Last updated: 2026-10-10
Audi vs Subaru: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Audi
10 models tracked
Subaru
8 models tracked
Subaru comes out ahead of Audi on reliability, with a clear edge built on fewer recalls and lower repair costs. Audi answers with milder complaints and problems spread across more systems. Both brands rate good and are improving, so the choice is cost versus severity.
Is Audi More Reliable Than Subaru?
| Metric | Audi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 68/100 | 73/100 |
| Models Tracked | 10 | 8 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 33 | 15 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 168 | 1084 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $930/yr | $605/yr |
Audi vs Subaru: The Verdict
A clear edge goes to Subaru. Federal recall records show 121 recalls against 332 for Audi, and independent repair-cost data puts Subaru at about $605 a year versus $930. Subaru also comes out stronger in both sedans and SUVs.
Audi wins on how serious the complaints are. Its owners report fewer crashes, fires and injuries, and its problems are spread across more systems. Subaru owners file far more complaints, and about a third of them concern wipers and visibility. Those are a different kind of trouble than an Audi E-Tron that shuts down and needs a tow.
Where Audi and Subaru Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Audi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 65/100Good | 62/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 58/100Mixed | 73/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 77/100Good | 84/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 81/100Excellent | 79/100Good |
Subaru's advantage in repair costs (+15 points) is the main driver of the overall score difference between these makes.
Audi vs Subaru: Strengths and Weaknesses
Audi
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (68/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 9 of 10 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- High maintenance costs ($930/year avg)
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
Subaru
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (73/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($605/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 8 of 8 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 74 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
How Reliable Are Audi and Subaru Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Audi
Subaru
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Audi or Subaru?
Based on independent repair cost data, Subaru is cheaper to maintain at an average of $605/year compared to $930/year for Audi. That's a difference of $325/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Audi Repair Cost Range
$739 – $1185/yr
Average: $930/yr
Subaru Repair Cost Range
$492 – $682/yr
Average: $605/yr
Audi vs Subaru Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Audi | Subaru | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedans(3 vs 3 models) | 72/100 | 74/100 | Subaru |
| SUVs(7 vs 5 models) | 67/100 | 72/100 | Subaru |
Subaru wins 2 out of 2 shared categories.
Common Problems: Audi vs Subaru
| Component | Audi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 0%2 | 33%2,612 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 41%567 | 23%1,805 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 12%164 | 16%1,248 |
| POWER TRAIN | 10%140 | 5%405 |
| VISIBILITY | 0%4 | 6%461 |
| ENGINE | 7%100 | 3%272 |
| STEERING | 6%76 | 2%191 |
| AIR BAGS | 2%26 | 3%223 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 4%53 | 2%132 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 3%36 | 1%67 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Audi vs Subaru Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Audi
61
Crash reports
10
Fire reports
44
Injury reports
Subaru
289
Crash reports
74
Fire reports
154
Injury reports
Every Audi and Subaru Model Ranked
Audi Models
Subaru Models
Audi vs Subaru Reliability Trend by Year
Audi's reliability is improving — recent model years average 74/100, up from earlier years. Subaru's reliability is improving — recent model years average 81/100.
Interestingly, both Audi and Subaru show improving reliability trends recently.
| Model Year | Audi | Subaru | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 75/100(6) | 82/100(6) | Subaru |
| 2025 | 72/100(10) | 79/100(8) | Subaru |
| 2024 | 67/100(8) | 77/100(8) | Subaru |
| 2023 | 68/100(8) | 75/100(8) | Subaru |
| 2022 | 66/100(8) | 74/100(7) | Subaru |
| 2021 | 65/100(7) | 72/100(6) | Subaru |
| 2020 | 66/100(7) | 68/100(7) | Subaru |
| 2019 | 63/100(6) | 63/100(7) | Tie |
| 2018 | 65/100(6) | 67/100(6) | Subaru |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Who Should Buy Audi vs Subaru?
If you want the lowest running costs and the fewest recall headaches, lean Subaru. Target the Legacy, WRX or Forester. Skip the 2019 and 2020 Legacy, where windshields crack with no impact and touchscreens bubble and register phantom touches. Skip the 2019 Ascent, which draws battery drain and CVT complaints. For both the Legacy and the Ascent, the 2024 is the safer pick.
If avoiding serious failures matters more than the repair bill, Audi makes sense. The A4, A5 and Q5 all rate good. The Q8-E-Tron has no owner complaints, but it has only two model years on the road, and the 2024 carries two recalls to check. Be careful with the E-Tron. Its main risk is electrical, and the 2022 has the heaviest recall load. If you must buy one, look at the 2020.
The Bottom Line: Audi or Subaru?
For most used-car budgets, Subaru is the safer buy. The Legacy is the strongest model to target across both lineups, since it rates good and above average among sedans. Audi costs about $325 more per year to repair, roughly $1,625 over five years, so pick it for the models themselves, not for savings. Steer clear of the E-Tron unless it is a 2020.
Audi vs Subaru: Common Questions
Is Audi more reliable than Subaru?
Which brand has more recalls, Audi or Subaru?
Which is cheaper to repair, Audi or Subaru?
What is the most common Subaru problem?
What goes wrong on the Audi E-Tron?
Comparing Audi 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 score Audi and Subaru models
Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.