Last updated: 2026-05-15
Ford vs Subaru: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Ford
12 models tracked
Subaru
6 models tracked
Comparing Ford 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.
Subaru currently leads with an average score of 72/100 compared to 65/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Ford More Reliable Than Subaru?
| Metric | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 65/100 | 72/100 |
| Models Tracked | 12 | 6 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 64 | 16 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 1735 | 1362 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $705/yr | $613/yr |
Ford vs Subaru: The Verdict
The numbers favor Subaru here, but Ford isn't far behind. We scored 18 models between the two makes: Ford at 65/100 and Subaru at 72/100, based on recalls, complaint severity, repair costs, and issue diversity.
On the cost front, Subaru is cheaper to maintain at $613/year versus $705/year. For buyers watching long-term costs, Subaru's lower maintenance bill is a real differentiator.
Where Ford and Subaru Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 60/100Good | 62/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 67/100Good | 72/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 59/100Mixed | 83/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 79/100Good | 78/100Good |
Subaru's advantage in recall impact (+24 points) is the main driver of the overall score difference between these makes.
Ford vs Subaru: Strengths and Weaknesses
Ford
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (65/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 10 of 12 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 163 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 Ford and Subaru Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Ford
Subaru
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Ford or Subaru?
Based on independent repair cost data, Subaru is cheaper to maintain at an average of $613/year compared to $705/year for Ford. The difference is relatively small, so maintenance costs shouldn't be a major deciding factor between these makes.
Ford Repair Cost Range
$600 – $788/yr
Average: $705/yr
Subaru Repair Cost Range
$492 – $682/yr
Average: $613/yr
Ford vs Subaru Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Ford | Subaru | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(6 vs 4 models) | 64/100 | 71/100 | Subaru |
Subaru wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Ford vs Subaru
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | 29%4,864 | 4%276 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 13%2,272 | 22%1,442 |
| ENGINE | 16%2,698 | 4%247 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 10%1,660 | 15%968 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 1%173 | 36%2,344 |
| STRUCTURE | 8%1,376 | 1%33 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 5%876 | 2%100 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 5%814 | — |
| STEERING | 3%452 | 3%203 |
| AIR BAGS | 1%196 | 3%198 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Ford vs Subaru Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, Ford owners reported 502 crash-related, 163 fire-related, and 451 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.
Ford
502
Crash reports
163
Fire reports
451
Injury reports
Subaru
250
Crash reports
60
Fire reports
131
Injury reports
Every Ford and Subaru Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Ford Models
Ford vs Subaru Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
Ford's reliability is improving — recent model years average 71/100, up from earlier years. Subaru's reliability is improving — recent model years average 78/100.
Interestingly, both Ford and Subaru show improving reliability trends recently.
| Model Year | Ford | Subaru | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 71/100(10) | 79/100(6) | Subaru |
| 2024 | 70/100(11) | 76/100(6) | Subaru |
| 2023 | 66/100(12) | 76/100(6) | Subaru |
| 2022 | 60/100(11) | 74/100(6) | Subaru |
| 2021 | 60/100(8) | 72/100(5) | Subaru |
| 2020 | 63/100(7) | 68/100(6) | Subaru |
| 2019 | 66/100(7) | 63/100(6) | Ford |
| 2018 | 62/100(6) | 66/100(5) | Subaru |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
Ford vs Subaru: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Ford and Subaru. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
The Bottom Line: Ford or Subaru?
The data favors Subaru, but remember: the best model from the "losing" make often beats the worst model from the "winning" one.
If you want the single most reliable option: the Subaru WRX leads both lineups with a score of 75/100.
Budget-conscious buyers should note that Subaru costs less to maintain — $613/year vs $705/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.
Ford vs Subaru: Common Questions
Is Ford more reliable than Subaru?
Which is cheaper to maintain, Ford or Subaru?
Which make has more recalls, Ford or Subaru?
What are the most reliable models from Ford and Subaru?
What are the least reliable models from Ford and Subaru?
What are the most common problems with Ford and Subaru vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, Ford or Subaru?
How many Ford and Subaru models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Ford or Subaru?
Are Ford and Subaru getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Ford or Subaru?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Ford or Subaru?
Comparing Ford 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.