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2013 Subaru BRZ Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 20261 Critical Recalls
Ryan Davis
2013 Subaru BRZ Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary

The 2013 Subaru BRZ has 80 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve engine and unknown or other.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

7.9/ 10

Based on 80 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

ENGINE

47 58.8%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

6 7.5%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 3.8%

VISIBILITY/WIPER

3 3.8%

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

3 3.8%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is ENGINE, accounting for 58.8% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 16 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2013 Subaru BRZ

The 2013 Subaru BRZ has 80 owner complaints in this dataset. ENGINE is the most common complaint category, representing about 59% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2013 Subaru BRZ are ENGINE (47), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (6), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (3).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 61 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2013 Subaru BRZ?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2014 BRZ complaints2015 BRZ complaints2016 BRZ complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 16 of 16 systems

ENGINE

47 Reports59% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS MAY OCCUR ON MY CAR AS WELL. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE DEALER DIAGNOSED IT AS A MISFIRE IN ONE OF THE CYLINDER. DIRECT INJECTOR WENT BAD CAUSING DETONATION. THIS IS NOW BECOMING A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. YET, THE MANUFACTURE REFUSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS ISSUE. THE ROOT CAUSE I BELIEVE IS A IMPROPER ECU TUNE. SOUTH AFRICA TOYOTA ISSUED A TSB. PLEASE SEE LINK HTTP://WWW.FT86CLUB.COM/FORUMS/SHOWPOST.PHP?P=1055748&POSTCOUNT=5. *TR

7/13/2013

DRIVING UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS AND STARTED HEARING SOMETHING THAT SOUNDED LIKE FIREWORKS UNDER THE HOOD OF THE CAR. I IMMEDIATELY PARKED IT AND RESEARCHED. THE ISSUE APPEARED TO BE A FAILURE OF THE SEAL ON THE DIRECT INJECTOR FOR THE FUEL SYSTEM. I HAD IT REPAIRED AT THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE CAR WAS PURCHASED. THAT TOOK SEVERAL WEEKS SINCE THE ISSUE DOESN'T CAUSE THE CAR TO REPORT A CODE OR ERROR. AFTER WEEKS OF FAILED EXPLORATION, I FORCED THE DEALERSHIP TO LOOK AT WHAT I SUSPECTED WAS CAUSING THE ISSUE. THEY DID AND VERIFIED THAT IT WAS A FAILED DIRECT INJECTOR SEAL. RESEARCH HAS SHOWN THAT THIS IS BECOMING A MORE COMMON ISSUE WITH THE SUBARU BRZ AND SCION FRS, WHICH ARE ESSENTIALLY THE SAME CAR. SCION ACKNOWLEDGES THE ISSUE WHEREAS SUBARU DOES NOT. THE REPAIR WILL TYPICALLY COST ANYWHERE FROM $1000 ON UP. BUT, IN MANY CASES, SINCE THERE'S NO CODE, THE DEALERSHIPS SEND THE CAR BACK ON THE ROAD UNTIL THE ENGINE SEIZES UP COMPLETELY. A QUICK SEARCH OF A CAR FORUM TURNED UP FIFTY OTHER CARS HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. THIS WAS JUST ONE FORUM. THAT WOULD IMPLY THERE ARE MANY OTHER UNREPORTED INCIDENTS OF A SIMILAR NATURE. I REPORTED THIS TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THROUGH SUBARU CUSTOMER SERVICE. BUT REFUSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE ISSUE, AND THEREFORE DENY IT AS A WARRANTY CLAIM. HERE IS A LINK TO A SMALL SAMPLING OF SIMILAR ISSUES: HTTP://WWW.FT86CLUB.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=38397. *TR

11/21/2014

45 more complaints are available in this category.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

