Last updated: 2026-10-10
Honda vs Subaru: Reliability Compared
Honda
9 models tracked
Subaru
8 models tracked
Honda edges Subaru on reliability, though the two are effectively tied. Lower repair costs and a wider spread of problems give Honda the lead. Subaru counts fewer recalls, and both brands rate good with an improving trend.
Is Honda More Reliable Than Subaru?
| Metric | Honda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 74/100 | 73/100 |
| Models Tracked | 9 | 8 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 38 | 15 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 2118 | 1084 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $441/yr | $605/yr |
Honda vs Subaru: The Verdict
A narrow edge goes to Honda, and the two are effectively tied. The clearest difference is cost. Independent repair-cost data puts Honda upkeep at $441 a year against $605 for Subaru. Honda complaints also spread across steering, electrical and collision avoidance systems, while a third of Subaru complaints center on visibility and wipers.
Subaru wins on recalls, with 121 against 338 for Honda. Complaint severity is even, and Honda does better on complaints per 1,000 sold. Both brands show an improving recent trend.
Where Honda and Subaru Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Honda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 61/100Good | 62/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 84/100Excellent | 73/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 74/100Good | 84/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 82/100Excellent | 79/100Good |
Dig into the components and repair costs stands out — Honda outscores by 11 points there, which carries significant weight in the final number.
Honda vs Subaru: Strengths and Weaknesses
Honda
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (74/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Very affordable maintenance ($441/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 9 of 9 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 69 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 Honda and Subaru Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Honda
Subaru
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Honda or Subaru?
Based on independent repair cost data, Honda is cheaper to maintain at an average of $441/year compared to $605/year for Subaru. That's a difference of $164/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Honda Repair Cost Range
$301 – $547/yr
Average: $441/yr
Subaru Repair Cost Range
$492 – $682/yr
Average: $605/yr
Honda vs Subaru Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Honda | Subaru | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedans(2 vs 3 models) | 77/100 | 74/100 | Honda |
| SUVs(5 vs 5 models) | 73/100 | 72/100 | Honda |
Honda wins 2 out of 2 shared categories.
Common Problems: Honda vs Subaru
| Component | Honda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 18%2,940 | 23%1,805 |
| STEERING | 19%3,164 | 2%191 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 2%415 | 33%2,612 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 8%1,404 | 16%1,248 |
| ENGINE | 9%1,523 | 3%272 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 10%1,664 | 1%67 |
| POWER TRAIN | 7%1,149 | 5%405 |
| FUEL SYSTEM | 7%1,142 | — |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 5%876 | 2%132 |
| AIR BAGS | 2%410 | 3%223 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Honda vs Subaru Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Honda
584
Crash reports
69
Fire reports
520
Injury reports
Subaru
289
Crash reports
74
Fire reports
154
Injury reports
Every Honda and Subaru Model Ranked
Honda Models
Subaru Models
Honda vs Subaru Reliability Trend by Year
Honda's reliability is improving — recent model years average 82/100, 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 | Honda | Subaru | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 84/100(9) | 82/100(6) | Honda |
| 2025 | 79/100(9) | 79/100(8) | Tie |
| 2024 | 78/100(9) | 77/100(8) | Honda |
| 2023 | 74/100(8) | 75/100(8) | Subaru |
| 2022 | 74/100(8) | 74/100(7) | Tie |
| 2021 | 75/100(8) | 72/100(6) | Honda |
| 2020 | 70/100(8) | 68/100(7) | Honda |
| 2019 | 65/100(8) | 63/100(7) | Honda |
| 2018 | 66/100(7) | 67/100(6) | Subaru |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Honda vs Subaru: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Honda and Subaru. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
Who Should Buy Honda vs Subaru?
If you want the lowest upkeep, lean Honda. Start with the HR-V, and look for a 2021. Be careful with the 2019 and 2023, which carry instrument displays that go blank in cold weather and rear hatch glass that shatters. Civic and Accord are solid sedan picks. Skip the 2025 Prologue, since dealers often return those cars unrepaired. The 2024 is the one to favor.
If you prefer Subaru, target the Legacy, ideally a 2024. Skip the 2019 and 2020 Legacy, where cracked windshields and glitchy touchscreens pile up. Among Ascents, the 2024 is the safer pick and the 2019 is the one to avoid. On any Ascent, check for a CVT that shudders or slips and a battery that drains while parked. Whichever brand you choose, inspect the windshield for cracks, since Subaru owners report that problem often.
The Bottom Line: Honda or Subaru?
Choose Honda if cost and a broad, even problem profile matter most. Choose Subaru if a lower recall count matters more to you and you pick a recommended year. The strongest model in either lineup is the Honda HR-V, which rates excellent. Honda also costs about $164 less to maintain each year, roughly $820 over five years.
Honda vs Subaru: Common Questions
Is Honda more reliable than Subaru?
Which brand has more recalls, Honda or Subaru?
Which is cheaper to repair, Honda or Subaru?
What problems do Subaru owners report most?
Is the Honda Prologue a safe used buy?
Comparing Honda vs Subaru? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
Related Make Comparisons
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How we score Honda 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.