Last updated: 2026-10-10
Dodge vs Subaru: Reliability Compared
Dodge
6 models tracked
Subaru
8 models tracked
Dodge and Subaru tie on reliability, with Dodge lighter on complaints and Subaru cheaper to repair and lighter on recall impact. Both brands rate good. The choice comes down to which kind of trouble you would rather live with.
Is Dodge More Reliable Than Subaru?
| Metric | Dodge | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 73/100 | 73/100 |
| Models Tracked | 6 | 8 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 16 | 15 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 369 | 1084 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $642/yr | $605/yr |
Dodge Models
6 models ranked by reliability
Dodge vs Subaru: The Verdict
Reliability is tied, so the deciding differences are about the type of problem. Dodge owners file fewer complaints per car sold, and the complaints are spread across more systems. Fewer of them involve crashes, fires, or injuries. Subaru has the cheaper annual repair bill and the lighter recall impact, and its recent trend is improving while Dodge holds steady. Subaru's complaints bunch up in one area, visibility and wipers, which includes windshields that crack with no impact. Dodge's biggest cluster is the electrical system. Neither pattern gives one brand a clear win.
Where Dodge and Subaru Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Dodge | Subaru |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 67/100Good | 62/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 69/100Good | 73/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 78/100Good | 84/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 81/100Excellent | 79/100Good |
Where they diverge most: recall impact. Subaru has a 6-point edge in that component, which accounts for much of the reliability gap.
Dodge vs Subaru: Strengths and Weaknesses
Dodge
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 ($642/year avg)
- 5 of 6 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 24 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 Dodge and Subaru Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Dodge
Subaru
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Dodge or Subaru?
Based on independent repair cost data, Subaru is cheaper to maintain at an average of $605/year compared to $642/year for Dodge. The difference is relatively small, so maintenance costs shouldn't be a major deciding factor between these makes.
Dodge Repair Cost Range
$562 – $675/yr
Average: $642/yr
Subaru Repair Cost Range
$492 – $682/yr
Average: $605/yr
Dodge vs Subaru Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Dodge | Subaru | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedans(2 vs 3 models) | 74/100 | 74/100 | Tie |
| SUVs(3 vs 5 models) | 69/100 | 72/100 | Subaru |
Subaru wins 1 out of 2 shared categories.
Common Problems: Dodge vs Subaru
| Component | Dodge | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 1%10 | 33%2,612 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 29%553 | 23%1,805 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 11%212 | 16%1,248 |
| POWER TRAIN | 10%194 | 5%405 |
| VISIBILITY | 0%2 | 6%461 |
| ENGINE | 6%121 | 3%272 |
| AIR BAGS | 9%166 | 3%223 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 10%196 | 2%167 |
| STEERING | 4%69 | 2%191 |
| STRUCTURE | 6%109 | 2%124 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Dodge vs Subaru Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Dodge
101
Crash reports
24
Fire reports
98
Injury reports
Subaru
289
Crash reports
74
Fire reports
154
Injury reports
Every Dodge and Subaru Model Ranked
Dodge Models
Subaru Models
Dodge vs Subaru Reliability Trend by Year
Dodge's reliability has been stable across the years we track. Subaru's reliability is improving — recent model years average 81/100.
| Model Year | Dodge | Subaru | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 82/100(2) | 82/100(6) | Tie |
| 2025 | 71/100(3) | 79/100(8) | Subaru |
| 2024 | 68/100(3) | 77/100(8) | Subaru |
| 2023 | 71/100(4) | 75/100(8) | Subaru |
| 2022 | 73/100(3) | 74/100(7) | Subaru |
| 2021 | 72/100(3) | 72/100(6) | Tie |
| 2020 | 77/100(5) | 68/100(7) | Dodge |
| 2019 | 73/100(5) | 63/100(7) | Dodge |
| 2018 | 70/100(5) | 67/100(6) | Dodge |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Dodge vs Subaru: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Dodge and Subaru. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
Who Should Buy Dodge vs Subaru?
If you want a minivan or a sedan with a low complaint load, look at Dodge. The Grand-Caravan is the best bet, and 2020 is the year to favor. Stay away from the 2018 and 2019 years, which carry far more complaints and recalls. The Challenger and Charger also rate good. Skip the Hornet unless you find a 2023, since its electrical problems leave it well below other compact SUVs.
If you need an SUV or want lower running costs, lean to Subaru. It fields five SUVs against Dodge's three, and all of them rate good. The Forester and Crosstrek are the everyday picks. On the Ascent, choose a 2024 and avoid the 2019. On the Legacy, avoid 2019 and 2020. Before you buy any Subaru, inspect the windshield for cracks and test the touchscreen. Check that the battery holds a charge on a Dodge or a Subaru.
The Bottom Line: Dodge or Subaru?
Choose by the problem you can tolerate. Dodge suits you if you want fewer complaints and fewer serious incidents. Subaru suits you if you want a lower repair bill and a lighter recall load. The Grand-Caravan is the strongest single model across both lineups, in a 2020 model year. Subaru's annual repair estimate is $37 lower, which adds up to about $185 over five years. That gap is small, so condition and model year matter more.
Dodge vs Subaru: Common Questions
Is Dodge more reliable than Subaru?
Which brand has more recalls, Dodge or Subaru?
Which is cheaper to repair, Dodge or Subaru?
What is the most common problem on a used Subaru?
What is the most common problem on a used Dodge?
Comparing Dodge 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 Dodge comparisons
How we score Dodge 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.