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2013 Subaru BRZ (6MT)

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2013 BRZ.

Body PASSENGER CARTransmission Automatic (S6)

Defined by its passenger car layout, the 2013 Subaru BRZ pairs an S6 automatic transmission with an engine requiring 5.7 quarts of 0W-20 API oil to deliver an EPA-estimated 28 combined mpg (24 city/33 highway). Yet, while its mechanical specifications suggest straightforward daily efficiency, this model year anchors the top of the BRZ's reliability concerns across the 2013–2024 span, logging 63 owner complaints predominantly focused on the engine alongside two separate recalls. Standing in stark contrast to the single-complaint low of 2018, the 2013 model's status as the most complained-about year in the lineup's history signals to researchers that these early production units demand the highest degree of mechanical scrutiny.

Model year2025 2024 2023 2022 2020 2019 2018 2017 2013

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity5.7 qtOEM · verified

Engine oil type0W-20 APIOEM · verified

Lug nut torque89 ft-lbsOEM · verified

EPA fuel economy24/33/28 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 35 · 550 CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 35 · 550 CCAOEM · verified

Tail / brake / turnTRLYOEM · verified

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

Transmission

Automatic (S6)

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length	166.9 in
Overall width	70.5 in
Overall height	50.4 in
Wheelbase	101.2 in
Curb weight	2778 lb
Track (front / rear)	59.8 / 60.2 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)	55/45

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined	24 / 33 / 28 mpg
Drivetrain	Rear-Wheel Drive
Recommended fuel	Premium Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the BRZ of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

6.3–7.7 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 6.30 sec — 2013 Limited

Year	Trim / engine	0–60	¼ mile	HP	Drivetrain
2013	Limited 2.0L F-4	6.30 sec	14.90 sec	200 hp	RWD
2013	Limited 2.0L F-4	6.40 sec	14.90 sec	200 hp	RWD
2013	Limited 2.0L F-4	6.40 sec	14.90 sec	200 hp	RWD
2013	Limited 2.0L F-4	6.40 sec	15.00 sec	200 hp	RWD
2013	Premium 2.0L F-4	6.40 sec	15.00 sec	200 hp	RWD
2013	Limited 2.0L F-4	7.50 sec	15.80 sec	200 hp	RWD
2013	Limited 2.0L F-4	7.70 sec	15.90 sec	200 hp	RWD
2013	Limited 2.0L F-4	7.70 sec	15.90 sec	200 hp	RWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 5.7 qt of 0W-20 API engine oil, 75W-85 · 75W-90 · GL-5 in the differential, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 89 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 33.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-3-2-4. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission Fluid	ATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity	7.9
Brake Fluid	DOT 3
Differential Gear Oil	75W-85 · 75W-90 · GL-5
Differential Gear Oil Capacity	2.43 qt
Engine Oil	0W-20 · API
Engine Oil Capacity	5.7 qt
Manual Transmission Fluid	75W-90 · GL-3

Engine torques

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs	13 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts	15 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts	18.4 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts	22 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug	33.0 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts	89 ft-lbs
Rear Wheel Hub	140 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order	1-3-2-4
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)	MT: 650, AT: 700 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)	100 rpm

Battery & A/C

Refrigerant	R134a
Refrigerant Capacity	1.00-1.10 lbs
Oil Type	Dens Oil 8
Oil Capacity	2.4 oz
Standard BCI Group Number	35
Standard BCI Cranking Performance	550 cca

Service checks

Engine Compression

167-254 psi. 29 variance psi.

Brakes

Brake Application	WITH SOLID ROTOR / WITH VENTED ROTOR
Torque Caliper to Bracket	48.7 ft-lbs / 59 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad Thickness	Front: 0.059; Rear: 0.059 in
Brake Application	WITH SOLID ROTOR / WITH VENTED ROTOR
Rotor Runout Limit	0.002 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness From	0.394 in / 0.709 in / 0.945 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness To	0.394 in / 0.709 in / 0.945 in
Rotor Discard at or Under	0.335 in / 0.63 in / 0.866 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

7.4 ft. lbs., Step 2: 16

7.4 ft. lbs

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 8 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Coat bolt head washers and threads with clean engine oil

1	15.0 ft. lbs.	15 ft. lbs
2	74.0 ft. lbs.	74 ft. lbs
3	Loosen bolts 360 degrees in reverse order	360 degrees
4	15.0 ft. lbs.	15 ft. lbs
5	31.0 ft. lbs.	31 ft. lbs
6	100 degrees	100 degrees
7	Bolts 1and2	100 degrees
8	Bolts 3,4,5,6	50 degrees

Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

22 ft. lbs., Step 2: 30-35

22 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 1,200 mi; spark plugs every 60,000 mi.

