WORST Subaru Brz Years To Avoid, as per Real Owner Complaints

You might not know it, but some years of the Subaru BRZ have recurring issues that can lead to costly repairs. For instance, the 2013 model is known for having engine problems and transmission failures.

If you’re thinking about buying a BRZ, it’s important to know which years to avoid to ensure a smooth and reliable ride.

Let’s look at the specific issues with each problematic year and understand why staying away from these models might save you a lot of hassle and money in the long run.

Key Takeaways

• The 2013 Subaru BRZ has major engine and transmission problems, including frequent breakdowns and noisy gear shifts.
• The 2014 Subaru BRZ has issues with a noisy transmission, problems with the infotainment system, and sometimes the power steering stops working.
• The 2015 Subaru BRZ is known for engine oil leaks and has many Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs).
• The 2016 Subaru BRZ has problems with the paint and battery draining quickly.
• The 2018 Subaru BRZ has issues with the fuel delivery system, electrical problems, and transmission troubles.

Overview of Subaru BRZ

The Subaru BRZ is a sporty car made with help from Toyota, known for its sharp handling and driver-friendly design. However, it’s important to know about some common issues that can come up.

Over the years, the Subaru BRZ has had problems like a noisy transmission, glitches in the infotainment system, and issues with the EyeSight technology. Other reported problems include losing power steering and brake light switch failures.

For the 2015 model, engine oil leaks were a concern, and for the 2016 model, there were issues with the paint and the battery draining. Being aware of these problems can help you take better care of your Subaru BRZ and fix any issues quickly.

2013 Subaru BRZ Issues

Certain years of the Subaru BRZ have recurring issues that buyers should know about. For example, the 2013 model has engine problems and a noisy transmission. The 2015 model also has engine issues and is known for oil leaks. The 2018 model, on the other hand, struggles with fuel delivery system problems that affect its performance and reliability. Here’s a quick summary:

These problems show why it’s important to carefully choose the right Subaru BRZ model year.

2014 Subaru BRZ Analysis

When looking at the 2014 Subaru BRZ, you’ll see it’s better than the 2013 model, especially since there haven’t been any recalls. The 2013 BRZ had lots of problems with the transmission and engine because it was the first version. The 2014 model is more reliable.

But, you should still watch out for some common issues:

1. Noisy transmission: This happens less often but can still be a problem.
2. Infotainment system issues: Some people have reported problems with how it works.
3. Power steering loss: This can be dangerous if it happens.

2015 Subaru BRZ Concerns

If you’re thinking about getting a Subaru BRZ, there are a few issues you should know about.

For the 2015 BRZ, there have been some problems with engine oil leaks, and it has 147 Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs).

The 2016 BRZ also had its share of issues, with 137 TSBs, plus complaints about paint quality and battery draining.

Engine Oil Leak Issue

If you’re thinking about getting a 2015 Subaru BRZ, you should know that it has a history of engine oil leaks, which can hurt its reliability and performance. Here’s why oil leaks are a big deal:

1. Worse Performance: If there’s less oil, the engine won’t run as well.
2. Possible Engine Damage: Ignoring leaks can mess up key parts of the engine.
3. Higher Repair Costs: Fixing leaks late can be expensive.

Look out for things like oil puddles under your car or a burning oil smell. Fixing these problems quickly can stop more serious damage.

Regular check-ups and maintenance are key to keeping your BRZ in good shape and avoiding oil leak issues, making sure it stays reliable for a long time.

Numerous Technical Service Bulletins

Looking at the many Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) issued for the Subaru BRZ, there are several problems that potential buyers should know about.

For the 2015 model year, there were 147 TSBs, pointing to a lot of common problems with the Subaru BRZ.

In 2016, 137 TSBs mentioned issues like paint surface problems and battery draining.

The 2013 BRZ had major problems with the transmission and engine, with many complaints.

On the other hand, the 2014 model had fewer issues and no recalls.

Lastly, the 2018 BRZ had problems with its fuel delivery system.

Knowing about these issues can help you make a better decision if you’re thinking about buying a Subaru BRZ.

2016 Subaru BRZ Problems

If you’re looking at Subaru BRZ models, there are a couple of common issues you should know about.

