Last updated: 2026-10-10
Jeep vs Subaru: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Jeep
7 models tracked
Subaru
8 models tracked
Subaru comes out ahead of Jeep on reliability, with fewer recalls, fewer serious complaints, and slightly lower repair costs. Both brands rate good and both are improving, but Jeep's recall load and crash and fire complaints are noticeably heavier for a used-car shopper to sort through.
Is Jeep More Reliable Than Subaru?
| Metric | Jeep | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 67/100 | 73/100 |
| Models Tracked | 7 | 8 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 54 | 15 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 2336 | 1084 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $615/yr | $605/yr |
Jeep vs Subaru: The Verdict
A clear edge goes to Subaru. Both brands land in good standing, so neither is a bad buy, but Subaru does better on complaint severity, repair costs, and recall impact. Jeep has 377 recalls to Subaru's 121, and owners file more complaints per vehicle sold for Jeep, along with more fires and crashes.
The gap in repair costs is small. Problems spread across vehicle systems about evenly for both. Jeep's electrical and steering trouble and Subaru's windshield and wiper complaints are the main patterns to know. Both brands are trending better.
Where Jeep and Subaru Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Jeep | Subaru |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 59/100Mixed | 62/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 69/100Good | 73/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 68/100Good | 84/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 80/100Excellent | 79/100Good |
The biggest gap is in recall impact, where Subaru scores 16 points higher. That single component does the most to separate these two makes.
Jeep vs Subaru: Strengths and Weaknesses
Jeep
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (67/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($615/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 6 of 7 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 216 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 Jeep and Subaru Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Jeep
Subaru
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Jeep or Subaru?
Based on independent repair cost data, Subaru is cheaper to maintain at an average of $605/year compared to $615/year for Jeep. The difference is relatively small, so maintenance costs shouldn't be a major deciding factor between these makes.
Jeep Repair Cost Range
$498 – $784/yr
Average: $615/yr
Subaru Repair Cost Range
$492 – $682/yr
Average: $605/yr
Jeep vs Subaru Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Jeep | Subaru | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(6 vs 5 models) | 69/100 | 72/100 | Subaru |
Subaru wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Jeep vs Subaru
| Component | Jeep | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 28%4,241 | 23%1,805 |
| STEERING | 21%3,206 | 2%191 |
| POWER TRAIN | 17%2,666 | 5%405 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 11%1,612 | 16%1,248 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 1%102 | 33%2,612 |
| ENGINE | 8%1,266 | 3%272 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 4%570 | 2%132 |
| AIR BAGS | 2%267 | 3%223 |
| VISIBILITY | — | 6%461 |
| SUSPENSION | 3%442 | 0%17 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Jeep vs Subaru Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Jeep
540
Crash reports
216
Fire reports
362
Injury reports
Subaru
289
Crash reports
74
Fire reports
154
Injury reports
Every Jeep and Subaru Model Ranked
Jeep Models
Subaru Models
Jeep vs Subaru Reliability Trend by Year
Jeep's reliability is improving — recent model years average 74/100, 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 | Jeep | Subaru | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 73/100(4) | 82/100(6) | Subaru |
| 2025 | 74/100(6) | 79/100(8) | Subaru |
| 2024 | 66/100(6) | 77/100(8) | Subaru |
| 2023 | 65/100(7) | 75/100(8) | Subaru |
| 2022 | 62/100(6) | 74/100(7) | Subaru |
| 2021 | 65/100(6) | 72/100(6) | Subaru |
| 2020 | 68/100(6) | 68/100(7) | Tie |
| 2019 | 68/100(5) | 63/100(7) | Jeep |
| 2018 | 62/100(5) | 67/100(6) | Subaru |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Jeep vs Subaru: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Jeep and Subaru. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
Who Should Buy Jeep vs Subaru?
If you want the lowest chance of surprises, lean toward Subaru. The Legacy leads its lineup and is above average among sedans, but skip the 2019 and 2020 model years because of windshields that crack with no impact and touchscreens that register phantom touches. On the Ascent, avoid 2019 and look for a 2024. Check that the CVT does not shudder or slip, and that the battery holds charge while parked.
Lean toward Jeep if you want a compact SUV and will shop carefully. The Compass is the strongest Jeep, but skip the 2018 for heavy oil use and engines that shut off while driving. A 2024 has far fewer complaints. Be cautious with the Gladiator, which rates mixed. Steering looseness and death wobble are the worry, so favor a 2024 over a 2020 or 2021. Newer 2025 and 2026 trucks look clean mostly because they have had little time on the road.
The Bottom Line: Jeep or Subaru?
For the safer bet, pick Subaru and start with the Legacy, the strongest single model across both lineups. Jeep is still a fair choice if you pick the Compass in a good year and avoid the early Gladiator. Repair costs barely separate them. Subaru runs about $10 a year less, roughly $50 over five years, so let recalls and problem history decide.
Jeep vs Subaru: Common Questions
Is Jeep more reliable than Subaru?
Which has more recalls, Jeep or Subaru?
Which is cheaper to repair, Jeep or Subaru?
What problems do Subarus have most often?
What problems do Jeeps have most often?
Comparing Jeep 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 Jeep comparisons
How we score Jeep 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.