Every 1,200 mi	Engine Oil (inspect fluid level)
Every 6,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Body Latches, Locks & Hinges (lubricate) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Differential (inspect fluid level) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Exterior Lighting (inspect)
Every 12,000 mi	Brake System (inspect) · Engine Air Filter Element (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (inspect fluid level) · Engine Coolant System Hoses (inspect)
Every 15,000 mi	Brake Line (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Clutch Assembly (inspect) · Power Steering System (inspect)
At 30,000 mi	Transmission Assembly (inspect fluid level)
Every 30,000 mi	Fuel Line (inspect) · Transmission Assembly (inspect fluid level)
Every 36,000 mi	Battery (inspect) · Brake Hydraulic System (drain, refill & bleed) · Fuel Evaporative Emission Control System Lines (inspect) · Fuel Injector (inspect) · PCV Valve (inspect) · Parking Brake System (inspect)
Every 60,000 mi	Drive Axle Assembly (drain & refill) · Spark Plugs (replace) · Transmission Assembly (inspect fluid level) · Wheel Bearing (inspect)
Every 75,000 mi	Fuel Filter (replace)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2013 Subaru BRZ stands out as the most problematic year in the provided record, with 63 complaints and 2 recalls—far exceeding any subsequent year. For context, complaint counts drop to just 6 in 2014 and remain in the single digits through 2020, while recalls are absent from 2014 to 2017 before reappearing sporadically. The 2013 model also leads in technical service bulletins (367), suggesting it required frequent dealer attention. The trend across the generation shows a clear "first-year teething" arc: the launch year carries the highest risk, with engine issues dominating the complaint data (39 of 63 complaints), while later years demonstrate improved reliability. Given this pattern, the 2013 model is not a good year to buy; a 2014 or later example from the same generation would offer a much lower likelihood of problems.

Open recalls

NHTSA campaigns

367

Service bulletins

Manufacturer communications

ODI investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Owner complaints

0 involved a crash · 1 a fire

Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

’13’14 ’15 ’16 ’17 ’18 ’19 ’20 ’22 ’24

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 63 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Engine39

Unknown Or Other,Engine3

Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System3

Unknown Or Other2

Electrical System2

Engine & Engine Cooling1

Service Brakes1

Power Train,Engine1

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 2 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

18V772000Engine And Engine Cooling:EngineReported 01/11/2018

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Subaru Impreza, 2012-2013 Impreza Stationwagon, 2013 Subaru BRZ, XV Crosstrek and Toyota Scion FR-S vehicles. The engine valve springs in these vehicles… Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. Toyota will notify the FR-S owners. Dealers will replace the valve springs, free of charge. The recall began December 26, 2018. Subaru owners may…

12V254000Equipment:Other:Owners/Service/Other ManualReported 05/06/2012

SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2013 BRZ VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 25, 2011, THROUGH MAY 25, 2012. THE OWNERS MANUAL CONTAINS AN INACCURATE DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTUAL OPERATION OF THE FRONT PASSENGER… Remedy: SUBARU WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND WILL MAIL CORRECTED OWNERS MANUALS, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 19, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 367 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

Bulletin	Date	Component	Summary
SubaruNet Annoucement (E	2026-06-11	Unknown Or Other	This announcement is requesting retailer staff to retain the EyeSight protective hood…
01-167-08R	2026-05-18	Unknown Or Other	This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the…
SubaruNet Announcement (R	2026-05-04	Power Train	This announcement provides information on the remanufactured CVT transmission program.
15-337-26	2026-04-30	Electrical System	This bulletin announces the design change made to the front speaker assembly which have…
07-240-26R	2026-04-30	Unknown Or Other	This Service Information Bulletin was developed to provide interim guidance for vehicles…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420

Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1

P0300

Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected

P0171

System too lean — Bank 1

P0455

Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak

P0128

Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature

P0442

Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN

Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific BRZ. OEM

Build data

Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.

Recalls

Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Group 35 battery Vehicles taking 5.7 qt

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBs OBD-II trouble codes Torque specifications Maintenance schedules Fluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2013 BRZ take?

5.7 qt of 0W-20 API SN, per the factory manual.

Does the 2013 BRZ have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the BRZ get?

EPA figures are 24 city / 33 highway / 28 combined mpg.