The Subaru BRZ spans 2013–2026 with 12 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 5.0/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 2013, 2022, 2017 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 2021, 2023, 2025. It delivers up to 28 mpg combined and 5-star NHTSA safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Subaru BRZ is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 2013 to 2026 across multiple generations.
How to read a Subaru BRZ VIN — every digit explained
Every Subaru BRZ carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Subaru and the country it was built in (real Subaru codes below).
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this BRZ.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
- JapanJF1 · JF2 · JF3 · JF4
- USA4S3 · 4S4
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your BRZ, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Subaru BRZ have?
The Subaru BRZ has 12 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2013–2026. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
2022 Subaru BRZ recalls 1
Exterior Lighting:turn Signal
What's wrong. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2022 BRZ and Toyota GR86 vehicles. The rear turn signals may intermittently become inoperative.
Risk. Inoperative rear turn signals may not notify other drivers of a turning vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will replace both rear combination lamp assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Subaru owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Subaru's number for this recall is WRM-23.
2019 Subaru BRZ recalls 1
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.
2018 Subaru BRZ recalls 2
Visibility:rearview Mirrors/devices
What's wrong. 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."
Risk. Failure to display the rearview image while backing up increases the risk of crash.
Fix. Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will reprogram the audio system display software, free of charge. The recall began on February 5, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WTZ-85.
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.
2013 Subaru BRZ recalls 2
Equipment:other:owners/service/other Manual
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. MISINFORMATION COULD LEAD TO AN INCREASED RISK OF INJURY TO FRONT SEAT OCCUPANTS DURING CERTAIN CRASH CONDITIONS.
Fix. SUBARU WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND WILL MAIL CORRECTED OWNERS MANUALS, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 19, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine
What's wrong. 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.
Fix. 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.
Best and worst years for the Subaru BRZ
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 14 tracked years, the worst years are 2013, 2022, 2017 and the best (fewest complaints) are 2021, 2023, 2025.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 BRZ | Engine | Avoid | |
| 2014 BRZ | Engine | Average | |
| 2015 BRZ | Engine | Average | |
| 2016 BRZ | Suspension | Average | |
| 2017 BRZ | Air Bags | Avoid | |
| 2018 BRZ | Engine And Engine Cooling | Average | |
| 2019 BRZ | Engine | Average | |
| 2020 BRZ | Suspension | Average | |
| 2021 BRZ | — | Best | |
| 2022 BRZ | Engine | Avoid | |
| 2023 BRZ | — | Best | |
| 2024 BRZ | Engine | Average | |
| 2025 BRZ | — | Best | |
| 2026 BRZ | — | Average |
What are the most common Subaru BRZ problems?
The most-reported Subaru BRZ problems are Seats (2 reports), Engine (63 reports) and Wheels (2 reports) — out of 98 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Subaru BRZ specifications & dimensions
The 2026 Subaru BRZ. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Subaru BRZ window sticker.
| Specs cache warming… |
How the BRZ's size changed by generation:
| Years | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 168″ | 70″ | 52″ | 102″ | 2,815 lb |
| 2014–2020 | 167″ | 70″ | 50″ | 101″ | 2,822 lb |
| 2013 | 167″ | 70″ | 50″ | 101″ | 2,778 lb |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Subaru BRZ cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the BRZ holds — passengers and cargo. EPA measures its interior at 78 cu ft of passenger volume and 7 cu ft of cargo. Seating capacity and legroom vary by trim.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Subaru BRZ tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Subaru BRZ get?
The Subaru BRZ returns up to 28 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $2,750/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 2026 Subaru BRZ (2.4L 4-cyl) gets 25 mpg combined and costs about $3,100/yr to fuel, emitting 362 g/mi CO₂ (GHG 5/10) — about $4,500 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 BRZ | 21 | 30 | $3,100 | 362 | — | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 2025 BRZ | 21 | 30 | $3,100 | 362 | 2/10 | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 2024 BRZ | 21 | 30 | $3,100 | 361 | 3/10 | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 2023 BRZ | 21 | 30 | $3,100 | 362 | 3/10 | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 2022 BRZ | 21 | 30 | $3,100 | 362 | 3/10 | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 2020 BRZ | 24 | 33 | $2,850 | 322 | 1/10 | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 2019 BRZ | 24 | 33 | $2,850 | 322 | 1/10 | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 2018 BRZ | 24 | 33 | $2,850 | 322 | 1/10 | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 2017 BRZ | 24 | 33 | $2,850 | 322 | 5/10 | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 2016 BRZ | 24 | 33 | $2,750 | 321 | 5/10 | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 2015 BRZ | 24 | 33 | $2,750 | 321 | 5/10 | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 2014 BRZ | 24 | 33 | $2,750 | 321 | 5/10 | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 2013 BRZ | 24 | 33 | $2,750 | 321 | 5/10 | 2L 4-cyl |
Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.
