Last updated: 2026-07-26
Buick vs Subaru: Reliability Compared
Buick
7 models tracked
Subaru
8 models tracked
Comparing Buick 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.
Buick currently leads with an average score of 77/100 compared to 73/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Buick More Reliable Than Subaru?
| Metric | Buick | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 77/100 | 73/100 |
| Models Tracked | 7 | 8 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 6 | 15 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 129 | 1084 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $543/yr | $605/yr |
Buick vs Subaru: The Verdict
Buick edges out Subaru on reliability, though both makes have solid options. Across 7 Buick and 8 Subaru models, Buick averages 77/100 to 73/100 — a 4-point gap built from NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and independent repair cost data.
On the cost front, Buick is cheaper to maintain at $543/year versus $605/year. That maintenance gap adds up — budget-conscious buyers should factor in that Buick advantage.
Where Buick and Subaru Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Buick | Subaru |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 70/100Good | 62/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 73/100Good | 73/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 90/100Excellent | 84/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 82/100Excellent | 79/100Good |
The biggest gap is in complaint severity, where Buick scores 8 points higher. That single component does the most to separate these two makes.
Buick vs Subaru: Strengths and Weaknesses
Buick
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (77/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($543/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 7 of 7 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 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
- 65 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
How Reliable Are Buick and Subaru Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Buick
Subaru
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Buick or Subaru?
Based on independent repair cost data, Buick is cheaper to maintain at an average of $543/year compared to $605/year for Subaru. The difference is relatively small, so maintenance costs shouldn't be a major deciding factor between these makes.
Buick Repair Cost Range
$466 – $573/yr
Average: $543/yr
Subaru Repair Cost Range
$492 – $682/yr
Average: $605/yr
Buick vs Subaru Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Buick | Subaru | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(5 vs 5 models) | 77/100 | 72/100 | Buick |
| Sedans(2 vs 3 models) | 75/100 | 74/100 | Buick |
Buick wins 2 out of 2 shared categories.
Common Problems: Buick vs Subaru
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Buick | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 0%2 | 36%2,483 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 22%163 | 23%1,549 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 13%99 | 15%1,049 |
| POWER TRAIN | 18%134 | 4%285 |
| ENGINE | 14%105 | 4%258 |
| STEERING | 4%33 | 3%210 |
| AIR BAGS | 4%28 | 3%207 |
| VISIBILITY | 0%2 | 3%204 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 12%86 | 2%107 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 2%18 | — |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Buick vs Subaru Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, Buick owners reported 42 crash-related, 5 fire-related, and 37 injury-related complaints to NHTSA. Subaru owners reported 266 crash-related, 65 fire-related, and 133 injury-related complaints. Buick 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.
Buick
42
Crash reports
5
Fire reports
37
Injury reports
Subaru
266
Crash reports
65
Fire reports
133
Injury reports
Every Buick and Subaru Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Buick Models
Subaru Models
Buick vs Subaru Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
Buick's reliability is improving — recent model years average 81/100, up from earlier years. Subaru's reliability is improving — recent model years average 81/100.
Both makes are trending improving in recent model years — neither is pulling away.
| Model Year | Buick | Subaru | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 81/100(4) | 82/100(6) | Subaru |
| 2025 | 80/100(4) | 79/100(8) | Buick |
| 2024 | 76/100(4) | 77/100(8) | Subaru |
| 2023 | 78/100(3) | 75/100(8) | Buick |
| 2022 | 76/100(4) | 74/100(7) | Buick |
| 2021 | 76/100(4) | 72/100(6) | Buick |
| 2020 | 74/100(5) | 68/100(7) | Buick |
| 2019 | 76/100(5) | 63/100(7) | Buick |
| 2018 | 76/100(5) | 67/100(6) | Buick |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
Buick vs Subaru: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Buick and Subaru. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
The Bottom Line: Buick or Subaru?
Buick 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 Buick Encore leads both lineups with a score of 79/100.
Budget-conscious buyers should note that Buick costs less to maintain — $543/year vs $605/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.
Buick vs Subaru: Common Questions
Is Buick more reliable than Subaru?
Which is cheaper to maintain, Buick or Subaru?
Which make has more recalls, Buick or Subaru?
What are the most reliable models from Buick and Subaru?
What are the least reliable models from Buick and Subaru?
What are the most common problems with Buick and Subaru vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, Buick or Subaru?
How many Buick and Subaru models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Buick or Subaru?
Are Buick and Subaru getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Buick or Subaru?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Buick or Subaru?
Comparing Buick 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.