Last updated: 2026-03-04
BMW X5 vs Subaru Outback: Reliability Compared
BMW X5
Subaru Outback
Choosing between the BMW X5 and the Subaru Outback? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two midsize suvs.
Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Subaru Outback currently leads with an average score of 71/100 compared to 60/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.
Verdict
The Subaru Outback is more reliable than the BMW X5, scoring 71/100 vs 60/100.
Key Differences
- 1Subaru Outback costs $559 less per year to repair
- 2Subaru Outback has 41 fewer total recalls
- 3BMW X5 has 19.8 fewer complaints per 10k sold
Category Scoreboard
BMW X5 vs Subaru Outback: Which Is More Reliable?
| Metric | BMW X5 | Subaru Outback |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability Score | 60/100 | 71/100 |
| Years Tracked | 9 | 9 |
| Total Recalls | 63 | 22 |
| Complaints per 10k Sold | 6.3 | 26.1 |
| Annual Repair Cost | $1166/yr | $607/yr |
| Repair Frequency | 0.8/yr | 0.4/yr |
| Major Repair Risk | 17% | 12% |
| Year Wins | 0 (1 tied) | 7 (1 tied) |
What Are the Common Problems With the BMW X5 and Subaru Outback?
| Component | BMW X5 | Subaru Outback |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 1.2Low | 7.2Above Avg |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 0.1Very Low | 8.3Above Avg |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 0.6Very Low | 3.4Average |
| POWER TRAIN | 0.9Very Low | 0.7Very Low |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 1.1Low | 0.3Very Low |
| STEERING | 0.3Very Low | 0.7Very Low |
| ENGINE | 0.3Very Low | 0.4Very Low |
| AIR BAGS | 0.2Very Low | 0.5Very Low |
| VISIBILITY | —None | 0.7Very Low |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 0.4Very Low | —None |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | —None | 0.4Very Low |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 0.1Very Low | 0.2Very Low |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | —None | 0.3Very Low |
| ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| FUEL SYSTEM | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| STRUCTURE | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| SEAT BELTS | —None | —None |
| SUSPENSION | —None | —None |
| LANE DEPARTURE | —None | —None |
| LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES | —None | —None |
Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.
How Does BMW X5 vs Subaru Outback Reliability Compare by Year?
| Year | BMW X5 | Subaru Outback | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 64/1004R / 49C | 82/1000R / 43C | Subaru Outback |
| 2024 | 57/1007R / 134C | 82/1000R / 69C | Subaru Outback |
| 2023 | 65/1004R / 24C | 77/1002R / 83C | Subaru Outback |
| 2022 | 67/1001R / 51C | 67/1004R / 435C | Tie |
| 2021 | 57/10013R / 85C | 69/1004R / 283C | Subaru Outback |
| 2020 | 56/10011R / 81C | 60/1006R / 884C | Subaru Outback |
| 2019 | 52/10013R / 157C | 63/1003R / 1017C | Subaru Outback |
| 2018 | 59/1006R / 63C | 64/1003R / 779C | Subaru Outback |
| 2026(predicted) | 62/100(predicted) | 80/100(predicted) | Subaru Outback |
Best years to cross-shop: The 2022 BMW X5 scored 67/100 and the 2025 Subaru Outback scored 82/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.
BMW X5 vs Subaru Outback: Common Questions
- Is the BMW X5 more reliable than the Subaru Outback?
- Based on our data, the Subaru Outback is more reliable with an average score of 71/100 compared to 60/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
- Which has more recalls, the BMW X5 or the Subaru Outback?
- The BMW X5 has more recalls (63) compared to the Subaru Outback (22). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
- Which has fewer owner complaints, the BMW X5 or the Subaru Outback?
- Adjusted for sales volume, the BMW X5 has a lower complaint rate at 6.3 per 10,000 sold versus 26.1 for the Subaru Outback. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
- Which is cheaper to maintain, the BMW X5 or the Subaru Outback?
- Based on independent repair cost estimates, the Subaru Outback is cheaper to maintain at $607/year versus $1166/year for the BMW X5.
Related Reliability Comparisons
More BMW X5 comparisons
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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