Sign inCreate free garage
Research · Minicompact Cars

2016 Subaru BRZRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 3 owner complaints for the 2016 Subaru BRZ. Most complaints involve suspension (1) and wheels (1). The EPA rates it 24–28 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Check a VINAdd to my garage
Combined MPG
24–28mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
3
Top: suspension
Fuel cost / yr
$2,750est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2016 Subaru BRZ as of Nov 9, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 9, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

3 complaints filed with NHTSA · Mar 2018 – Apr 2024
  1. Suspension1
  2. Wheels1
  3. Service brakes1
  4. Electrical system1
  5. Other / unknown1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each BRZ model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
201365
20146
20153
20163
20177
20181
20191
20202
202210
20231
20243
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 9, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Suspension

1 report1 crash
“On the day before Easter, while driving down W. Colonial Dr., a car suddenly pulled out in front of me, causing me to slam on the brakes. immediately after, it seemed like the brake booster blew out, as my brakes started making a hissing sound and felt like they were losing pressure. Additionally, I noticed a clunking noise coming from my car. Three or four days later, while driving, my brakes failed and I ended up rear-ending another vehicle. I contacted the dealership from where I purchased the car less than a month ago, but I am still unsure if they will help me fix it. There seems to be a problem with the bearings or the suspension in addition to the brakes, but I am not sure if the dealership will help me fix any of these issues.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 7, 2024Suspension, Wheels, Service brakesCrash reportedODI 11581632

Wheels

1 report1 crash

Service brakes

1 report1 crash
Send a problem to a mechanic on findmechanic.ai
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Minicompact Cars
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (S6) · Manual 6-spd
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 9, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
BRZ
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
243328$2,750321
BRZ
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
212924$3,200363
  • BRZ
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L
    24 city · 33 hwy · $2,750/yr
    28
    mpg comb.
  • BRZ
    Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L
    21 city · 29 hwy · $3,200/yr
    24
    mpg comb.
Estimate your fuel costCost of ownership
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 9, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5
Subaru BRZ 2 DR RWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
5 of 5
Rollover risk
7.1%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 9, 2026Vehicle 10183
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2016 BRZ questions

How many recalls does the 2016 Subaru BRZ have?

0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 9, 2026.

What are the most common 2016 Subaru BRZ problems?

Owners filed 3 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are suspension (1), wheels (1), service brakes (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2016 Subaru BRZ get?

The EPA rates the 2016 Subaru BRZ at 24–28 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

How safe is the 2016 Subaru BRZ?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2016 Subaru BRZ 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 9, 2026