Is the 2016 Subaru BRZ reliable?

The 2016 Subaru BRZ has 5 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.5x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: excellent. Most common issue: OTHER problems.

What are common problems with the 2016 Subaru BRZ?

Top problems: OTHER (1 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (1 complaints, avg repair $500); BRAKES (1 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2016 Subaru BRZ?

No recalls have been issued for the 2016 Subaru BRZ.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2016 Subaru BRZ?

The 2016 Subaru BRZ gets 26 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $1846. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2016 Subaru BRZ?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2016 Subaru BRZ is approximately $2,187/year (coupe-sports class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2016 Subaru BRZ

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Excellent Reliability

Quick Summary

The 2016 Subaru BRZ has 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.5x the segment average of 10. The most common issue is other problems (20% of all complaints), specifically: "takata recall" front passenger window is tempermental and on many occasions will not close unless inched up carefully in increments. since this is done while driving it is a great distraction and is an accident waiting to happen. wiring was already replaced, but was told by attendant that her car.

3 crash reports

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

0.5x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 5)

OTHER

1 complaints

20%

• "TAKATA RECALL" FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW IS TEMPERMENTAL AND ON MANY OCCASIONS WILL NOT CLOSE UNLESS INCHED UP CAREFULLY IN INCREMENTS. SINCE THIS IS DONE WHILE DRIVING IT IS A GREAT DISTRACTION AND IS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. WIRING WAS ALREADY REPLACED, BUT WAS TOLD BY ATTENDANT THAT HER CAR

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“"TAKATA RECALL" FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW IS TEMPERMENTAL AND ON MANY OCCASIONS WILL NOT CLOSE UNLESS INCHED UP CAREFULLY IN INCREMENTS. SINCE THIS IS DONE WHILE DRIVING IT IS A GREAT DISTRACTION AND IS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. WIRING WAS ALREADY REPLACED, BUT WAS TOLD BY ATTENDANT THAT HER CAR”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2016 Subaru BRZ

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$1,847

Per month

$154

Per mile

15.4¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,286/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,455/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2016 Subaru BRZ

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$2,187

Full coverage / month

$182

Liability only / year

$754

vs US avg

+31%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (coupe-sports)1.42x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$2187

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Subaru BRZ Service Intervals

Oil change

6K mi / 6 mo

Tire rotation

6K mi

Brake fluid

30 months

Transmission fluid

30K mi

Engine coolant

138K mi

Spark plugs

60K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

30K mi

Boxer engines have specific oil consumption patterns — check oil monthly. CVT service every 30K is critical; skipping shortens life dramatically. AWD requires matched tire wear.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Subaru New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

3 yr / 36K mi

These are the terms for a new Subaru. If you're buying a used 2016 BRZ, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Subaru dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

SUSPENSION(~50K mi)

$500

WHEELS(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 5 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
OTHER: "TAKATA RECALL" FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW IS TEMPERMENTAL AND ON MANY OCCASIONS WILL NOT CLOSE UNLESS INCHED UP CAREFULLY IN INCREMENTS. SINCE THIS IS DONE WHILE DRIVING IT IS A GREAT DISTRACTION AND IS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. WIRING WAS ALREADY REPLACED, BUT WAS TOLD BY ATTENDANT THAT HER CAR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: MY BRZ IS EXPERIENCING BATTERY DRAIN ISSUES. I HAVE REPLACED THE BATTERY WITH AN OEM BATTERY FROM SUBARU, BUT MY CAR STILL HAS A DRAIN ON THE BATTERY. I HAD TO PURCHASE A PORTABLE JUMP STARTER KIT TO ENSURE THAT IF THE CAR DIDN'T START THAT I HAD A JUMP AVAILABLE. I HAVE NOT BROUGHT THE CAR IN FOR S
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BRAKES: On the day before Easter, while driving down W. Colonial Dr., a car suddenly pulled out in front of me, causing me to slam on the brakes. immediately after, it seemed like the brake booster blew out, as my brakes started making a hissing sound and felt like they were losing pressure. Additionally, I
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
SUSPENSION: On the day before Easter, while driving down W. Colonial Dr., a car suddenly pulled out in front of me, causing me to slam on the brakes. immediately after, it seemed like the brake booster blew out, as my brakes started making a hissing sound and felt like they were losing pressure. Additionally, I
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)