MODEL
Subaru BRZ
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.
From a pure safety-data standpoint, the Subaru BRZ presents a reasonably solid picture for a performance-oriented coupe, though shoppers should understand where the gaps are. The best NHTSA Safety Index across our 2019 to 2025 coverage window lands at 84 out of 100, recorded in the 2020 model year, placing it in the Strong band. Frontal crash protection earns a respectable 4 out of 5 stars in the best-tested year, and rollover resistance hits a full 5 out of 5 stars, which makes sense given the BRZ's low, wide stance and low center of gravity. Side crash testing was not rated in the best year on record, which is a genuine information gap buyers should note before purchasing. On the recall front, only 2 recalls have been issued across the entire covered range, which is a low count for a seven-year window and reflects a relatively clean regulatory history. Owner complaints total just 15 across all covered years, with zero reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths in that pool. These are unverified allegations, but the low volume is notable. The bottom line: the BRZ is not a vehicle NHTSA has flagged heavily, and its recall exposure is minimal. The missing side-test rating is the one meaningful blind spot in the safety profile.
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.