Last updated: 2026-10-10
Buick vs Subaru: Reliability Compared
Buick
7 models tracked
Subaru
8 models tracked
Buick edges out Subaru on reliability, with fewer recalls and far fewer owner complaints for each car sold. Both brands rate good and both are improving. Subaru's complaints cluster around windshields and wipers, while Buick's spread across more systems.
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
A slight edge goes to Buick on overall reliability. Both brands land at a good standing, so this is a close call rather than a rout. The gap shows up in the records. Buick has 40 recalls to Subaru's 121, and about 0.7 complaints per 1,000 sold against 2.3. Complaints tied to crashes, fires and injuries also run lower at Buick.
Subaru's trouble is concentrated. Visibility and wiper issues make up a third of its complaints, with electrical problems next. Buick's electrical and power train complaints are spread more evenly. Repair costs are close to even, and Buick is stronger among SUVs. Sedans are a tie.
Where Buick and Subaru Differ Most
| 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
- 74 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
| Component | Buick | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 0%2 | 33%2,612 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 22%163 | 23%1,805 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 14%107 | 16%1,248 |
| POWER TRAIN | 18%134 | 5%405 |
| VISIBILITY | 0%2 | 6%461 |
| ENGINE | 14%105 | 3%272 |
| AIR BAGS | 4%28 | 3%223 |
| STEERING | 4%31 | 2%191 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 12%86 | 2%132 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 2%18 | — |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Buick vs Subaru Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Buick
42
Crash reports
5
Fire reports
37
Injury reports
Subaru
289
Crash reports
74
Fire reports
154
Injury reports
Every Buick and Subaru Model Ranked
Buick Models
Subaru Models
Buick vs Subaru Reliability Trend by Year
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 |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
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:
Who Should Buy Buick vs Subaru?
If you want the lowest chance of a surprise, lean Buick. Among its SUVs, the Encore is the top-ranked model, and 2022 is the year the site favors. Know its main risk first: turbocharger failure, which shows up as a check engine light and reduced power. If you prefer a sedan, the 2020 Regal is the year to favor. Check that the shifter does not throw a false "Shift to Park" message.
Lean Subaru if you want a wider lineup, including the WRX or the electric Solterra. The Legacy ranks first among Subaru models, but skip the 2019 and 2020 model years. Their cracking windshields and misbehaving touchscreens draw the most complaints. A 2024 Legacy is the safer pick. For three rows, the Ascent is the Subaru to look at. Choose 2024 and avoid 2019. Test the CVT on the highway and ask about battery drain.
The Bottom Line: Buick or Subaru?
Choose Buick if you want fewer recalls and complaints, and choose Subaru if its lineup fits your needs better and you will inspect the windshield and electronics. The Encore is the strongest single model across both lineups, with the 2022 the year to target. Buick also averages $543 a year in estimated repairs against $605 for Subaru, about $310 less over five years.
Buick vs Subaru: Common Questions
Is Buick more reliable than Subaru?
Which has more recalls, Buick or Subaru?
Which is cheaper to repair, Buick or Subaru?
What are the most common Subaru problems?
What should I watch for on a used Buick Encore?
Comparing Buick vs Subaru? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
Related Make Comparisons
More Buick comparisons
How we score Buick 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.