was around 14mpg.) dealer advised leaving car with them for diagnosis & repair. Returned car to sherman oaks Subaru Monday 5/5/2019; received car from dealership Saturday 5/11/2019. Dealership's diagnosis failed to identify a cause, several systems checked with no remarkable findings, "reset of trip meters" reported to produce avg mpg "27-30" on dealership's test drive. …
After authorized Subaru dealer repaired car related to valve spring recall, check engine light came on and Subaru dealer doesn't know how to fix it. Car has gone in and out of the dealer multiple times. Has been in the dealer now for about 2 months.
Windows, wipers & sunroof
Taillight condensation when raining. Known defect, but company will not pay for repair. Stating outside of warranty. May occlude lights when driving. Broken driver's side sunvisor impeding vision. Multiple complaints on online forums, again reported to be outside warranty despite safety issue. Taken in prior to warranty running out and turned away.
The homelink mirrors in these cars have been a very big issue. I have been in for at least three repairs within the last year. The first night I took my car home, the rear-view mirror fell off and hit the dash of the car. This could have distracted someone and made them run off the road. They repaired it as soon as possible, but they have never been able to completely take the vibrations away. You can't see anything when looking in the rear-view mirror, because it shakes so much. There are forums full of people online with the same complaint. Subaru did change the backplate design recently, but it doesn't seem to have fixed the issue. I've noticed that it's worse when it's hot outside. The mirror seems to loosen. It has not fallen again, but I think it's just a matter of time.
2013 Subaru BRZ engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 24 / 33 / 28 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | RWD | 21 / 29 / 24 |
EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2013 Subaru BRZ a good car?
Based on 64 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 BRZ rates avoid: 7.8× as many complaints as a typical year of the BRZ at the same age. It is one of the BRZ years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2013 Subaru BRZ?
The engine & cooling — 49 complaints, 77% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the fuel & propulsion system (5) and windows, wipers & sunroof (4).
How many recalls does the 2013 Subaru BRZ have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2013 Subaru BRZ, the most recent from November 1, 2018 (engine). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Subaru BRZ?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2014, 2017 and 2018. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2013. See the full Subaru BRZ years comparison.
At what mileage do 2013 Subaru BRZ problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 52,000 miles; 43% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.