6 Reports8% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I DROPPED MY CAR OFF AT COLONIAL SUBARU IN SOUTH CHESTERFIELD, VIRGINIA ON 2/16 TO HAVE THE NHTSA SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN # 18V-722 PERFORMED. ON 3/1 I RECEIVED A CALL FROM SEVICE ADVISOR MINDY WILLIAMS TELLING ME THE DEALERSHIP WILL BE REFUSING TO PERFORM THE RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH SOA BULLETIN WTY-84R ( AVAILABLE AT HTTPS://STATIC.NHTSA.GOV/ODI/RCL/2018/RCRIT-18V772-6522.PDF ). SHE STATED THAT THEY WILL NEED ME TO PAY $650 TO REMOVE AND REINSTALL AFTERMARKET MODIFICATIONS ON THE VEHICLE. SUBARU OF AMERICA BULLETIN # WTY-84R WAS FILED WITH THE NHTSA ON 1/14/19. THIS DOCUMENT, SPECIFICALLY PAGE 6, SECTION 2 TITLED "FA ENGINE PROCEDURE" STATES: "' CONTACT THE SOA TECHLINE IMMEDIATELY TO REVIEW ANY CONCERNS BELIEVED TO BE IMPEDING OR PREVENTING PROPER COMPLETION OF THIS RECALL. THERE SHOULD BE VERY FEW IF ANY CASES WHERE THIS WOULD BE NECESSARY. A SEVERE EXAMPLE OF AN IMPEDIMENT WOULD BE IF THE WRONG SPECIFICATION ENGINE IS FOUND TO BE INSTALLED. NEARLY ALL AFTERMARKET MODIFICATIONS CAN BE WORKED AROUND OR REMOVED TO ALLOW VALVE SPRING REPLACEMENT TO PROCEED. ' CONTACT THE SOA CLAIMS TEAM SHOULD REMOVAL AND / OR REINSTALLATION OF THESE CUSTOMER MODIFICATIONS REQUIRE SIGNIFICANT ADDITIONAL TIME." BASED ON THIS SECTION, SUBARU SHOULD BE WORKING AROUND THESE AFTERMARKET MODIFICATIONS AND IF EXTRA TIME IS REQUIRED THEIR POLICY STATES THAT SOA WILL PAY FOR IT, NOT THE CUSTOMER. SOA'S REFUSAL TO COMPLETE THIS RECALL PUTS THEM IN CLEAR BREACH OF THE AGREEMENT THEY FILED WITH THE NHTSA. I HAVE ATTEMPTED ESCALATING THIS TO DEALERSHIP MANAGEMENT AS WELL AS CORPORATE CUSTOMER RELATIONS (WHERE I SPOKE TO 4 PEOPLE, INCLUDING A SUPERVISOR.) NONE WOULD EVEN ACKNOWLEDGE SOA'S FILING WITH THE NHTSA AND CONTINUED TO REFUSE TO PERFORM THE RECALL. **PLEASE** HELP ME GET THIS RESOLVED. THANK YOU SO MUCH.

3/12/2019

SO THE TECH DID MY RECALL, AFTER THE RECALL, IT WAS IDLING WEIRD AND ACTING STUPID, THE CAM GEAR SPROCKET DIED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, IT GOT REPLACED AND WAS RUNNING FINE WITH NO ISSUES. TOOK IT ON THE TEST DRIVE THEY WERE WAS LOOKING AT THE VVT ANGLES, AND EVERYTHING WAS LOOKING GOOD THEN HE WAS AT 5-6K RPM MAKING SURE IT WAS GOOD THEN OIL PRESSURE DROPPED VVT WENT CRAZY, AND IT ROD KNOCKED. BRZS HAVE BEEN HAVING ISSUES NON STOP AFTER RECALLS. IN MOTION.

