Last updated: 2026-05-15
BMW vs Subaru: Which Make Is More Reliable?
BMW
10 models tracked
Subaru
6 models tracked
Comparing BMW 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.
Subaru currently leads with an average score of 72/100 compared to 65/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is BMW More Reliable Than Subaru?
| Metric | BMW | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 65/100 | 72/100 |
| Models Tracked | 10 | 6 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 64 | 16 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 310 | 1362 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $1019/yr | $613/yr |
BMW vs Subaru: The Verdict
Subaru holds a modest reliability advantage over BMW — enough to notice, not enough to be the only factor. The overall picture: BMW scores 65/100 across 10 models, while Subaru comes in at 72/100 across 6 models — all data-driven, no bias.
On the cost front, Subaru is cheaper to maintain at $613/year versus $1019/year. Over 5 years, that's roughly $2030 in savings. The repair cost gap might seem small year-to-year, but over a typical 5-year ownership period it compounds into meaningful savings for Subaru owners.
Where BMW and Subaru Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | BMW | Subaru |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 67/100Good | 62/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 58/100Mixed | 72/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 64/100Good | 83/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 80/100Excellent | 78/100Good |
Dig into the components and recall impact stands out — Subaru outscores by 19 points there, which carries significant weight in the final number.
BMW vs Subaru: Strengths and Weaknesses
BMW
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (65/100 average)
- 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 ($1019/year avg)
- 65 fire-related complaints across lineup
- 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 BMW and Subaru Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
BMW
Subaru
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: BMW or Subaru?
Based on independent repair cost data, Subaru is cheaper to maintain at an average of $613/year compared to $1019/year for BMW. That's a difference of $406/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
BMW Repair Cost Range
$773 – $1206/yr
Average: $1019/yr
Subaru Repair Cost Range
$492 – $682/yr
Average: $613/yr
BMW vs Subaru Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | BMW | Subaru | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedans(3 vs 2 models) | 69/100 | 74/100 | Subaru |
| SUVs(5 vs 4 models) | 62/100 | 71/100 | Subaru |
Subaru wins 2 out of 2 shared categories.
Common Problems: BMW vs Subaru
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | BMW | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 0%7 | 36%2,344 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 21%491 | 22%1,442 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 14%323 | 15%968 |
| POWER TRAIN | 10%233 | 4%276 |
| ENGINE | 9%217 | 4%247 |
| AIR BAGS | 10%239 | 3%198 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 11%262 | 2%100 |
| STEERING | 4%86 | 3%203 |
| VISIBILITY | 0%4 | 3%185 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 4%87 | — |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
BMW vs Subaru Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, BMW owners reported 202 crash-related, 65 fire-related, and 178 injury-related complaints to NHTSA. Subaru owners reported 250 crash-related, 60 fire-related, and 131 injury-related complaints. Subaru 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.
BMW
202
Crash reports
65
Fire reports
178
Injury reports
Subaru
250
Crash reports
60
Fire reports
131
Injury reports
Every BMW and Subaru Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
BMW Models
BMW vs Subaru Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
BMW's reliability is improving — recent model years average 67/100, 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 | BMW | Subaru | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 67/100(7) | 79/100(6) | Subaru |
| 2024 | 67/100(9) | 76/100(6) | Subaru |
| 2023 | 67/100(10) | 76/100(6) | Subaru |
| 2022 | 67/100(10) | 74/100(6) | Subaru |
| 2021 | 64/100(8) | 72/100(5) | Subaru |
| 2020 | 63/100(7) | 68/100(6) | Subaru |
| 2019 | 63/100(7) | 63/100(6) | Tie |
| 2018 | 63/100(6) | 66/100(5) | Subaru |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
BMW vs Subaru: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between BMW and Subaru. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
The Bottom Line: BMW or Subaru?
Subaru has the edge, but don't let a modest score gap override other factors like price, features, and dealer experience.
If you want the single most reliable option: the Subaru WRX leads both lineups with a score of 75/100.
Budget-conscious buyers should note that Subaru costs less to maintain — $613/year vs $1019/year. Over a typical 5-year ownership period, that adds up to roughly $2030 in savings.
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.
BMW vs Subaru: Common Questions
Is BMW more reliable than Subaru?
Which is cheaper to maintain, BMW or Subaru?
Which make has more recalls, BMW or Subaru?
What are the most reliable models from BMW and Subaru?
What are the least reliable models from BMW and Subaru?
What are the most common problems with BMW and Subaru vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, BMW or Subaru?
How many BMW and Subaru models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, BMW or Subaru?
Are BMW and Subaru getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, BMW or Subaru?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, BMW or Subaru?
Comparing BMW 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.