MODEL
Subaru BRZ Safety
NHTSA safety across every Subaru BRZ model year we cover.
Across the 7 model years of the Subaru BRZ we cover (2019 to 2026), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2020 at 84 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2019 at 83. 2 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Subaru BRZ is a two-door, rear-wheel-drive sports coupe developed in partnership with Toyota, aimed squarely at driving enthusiasts who want an affordable, lightweight, driver-focused experience. Positioned in the compact sports car segment, it targets younger buyers and performance-minded shoppers who prioritize handling feel and engagement over practicality. It is one of the few genuinely sporty coupes left at its price point.
The 2020 Subaru BRZ earns an 84 out of 100 on our computed Safety Index, placing it in the Strong band. Its low, wide stance contributed to a 5 out of 5 star rating for rollover resistance in NHTSA testing. Frontal crash protection also rated well, achieving 4 out of 5 stars. However, NHTSA did not rate the BRZ for side crash protection in its best-tested year, representing a significant data gap for consumers. The model's regulatory history appears clean, with only 2 recalls issued across the entire 2019 to 2025 model range. Owner complaints remain low at 15 across all covered years, with no reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths among those unverified allegations. The absence of a side-impact test rating is the primary safety data limitation for the 2020 BRZ.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally praise the BRZ for its sharp, communicative handling and driver-focused character, calling it one of the most rewarding sports cars available at its price point. They typically note the trade-offs in rear-seat space and everyday practicality but regard those as acceptable given the car's clear sporting purpose. Overall sentiment toward the model is consistently enthusiastic.
- The best NHTSA Safety Index for the BRZ across our covered years is 84 out of 100 (2020), placing it in the Strong band, which is a competent result for a lightweight sports coupe.
- Side crash test data is not rated in the best-tested year on record, leaving a gap in the safety picture that shoppers should be aware of before making a purchase decision.
- Only 2 recalls have been issued across the 2019 to 2025 model year range, indicating a relatively clean regulatory history with minimal federal safety-related intervention.
- Owner complaints total just 15 across all covered years, with zero reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths in that dataset, suggesting a low volume of serious safety-related grievances from owners.
Most-recalled year on record: 2022 Subaru BRZ with 1 recalls.