Last updated: 2026-10-10
Chevrolet vs Subaru: Reliability Compared
Chevrolet
17 models tracked
Subaru
8 models tracked
Chevrolet and Subaru tie on used-car reliability. Chevrolet draws fewer complaints per car sold, but Subaru is cheaper to repair. Both stand at good and both are trending up, so the model you pick matters more than the badge.
Is Chevrolet More Reliable Than Subaru?
| Metric | Chevrolet | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 73/100 | 73/100 |
| Models Tracked | 17 | 8 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 19 | 15 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 806 | 1084 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $641/yr | $605/yr |
Chevrolet vs Subaru: The Verdict
Reliability is tied. Both brands stand at good, and both show an improving recent trend. The difference is in how each one fails. Chevrolet is stronger on complaint severity and spreads its problems across more systems, with power train, electrical and engine all showing up. Subaru's complaints bunch up around visibility and wipers, which make up a third of its filings.
Subaru wins on cost and recalls. Its average repair estimate is lower, and federal recall records show far fewer campaigns than Chevrolet has. Neither edge is large enough to break the tie.
Where Chevrolet and Subaru Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Chevrolet | Subaru |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 64/100Good | 62/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 70/100Good | 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% | 84/100Excellent | 79/100Good |
Dig into the components and issue diversity stands out — Chevrolet outscores by 5 points there, which carries significant weight in the final number.
Chevrolet vs Subaru: Strengths and Weaknesses
Chevrolet
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 ($641/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 15 of 17 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 140 fire-related complaints across lineup
- 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 Chevrolet and Subaru Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Chevrolet
Subaru
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Chevrolet or Subaru?
Based on independent repair cost data, Subaru is cheaper to maintain at an average of $605/year compared to $641/year for Chevrolet. The difference is relatively small, so maintenance costs shouldn't be a major deciding factor between these makes.
Chevrolet Repair Cost Range
$488 – $944/yr
Average: $641/yr
Subaru Repair Cost Range
$492 – $682/yr
Average: $605/yr
Chevrolet vs Subaru Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Chevrolet | Subaru | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(10 vs 5 models) | 70/100 | 72/100 | Subaru |
| Sedans(3 vs 3 models) | 76/100 | 74/100 | Chevrolet |
The makes split categories evenly at 1–1.
Common Problems: Chevrolet vs Subaru
| Component | Chevrolet | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 18%2,193 | 23%1,805 |
| POWER TRAIN | 24%2,913 | 5%405 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 3%323 | 33%2,612 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 10%1,214 | 16%1,248 |
| ENGINE | 14%1,789 | 3%272 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 8%1,048 | 2%132 |
| STEERING | 7%825 | 2%191 |
| AIR BAGS | 2%259 | 3%223 |
| VISIBILITY | 0%11 | 6%461 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 3%341 | 0%39 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Chevrolet vs Subaru Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Chevrolet
451
Crash reports
140
Fire reports
436
Injury reports
Subaru
289
Crash reports
74
Fire reports
154
Injury reports
Every Chevrolet and Subaru Model Ranked
Chevrolet Models
Subaru Models
Chevrolet vs Subaru Reliability Trend by Year
Chevrolet's reliability is improving — recent model years average 79/100, 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 | Chevrolet | Subaru | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 81/100(11) | 82/100(6) | Subaru |
| 2025 | 77/100(14) | 79/100(8) | Subaru |
| 2024 | 73/100(15) | 77/100(8) | Subaru |
| 2023 | 73/100(12) | 75/100(8) | Subaru |
| 2022 | 73/100(12) | 74/100(7) | Subaru |
| 2021 | 69/100(12) | 72/100(6) | Subaru |
| 2020 | 72/100(12) | 68/100(7) | Chevrolet |
| 2019 | 69/100(13) | 63/100(7) | Chevrolet |
| 2018 | 69/100(12) | 67/100(6) | Chevrolet |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Chevrolet vs Subaru: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Chevrolet and Subaru. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
Who Should Buy Chevrolet vs Subaru?
If you want an SUV, lean Subaru. Its SUV lineup rates stronger overall. Forester and Crosstrek are good places to start. Skip the 2019 Ascent, which is the year to avoid, and watch for draining batteries and a CVT that shudders or slips. Windshields that crack easily come up on both the Ascent and the Legacy, so inspect the glass before you buy. For a Legacy, the 2024 is the safer pick, and 2019 and 2020 draw the most trouble.
If you want a sedan, a truck, or an electric vehicle, Chevrolet has more to offer. Impala, Malibu and Camaro all rate good. The Trax and the Silverado-EV rate excellent, and the 2024 Silverado-EV is the pick, though check the rear door sensors and front trunk latch. Be wary of the Bolt and Blazer-EV, which both rate mixed. The Blazer-EV has drawn reports of sudden power loss after a high voltage warning.
The Bottom Line: Chevrolet or Subaru?
Choose by model, not by brand, since the two are tied. The strongest used pick across both lineups is the Silverado-EV, ideally a 2024. Subaru is the safer bet for an SUV and costs a little less to keep running. Its average repair estimate is $36 a year lower, which adds up to about $180 over five years. That gap is small, so do not let it outweigh a better model.
Chevrolet vs Subaru: Common Questions
Is Chevrolet more reliable than Subaru?
Which brand has more recalls, Chevrolet or Subaru?
Which is cheaper to repair, Chevrolet or Subaru?
What goes wrong most often on a Subaru?
What goes wrong most often on a Chevrolet?
Comparing Chevrolet 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 Chevrolet comparisons
How we score Chevrolet 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.