Own a Subaru BRZ in the Phoenix area? EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains the Subaru BRZ for model years 2013 to 2020, 2022 to 2027. Our shop at 9050 N 9th St handles everything from routine service to diagnostics and major repairs.
To help BRZ owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 101 owner complaints on file for the BRZ and 5 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are engine (65), fuel/propulsion system (7), power train (5).
Most-Reported Subaru BRZ Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the BRZ (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 65 | 64% | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 7 | 6% | |
| Power Train | 5 | 4% | |
| Exterior Lighting | 5 | 4% | |
| Electrical System | 5 | 4% | |
| Service Brakes | 4 | 3% | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 4 | 3% | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 3 | 2% |
Engine
65 of the 101 complaints (64%) mention the engine and cooling system. Engine and cooling complaints are best caught early in Phoenix, where heat pushes cooling systems and engine oil to their limits. We diagnose warning lights and check coolant, hoses and oil condition. See our check engine light diagnostics and oil change & maintenance pages.
Fuel/Propulsion System
7 of the 101 complaints (6%) mention the fuel system. Fuel system problems can cause stalling, hard starts and poor mileage. We test fuel delivery and related sensors to find the real cause. See our no-start diagnostics and check engine light diagnostics pages.
Power Train
5 of the 101 complaints (4%) mention the powertrain. Powertrain complaints can range from rough shifting to loss of drive. We road test, scan for stored codes and inspect fluids before recommending any repair. See our auto repair page.
Subaru BRZ Complaints by Model Year
The BRZ model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2013, 2022, 2017. Older model years have had more time to collect reports, so use this table as a guide for what to inspect, not as a verdict on any one vehicle.
| Model year | Complaints on file | |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 64 | |
| 2014 | 6 | |
| 2015 | 3 | |
| 2016 | 3 | |
| 2017 | 7 | |
| 2018 | 1 | |
| 2019 | 1 | |
| 2020 | 2 | |
| 2022 | 10 | |
| 2023 | 1 | |
| 2024 | 3 |
Subaru BRZ Check Engine Codes
NHTSA owner complaints rarely cite specific trouble codes for the BRZ, so we do not have a model-specific ranking to show. These are the check engine codes we see most often on vehicles in Phoenix heat, and any of them can show up on a Subaru.
| Code | What it means |
|---|---|
| P0420 | Catalyst efficiency below threshold (bank 1) Often a worn catalytic converter, but failing oxygen sensors or exhaust leaks can set it too. Can cause an emissions test failure. |
| P0300 | Random or multiple cylinder misfire Worn spark plugs, failing ignition coils, fuel or vacuum problems. Do not ignore a flashing check engine light. |
| P0171 | System too lean (bank 1) Often a vacuum leak, dirty MAF sensor, weak fuel delivery or a failing oxygen sensor. |
| P0455 | EVAP system large leak Missing or loose gas cap, or a disconnected or cracked vapor hose. |
| P0128 | Coolant temperature below thermostat regulating temperature Usually a thermostat stuck open. Fix it to restore efficiency and cabin heat. |
| P0442 | EVAP system small leak Loose or worn gas cap, cracked hose or purge or vent valve. |
| P0301 | Cylinder 1 misfire Commonly a bad spark plug or ignition coil on that cylinder. |
| P0401 | EGR flow insufficient Clogged EGR passages or a stuck EGR valve. |
Got a check engine light on your BRZ? A code is a clue, not a diagnosis, so we scan it and test the system before replacing anything. See our check engine light diagnostics.
Subaru BRZ Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the BRZ in these model years, most often involving engine and engine cooling, equipment, fuel system, gasoline. Recalls are repaired by the manufacturer at no charge to you, but each applies only to certain vehicles. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2023 recall, Exterior Lighting (campaign 23V609000): Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2022 BRZ and Toyota GR86 vehicles. The rear turn signals may intermittently become inoperative.
- 2021 recall, Fuel System, Gasoline (campaign 21V587000): Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
- 2018 recall, Engine And Engine Cooling (campaign 18V772000): 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.
- 2018 recall, Visibility (campaign 18V935000): Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018 Legacy, Outback, and BRZ vehicles. In the affected vehicles, a software issue may cause the audio display system to not initialize, resulting in the camera display remaining blank.
- 2012 recall, Equipment (campaign 12V254000): SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2013 BRZ VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 25, 2011, THROUGH MAY 25, 2012.
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the BRZ, 2 involved a crash, 3 involved a fire. These numbers are drawn from self-reported complaints and are not verified findings. If your vehicle has an open recall, get it repaired promptly.
Keeping a Subaru BRZ Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a Subaru will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a BRZ that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for BRZ owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used Subaru BRZ, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Subaru BRZ Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Subaru BRZ repair service, or choose a service below.
Subaru BRZ FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Subaru BRZ?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Subaru BRZ are engine (65), fuel/propulsion system (7), power train (5). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which BRZ model years have the most complaints?
The BRZ model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2013, 2022, 2017. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What check engine codes are common on the Subaru BRZ?
NHTSA complaints rarely cite specific codes for the Subaru BRZ. On Phoenix vehicles in general, we see P0420, P0300 misfires, P0171 lean conditions and EVAP leaks such as P0455 and P0442 most often. Bring yours in and we will scan and test it.
Does the Subaru BRZ have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the Subaru BRZ across model years 2013 to 2020, 2022 to 2027. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the Subaru BRZ in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Subaru vehicles including the BRZ, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used Subaru BRZ?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my Subaru BRZ in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More Subaru Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.