Last updated: 2026-05-15
Acura vs Subaru: Reliability Compared
Acura
5 models tracked
Subaru
6 models tracked
Comparing Acura and Subaru on reliability? This page compares their scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs across every model we track.
Acura currently leads with an average score of 74/100 compared to 72/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Acura More Reliable Than Subaru?
| Metric | Acura | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 74/100 | 72/100 |
| Models Tracked | 5 | 6 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 16 | 16 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 466 | 1362 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $577/yr | $613/yr |
Acura vs Subaru: The Verdict
Acura edges out Subaru on reliability, though both makes have solid options. Across 5 Acura and 6 Subaru models, Acura averages 74/100 to 72/100 — a 2-point gap built from NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and independent repair cost data.
On the cost front, Acura is cheaper to maintain at $577/year versus $613/year. That maintenance gap adds up — budget-conscious buyers should factor in that Acura advantage.
Where Acura and Subaru Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Acura | Subaru |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 58/100Mixed | 62/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 84/100Excellent | 72/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 79/100Good | 83/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 80/100Excellent | 78/100Good |
The biggest gap is in repair costs, where Acura scores 12 points higher. That single component does the most to separate these two makes.
Acura vs Subaru: Strengths and Weaknesses
Acura
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (74/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($577/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 5 of 5 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
Subaru
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (72/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($613/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 6 of 6 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 60 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
How Reliable Are Acura and Subaru Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Acura
Subaru
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Acura or Subaru?
Based on independent repair cost data, Acura is cheaper to maintain at an average of $577/year compared to $613/year for Subaru. The difference is relatively small, so maintenance costs shouldn't be a major deciding factor between these makes.
Acura Repair Cost Range
$440 – $801/yr
Average: $577/yr
Subaru Repair Cost Range
$492 – $682/yr
Average: $613/yr
Acura vs Subaru Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Acura | Subaru | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedans(2 vs 2 models) | 71/100 | 74/100 | Subaru |
| SUVs(3 vs 4 models) | 76/100 | 71/100 | Acura |
The makes split categories evenly at 1–1.
Common Problems: Acura vs Subaru
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Acura | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 7%148 | 36%2,344 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 11%227 | 22%1,442 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 15%299 | 15%968 |
| POWER TRAIN | 13%252 | 4%276 |
| STEERING | 16%315 | 3%203 |
| ENGINE | 10%204 | 4%247 |
| AIR BAGS | 1%27 | 3%198 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 5%106 | 2%100 |
| VISIBILITY | 1%16 | 3%185 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 4%88 | — |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Acura vs Subaru Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, Acura owners reported 39 crash-related, 10 fire-related, and 33 injury-related complaints to NHTSA. Subaru owners reported 250 crash-related, 60 fire-related, and 131 injury-related complaints. Acura has fewer severe incident reports overall. These counts reflect owner-reported incidents and don't establish causation — but they're a useful signal for comparing safety profiles.
Acura
39
Crash reports
10
Fire reports
33
Injury reports
Subaru
250
Crash reports
60
Fire reports
131
Injury reports
Every Acura and Subaru Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Acura Models
Acura vs Subaru Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
Acura's reliability is improving — recent model years average 79/100, up from earlier years. Subaru's reliability is improving — recent model years average 78/100.
Both makes are trending improving in recent model years — neither is pulling away.
| Model Year | Acura | Subaru | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 80/100(5) | 79/100(6) | Acura |
| 2024 | 77/100(5) | 76/100(6) | Acura |
| 2023 | 76/100(4) | 76/100(6) | Tie |
| 2022 | 74/100(2) | 74/100(6) | Tie |
| 2021 | 74/100(2) | 72/100(5) | Acura |
| 2020 | 67/100(3) | 68/100(6) | Subaru |
| 2019 | 66/100(3) | 63/100(6) | Acura |
| 2018 | 71/100(3) | 66/100(5) | Acura |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
Acura vs Subaru: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Acura and Subaru. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
The Bottom Line: Acura or Subaru?
Acura comes out ahead on the numbers, though both makes can serve you well if you pick the right model.
If you want the single most reliable option: the Acura ZDX leads both lineups with a score of 82/100.
Budget-conscious buyers should note that Acura costs less to maintain — $577/year vs $613/year.
All scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data combined with independent repair cost databases. Check individual model pages for year-specific reliability data before making a final decision.
Acura vs Subaru: Common Questions
Is Acura more reliable than Subaru?
Which is cheaper to maintain, Acura or Subaru?
Which make has more recalls, Acura or Subaru?
What are the most reliable models from Acura and Subaru?
What are the least reliable models from Acura and Subaru?
What are the most common problems with Acura and Subaru vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, Acura or Subaru?
How many Acura and Subaru models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Acura or Subaru?
Are Acura and Subaru getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Acura or Subaru?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Acura or Subaru?
Comparing Acura vs Subaru? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
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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.