The paint can have problems, and the battery tends to drain quickly.

There have been several technical service bulletins to address these issues.

Being aware of these problems can help you make a better decision.

Paint Surface Issues

The 2016 Subaru BRZ is well-known for having issues with its paint. Many owners have reported problems like chipping, peeling, and flaking, which make the car look bad and lower its resale value. These paint problems can be a big hassle, often needing frequent touch-ups or even a full repaint to keep the car looking good. Weather and road debris can make the paint wear out even faster.

Here are three common complaints from 2016 BRZ owners:

1. Chipping: Small chips in the paint that show the metal underneath.
2. Peeling: Large sections of paint that come off the car’s body.
3. Flaking: Paint that flakes off in small pieces, making the car look bad.

Battery Drain Concerns

Many Subaru BRZ owners worry about their battery draining, which can lead to unexpected dead batteries and disrupt daily life. These issues often come from aftermarket parts that keep using power even when the car is off. Faulty electrical parts or wiring can also cause the battery to drain too much.

To avoid these problems, it’s important to do regular maintenance checks. These checks help find and fix battery drain issues early, keeping your Subaru BRZ reliable. If you ignore these problems, you might’ve trouble starting your car and could damage its electrical system.

Fix battery drain issues quickly to keep your BRZ running well and avoid sudden breakdowns.

Technical Service Bulletins

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for the Subaru BRZ point out six common issues that owners should know about. These bulletins offer important advice for finding and fixing problems.

For instance, the 2015 BRZ had 147 TSBs, indicating many possible issues. In 2016, 137 TSBs addressed various problems, including:

1. Noisy transmission
2. Paint surface issues
3. Battery drain problems

TSBs are very useful for both owners and dealerships because they provide detailed solutions to common problems. By dealing with these issues quickly, you can keep your BRZ running well for a long time.

Staying up-to-date with TSBs helps you be ready to handle any problems that might come up with your car.

2017 Subaru BRZ Considerations

When looking at a Subaru BRZ, it’s good to know which years have had more problems. For example, the 2013 BRZ has had issues with engine stalling and transmission problems.

The 2014 BRZ is a better choice with fewer problems and no recalls.

The 2015 BRZ has had engine oil leaks and 147 Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs).

The 2016 BRZ has had paint issues and battery drain problems, with 137 TSBs.

Across different years, common problems include noisy transmissions, glitches in the infotainment system, power steering failure, and brake light switch issues.

2018 Subaru BRZ Troubles

The Subaru BRZ has had its share of problems over the years, affecting its reliability. If you’re thinking about buying a used BRZ, here are some common issues to watch out for:

1. Transmission Problems: The 2013 model year is known for having transmission and engine issues, making it less reliable.
2. Engine Oil Leaks: The 2015 BRZ often had engine oil leaks and many Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs), showing it had frequent problems.
3. Electrical Issues: The 2016 model had issues with battery drains and problems with the infotainment system, hurting its reliability.

Knowing about these issues can help you make a better decision when considering a used Subaru BRZ.

Common BRZ Problems

Many Subaru BRZ owners have reported several common problems that can affect driving and the car’s overall reliability.

One of the most frequent issues is with the engine, including early wear and high oil consumption.

Another major problem is the loss of power steering, which can make it hard to control the car.

Many drivers also face glitches with the infotainment system, making it difficult to use media and navigation features.

Malfunctions with the EyeSight driver-assist technology are a recurring concern, potentially affecting safety features.

Additionally, a problem with the brake light switch led to a recall of over 72,000 vehicles, which is important to keep in mind if you’re thinking about buying a used BRZ.

Transmission Issues

The 2013 Subaru BRZ is known for having transmission problems, like noisy gear shifts and a higher chance of breaking down. These issues can be expensive to fix and could hurt the car’s performance and your budget.

Noisy Gear Shifting

Subaru BRZ owners often complain about noisy gear shifting because of transmission problems, which can really mess up the driving experience. These problems usually show up as loud or clunky gear changes, making each drive less fun and more worrying.

Fixing these transmission issues is key to keeping your car in good shape.

