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Electrical system

Subaru BRZ Electrical problems by year

5 complaints filed with NHTSA about the Subaru BRZ's electrical system. Dead batteries, warning lights, wiring, alternators, infotainment and electronic module failures.

Electrical complaints by model year

YearElectrical complaintsCrashesInjuriesRecalls
20171000
20161000
20133000

Latest BRZ electrical complaints

2017 Subaru BRZElectrical system

The stock head unit (Model #: CA645UL) in my vehicle has been having Bluetooth issues. Every since I purchased the vehicle in 2016, from time to time, the audio from my Bluetooth would cut out and then come back on. It was only once in a blue moon ever since I bought the car, so I never paid much attention to it. However, recently it's been cutting out more frequently than usual. When I took my vehicle in for the 60,000 mile service on 12/12/24, I decided to mention this audio problem to see if the service center...

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could address it while they are working on it. The technician attempted to update the software for the audio unit. After attempting the software update a few times, the technician found the old software was corrupted, causing the system to completely fail. This points to an internal fault in the audio unit. This issue affects my safety in two ways: 1) I can no longer make phone calls via Bluetooth. This poses a safety concern as I would need to take my eyes off the road to make or answer a phone call, which may result in a crash. 2) My backup camera is no longer functional due to the head unit because compromised. This poses a safety concern as I can no longer see as well when backing up or parallel parking. The problem has been confirmed by the dealer. I have attached a photo of the invoice from the dealership.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Unknown or otherNHTSA 11630784
2016 Subaru BRZElectrical system

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 have left a light on, but when I had the car jump started, I noticed there were no lights on.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11416718
2013 Subaru BRZElectrical systemLightsBrakes

Rear lights leak and fill with half inch atleast of water, subaru's idea of a fix is let it evaporate, it takes weeks to evaporate and in the mean time your brake lights are fogged up making them less effective and duller, also the water can short out the light. They keep replacing with parts that are and have the exact same issue. In other words this is a chronic perpetual problem and they refuse to redesign the lights. Started the first rain we got when I owned the lemon, and it continues thru now 6/2016. No end in sight!! No recall just glue and putty that fails!!!

Filed Incident Electrical system · Exterior lighting · Service brakesNHTSA 10875697
2013 Subaru BRZElectrical system

Arguably systemic electrical problem battery went dead -re charged and then ultimately replaced by dealer switch for passenger window only works intermittently. Was replaced and continues to non function car will not start on occasion although lights, radio etc will go on no response when ignition button pushed. *Tr

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10576360
2013 Subaru BRZElectrical system

This 2013 subaru brz with the standard radio and only radio offered is this am/fm/hd/sat/ipod/iphone/text/cd/nav touchscreen only access to controls radio. This radio is slow to respond when using ipod/iphone,slow to recognize touch inputs, sometimes ignores input. Buttons on touchscreen too small. This car desperately needs steering wheel controls for this unsafe radio! I know they will be offering this in the next model year but that leaves about 100000 of these unsafe brzs on the road with distracted driving...

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issues. I already had to lockup the brakes to avoid hitting a car in front of me! This radio cause driver to lose eye contact with the road far too long for comfort! I will not let my 18yr old drive this car, its an accident waiting to happen! I feel subaru needs a recall to retrofit the steering wheels controls or ban usa sales and force subaru to buy back these unsafe sold brz. When your driving this car you got the manual trans going on plus your avg coffee drinker and add in this deadly radio setup and your just asking for an accident! This car is targeted at young buyers with their ipods/iphones and talking and texting as they cruise the streets. This car is the only car that subaru sells without the steering wheel controls. Why? Please force subaru to replace the no control steering wheel for one with controls. A concerned parent. *Tr

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10465508

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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