3/16/2019

4 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THIS 2013 SUBARU BRZ WITH THE STANDARD RADIO AND ONLY RADIO OFFERED IS THIS AM/FM/HD/SAT/IPOD/IPHONE/TEXT/CD/NAV TOUCHSCREEN ONLY ACCESS TO CONTROLS RADIO. THIS RADIO IS SLOW TO RESPOND WHEN USING IPOD/IPHONE,SLOW TO RECOGNIZE TOUCH INPUTS, SOMETIMES IGNORES INPUT. BUTTONS ON TOUCHSCREEN TOO SMALL. THIS CAR DESPERATELY NEEDS STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS FOR THIS UNSAFE RADIO! I KNOW THEY WILL BE OFFERING THIS IN THE NEXT MODEL YEAR BUT THAT LEAVES ABOUT 100000 OF THESE UNSAFE BRZS ON THE ROAD WITH DISTRACTED DRIVING ISSUES. I ALREADY HAD TO LOCKUP THE BRAKES TO AVOID HITTING A CAR IN FRONT OF ME! THIS RADIO CAUSE DRIVER TO LOSE EYE CONTACT WITH THE ROAD FAR TOO LONG FOR COMFORT! I WILL NOT LET MY 18YR OLD DRIVE THIS CAR, ITS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN! I FEEL SUBARU NEEDS A RECALL TO RETROFIT THE STEERING WHEELS CONTROLS OR BAN USA SALES AND FORCE SUBARU TO BUY BACK THESE UNSAFE SOLD BRZ. WHEN YOUR DRIVING THIS CAR YOU GOT THE MANUAL TRANS GOING ON PLUS YOUR AVG COFFEE DRINKER AND ADD IN THIS DEADLY RADIO SETUP AND YOUR JUST ASKING FOR AN ACCIDENT! THIS CAR IS TARGETED AT YOUNG BUYERS WITH THEIR IPODS/IPHONES AND TALKING AND TEXTING AS THEY CRUISE THE STREETS. THIS CAR IS THE ONLY CAR THAT SUBARU SELLS WITHOUT THE STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS. WHY? PLEASE FORCE SUBARU TO REPLACE THE NO CONTROL STEERING WHEEL FOR ONE WITH CONTROLS. A CONCERNED PARENT. *TR

7/13/2012

ARGUABLY SYSTEMIC ELECTRICAL PROBLEM BATTERY WENT DEAD -RE CHARGED AND THEN ULTIMATELY REPLACED BY DEALER SWITCH FOR PASSENGER WINDOW ONLY WORKS INTERMITTENTLY. WAS REPLACED AND CONTINUES TO NON FUNCTION CAR WILL NOT START ON OCCASION ALTHOUGH LIGHTS, RADIO ETC WILL GO ON NO RESPONSE WHEN IGNITION BUTTON PUSHED. *TR

4/1/2014

1 more complaint is available in this category.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

3 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE HOMELINK REAR VIEW MIRROR MOUNT FAILED AND THE MIRROR FELL ONTO THE CENTER CONSOLE, HITTING THE CENTER AIR VENTS AND DAMAGING THE MOLDING, ALSO HITTING THE SHIFT KNOB AND INTERFERING WITH SHIFT MANEUVERS. THIS ALSO HAPPENED TO ME AGAIN ONE YEAR LATER ON JULY 18, 2014. *TR

7/18/2014

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. *TR

8/25/2014

1 more complaint is available in this category.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

3 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

DRIVING UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS AND STARTED HEARING SOMETHING THAT SOUNDED LIKE FIREWORKS UNDER THE HOOD OF THE CAR. I IMMEDIATELY PARKED IT AND RESEARCHED. THE ISSUE APPEARED TO BE A FAILURE OF THE SEAL ON THE DIRECT INJECTOR FOR THE FUEL SYSTEM. I HAD IT REPAIRED AT THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE CAR WAS PURCHASED. THAT TOOK SEVERAL WEEKS SINCE THE ISSUE DOESN'T CAUSE THE CAR TO REPORT A CODE OR ERROR. AFTER WEEKS OF FAILED EXPLORATION, I FORCED THE DEALERSHIP TO LOOK AT WHAT I SUSPECTED WAS CAUSING THE ISSUE. THEY DID AND VERIFIED THAT IT WAS A FAILED DIRECT INJECTOR SEAL. RESEARCH HAS SHOWN THAT THIS IS BECOMING A MORE COMMON ISSUE WITH THE SUBARU BRZ AND SCION FRS, WHICH ARE ESSENTIALLY THE SAME CAR. SCION ACKNOWLEDGES THE ISSUE WHEREAS SUBARU DOES NOT. THE REPAIR WILL TYPICALLY COST ANYWHERE FROM $1000 ON UP. BUT, IN MANY CASES, SINCE THERE'S NO CODE, THE DEALERSHIPS SEND THE CAR BACK ON THE ROAD UNTIL THE ENGINE SEIZES UP COMPLETELY. A QUICK SEARCH OF A CAR FORUM TURNED UP FIFTY OTHER CARS HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. THIS WAS JUST ONE FORUM. THAT WOULD IMPLY THERE ARE MANY OTHER UNREPORTED INCIDENTS OF A SIMILAR NATURE. I REPORTED THIS TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THROUGH SUBARU CUSTOMER SERVICE. BUT REFUSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE ISSUE, AND THEREFORE DENY IT AS A WARRANTY CLAIM. HERE IS A LINK TO A SMALL SAMPLING OF SIMILAR ISSUES: HTTP://WWW.FT86CLUB.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=38397. *TR

11/21/2014

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.

