Buyer Research

2013 Subaru BRZ — Should You Buy One?

Typical asking price: $14,000–$22,000. This is one of the more reliable vehicles in its class — here's what to watch for anyway.

Kestrel Take

The first-generation BRZ (twin to the Scion FR-S) — the affordable, light, rear-drive coupe that revived cheap driving fun. Reliable and simple, with a known torque dip and a few age-related items. The risks are the same as any cheap enthusiast car: track abuse and modification. Buy the clean one.

What we checked

Partly reconciled against public records, 2026-09-11

NHTSA holds 64 owner complaints for the 2013 Subaru BRZ, across 2 recall campaigns.

A big number here usually means a lot of these were sold, not that it is a bad vehicle — popular models collect more complaints for the same rate of trouble. So the total on its own says little. What is worth reading is the shape of it. 77% of them are about one thing — the engine. That much concentration is a genuine pattern rather than background noise, and it is the first thing to check on any example you look at.

2 recall campaigns cover this model year. Recalls are repaired free, for any owner, with no time limit on most safety campaigns — but only if someone books it in. Ask the seller to show it was done, or have any dealer check the VIN; it takes them a couple of minutes and costs nothing.

Not written up yet: the fuel system (5 complaints). That group is in the public record and is not covered by the issues below. Treat it as something to ask about, not as absent.

Looked at and set aside: glass, wipers and mirrors (4) — 4 complaints about glass, wipers or mirrors; usually annoying rather than expensive.

Counts come from the NHTSA complaint and recall database — free, public, and worth checking yourself.

Known Issues for the 2013 Subaru BRZ

Ranked by wallet impact. These are documented, recurring problems — not freak accidents.

Track and autocross abuseMedium

A hugely popular track/autocross toy; verify track history and inspect brakes, tires, clutch, and for oil-starvation history.

Repair cost: Not yet priced

Source: NHTSA complaints filed under the brakes (2), the transmission and drivetrain (2).

Valve spring recall (early builds)Medium

Some 2013 cars had a valve-spring recall that could cause engine failure. Verify the recall is closed on the VIN.

Repair cost: $0 recall

Source: NHTSA complaints filed under the engine (49); 2 NHTSA recall campaigns on this model year.

Clutch wearMedium

Enthusiast driving wears the clutch; verify engagement.

Repair cost (estimate): $800-$1,800

Source: NHTSA complaints filed under the transmission and drivetrain (2).

Modification historyLow

A very popular platform to modify; verify quality.

Repair cost: Not yet priced

Source: not yet checked against public records.

Walk-Away Red Flags

✗Open valve-spring recall
✗Heavy track history with worn parts
✗A questionable modified build
✗Salvage title

Good Signs

✓Valve-spring recall closed
✓Street-driven or light documented track use
✓Healthy clutch
✓Adult-owned with records

Found a specific Subaru BRZ?

This page covers what goes wrong on the 2013 Subaru BRZ in general. The Kestrel report covers this specific car— the asking price vs. market, the photos, the seller's description, and a BUY / NEGOTIATE / WALK AWAY verdict with a negotiation script.

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Not ready to pay for one? The free read is instant and needs no card — it checks the asking price against the market and names the top issues for this year. It stops short of the verdict, because that needs the photos.

Known issues on this page are based on documented owner reports, NHTSA complaints, class-action records, and manufacturer technical service bulletins. Individual vehicles vary. A pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is always worth doing.

Other Subaru BRZ years

2015 Subaru BRZ

$15,000–$21,000