Subaru BRZ: performance, engines and what owners say

How fast is the ZC6 BRZ?

Coupe, 2013–2020. 0–60 times are magazine tests where we have one, otherwise the maker's figure.

The engine: Subaru FA20

2.0-liter flat-4, naturally aspirated

Redline7,400 rpm

Output200–205 hp, 151–156 lb-ft

Fuel systemDirect plus port injection

Bore x stroke86 x 86 mm, square; aluminum block

Engine's YouTube owner tone 46/100 · #1 of 2 BRZ engines (videos about the Subaru FA20 in every car that uses it, so it differs from this car's own tone below)

Subaru FA20 engine page →

Why the engine page shows fewer: it counts only the 302 owner complaints and 12 recalls for 2013–2020 that name this engine or a version that only had it. This page counts all 87 complaints and 3 recall campaigns NHTSA files under "Brz" for those years, other engines included.

Known issues

• Valve spring recall (2013)Recall

  On 2013 BRZs, valve springs could break, making the engine run badly or stall. Some owners told The Drive their engines failed soon after the recall work.

  Fix: Dealer replaces the valve springs for free (NHTSA 18V-772).

  32 owner complaints to NHTSA mention it (2013–2020)
• Fuel pump recall (2018–2019)Recall

  On some 2018–2019 BRZs, the low-pressure fuel pump can fail, which can stall the engine while driving.

  Fix: Dealer replaces the fuel pump for free (NHTSA 21V-587).

  27 owner complaints to NHTSA mention it (2013–2020)
• Coil packs overheat (early cars)Parts seller

  A parts seller says coil packs on early BRZs tend to overheat, causing misfires and faster spark plug wear.

  Fix: Replace with the newest coil pack revision.

  1 owner complaint to NHTSA mentions it (2013–2020)
• RTV sealant and oil starvation (disputed)Lawsuit claim, disputed

  A 2024 class action claims excess factory RTV sealant can flake into the oil and starve 2013–2023 BRZ engines. It is an unproven claim; no bulletin or recall has been issued.

  6 owner complaints to NHTSA mention it (2013–2020)

What owners say on YouTube

Share of the 191 most-watched ZC6 BRZ videos that praise or criticize each topic (a praise or trouble word near it in the title or transcript).

Most-watched videos

All the Differences Between the BRZ and FR-SMatt Maran Motoring · 2.0M viewsThe Subaru BRZ tS Isn't Quite the BRZ We WantDoug DeMuro · 1.7M views

Should you buy a ZC6 BRZ?

• New, the BRZ cost $25,495 (2013 Premium manual, plus $750 destination).
• YouTube likes the 2018 best (54/100).
• Most owner complaints: the 2013 (64). Fewest: the 2018 (1). Raw counts, not per car sold.
• Budget for valve spring recall (2013): 32 owner complaints mention it. Dealer replaces the valve springs for free (NHTSA 18V-772).
• Budget for fuel pump recall (2018–2019): 27 owner complaints mention it. Dealer replaces the fuel pump for free (NHTSA 21V-587).
• 3 recall campaigns across 2013–2020. Check a VIN before you buy.
• Repair costs: we don't have owner-reported repair costs for the BRZ yet.