Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2018 Subaru BRZ
With an overall Carivo score of 7.7/10, the 2018 Subaru BRZ earns a Recommended rating among the sportss we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Performance at 8.4/10, while Technology at 6.9/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability comes in at 8.1/10 in our assessment — above the middle of the pack for this class, though not flawless. On safety it earns 7.0/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
The 8.4/10 performance score reflects a chassis and powertrain that punch above the segment norm — this is a sports you choose partly for the drive itself. Technology scores 6.9/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $25,227–$32,586, 22 MPG, seating 4, the Subaru BRZ sits in the mid-market bracket of the sports segment. The 8.0/10 value score is the headline: relative to what it costs, this sports delivers more than most of the class. At 8 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Bottom line: Think of the 2018 Subaru BRZ as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Its softer scores in technology are the only real asterisks. Shoppers who value predictability over headlines will be well served.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among Sportss
The 2018 Subaru BRZ ranks #154 of 316 sportss in the Carivo database — better than 52% of the segment. Its 7.7/10 overall score is exactly at the segment average of 7.7/10. Its $25,227 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $46,090 by about 45%.
$0 — 2 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which BRZ Year Should You Buy?
Smart-money pick: the 2015 Subaru BRZ scores 7.5/10 — within striking distance of the 2018's 7.7 — and starts roughly $3,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
Above-average reliability record with solid owner satisfaction data
Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
Competent performance that satisfies most everyday driving demands
✗ Where it falls short
Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
Brand resale values vary — check current market data before committing
NHTSA Recalls — 2018 Subaru BRZ (2 on record)
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018 Legacy, Outback, and BRZ vehicles. In the affected vehicles, a software issue may cause the audio display system to not initialize, resulting in the camera display remaining blank. If this…
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Own a 2018 Subaru BRZ that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2018 Subaru BRZ
Is the 2018 Subaru BRZ reliable?
We rate the 2018 Subaru BRZ's reliability 8.1/10 — one of the stronger records in its class. It has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2018 Subaru BRZ have?
2 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2018 Subaru BRZ worth buying?
It scores 7.7/10 overall, ranking #154 of 316 sportss in our database (better than 52% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
How much does the 2018 Subaru BRZ cost?
The 2018 Subaru BRZ starts at $25,227 and ranges up to $32,586 across trims (MSRP when new). At 22 MPG, expect roughly $2,386/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which BRZ years should you avoid?
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest BRZ years we've rated are 2015 (7.5/10), 2016 (7.6/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (8.1/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
What problems does the 2018 Subaru BRZ have?
The documented issues for the 2018 Subaru BRZ are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Fuel system, gasoline, Visibility (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Subaru BRZ
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More Subaru Reviews
Explore the full lineup of Subaru models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
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