4/17/2019

1 more complaint is available in this category.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

2 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

CHIRPING/SQUEAKING SOUND POSSIBLY FROM THE ENGINE'S HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP NOISE OCCURS UPON DE-ACCELERATION AT 28MPH W/ CAR IN NEUTRAL SEE SUBARU TSB 2013MY BRZ NO. 09-54-12R DATED 10/03/12. *TR

7/12/2013

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.

4/23/2024

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

2 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

CHIRPING/SQUEAKING SOUND POSSIBLY FROM THE ENGINE'S HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP NOISE OCCURS UPON DE-ACCELERATION AT 28MPH W/ CAR IN NEUTRAL SEE SUBARU TSB 2013MY BRZ NO. 09-54-12R DATED 10/03/12. *TR

7/12/2013

THIS VEHICLE MAKES A "CHIRPING" FROM THE FUEL SYSTEM THAT WHICH SUBARU OF AMERICA CLAIMS YIELDS NO DANGER OR EFFECT TO THE VEHICLE. FROM MY OBSERVATION WITH THE SUBARU BRZ IT MAKES SOUNDS SUCH AS THE ENGINE IS CUTTING OUT AND STARTING BACK IMMEDIATELY, ALSO DIED ON THE ROAD WHILE SITTING IN NEUTRAL AT A LIGHT. THIS VEHICLE IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY, AND SUBARU OF AMERICA WILL NOT HONOR THEIR WARRANTY WITH THE REPAIRS NEEDED/REQUESTED. *TR

6/7/2014

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

2 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE RADIO HEAD UNIT TOUCHSCREEN IS FAIRLY UNRESPONSIVE TO THE TOUCH AND BUTTONS ARE TOO SMALL. FORCES DRIVER TO SPEND MORE TIME LOOKING AT UNIT WHILE DRIVING THAN A RESPONSIVE TOUCH SCREEN WITH LARGER BUTTONS. SEVERAL TIMES I WAS FRUSTRATED WHEN SCREEN WOULD NOT RESPOND TO THE TOUCH OR WHEN THE "SOUND" BUTTON WAS ACTIVATED/PRESSED INSTEAD OF THE "UP" STATION/ARROW BUTTON. THE TWO BUTTONS ARE WAY TOO CLOSE. SYSTEM NEEDS A SOFTWARE UPDATE. ALSO, VOICED GPS DIRECTIONS PROVIDED WILL NOT RETURN ONCE A PHONE CALL IS RECEIVED OR PLACED. ONLY THE MAPPED DIRECTIONS ARE ACTIVATED AND CAUSES DISTRACTION WHEN SCREEN MUST BE VIEWED INSTEAD OF DIRECTIONS BEING HEARD. *TR

7/17/2013

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. *TR

8/25/2014

STRUCTURE

2 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

GASKETS AROUND DRIVER SIDE WINDOWS (INCLUDING STATIONARY TRIANGULAR PANES) AS WELL AS PASSENGER SIDE WINDOWS DO NOT CREATE A GOOD SEAL AND ALLOW MOISTURE TO ENTER FROM OUTSIDE FROM THINGS SUCH AS RAIN OR REGULAR HAND WASHING. *TR

7/17/2013

THE HOMELINK REAR VIEW MIRROR MOUNT FAILED AND THE MIRROR FELL ONTO THE CENTER CONSOLE, HITTING THE CENTER AIR VENTS AND DAMAGING THE MOLDING, ALSO HITTING THE SHIFT KNOB AND INTERFERING WITH SHIFT MANEUVERS. THIS ALSO HAPPENED TO ME AGAIN ONE YEAR LATER ON JULY 18, 2014. *TR

