2013 Subaru BRZ recalls and problems

The 2013 Subaru BRZ has 2 safety recalls and 65 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Subaru dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
65
Crashes / fires
0 / 1
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2013 Subaru BRZ vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2013 Subaru BRZ recalls

Recall 18V-772: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Nov 1, 2018 · 165,534 vehicles affected · Subaru of America, Inc.

Problem: 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.

Recall 12V-254: Equipment

Reported Jun 5, 2012 · 1,886 vehicles affected · SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

Problem: Subaru is recalling certain model year 2013 brz vehicles manufactured from november 25, 2011, through may 25, 2012. The ownerâ’s manual contains an inaccurate description of the actual operation of the front passenger occupant classification system. Other portions of the ownerâ’s manual, describing the air bag system, require clarification. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with federal motor vehicle safety standard (Fmvss) no. 208, â“occupant crash protection.â”

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 ownerâ’s manuals, free of charge. The safety recall began on june 19, 2012. Owners may contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783.

2013 Subaru BRZ problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine47
Unknown or Other7
Fuel/Propulsion System4
Electrical System3
Visibility/Wiper3
Engine and Engine Cooling2
Fuel System, Gasoline2
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility2
Structure2
Service Brakes2
Exterior Lighting2
Power Train2

Most reported parts

  • Equipment › Electrical › Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc. — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 52,400 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2013 Subaru BRZ complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Oct 30, 2026
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…
Unknown or Other · reported Jul 22, 2026
Hello, My name is [XXX] and I have a Subaru BRZ 2013 which harbors a valve spring recall (NHTSA Campaign ID 18V-772, Subaru Recall WTY-84). In seeking help to repair this, I had a customer experience that can be viewed as neglectful, deceitful and malicious in nature. Dealership Recall Refusals I called into two different dealerships to get this recall taken care of under the policies and procedures set forth by the NHTSA and at Subaru’s direction (notice). One dealership, Lancaster County Motors Subaru of Lancaster, immediately declined the recall and Subaru Advocacy suggested I take it…
Engine and Engine Cooling · at 58,498 miles · reported Apr 23, 2024
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.
Service Brakes · reported Jan 19, 2024
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…
Engine · reported Aug 9, 2022
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…

Other Subaru BRZ years

Compare all Subaru BRZ years · All Subaru models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2013 Subaru BRZ have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2013 Subaru BRZ: 18V-772 (engine and engine cooling), 12V-254 (equipment). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2013 Subaru BRZ?

Owners report engine problems most often (47 reports), followed by unknown or other (7). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 52,400 miles.

Are Subaru recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Subaru dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.