Last updated: 2026-10-10
Cadillac vs Subaru: Reliability Compared
Cadillac
5 models tracked
Subaru
8 models tracked
Subaru edges out Cadillac on reliability, mainly on lower repair costs and lighter recall impact. Cadillac draws far fewer complaints per car sold. Both brands rate good, so the gap is small and the model year matters more than the badge.
Is Cadillac More Reliable Than Subaru?
| Metric | Cadillac | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 70/100 | 73/100 |
| Models Tracked | 5 | 8 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 19 | 15 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 201 | 1084 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $866/yr | $605/yr |
Cadillac vs Subaru: The Verdict
A slight edge goes to Subaru overall. It costs less to keep running, about $605 a year in independent repair-cost data against $866 for Cadillac. Subaru also comes out ahead on recall impact and in the head-to-head between SUV lineups.
Cadillac wins on how often owners complain. Its owners file 0.6 complaints per 1,000 sold, against 2.3 for Subaru, and Cadillac is stronger on complaint severity and on how problems spread across systems. Cadillac trouble clusters in the engine. Subaru trouble clusters around visibility and wipers, then the electrical system.
Where Cadillac and Subaru Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Cadillac | Subaru |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 67/100Good | 62/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 61/100Good | 73/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 82/100Excellent | 84/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 81/100Excellent | 79/100Good |
Where they diverge most: repair costs. Subaru has a 12-point edge in that component, which accounts for much of the reliability gap.
Cadillac vs Subaru: Strengths and Weaknesses
Cadillac
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (70/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- 5 of 5 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- High maintenance costs ($866/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 Cadillac and Subaru Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Cadillac
Subaru
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Cadillac or Subaru?
Based on independent repair cost data, Subaru is cheaper to maintain at an average of $605/year compared to $866/year for Cadillac. That's a difference of $261/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Cadillac Repair Cost Range
$783 – $1007/yr
Average: $866/yr
Subaru Repair Cost Range
$492 – $682/yr
Average: $605/yr
Cadillac vs Subaru Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Cadillac | Subaru | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(5 vs 5 models) | 70/100 | 72/100 | Subaru |
Subaru wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Cadillac vs Subaru
| Component | Cadillac | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 0%2 | 33%2,612 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 16%147 | 23%1,805 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 6%60 | 16%1,248 |
| ENGINE | 31%288 | 3%272 |
| POWER TRAIN | 16%147 | 5%405 |
| VISIBILITY | 0%2 | 6%461 |
| STEERING | 4%38 | 2%191 |
| AIR BAGS | 1%5 | 3%223 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 4%37 | 2%167 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 5%47 | 2%132 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Cadillac vs Subaru Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Cadillac
43
Crash reports
10
Fire reports
26
Injury reports
Subaru
289
Crash reports
74
Fire reports
154
Injury reports
Every Cadillac and Subaru Model Ranked
Cadillac Models
Subaru Models
Cadillac vs Subaru Reliability Trend by Year
Cadillac's reliability has been stable across the years we track. Subaru's reliability is improving — recent model years average 81/100.
| Model Year | Cadillac | Subaru | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 75/100(4) | 82/100(6) | Subaru |
| 2025 | 73/100(5) | 79/100(8) | Subaru |
| 2024 | 69/100(5) | 77/100(8) | Subaru |
| 2023 | 69/100(5) | 75/100(8) | Subaru |
| 2022 | 68/100(3) | 74/100(7) | Subaru |
| 2021 | 68/100(4) | 72/100(6) | Subaru |
| 2020 | 69/100(4) | 68/100(7) | Cadillac |
| 2019 | 71/100(3) | 63/100(7) | Cadillac |
| 2018 | 77/100(1) | 67/100(6) | Cadillac |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Cadillac vs Subaru: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Cadillac and Subaru. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
Who Should Buy Cadillac vs Subaru?
If low running costs matter most, lean Subaru. The Legacy is the top-ranked model in its lineup, and the 2024 is the safer year. Skip the 2019 and 2020 Legacy, where cracked windshields and glitchy touchscreens pile up. For a family hauler, the Ascent is the Subaru SUV to know. Target the 2024, avoid the 2019, and check for a battery that drains while parked and a CVT that shudders or slips.
If you would rather have fewer complaints and can absorb higher repair bills, lean Cadillac. The XT5 is its top-ranked model, and the 2019 has no recalls on record. Ask whether the "Steering Assist is Reduced" warning has ever appeared. The Escalade needs more care. Pick the 2020, avoid the 2021 because of sudden engine failure, and listen for knocking or a rough idle that points to lifter and camshaft trouble.
The Bottom Line: Cadillac or Subaru?
Choose Subaru if you want the cheaper car to own. Choose Cadillac if you want fewer and less severe complaints. The strongest single pick across both lineups is the 2019 XT5, which leads Cadillac's ranking and has no recalls on record. On cost, Subaru saves you about $261 a year, roughly $1,305 over five years. Whichever badge you buy, check the model year first.
Cadillac vs Subaru: Common Questions
Is Cadillac more reliable than Subaru?
Which brand has more recalls, Cadillac or Subaru?
Which is cheaper to repair, Cadillac or Subaru?
What goes wrong most often on a used Subaru?
What is the biggest risk with a used Cadillac?
Comparing Cadillac 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 Cadillac comparisons
How we score Cadillac 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.