What's Wrong with the 1st Generation (2013–2020) BRZ?

BRZ owners have made 13 complaints about the 2013–2020 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 1st out of 38 Subaru generations in overall reliability, with some transmission and interior concerns.

Common 2013-2020 Subaru BRZ Problems

Some of the worst issues 1st generation BRZ owners have to deal with.

  1. Subaru STARLINK Problems

    STARLINK is Subaru's latest infotainment system. It heavily relies on a touch screen interface that freezes randomly, stops responding to touch inputs, and sometimes requires the car to be shut off for over an hour before it starts working …

    Continue reading article "Subaru STARLINK Problems" An infotainment screen with StarLink's toucnscreen interface loaded.

  2. Subaru EyeSight Problems

    Subaru's EyeSight technology has been known to fall asleep on the job, particularly in bad weather driving. And while newer versions have improved, the system is generally regarded as bulky and an overly expensive upgrade on higher trim lev…

    Continue reading article "Subaru EyeSight Problems" Image looking through the windshield towards a pair of EyeSight cameras flanking the rearview mirror.

What Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

1st Generation (2013–2020) BRZ Key Numbers

  1. 6 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  2. 13 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  3. 1st in reliability

    Overall reliability rank out of 38 eligible generations.

Recent Lawsuits for 1st Generation BRZ Owners

Recent 1st Generation (2013–2020) BRZ News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.

  2. A lawsuit filed in New Jersey is tired of waiting around for software updates to Subaru’s STARLINK system to solve any of the wide ranging problems owners are experiencing.

    Subaru customers also complain about turning off the engines with the Starlink screens frozen, resulting in drained batteries that strand drivers. In addition, there is a clear and present safety issue if a driver relies on a frozen backup camera screen believing the image is in real time.…

    keep reading article "Subaru Sued After Multiple STARLINK Updates Have Failed to Make System Usable"