Last updated: 2026-10-10
GMC vs Subaru: Reliability Compared
GMC
5 models tracked
Subaru
8 models tracked
Subaru edges out GMC on reliability, mainly on lower repair costs and fewer recalls. The lead is slight, and both brands rate good. GMC draws fewer complaints per vehicle sold, so the gap depends on what you buy and which year.
Is GMC More Reliable Than Subaru?
| Metric | GMC | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 71/100 | 73/100 |
| Models Tracked | 5 | 8 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 29 | 15 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 1164 | 1084 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $647/yr | $605/yr |
GMC Models
5 models ranked by reliability
GMC vs Subaru: The Verdict
A slight edge goes to Subaru, not a clear win. It is stronger on repair costs, at about $605 a year against $647 for GMC, and on recall impact, with 121 recalls to 146. Its SUV lineup is also deeper, with five models to GMC's three.
GMC has real points in its favor. Its complaints are spread across more systems, and it draws far fewer complaints per 1,000 sold. Crashes, fires, and injuries do not separate the two on severity. Both brands are trending better.
Where GMC and Subaru Differ Most
| Component | Weight | GMC | Subaru |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 61/100Good | 62/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 66/100Good | 73/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 81/100Excellent | 84/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 82/100Excellent | 79/100Good |
Subaru's advantage in repair costs (+7 points) is the main driver of the overall score difference between these makes.
GMC vs Subaru: Strengths and Weaknesses
GMC
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (71/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($647/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 5 of 5 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 34 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 GMC and Subaru Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
GMC
Subaru
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: GMC or Subaru?
Based on independent repair cost data, Subaru is cheaper to maintain at an average of $605/year compared to $647/year for GMC. The difference is relatively small, so maintenance costs shouldn't be a major deciding factor between these makes.
GMC Repair Cost Range
$548 – $747/yr
Average: $647/yr
Subaru Repair Cost Range
$492 – $682/yr
Average: $605/yr
GMC vs Subaru Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | GMC | Subaru | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(3 vs 5 models) | 70/100 | 72/100 | Subaru |
Subaru wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: GMC vs Subaru
| Component | GMC | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 1%30 | 33%2,612 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 14%742 | 23%1,805 |
| ENGINE | 27%1,443 | 3%272 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 7%388 | 16%1,248 |
| POWER TRAIN | 22%1,163 | 5%405 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 8%408 | 2%132 |
| STEERING | 5%280 | 2%191 |
| VISIBILITY | 0%2 | 6%461 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 3%174 | 2%167 |
| AIR BAGS | 1%72 | 3%223 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
GMC vs Subaru Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
GMC
129
Crash reports
34
Fire reports
144
Injury reports
Subaru
289
Crash reports
74
Fire reports
154
Injury reports
Every GMC and Subaru Model Ranked
GMC Models
Subaru Models
GMC vs Subaru Reliability Trend by Year
GMC'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.
Interestingly, both GMC and Subaru show improving reliability trends recently.
| Model Year | GMC | Subaru | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 80/100(5) | 82/100(6) | Subaru |
| 2025 | 76/100(5) | 79/100(8) | Subaru |
| 2024 | 75/100(5) | 77/100(8) | Subaru |
| 2023 | 67/100(5) | 75/100(8) | Subaru |
| 2022 | 67/100(5) | 74/100(7) | Subaru |
| 2021 | 66/100(5) | 72/100(6) | Subaru |
| 2020 | 68/100(5) | 68/100(7) | Tie |
| 2019 | 69/100(4) | 63/100(7) | GMC |
| 2018 | 68/100(5) | 67/100(6) | GMC |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
GMC vs Subaru: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between GMC and Subaru. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
Who Should Buy GMC vs Subaru?
If you want a used SUV and care most about running costs, lean toward Subaru. Look at the Forester or Crosstrek first. The Ascent is a fair choice, but skip 2019 and watch for a CVT that shudders or slips and a battery that drains while parked. For a sedan, the Legacy is the strongest Subaru, but avoid 2019 and 2020. Cracking windshields come up on both the Legacy and the Ascent.
If you need a truck or a full-size SUV, GMC is the better place to shop. The Canyon is the stronger of its models. Target the 2024, skip the 2023 for its false forward collision braking, and test drive for 8-speed automatic shudder. On the Yukon, the 2020 is the safer pick and 2021 is the year to avoid. Treat ticking or misfires as a serious warning, since lifter and camshaft failure can arrive without a warning light.
The Bottom Line: GMC or Subaru?
Pick Subaru if you want the slightly better record and lower running costs, and pick GMC if you need a truck or a big SUV. The strongest single model across both lineups is the Subaru Legacy, in a 2024 model year rather than 2019 or 2020. Over five years, Subaru's lower average repair estimate saves about $210. That is a modest gap, so the specific model and year should decide it.
GMC vs Subaru: Common Questions
Is GMC more reliable than Subaru?
Which has more recalls, GMC or Subaru?
Which is cheaper to repair, GMC or Subaru?
What goes wrong most often on GMC vehicles?
What goes wrong most often on Subaru vehicles?
Comparing GMC 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 GMC comparisons
How we score GMC 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.