Last updated: 2026-10-10
Hyundai vs Subaru: Reliability Compared
Hyundai
10 models tracked
Subaru
8 models tracked
Subaru edges Hyundai on used-car reliability, mainly on fewer recalls, but Hyundai costs less to repair and draws fewer complaints per car sold. Both brands rate good and both are improving, so the choice comes down to which kind of problem you would rather risk.
Is Hyundai More Reliable Than Subaru?
| Metric | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 70/100 | 73/100 |
| Models Tracked | 10 | 8 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 23 | 15 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 1001 | 1084 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $492/yr | $605/yr |
Hyundai vs Subaru: The Verdict
A slight edge goes to Subaru overall. Federal recall records show 121 recalls for Subaru against 232 for Hyundai, and that is the clearest gap between them. Complaint severity is even.
Hyundai wins on other points. Its estimated repair cost runs about $492 a year against $605 for Subaru, and it draws fewer owner complaints per car sold. Its problems are also spread across electrical, engine, and power train areas, while Subaru's complaints bunch up around windshields and wipers. SUVs favor Subaru. Sedans are a draw.
Where Hyundai and Subaru Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 61/100Good | 62/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 68/100Good | 73/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 76/100Good | 84/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 82/100Excellent | 79/100Good |
The biggest gap is in recall impact, where Subaru scores 8 points higher. That single component does the most to separate these two makes.
Hyundai vs Subaru: Strengths and Weaknesses
Hyundai
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (70/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Very affordable maintenance ($492/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 9 of 10 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 126 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 Hyundai and Subaru Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Hyundai
Subaru
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Hyundai or Subaru?
Based on independent repair cost data, Hyundai is cheaper to maintain at an average of $492/year compared to $605/year for Subaru. That's a difference of $113/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Hyundai Repair Cost Range
$426 – $573/yr
Average: $492/yr
Subaru Repair Cost Range
$492 – $682/yr
Average: $605/yr
Hyundai vs Subaru Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Hyundai | Subaru | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedans(3 vs 3 models) | 75/100 | 74/100 | Hyundai |
| SUVs(6 vs 5 models) | 67/100 | 72/100 | Subaru |
The makes split categories evenly at 1–1.
Common Problems: Hyundai vs Subaru
| Component | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 20%1,751 | 23%1,805 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 3%260 | 33%2,612 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 12%1,095 | 16%1,248 |
| ENGINE | 18%1,597 | 3%272 |
| POWER TRAIN | 15%1,289 | 5%405 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 8%745 | 2%132 |
| VISIBILITY | 1%61 | 6%461 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 3%272 | 2%154 |
| STEERING | 3%226 | 2%191 |
| AIR BAGS | 2%135 | 3%223 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Hyundai vs Subaru Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Hyundai
407
Crash reports
126
Fire reports
342
Injury reports
Subaru
289
Crash reports
74
Fire reports
154
Injury reports
Every Hyundai and Subaru Model Ranked
Hyundai Models
Subaru Models
Hyundai vs Subaru Reliability Trend by Year
Hyundai's reliability is improving — recent model years average 75/100, 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 | Hyundai | Subaru | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 76/100(10) | 82/100(6) | Subaru |
| 2025 | 74/100(10) | 79/100(8) | Subaru |
| 2024 | 72/100(10) | 77/100(8) | Subaru |
| 2023 | 67/100(10) | 75/100(8) | Subaru |
| 2022 | 64/100(9) | 74/100(7) | Subaru |
| 2021 | 69/100(7) | 72/100(6) | Subaru |
| 2020 | 66/100(7) | 68/100(7) | Subaru |
| 2019 | 68/100(5) | 63/100(7) | Hyundai |
| 2018 | 67/100(5) | 67/100(6) | Tie |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Hyundai vs Subaru: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Hyundai and Subaru. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
Who Should Buy Hyundai vs Subaru?
If you want a sedan with the best record on this site, look at the Hyundai Elantra. Target 2024 and skip 2020 and 2022, when sudden engine failure is the risk to avoid. The Sonata and Ioniq 6 also rate good. If you want an SUV, lean Subaru. The Forester, Crosstrek, and Outback all rate good. Hyundai's Tucson, Santa Fe, Kona, and Venue also rate good, so they are fair alternatives.
Be careful with the Hyundai Ioniq 5, which rates only mixed. Owners report sudden loss of drive power tied to the charging control unit, and 2022 and 2023 collect the most complaints. On the Subaru side, skip the 2019 and 2020 Legacy, which draw cracked windshields and glitchy touchscreens. For the Ascent, avoid 2019 and look at 2024, and check for battery drain and CVT shudder on a test drive. Shoppers on a tight repair budget should lean Hyundai.
The Bottom Line: Hyundai or Subaru?
Choose Subaru if you want fewer recalls and a stronger SUV lineup. Choose Hyundai if lower running costs matter more. The strongest single model across both lineups is the Elantra, which rates excellent. Hyundai's estimated repair costs run about $113 a year lower, or roughly $565 over five years. Avoid the Ioniq 5 in 2022 and 2023, and the Legacy in 2019 and 2020.
Hyundai vs Subaru: Common Questions
Is Hyundai more reliable than Subaru?
Which brand has more recalls, Hyundai or Subaru?
Which is cheaper to repair, Hyundai or Subaru?
What goes wrong most often on Subaru models?
Which Hyundai models should I avoid used?
Comparing Hyundai 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 Hyundai comparisons
How we score Hyundai 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.