2013 Subaru BRZ Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 47about this part
- Share
- 73%of 64 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 61,174miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 47 complaints about the engine of the 2013 Subaru BRZ, 73% of the 64 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 61,174 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Valve spring recall - had the valve spring recall performed and roughly 10k miles later my car has stalled and when won't stay running when you try to start and if you do get it running there is a loud clunky noise that sounds like a valve tap. I was driving and coming off the off ramp and the car just died on me. I rolled to the shoulder of the road.”
NHTSA complaint #11217301, filed 2019-06, 111,302 miles“Had the valve spring recall done on my vehicle. After my vheicle was fixed car was making ticking noise. Brang the car back to dealership to chick on ticking noise and said that the car was fine, brang vehicle in a few times and always get the same answer on 7/19/18 was driving on the highway and car was making rapid ticking noise engine started losing power and engine died on highway.”
NHTSA complaint #11233523, filed 2019-07, 102,500 miles“After I picked up my car from completing the valve spring recall work at a local Subaru dealer, my car check engine light and the traction light turned on in less than 6 miles driving. I drove my car back to the dealer on the next morning, and the dealer told me there were ECM, cam gears and wiring harness issues and need replacement. Issues are still unresolved and I am waiting for the dealer and Subaru investigation.”
NHTSA complaint #11230582, filed 2019-07, 59,844 miles“My 2013 Subaru BRZ was recalled and repaired for faulty valve springs at maguire Subaru in ithaca, ny in spring 2019 at 45,000 miles. 700 miles later on june 6, 2020, I experienced a catastrophic engine failure while I was driving in motion! Maguire has had my car for 8 weeks now. After a short block replacement, they decided to replace whole engine which is now also experiencing more valve problems. When will this be resolved???? Recall the recall??”
NHTSA complaint #11340873, filed 2020-07, 46,000 miles“I brought my 2013 Subaru BRZ on 01/19/2018 from a private owner. I received a recall letter on 01/23/2019, so I went to the closest dealer in my area which is the camelback Subaru at phoenix, az. I made an appointment with sheldon v pinto, he told me that there are 50 cars are waiting for the recall fix, so they put me in the waiting list and said will contact me in march. I waited for their phone calls for the whole month, they seem to forget my appointment. …”
NHTSA complaint #11197045, filed 2019-04, 27,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11027982Jan 12, 2026This Bulletin provides the diagnostic procedure for the STARLINK® Remote Engine Start (RES).
- 11027083Dec 8, 2025This Service Information Bulletin provides the Service Manual Correction to the diagnostic procedure for DTC B2A16 (Immobilizer Key Collation Diagnosis).
- 11022305Aug 11, 2025Subaru Service Technical Support Newsletter special edition.
- 11017452Apr 22, 2025This Bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be followed when diagnosing engine oil leakage on FA and FB type engines.
- 11016224Mar 24, 2025The purpose of this bulletin is to advise of SOA’s revised Catalytic Converter Recycling Program shipping procedure.
- 11008282Sep 27, 2024This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
- 11008281Sep 26, 2024This Service Information Bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be followed when diagnosing engine oil leakage on FA and FB type engines.
- 11008267Sep 17, 2024This bulletin announces availability of the NEW genuine Subaru engine oil filter.
- 11006934Aug 5, 2024The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.
- 11005608Jul 11, 2024This thermo control valve video contains information on the replacement of thermo control valve.
Engine: other model years
Other parts of the 2013 Subaru BRZ
7 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2013 Subaru BRZ
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology