Last updated: 2026-05-15
Chevrolet vs Subaru: Reliability Compared
Chevrolet
13 models tracked
Subaru
6 models tracked
Comparing Chevrolet 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.
Both makes currently share an average reliability score of 72/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Chevrolet More Reliable Than Subaru?
| Metric | Chevrolet | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 72/100 | 72/100 |
| Models Tracked | 13 | 6 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 23 | 16 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 1004 | 1362 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $634/yr | $613/yr |
Chevrolet vs Subaru: The Verdict
The numbers tell a clear story: Chevrolet and Subaru are evenly matched. The overall picture: Chevrolet scores 72/100 across 13 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 $634/year.
Where Chevrolet and Subaru Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| 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% | 71/100Good | 72/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 79/100Good | 83/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 84/100Excellent | 78/100Good |
Dig into the components and issue diversity stands out — Chevrolet outscores by 6 points there, which carries significant weight in the final number.
Chevrolet vs Subaru: Strengths and Weaknesses
Chevrolet
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 ($634/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 12 of 13 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 134 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 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 $613/year compared to $634/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: $634/yr
Subaru Repair Cost Range
$492 – $682/yr
Average: $613/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(8 vs 4 models) | 70/100 | 71/100 | Subaru |
| Sedans(2 vs 2 models) | 75/100 | 74/100 | Chevrolet |
The makes split categories evenly at 1–1.
Common Problems: Chevrolet vs Subaru
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Chevrolet | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 18%2,063 | 22%1,442 |
| POWER TRAIN | 24%2,809 | 4%276 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 3%302 | 36%2,344 |
| ENGINE | 15%1,758 | 4%247 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 9%1,001 | 15%968 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 8%987 | 2%100 |
| STEERING | 7%805 | 3%203 |
| AIR BAGS | 2%241 | 3%198 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 3%357 | 1%44 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 3%304 | — |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Chevrolet vs Subaru Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, Chevrolet owners reported 408 crash-related, 134 fire-related, and 375 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.
Chevrolet
408
Crash reports
134
Fire reports
375
Injury reports
Subaru
250
Crash reports
60
Fire reports
131
Injury reports
Every Chevrolet and Subaru Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Chevrolet Models
Chevrolet vs Subaru Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
Chevrolet's reliability is improving — recent model years average 76/100, 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 | Chevrolet | Subaru | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 78/100(11) | 79/100(6) | Subaru |
| 2024 | 74/100(12) | 76/100(6) | Subaru |
| 2023 | 73/100(11) | 76/100(6) | Subaru |
| 2022 | 73/100(11) | 74/100(6) | Subaru |
| 2021 | 70/100(11) | 72/100(5) | Subaru |
| 2020 | 71/100(11) | 68/100(6) | Chevrolet |
| 2019 | 69/100(12) | 63/100(6) | Chevrolet |
| 2018 | 68/100(11) | 66/100(5) | Chevrolet |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
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:
The Bottom Line: Chevrolet or Subaru?
Make loyalty won't help you here — both lineups have reliable and unreliable models. Do your homework at the model level.
If you want the single most reliable option: the Chevrolet Trax leads both lineups with a score of 80/100.
Budget-conscious buyers should note that Subaru costs less to maintain — $613/year vs $634/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.
Chevrolet vs Subaru: Common Questions
Is Chevrolet more reliable than Subaru?
Which is cheaper to maintain, Chevrolet or Subaru?
Which make has more recalls, Chevrolet or Subaru?
What are the most reliable models from Chevrolet and Subaru?
What are the least reliable models from Chevrolet and Subaru?
What are the most common problems with Chevrolet and Subaru vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, Chevrolet or Subaru?
How many Chevrolet and Subaru models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Chevrolet or Subaru?
Are Chevrolet and Subaru getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Chevrolet or Subaru?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Chevrolet or Subaru?
Comparing Chevrolet 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.