NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Subaru BRZ Safety Ratings
The 2020 Subaru BRZ scores 84 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), 0 recalls, and 2 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Subaru BRZ achieved a perfect defect record score, contributing to its NHTSA Safety Index of 84 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. This assessment is further supported by a solid rollover rating. However, the vehicle's near absence of crash avoidance technology represents a significant limitation that prospective buyers should consider.
The 2020 Subaru BRZ received a 5-star rollover rating and a 4-star frontal crash rating from NHTSA, with zero recall campaigns on file.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 9 Coupes from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Subaru BRZ ranks 4 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
| NHTSA Safety Index | 84 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 7.1% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 2 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 4 of 9 Coupes tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Subaru BRZ?
The 2020 Subaru BRZ moved one point higher than the 2019 model, rising from 83 to 84 on the NHTSA Safety Index while remaining in the Strong band. That single-point gain is modest but meaningful: it is driven by a spotless defect record, scoring the full 20 out of 20 available points in that category. No recall campaign has ever been filed against this specific model year, which is a notable distinction in a used-market segment where older vehicles frequently accumulate at least one safety action. The crash-protection sub-score of 62.2 out of 70 reflects the partial NHTSA test picture. The 5-star rollover rating with a 7% risk figure and a clean dynamic tip result are genuine strengths for a rear-wheel-drive coupe. The frontal 4-star result is solid, though overall and side ratings were not conducted, leaving portions of the crash-test picture incomplete. The sharpest weakness in the 2020 profile is the avoidance-tech score of just 2 out of 10: this model year came with no forward collision warning and no lane departure warning as standard equipment, with only electronic stability control meeting that threshold. That gap is structural to the 2020 model year and is not offset by the otherwise strong defect record.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Subaru BRZ perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Subaru BRZ achieved a 5-star rollover rating from NHTSA, with a 7% risk of rollover and a "No Tip" result in the dynamic test. In frontal crash testing, the BRZ was rated at 4 stars. No overall or side-impact ratings were published by NHTSA for this model year.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14816
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Subaru BRZ have any recalls?
The 2020 Subaru BRZ carries zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. No components have been flagged, and no park-outside or do-not-drive advisory applies to this model year. That absence of any recall activity is directly reflected in the index, where the defect record component scores a perfect 20 out of 20.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Subaru BRZ?
NHTSA has received 2 owner complaints for the 2020 Subaru BRZ, with alleged issues touching Suspension, Power Train, Engine, and Visibility/Wiper systems. These are unverified consumer allegations only. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths were reported among those 2 submissions.
2 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Subaru BRZ?
No open recalls are currently listed for this 6-year-old coupe. Shoppers should, however, verify the VIN through NHTSA's recall database to confirm no new campaigns have been issued since this data was compiled.
- The 2020 Subaru BRZ is the only model year in recent BRZ history to score a perfect 20 out of 20 on the MotorCaliber defect record component, reflecting zero NHTSA recall campaigns filed against it.
- NHTSA did not conduct overall or side crash tests for the 2020 model year, meaning those categories carry no star rating and should not be interpreted as a passing or failing score.
- The avoidance-tech sub-score of 2 out of 10 reflects a 2020 equipment profile that omits both forward collision warning and lane departure warning, features that were already becoming common on competing vehicles in this segment that year.
- Only 2 unverified owner complaints have been submitted to NHTSA for this model year, an unusually low complaint volume for a vehicle that has been in service for six years, though low complaint counts do not establish freedom from issues.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Subaru BRZ places
The 2020 Subaru BRZ qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Subaru BRZ safety questions
Was the 2020 Subaru BRZ crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Subaru BRZ, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 84 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 Subaru BRZ crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Subaru BRZ earned 4 out of 5 stars for frontal and 5 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 7.1%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Subaru BRZ have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Subaru BRZ as of Oct 1, 2026. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the Safety Index. Run your VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm the status is current.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Subaru BRZ?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 2 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Subaru BRZ. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other BRZ years
Rivals in Coupe (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Chevrolet Camaro Ss | 86/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Ford Mustang Gt350r | 86/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Honda Civic | 84/100 | 5 of 5 | 5 |
| 2020 Toyota 86 | 84/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Chevrolet Camaro Zl1 | 83/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Dodge Challenger | 83/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14816), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Subaru BRZ 2020.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 4 of 9 in the Coupe class for 2020.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.