2017 Subaru Brz Safety Report

2017 Subaru BRZ shows strong rollover safety and low complaint volume, with no recalls.

7Complaints
0Recalls
85/100Reliability Score
1Crash Reports
1Fire Reports
Most reported components: Electrical System,Unknown Or Other (1)Power Train (1)Air Bags,Seats,Unknown Or Other (1)Unknown Or Other (1)Fuel/Propulsion System (1)Air Bags (1)Electronic Stability Control (Esc) (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2017 Subaru Brz

The 2017 Subaru BRZ presents a generally positive safety picture, primarily due to its strong performance in rollover resistance and a very low number of reported complaints to NHTSA. With only 7 total complaints, including 1 crash and 1 fire incident, the vehicle demonstrates a low incidence of severe safety-related issues. The NHTSA crash test ratings, while not fully comprehensive, show a 4-star rating for frontal impact and an excellent 5-star rating for rollover resistance, indicating good occupant protection in these specific scenarios. The absence of any recalls further reinforces a relatively clean safety record from the manufacturer's perspective. Despite the low overall complaint volume, some patterns emerge. The 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER' and 'POWER TRAIN' components each account for one complaint, suggesting isolated issues rather than widespread systemic failures. Specific complaints mention Bluetooth connectivity problems with the head unit and manual transmission grinding or difficulty shifting gears. Another complaint details a 'FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM' issue where the car stalled and emitted smoke due to a valve spring cover coming out, which is a significant mechanical failure, though only one such instance is reported. Airbag-related concerns also appear, with one complaint about a 'check SRS warning light' and another about the passenger airbag turning off. These are critical safety components, but again, the low frequency (2 complaints out of 7 total) suggests these are not pervasive issues. The single reported crash involved the vehicle being struck at an intersection, with details indicating the vehicle had stopped and was slowly entering traffic. The lack of injuries in the reported crash and fire incidents is a positive indicator, though the small sample size limits definitive conclusions. Overall, the 2017 BRZ appears to be a safe vehicle, with minor, isolated issues rather than widespread safety defects.

Reliability Score

The 2017 Subaru Brz receives a reliability score of 85 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.

Known Issues for the 2017 Subaru Brz

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2017 Subaru Brz:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Manual Transmission Grinding/Shifting Difficulty
One complaint details issues with the manual transmission grinding or failing to go into gear, making merging into highway traffic dangerous.		 Medium Rare unknown miles
Bluetooth Head Unit Malfunction
One complaint reports intermittent audio cut-outs from the stock head unit's Bluetooth connection since purchase.		 Low Rare 0-50000 miles
Airbag Warning Light/Malfunction
One complaint mentions a 'check SRS warning light' appearing intermittently, and another reports the passenger airbag turning off with an occupant in the seat.		 High Rare unknown miles
Engine Stalling/Smoke (Valve Spring Cover)
One complaint describes the car stalling, check engine light illuminating, and white smoke from the engine due to a valve spring cover coming out.		 High Rare unknown miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2017 Subaru Brz:

Air Bags 28% of complaints

Two complaints related to airbag system issues, including warning lights and passenger airbag deactivation.

Fuel/Propulsion System 14% of complaints

One complaint regarding engine stalling and smoke due to a mechanical failure in the fuel/propulsion system.

Power Train 14% of complaints

One complaint specifically mentioning manual transmission grinding and shifting difficulties.

Electrical System 14% of complaints

One complaint related to Bluetooth connectivity issues with the vehicle's head unit.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Subaru Brz

Is the 2017 Subaru BRZ safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2017 Subaru BRZ appears to be a safe vehicle. It has a very low number of total complaints (7), no recalls, and achieved an excellent 5-star rollover safety rating. While specific issues like airbag warnings and a rare engine stall have been reported, they are isolated incidents.

What are common problems for the 2017 Subaru BRZ?

The most reported issues, though infrequent, include airbag system malfunctions (2 complaints), power train issues like manual transmission grinding (1 complaint), and electrical system problems such as Bluetooth connectivity (1 complaint). A significant, but rare, engine stalling incident due to a valve spring cover was also reported.

How does the 2017 Subaru BRZ perform in crash tests?

The 2017 Subaru BRZ received a 4-star rating for frontal crash tests and an excellent 5-star rating for rollover resistance from NHTSA. Side impact ratings are not available.

Are there any recalls for the 2017 Subaru BRZ?

No, according to NHTSA data, there are no recalls issued for the 2017 Subaru BRZ.

What are the most serious safety concerns for the 2017 Subaru BRZ?

The most serious, though rare, safety concerns reported include an engine stalling incident with smoke due to a valve spring cover issue (1 complaint) and airbag system malfunctions, such as warning lights or passenger airbag deactivation (2 complaints). These are critical safety components, but their low frequency suggests they are not widespread.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given its low complaint volume, strong rollover rating, and absence of recalls, the 2017 Subaru BRZ is a generally reliable choice; however, potential buyers should be aware of isolated reports concerning manual transmission, airbag, and rare engine issues.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2017 Subaru Brz

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2017 Subaru Brz. The data includes 7 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 0 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 1 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

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.