Here’s why you should care:

1. Annoying Sounds: Bad noises can make driving stressful.
2. Possible Damage: Ignoring noisy gear shifting can cause bigger transmission problems.
3. Less Enjoyment: Ongoing issues can ruin the fun of driving your car.

Regular maintenance and repairs can solve these problems, making sure your Subaru BRZ stays a joy to drive.

Transmission Failure Rates

The transmission failure rates in the 2013 Subaru BRZ were much higher than in other years, making it a big problem to watch out for. Many owners reported sudden transmission failures, causing unexpected car downtime and a lot of frustration.

These transmission issues were more common in the 2013 model compared to later years. Problems ranged from gear synchronization issues to complete transmission breakdowns. Because of this, potential buyers should be careful when thinking about buying this particular year.

The high transmission failure rates in the 2013 model show how important it’s to do thorough research and inspection to avoid expensive and inconvenient mechanical problems.

Repair and Maintenance Costs

Fixing transmission problems in the Subaru BRZ can be quite expensive, costing between $1,800 and $3,400 depending on how bad the issue is and the labor rates at the shop. Transmission problems can include things like gears slipping, rough shifting, and fluid leaks. These issues aren’t only annoying but can also drain your wallet.

You might’ve to deal with unexpected repair bills, time without your car while it’s being fixed, and the hassle of finding a trustworthy mechanic.

Regular maintenance, like changing fluids and doing inspections, is crucial to prevent major transmission problems. Going to a repair shop that specializes in Subarus can ensure you get an accurate diagnosis and more affordable repairs.

Infotainment System Faults

Subaru BRZ drivers often run into problems with the car’s infotainment system, which can really spoil the driving experience. Common issues include a touchscreen that doesn’t work right, Bluetooth that won’t connect, and navigation that fails. Many owners say the system freezes, lags, or stops working altogether, which can be really annoying.

Some people also notice poor sound quality, with static or distortion in the speakers. These problems not only make the car less convenient to use but also take away some of the fun of driving it. Fixing these issues might require upgrades or software updates.

If you’re thinking about getting a Subaru BRZ, keep in mind that these infotainment problems could affect how much you enjoy the car.

EyeSight Technology Problems

If you’re thinking about getting a Subaru BRZ, be aware that its EyeSight technology has some problems.

Owners have reported that the system often malfunctions, giving false collision warnings and suddenly braking.

These issues usually come from sensor calibration problems and limitations in the driver assistance features.

EyeSight Sensor Calibration

Making sure the EyeSight sensors in your BRZ are properly adjusted is crucial for the reliable functioning of its driver-assist features. If the EyeSight sensors aren’t adjusted correctly, it can result in incorrect readings and possible safety hazards. Adjusting the EyeSight sensors might be needed to ensure that features like adaptive cruise control and pre-collision braking work correctly.

Poor adjustment can affect the car’s ability to spot obstacles, keep a safe distance, and prevent crashes. Regular maintenance checks are important.

Think about the potential problems:

1. Higher Chance of Accidents: Bad sensor readings can miss obstacles.
2. Unreliable Cruise Control: The system mightn’t keep a safe distance.
3. Safety Issues: Pre-collision braking mightn’t work in time.

Stay on top of things to keep safe.

System Malfunction Instances

BRZ owners have reported many problems with the EyeSight driver-assist system, which has caused serious safety concerns.

Some of the issues include the EyeSight system not spotting obstacles properly, leading to sudden braking or not intervening when needed. These problems make the EyeSight system unreliable, especially in crucial driving moments.

Certain Subaru BRZ models are more prone to these failures, making owners worry about the safety of their cars. The frequent issues with the EyeSight system highlight the need to carefully check how reliable this system is before buying a Subaru BRZ.

Making sure the EyeSight system works properly is essential for the safety of both drivers and passengers.

Driver Assistance Limitations

EyeSight technology in the Subaru BRZ has some issues that can affect how well it works, including problems with adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. These issues might impact your driving experience.

You could encounter:

1. False Alarms: The system might mistake objects and give you unnecessary warnings.
2. Unexpected Braking: The car might brake suddenly without warning, which can be dangerous.
3. System Errors: The features mightn’t work right due to calibration problems.

These limitations can make you doubt the reliability of the EyeSight system. Fixing these errors usually needs a certified Subaru technician.