7/18/2014

SERVICE BRAKES

2 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

REAR LIGHTS LEAK AND FILL WITH HALF INCH ATLEAST OF WATER, SUBARU'S IDEA OF A FIX IS LET IT EVAPORATE, IT TAKES WEEKS TO EVAPORATE AND IN THE MEAN TIME YOUR BRAKE LIGHTS ARE FOGGED UP MAKING THEM LESS EFFECTIVE AND DULLER, ALSO THE WATER CAN SHORT OUT THE LIGHT. THEY KEEP REPLACING WITH PARTS THAT ARE AND HAVE THE EXACT SAME ISSUE. IN OTHER WORDS THIS IS A CHRONIC PERPETUAL PROBLEM AND THEY REFUSE TO REDESIGN THE LIGHTS. STARTED THE FIRST RAIN WE GOT WHEN I OWNED THE LEMON, AND IT CONTINUES THRU NOW 6/2016. NO END IN SIGHT!! NO RECALL JUST GLUE AND PUTTY THAT FAILS!!!

6/21/2016

From the very first day I had these brakes pads installed they performed terribly. At low speeds, under 25mph, they would shriek and slightly shake the vehicle; far worse response at higher speeds. I read somewhere online that the remedy for this problem was to "wed" the pads to the existing rotors. So, I performed that as best as I could in a safe and sound manner which resulted in a continuation of the same sounds and violent pitching during braking. I continued to use them for about 4K miles until one day I approached a red stop light and stood on the brakes to make my vehicle stop and it barely responded in time to not cause an accident. I took my car to a dealership mechanic to review and their finding was that the pads severely warped my rotors and they needed to be fully replaced, pads and rotors. Cost me an additional $200 in labor on top of what I paid for parts. My car is now performing as it had in the past. I specifically requested and kept the parts that the dealership mechanic replaced as the Brembo pads were highly suspect to start with and I wanted to provide them as support for my claim here. If they're needed please reply back with an address to ship them to. Never once in the time I've driven my vehicle had I experienced that type of safety hazard before ~ 90K miles from November of 2012. This brake product should not be deemed safe for public roads.

1/19/2024

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

2 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

REAR LIGHTS LEAK AND FILL WITH HALF INCH ATLEAST OF WATER, SUBARU'S IDEA OF A FIX IS LET IT EVAPORATE, IT TAKES WEEKS TO EVAPORATE AND IN THE MEAN TIME YOUR BRAKE LIGHTS ARE FOGGED UP MAKING THEM LESS EFFECTIVE AND DULLER, ALSO THE WATER CAN SHORT OUT THE LIGHT. THEY KEEP REPLACING WITH PARTS THAT ARE AND HAVE THE EXACT SAME ISSUE. IN OTHER WORDS THIS IS A CHRONIC PERPETUAL PROBLEM AND THEY REFUSE TO REDESIGN THE LIGHTS. STARTED THE FIRST RAIN WE GOT WHEN I OWNED THE LEMON, AND IT CONTINUES THRU NOW 6/2016. NO END IN SIGHT!! NO RECALL JUST GLUE AND PUTTY THAT FAILS!!!

6/21/2016

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.

4/6/2019

POWER TRAIN

2 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

SO THE TECH DID MY RECALL, AFTER THE RECALL, IT WAS IDLING WEIRD AND ACTING STUPID, THE CAM GEAR SPROCKET DIED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, IT GOT REPLACED AND WAS RUNNING FINE WITH NO ISSUES. TOOK IT ON THE TEST DRIVE THEY WERE WAS LOOKING AT THE VVT ANGLES, AND EVERYTHING WAS LOOKING GOOD THEN HE WAS AT 5-6K RPM MAKING SURE IT WAS GOOD THEN OIL PRESSURE DROPPED VVT WENT CRAZY, AND IT ROD KNOCKED. BRZS HAVE BEEN HAVING ISSUES NON STOP AFTER RECALLS. IN MOTION.

3/16/2019

ENGINE FAILURE FOLLOWING THE VALVE SPRING FACTORY RECALL. THE INCIDENT OCCURRED WHILE CRUISING ON A HIGHWAY. VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST ALL POWER. ELECTRONICS STILL FUNCTIONAL.

