NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 65 owner complaints for the 2013 Subaru BRZ. Most complaints involve engine (47) and fuel/propulsion system (4). The EPA rates it 24–28 mpg combined.
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.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“We took the car into the dealership due to an engine light being on and the recall was something they informed us about and we decided to take care of it all at the same time. We have never recieved safety recall information from Subaru. My Son owned the car prior to us and purchased from Subaru dealership. After several weeks of the car being at the dealership and a very large bill we picked up the car and drove 14 miles and the engine light went on again. We returned the car to dealership and they had it another week at least and we picked it up again with no further engine light coming back on. The engine light never turned back on even when the car stalled out and heard a banging sound. We had car towed to Subaru dealership. The car has been there for several weeks and now they are telling us we need to pay 8000.00 to fix. The car seemed to have lost power after we had recall and feel that the our safety was at risk and my Sons safety as well due to not receiving safety recall notification and service of the recall not resolving the issue with the motor in fact making it worse. Subaru of America has let us know they have no responsibility and will not…”
“When refueling, the gas pump nozzle shuts off almost immediately as if the tank is full, even when the tank is near empty. The only way to add fuel is to hold the nozzle at a specific angle and repeatedly squeeze the trigger at a very slow trickle. The problem has gotten progressively worse over time. This is a widely reported issue on early-production 2013 BRZ / Scion FR-S vehicles. Owners report that the rubber fuel filler hose between the metal filler pipe and the fuel tank collapses internally, restricting fuel flow so fuel backs up and trips the nozzle shutoff. The manufacturer later revised this hose with a new part number (reported as SU003-01093), but no recall has been issued for affected vehicles. Safety risk: Because the automatic nozzle shutoff no longer works normally, there is no reliable way to tell when the tank is actually full. The driver has to manually override normal fueling, which creates a risk of fuel overflowing and spilling at the pump, onto the vehicle and onto the person fueling. In New Jersey, where attendants must pump gas, attendants cannot fuel the vehicle normally, which puts them at the same risk. No warning lights or messages…”
“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.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BRZ Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 24 | 33 | 28 | $2,750 | 321 |
| BRZ Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 | 29 | 24 | $3,200 | 363 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
2 safety recalls as of Nov 9, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 65 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (47), fuel/propulsion system (4), visibility/wiper (3). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2013 Subaru BRZ at 24–28 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).