2016 Subaru Brz Safety Report

2016 SUBARU BRZ Safety Report

3Complaints
0Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
5/100Reliability Score
1Crash Reports
Most reported components: Suspension,Wheels,Service Brakes (1)Electrical System (1)Unknown Or Other (1)

Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2016 Subaru Brz

This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2016 Subaru Brz. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.

2016 Subaru Brz Safety Signal Summary
SignalValueWhat to inspect next
Recall burdenLow (0)Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below.
Owner complaintsLow (3)Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates.
Crash and fire reports1Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item.
Primary component hubSuspension,Wheels,Service BrakesCompare suspension,wheels,service brakes issues across vehicles.
Cleaner nearby model year2018Compare against the 2018 Subaru Brz with 1 complaints and 2 recalls.
Riskier nearby model year2022Check the 2022 Subaru Brz before buying across this generation.

Subaru Brz Year-by-Year Comparison

The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Subaru Brz years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.

Nearby Subaru Brz Model Years
Model YearComplaintsRecallsUse case
2017 Subaru Brz 7 0 Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year.
2015 Subaru Brz 3 0 Use as a comparable safety baseline.
2018 Subaru Brz 1 2 Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative.
2019 Subaru Brz 1 1 Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative.
2020 Subaru Brz 2 0 Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative.
2022 Subaru Brz 10 1 Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year.

2016 Subaru Brz Complaint Theme Map

Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2016 Subaru Brz, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.

Suspension,Wheels,Service Brakes

1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.

All Suspension,Wheels,Service Brakes issues Subaru only

Electrical System

1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.

All Electrical System issues Subaru only

Unknown Or Other

1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.

All Unknown Or Other issues Subaru only

AI Safety Analysis for the 2016 Subaru Brz

The 2016 SUBARU BRZ has accumulated 3 complaints and 0 recalls in the NHTSA database. It received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Among the complaints, 1 involved crashes and 0 involved fires. The most frequently reported problem areas are suspension,wheels,service brakes (1 complaints), electrical system (1 complaints), unknown or other (1 complaints). The vehicle experienced a sudden brake application due to another car pulling out in front, indicating potential issues with the service brakes or suspension. Additionally, there have been reports of battery drain issues, even after replacing the battery with an OEM battery. The front passenger window has been problematic, often not closing properly unless manually adjusted in small increments. This could be related to the 'Takata recall' and poses a safety concern. Key known issues to be aware of include Service Brakes, Battery Drain, Front Passenger Window. Be cautious of potential brake and suspension issues, and monitor the battery closely. Consider a thorough inspection if you experience any of these problems.

Reliability Score

The 2016 Subaru Brz receives a reliability score of 5 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates below-average reliability. Significant issues have been reported by owners and should be carefully evaluated before purchase.

NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2016 Subaru Brz

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.

Overall
★★★★★
5/5
Frontal Crash
★★★★☆
4/5
Side Crash
★★★★★
5/5
Rollover
★★★★★
5/5

Known Issues for the 2016 Subaru Brz

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2016 Subaru Brz:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Service Brakes
Reports indicate potential issues with the service brakes, which could affect the vehicle's stopping ability.
Medium Occasional 30k-60k miles
Battery Drain
Multiple owners have reported significant battery drain issues, even after replacing the battery with an OEM battery.
High Common 30k-60k miles
Front Passenger Window
The front passenger window has been problematic, often not closing properly unless manually adjusted in small increments.
Medium Occasional 30k-60k miles
Suspension
There have been reports of suspension issues, which could affect the vehicle's handling and stability.
Medium Occasional 30k-60k miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2016 Subaru Brz:

Service Brakes 23% of complaints

Issues with the service brakes are reported in 23% of cases.

Battery Drain 23% of complaints

Battery drain issues are reported in 23% of cases.

Front Passenger Window 23% of complaints

Problems with the front passenger window are reported in 23% of cases.

Suspension 23% of complaints

Suspension issues are reported in 23% of cases.

NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2016 Subaru Brz

Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2016 Subaru Brz with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 1 complaint involved crashes.

Crash Reports: 1
Suspension,Wheels,Service Brakes
Crash 04/07/2024

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 noticed a clunking noise coming from my car. Three or four days later, while driving, my brakes fai...

ODI #11581632
Electrical System
05/15/2021

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 SERVICE AS OF NOW. THIS SITUATION HAS HAPPENED A FEW TIMES OVER THE LAST TWO YEARS. I THOUGHT I MAY H...

ODI #11416718
Unknown Or Other
03/28/2018

"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 WINDOW DOES THE SAME THING AND IS CAUSED BY THE EXPANSION OF THE PLASTIC PIECE ON THE TOP OF THE WI...

ODI #11081763

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Subaru Brz

Has the 2016 SUBARU BRZ been recalled?

No, the 2016 SUBARU BRZ has no recalls on record with NHTSA as of our latest data update.

How many complaints does the 2016 SUBARU BRZ have?

The 2016 SUBARU BRZ has 3 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 1 involved crashes. No injuries or deaths have been reported.

What is the safety rating for the 2016 SUBARU BRZ?

The 2016 SUBARU BRZ received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 4/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 5/5.

What are the most common problems with the 2016 SUBARU BRZ?

The most commonly reported problems with the 2016 SUBARU BRZ involve suspension,wheels,service brakes (1 complaints), electrical system (1 complaints), unknown or other (1 complaints).

How many crash reports does the 2016 SUBARU BRZ have?

There are 1 crash reports associated with the 2016 SUBARU BRZ out of 3 total complaints (33.3% of complaints involved crashes).

How many fire reports does the 2016 SUBARU BRZ have?

There are no fire reports for the 2016 SUBARU BRZ in the NHTSA database.

Are there any deaths reported for the 2016 SUBARU BRZ?

No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 SUBARU BRZ.

How many injuries are reported for the 2016 SUBARU BRZ?

No injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 SUBARU BRZ.

Should I buy a 2016 SUBARU BRZ?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 SUBARU BRZ is generally recommended. It has 3 complaints, 0 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.

What components fail most on the 2016 SUBARU BRZ?

The components with the most failures on the 2016 SUBARU BRZ are: 1. SUSPENSION,WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES (1 complaints), 2. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1 complaints), 3. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1 complaints). SUSPENSION,WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES is the single most-reported problem area with 1 complaints.

What should I know before buying a 2016 SUBARU BRZ?

Be cautious of potential brake and suspension issues, and monitor the battery closely. Consider a thorough inspection if you experience any of these problems. The 2016 SUBARU BRZ has 3 NHTSA complaints and 0 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).

How reliable is the 2016 SUBARU BRZ?

The 2016 SUBARU BRZ receives a reliability score of 5/100, indicating below-average reliability. This is based on 3 owner complaints, 0 recalls, and 1 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Service Brakes and Battery Drain.

What are the known issues with the 2016 SUBARU BRZ?

Known issues with the 2016 SUBARU BRZ include: Service Brakes, Battery Drain, Front Passenger Window, Suspension. These are based on patterns found across 3 NHTSA complaints.

Are there any known issues with the 2016 SUBARU BRZ?

Yes, there are known issues with the service brakes, battery drain, front passenger window, and suspension.

What should I do if I experience battery drain issues?

Check the battery connections and ensure the battery is properly charged. Consider having the electrical system checked by a professional.

Is the front passenger window issue related to the Takata recall?

Yes, the front passenger window issue is related to the 'Takata recall' and may be due to a faulty airbag module.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Be cautious of potential brake and suspension issues, and monitor the battery closely. Consider a thorough inspection if you experience any of these problems.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2016 Subaru Brz

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2016 Subaru Brz. The data includes 3 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 0 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 1 reported crashes, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2016 Subaru Brz an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 5 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.

Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.

Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16