11/12/2020

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

THE RADIO HEAD UNIT TOUCHSCREEN IS FAIRLY UNRESPONSIVE TO THE TOUCH AND BUTTONS ARE TOO SMALL. FORCES DRIVER TO SPEND MORE TIME LOOKING AT UNIT WHILE DRIVING THAN A RESPONSIVE TOUCH SCREEN WITH LARGER BUTTONS. SEVERAL TIMES I WAS FRUSTRATED WHEN SCREEN WOULD NOT RESPOND TO THE TOUCH OR WHEN THE "SOUND" BUTTON WAS ACTIVATED/PRESSED INSTEAD OF THE "UP" STATION/ARROW BUTTON. THE TWO BUTTONS ARE WAY TOO CLOSE. SYSTEM NEEDS A SOFTWARE UPDATE. ALSO, VOICED GPS DIRECTIONS PROVIDED WILL NOT RETURN ONCE A PHONE CALL IS RECEIVED OR PLACED. ONLY THE MAPPED DIRECTIONS ARE ACTIVATED AND CAUSES DISTRACTION WHEN SCREEN MUST BE VIEWED INSTEAD OF DIRECTIONS BEING HEARD. *TR

7/17/2013

VISIBILITY

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

GASKETS AROUND DRIVER SIDE WINDOWS (INCLUDING STATIONARY TRIANGULAR PANES) AS WELL AS PASSENGER SIDE WINDOWS DO NOT CREATE A GOOD SEAL AND ALLOW MOISTURE TO ENTER FROM OUTSIDE FROM THINGS SUCH AS RAIN OR REGULAR HAND WASHING. *TR

7/17/2013

SEATS

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

THE HEAD RESTRAINT IS EXCRUTIATINGLY UNCOMFORTABLE. THE ANGLE IS DIGGING INTO THE BACK OF MY HEAD, AND THERE IS NO WAY TO ADJUST IT. I NOW GET NECK PAIN JUST SITTING IN MY CAR. *TR I UNDERSTAND THAT NEW REGULATIONS REQUIRE THIS, BUT IT TRADES SLIGHT SAFETY BENEFIT IN THE RELATIVELY UNLIKELY CASE OF AN ACCIDENT WITH ALMOST GUARANTEED NECK/SPINE DAMAGE ON A DAILY BASIS. IT IS HORRIBLE AND CAUSING ME PAIN, AND I WILL NOW HAVE TO TRADE THE CAR IN FOR AN OLDER MODEL VEHICLE THAT DOESN'T HAVE THE FORWARD-JUTTING HEAD RESTRAINTS. PLEASE FIX THIS REGULATION!!! *TR

3/15/2014

STEERING

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

THERE IS A STRANGE PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING ON THESE CARS AND THE SCION FRS EQUIVALENT. THE PROBLEM IS REPORTED ON THE MESSAGE BOARDS BUT HOWEVER THIS WAS ONLY RECALLED IN NEW ZEALAND.GOING OVER AND SMALL BUMP THE ELECTRONIC STEERING RATTLES. IT RATTLES AT FIRST AND GETS WORSE UNTIL IT SHAKES THE WHEEL. DEALERS WANT ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM AND YET IT WAS ALREADY RECALLED IN ANOTHER COUNTY FOR THIS ISSUES.THIS CAN BECOME DANGEROUS AND MANY OWNERS JUST POST O LINE NOT KNOWING WHAT IS GOING ON WITH DEALERS SAYING IT'S NORMAL. LEAVING CUSTOMERS WITH SHAKY WHEELS. THIS IS SOLELY AN ELECTRONIC STEERING MODULE PROBELM THAT HAS BEEN A PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE DOES THIS IN MOTION OR STATIONARY AT THIS POINT BECAUSE IT IS SO BAD. NO OTHER STEERING COMPONENTS ARE DAMAGED OR WORN.

11/23/2018

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2013 Subaru BRZ?

The most reported complaint category for the 2013 Subaru BRZ is ENGINE, with 47 owner reports. That is about 59% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Are complaints about the 2013 Subaru BRZ a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 61 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2013 Subaru BRZ?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2013 Subaru BRZ severe?

61 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Subaru BRZ: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
80
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

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