Last updated: 2026-10-10
Infiniti vs Subaru: Reliability Compared
Infiniti
1 models tracked
Subaru
8 models tracked
Infiniti edges out Subaru on reliability, mostly because its owner complaints are fewer and less serious. Subaru costs a little less to repair each year and offers far more models. Both brands rate good, and both show an improving trend.
Is Infiniti More Reliable Than Subaru?
| Metric | Infiniti | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 75/100 | 73/100 |
| Models Tracked | 1 | 8 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 13 | 15 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 182 | 1084 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $639/yr | $605/yr |
Infiniti vs Subaru: The Verdict
A slight edge goes to Infiniti. Its owners file fewer complaints per car sold, and fewer of those involve crashes, fires, or injuries. Its problems are also spread across more systems, while Subaru's complaints bunch up around windshields, wipers, and visibility.
Subaru wins on repair cost, at $605 a year against $639. Recall impact is even, so recalls should not decide this one. The gap is small, and Infiniti's lead rests on a single tracked model, the QX60. Subaru's results come from eight models, which makes them a broader picture.
Where Infiniti and Subaru Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Infiniti | Subaru |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 68/100Good | 62/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 70/100Good | 73/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 84/100Excellent | 84/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 84/100Excellent | 79/100Good |
Dig into the components and complaint severity stands out — Infiniti outscores by 6 points there, which carries significant weight in the final number.
Infiniti vs Subaru: Strengths and Weaknesses
Infiniti
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (75/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($639/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 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
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Infiniti or Subaru?
Based on independent repair cost data, Subaru is cheaper to maintain at an average of $605/year compared to $639/year for Infiniti. The difference is relatively small, so maintenance costs shouldn't be a major deciding factor between these makes.
Subaru Repair Cost Range
$492 – $682/yr
Average: $605/yr
Infiniti vs Subaru Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Infiniti | Subaru | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(1 vs 5 models) | 75/100 | 72/100 | Infiniti |
Infiniti wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Infiniti vs Subaru
| Component | Infiniti | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 2%3 | 33%2,612 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 20%27 | 23%1,805 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 18%24 | 16%1,248 |
| VISIBILITY | — | 6%461 |
| POWER TRAIN | 23%32 | 5%405 |
| ENGINE | 13%18 | 3%272 |
| AIR BAGS | 1%2 | 3%223 |
| STEERING | 1%2 | 2%191 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 8%11 | 2%132 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 3%4 | 0%39 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Infiniti vs Subaru Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Infiniti
5
Crash reports
1
Fire reports
8
Injury reports
Subaru
289
Crash reports
74
Fire reports
154
Injury reports
Every Infiniti and Subaru Model Ranked
Infiniti Models
Subaru Models
Infiniti vs Subaru Reliability Trend by Year
Infiniti's reliability is improving — recent model years average 79/100, 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 | Infiniti | Subaru | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 82/100(1) | 82/100(6) | Tie |
| 2025 | 76/100(1) | 79/100(8) | Subaru |
| 2024 | 73/100(1) | 77/100(8) | Subaru |
| 2023 | 72/100(1) | 75/100(8) | Subaru |
| 2022 | 73/100(1) | 74/100(7) | Subaru |
| 2021 | 81/100(1) | 72/100(6) | Infiniti |
| 2020 | 74/100(1) | 68/100(7) | Infiniti |
| 2019 | 71/100(1) | 63/100(7) | Infiniti |
| 2018 | 72/100(1) | 67/100(6) | Infiniti |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Who Should Buy Infiniti vs Subaru?
If you want a midsize SUV and care most about low complaint volume, lean toward the QX60. Target the 2021 model year. Look hard at 2019 and 2023, the two lowest rated. Test drive for CVT shudder or hesitation, because that flaw does not always respond to repair.
If you want choice, lean toward Subaru. It covers sedans and SUVs, and every tracked model rates good. The Legacy tops the Subaru ranking, but skip the 2019 and 2020 model years, and consider 2024 instead. Cracked windshields and touchscreens that bubble or register phantom touches are the main complaints. In an Ascent, avoid 2019, and check for a battery that drains while parked and a CVT that slips or loses drive on the highway. Electrical problems rank high in the complaints for both brands, so test every screen and switch on any car you view.
The Bottom Line: Infiniti or Subaru?
Choose Infiniti if a single SUV, the QX60, fits your needs and you want fewer and less severe complaints. Choose Subaru if you want more body styles or the lower repair bill. The strongest single model across both lineups is the Subaru Legacy, which ranks first among Subaru's eight. Subaru's $34 a year repair advantage adds up to about $170 over five years.
Infiniti vs Subaru: Common Questions
Is Infiniti more reliable than Subaru?
Which is cheaper to repair, Infiniti or Subaru?
Which brand has more recalls, Infiniti or Subaru?
What goes wrong most often on a used Subaru?
What is the main weakness of the Infiniti QX60?
Comparing Infiniti 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 Infiniti 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.