DecodedCars2013 Subaru BRZ
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2013 models.
- Class
- Minicompact Cars
- Body styles
- 2dr Coupe /Sport-Tech
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl
- Transmission
- 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 28 combined · 24 city / 33 hwy
- Length
- 166.9 in
- Curb weight
- 2,778 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 28 MPG combined — 17% better than the average 2013 minicompact car (23.9 MPG).
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 5 similar 2013 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2013 Subaru BRZ is a minicompact car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 167 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 101-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,778 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 28 MPG combined (24 city / 33 highway), 17% better than the 2013 minicompact car average of 23.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,950 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 53 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Ota, Gunma
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 4 2013 BRZ configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2dr Coupe /Sport-Tech | 166.9 in | 70.5 in | 50.4 in | 101.2 in | 59.8 / 60.2 in | 2,778 lb | 55/45 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BRZ | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 24 / 33 / 28 | +17% | $2,950 | 321 |
| BRZ | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 / 29 / 24 | 0% | $3,400 | 363 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2013 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2013 Subaru BRZ.
Similar 2013 minicompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 Subaru BRZ (this car) | 28 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2013 Mazda MX-5 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2013 Nissan 370z | 22 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2013 Honda CR-Z | 36 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2013 Fiat 500e | 87 mi | Not rated | 4 |
| 2013 Scion FR-S | 28 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
Recalls (2)
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine · Nov 1, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V772000 · 165,534 vehicles
- 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.
Equipment › Other › Owners/Service/Other Manual · Jun 5, 2012
NHTSA campaign 12V254000 · 1,886 vehicles
- Problem
- SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2013 BRZ VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 25, 2011, THROUGH MAY 25, 2012. THE OWNERÂS MANUAL CONTAINS AN INACCURATE DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTUAL OPERATION OF THE FRONT PASSENGER OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM. OTHER PORTIONS OF THE OWNERÂS MANUAL, DESCRIBING THE AIR BAG SYSTEM, REQUIRE CLARIFICATION. AS SUCH, THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD (FMVSS) NO. 208, ÂOCCUPANT 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 OWNERÂS MANUALS, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 19, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.
Not every 2013 Subaru BRZ is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2013 Subaru BRZ buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 45 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Service Brakes — 2 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Exterior Lighting — 2 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 61,174 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2013 Subaru BRZ. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other BRZ years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 BRZ | 25 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 BRZ | 25 | 167.7 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 BRZ | 25 | 167.7 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 BRZ | 25 | 167.7 in | Not rated | 0 | 3 |
| 2023 BRZ | 25 | 167.7 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2022 BRZ | 25 | 167.7 in | Not rated | 1 | 10 |
| 2020 BRZ | 27 | 166.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 2 |
| 2019 BRZ | 27 | 166.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 1 |
| 2018 BRZ | 27 | 166.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 1 |
| 2017 BRZ | 27 | 166.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 7 |
| 2016 BRZ | 28 | 166.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 3 |
| 2015 BRZ | 28 | 166.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 3 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Subaru. How we calculate this →