Such issues can make you question how dependable these advanced safety features really are, especially if you count on them for safer driving.

Engine and Oil Leaks

When looking at the Subaru BRZ, especially the 2013 and 2018 models, you’ll notice recurring engine and oil leak problems.

For the 2013 model, issues like head gasket cracks and broken valve springs often led to oil leaks and needed significant repairs.

The 2018 model had its own troubles, mainly from a bad fuel system that not only hurt performance but also made leaks more likely.

The 2015 model also had some engine oil leak issues that needed quick fixes.

If you’re thinking about getting a Subaru BRZ from these years, be ready for some maintenance headaches related to engine and oil leaks.

Paint Surface Issues

The 2016 Subaru BRZ had some serious paint problems, with lots of reports about the paint flaking, chipping, and fading, which made the car look bad. Many owners noticed:

1. Paint flaking: Large chunks of paint peeling off, exposing the metal underneath.
2. Chipping: Small chips showing up on the body, especially on the hood and bumper.
3. Fading: The color losing its brightness over time, making the car look older than it is.

These issues not only make the car look less attractive but also lower its resale value. With 137 Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) issued for the 2016 BRZ, it’s important to fix these paint problems quickly to keep your car looking good and protect its exterior.

Battery Drain Concerns

Battery drain problems have been a big issue for the 2016 Subaru BRZ. Many owners have faced unexpected power losses and trouble starting their cars. This model has received many complaints about the battery draining suddenly, causing a lot of hassle.

Among the 137 Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for the 2016 BRZ, battery drain stands out. These issues not only make it hard to start the car but can also cause other electrical problems.

To help prevent these issues, it’s important to regularly check and take care of your battery. If you own or are thinking about buying a 2016 Subaru BRZ, be aware of these battery drain problems and take steps to avoid them.

Brake Light Switch Recalls

One of the biggest problems with the Subaru BRZ is the brake light switch recall, which affects over 72,000 cars from the 2013 and 2014 model years. This issue can make the brake lights stay on all the time or not come on at all when you brake, which is a major safety hazard. If you’re looking to buy a used BRZ, be especially cautious of these model years.

Here are the problems a faulty brake light switch can cause:

1. Higher Accident Risk: If the brake lights don’t work right, other drivers might get confused.
2. Repair Inconvenience: Cars with this problem need to be fixed right away through a recall.
3. Lower Resale Value: Recalls can hurt the car’s market value.

Subaru offered free repairs, but you should check if they’ve been done.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Years to Avoid for Brz?

Stay away from the 2013 Subaru BRZ because it has a lot of problems with the transmission and engine. Although newer models are better, they still often have issues with the infotainment system and power steering. If you want to make upgrades, it’s best to start with the suspension and exhaust system.

What Are the Biggest Issues With the Brz?

Common problems with the BRZ include engine troubles, fuel system issues, and electrical problems. For upkeep, regularly check the engine sensors, make sure the fuel system is working properly, and inspect the electrical parts often.

Is the Subaru BRZ a Reliable Car?

Is the Subaru BRZ a reliable car? Yes, with proper maintenance, it usually is. Performance upgrades can make it more fun to drive, but be aware of possible engine and electrical problems. Overall, it’s a sturdy car that can last up to 150,000 miles.

How Long Do Subaru BRZ Engines Last?

If you take good care of it, you can expect your Subaru BRZ engine to last up to 150,000 miles. Regular oil changes, tune-ups, and following the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule are key to reaching this mileage.

When looking at performance cars, make sure to check out our guides on models like the Subaru Crosstrek, Subaru Forester, Subaru Impreza and Subaru Legacy. Knowing which model years to target and which to avoid is crucial. Our expert reviews break down these models, providing insights into the years that are celebrated for their engineering excellence and driving satisfaction, as well as those that are best to avoid due to potential issues.

Conclusion

If you’re thinking about getting a Subaru BRZ, it’s best to skip the 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2018 models. These years have known issues like engine problems, transmission breakdowns, and electrical glitches.

Avoiding these models can save you from a lot of headaches and expensive repairs. Make sure to do your research before buying to ensure you get a reliable car. Your future self will be grateful.