Last updated: 2026-10-10
Chrysler vs Subaru: Reliability Compared
Chrysler
3 models tracked
Subaru
8 models tracked
Subaru edges out Chrysler on reliability, with lower repair costs and a lighter recall impact. Both brands rate good, so the gap is slight. Chrysler spreads its problems across more systems, while Subaru complaints cluster around visibility and electrical trouble.
Is Chrysler More Reliable Than Subaru?
| Metric | Chrysler | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 70/100 | 73/100 |
| Models Tracked | 3 | 8 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 33 | 15 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 888 | 1084 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $642/yr | $605/yr |
Chrysler vs Subaru: The Verdict
A slight edge goes to Subaru. It is stronger on complaint severity, repair costs, and recall impact, and it offers three sedans to Chrysler's one. Both brands rate good and both are trending up.
Chrysler's one win is the spread of problems. Its complaints split between electrical faults and power train trouble, while about a third of Subaru's filings fall under visibility and wipers. Subaru also has more recalls on record, 121 against 100, but they cover eight models instead of three. The data still rates its recall impact as the better of the two.
Where Chrysler and Subaru Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Chrysler | Subaru |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 59/100Mixed | 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% | 73/100Good | 84/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 81/100Excellent | 79/100Good |
The biggest gap is in recall impact, where Subaru scores 11 points higher. That single component does the most to separate these two makes.
Chrysler vs Subaru: Strengths and Weaknesses
Chrysler
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (70/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($642/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 3 of 3 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 33 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 Chrysler and Subaru Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Chrysler
Subaru
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Chrysler or Subaru?
Based on independent repair cost data, Subaru is cheaper to maintain at an average of $605/year compared to $642/year for Chrysler. The difference is relatively small, so maintenance costs shouldn't be a major deciding factor between these makes.
Chrysler Repair Cost Range
$631 – $647/yr
Average: $642/yr
Subaru Repair Cost Range
$492 – $682/yr
Average: $605/yr
Chrysler vs Subaru Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Chrysler | Subaru | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedans(1 vs 3 models) | 72/100 | 74/100 | Subaru |
Subaru wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Chrysler vs Subaru
| Component | Chrysler | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 0%7 | 33%2,612 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 27%648 | 23%1,805 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 9%221 | 16%1,248 |
| POWER TRAIN | 25%597 | 5%405 |
| ENGINE | 13%316 | 3%272 |
| VISIBILITY | — | 6%461 |
| STEERING | 9%226 | 2%191 |
| AIR BAGS | 4%96 | 3%223 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 3%78 | 2%132 |
| HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM | 2%57 | — |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Chrysler vs Subaru Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Chrysler
80
Crash reports
33
Fire reports
60
Injury reports
Subaru
289
Crash reports
74
Fire reports
154
Injury reports
Every Chrysler and Subaru Model Ranked
Chrysler Models
Subaru Models
Chrysler vs Subaru Reliability Trend by Year
Chrysler's reliability is improving — recent model years average 78/100, 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 | Chrysler | Subaru | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 82/100(2) | 82/100(6) | Tie |
| 2025 | 73/100(2) | 79/100(8) | Subaru |
| 2024 | 73/100(2) | 77/100(8) | Subaru |
| 2023 | 69/100(3) | 75/100(8) | Subaru |
| 2022 | 68/100(3) | 74/100(7) | Subaru |
| 2021 | 68/100(3) | 72/100(6) | Subaru |
| 2020 | 72/100(3) | 68/100(7) | Chrysler |
| 2019 | 66/100(2) | 63/100(7) | Chrysler |
| 2018 | 59/100(2) | 67/100(6) | Subaru |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Who Should Buy Chrysler vs Subaru?
If you want a sedan or the lowest repair bills, lean Subaru. The Legacy is the best bet, but skip the 2019 and 2020 model years, which draw the most trouble. Expect windshields that crack with no impact and touchscreens that register phantom touches. If you want an SUV, the Ascent sits close to average for its class. Avoid the 2019, and check for a battery that drains while parked and a CVT that shudders or slips.
If you need a minivan, lean Chrysler. The Voyager is the stronger of its two vans, and the 2020 is the year to buy. Skip the 2023, which collected six recalls. The Pacifica is good but ranks below average among minivans. Avoid the 2018, where owners report electrical fires and head gasket failures on the 3.6L V6. On any Pacifica, test for power steering that cuts out and for sudden stalls.
The Bottom Line: Chrysler or Subaru?
For the better overall record and a wider choice of models, pick Subaru. If a minivan is the goal, Chrysler is the stronger pick. The Legacy is the strongest single model across both lineups. Subaru also costs less to keep running: its average of $605 a year is $37 under Chrysler's, or about $185 over five years. Check the model year before you pay, since both brands have years worth skipping.
Chrysler vs Subaru: Common Questions
Is Chrysler more reliable than Subaru?
Which brand has more recalls, Chrysler or Subaru?
Which is cheaper to repair, Chrysler or Subaru?
What are the most common Subaru problems?
What are the most common Chrysler problems?
Comparing Chrysler 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 Chrysler comparisons
How we score Chrysler 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.