See how the BRZ stacks up against the most fuel-efficient sedans, or calculate this BRZ's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the Subaru BRZ have? Power & range
The Subaru BRZ is offered with 1 powertrain — 2.4L 4-cyl. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4-cyl | 2.4L · 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | RWD | Premium |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
How much does a Subaru BRZ cost to own?
A used Subaru BRZ sells for a median of about $23,899 for a 2025 — most listed between $23,899 and $24,995, from 44 real US listings we track. That real market price is what depreciation eats into, so it's the true anchor of the cost to own:
| Year | Typical price | Market range | Listings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 BRZ | $23,899–$24,995 | 3 | |
| 2023 BRZ | $17,300–$29,900 | 4 | |
| 2022 BRZ | $19,995–$28,995 | 5 | |
| 2017 BRZ | $15,500–$25,995 | 7 | |
| 2016 BRZ | $10,000–$15,995 | 3 | |
| 2015 BRZ | $10,990–$22,493 | 9 |
For every model year mileage-adjusted, trade-in vs private-party vs dealer pricing and a good-deal check, see what a BRZ is worth today, or browse used-market prices across all models.
A Subaru BRZ holds its value well. A typical example keeps roughly 56% of its value after five years — losing about 44% to depreciation. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 84% | $25,200 | −$4,800 |
| Year 2 | 76% | $22,800 | −$7,200 |
| Year 3 | 68% | $20,400 | −$9,600 |
| Year 4 | 61% | $18,300 | −$11,700 |
| Year 5 | 56% | $16,800 | −$13,200 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this BRZ loses about 44% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $13,750 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the BRZ ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
How much is a Subaru BRZ to insure?
A Subaru BRZ costs about $1,537 a year to insure for a typical driver on full coverage — roughly 7% above the average car. That's from its real HLDI insurance-loss index (107, where 100 = average car); your own rate moves with state, age, record and coverage.
Estimate = US-average premium × the BRZ's HLDI loss index. See Subaru insurance cost by model, cost by state, or compare any car.
Is the Subaru BRZ safe?
The Subaru BRZ earns up to 5-star NHTSA overall safety — real government crash-test data. Ratings by year:
| Year | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 BRZ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| 2015 BRZ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| 2014 BRZ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested model years.
Want the safest pick? Compare crash-test scores across the safest cars.
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How many miles does a Subaru BRZ last?
A well-maintained Subaru BRZ typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 5.0/5.
Check your Subaru BRZ’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this BRZ’s VIN free →All Subaru BRZ model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Subaru BRZ — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 BRZ | 0 | — | |
| 2025 BRZ | 0 | — | |
| 2024 BRZ | 1 recall | — | |
| 2023 BRZ | 0 | — | |
| 2022 BRZ | 1 recall | — | |
| 2021 BRZ | 0 | — | |
| 2020 BRZ | 1 recall | — | |
| 2019 BRZ | 1 recall | — | |
| 2018 BRZ | 2 recalls | — | |
| 2017 BRZ | 1 recall | — | |
| 2016 BRZ | 1 recall | ★★★★★ | |
| 2015 BRZ | 1 recall | ★★★★★ | |
| 2014 BRZ | 1 recall | ★★★★★ | |
| 2013 BRZ | 2 recalls | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the BRZ?
By owner-complaint volume, 2013, 2022, 2017 drew the most reports. 2021, 2023, 2025 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the BRZ have?
12 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2013–2026. Always check open recalls by your VIN.
What MPG does the BRZ get?
Up to 28 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
Is the BRZ safe?
The BRZ earns up to 5-star NHTSA overall crash-test safety; ratings vary by model year.
How many miles does a BRZ last?
A well-maintained BRZ typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the BRZ reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the BRZ is 5.0/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Subaru BRZ warranty?
New Subaru models carry a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Subaru dealer.
Where is the Subaru BRZ made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your BRZ's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Subaru may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much ground clearance does the BRZ have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.