Last updated: 2026-05-15
KIA vs Subaru: Reliability Compared
KIA
9 models tracked
Subaru
6 models tracked
Comparing KIA and Subaru on reliability? This page compares their scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs across every model we track.
Both makes currently share an average reliability score of 72/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is KIA More Reliable Than Subaru?
| Metric | KIA | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 72/100 | 72/100 |
| Models Tracked | 9 | 6 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 17 | 16 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 709 | 1362 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $492/yr | $613/yr |
KIA vs Subaru: The Verdict
Choosing between KIA and Subaru on reliability alone? It's a coin flip. Aggregating recall data, owner complaints, and repair costs across every model we track, KIA averages 72/100 (9 models) and Subaru averages 72/100 (6 models).
On the cost front, KIA is cheaper to maintain at $492/year versus $613/year. Over 5 years, that's roughly $605 in savings. Worth noting: repair costs vary heavily by model within each make, so this is an average — check individual model pages for specifics.
Where KIA and Subaru Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | KIA | Subaru |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 63/100Good | 62/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 74/100Good | 72/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 76/100Good | 83/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 83/100Excellent | 78/100Good |
Where they diverge most: recall impact. Subaru has a 7-point edge in that component, which accounts for much of the reliability gap.
KIA vs Subaru: Strengths and Weaknesses
KIA
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (72/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Very affordable maintenance ($492/year avg)
- 8 of 9 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 137 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
Subaru
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (72/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($613/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 6 of 6 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 60 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
How Reliable Are KIA and Subaru Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
KIA
Subaru
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: KIA or Subaru?
Based on independent repair cost data, KIA is cheaper to maintain at an average of $492/year compared to $613/year for Subaru. That's a difference of $121/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
KIA Repair Cost Range
$437 – $573/yr
Average: $492/yr
Subaru Repair Cost Range
$492 – $682/yr
Average: $613/yr
KIA vs Subaru Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | KIA | Subaru | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(6 vs 4 models) | 71/100 | 71/100 | Tie |
| Sedans(2 vs 2 models) | 73/100 | 74/100 | Subaru |
Subaru wins 1 out of 2 shared categories.
Common Problems: KIA vs Subaru
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | KIA | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 6%314 | 36%2,344 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 19%1,052 | 22%1,442 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 16%914 | 15%968 |
| ENGINE | 19%1,098 | 4%247 |
| POWER TRAIN | 14%816 | 4%276 |
| STEERING | 4%222 | 3%203 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 4%225 | 3%162 |
| AIR BAGS | 3%151 | 3%198 |
| VISIBILITY | 0%28 | 3%185 |
| STRUCTURE | 3%179 | 1%33 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
KIA vs Subaru Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, KIA owners reported 293 crash-related, 137 fire-related, and 295 injury-related complaints to NHTSA. Subaru owners reported 250 crash-related, 60 fire-related, and 131 injury-related complaints. Subaru has fewer severe incident reports overall. These counts reflect owner-reported incidents and don't establish causation — but they're a useful signal for comparing safety profiles.
KIA
293
Crash reports
137
Fire reports
295
Injury reports
Subaru
250
Crash reports
60
Fire reports
131
Injury reports
Every KIA and Subaru Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
KIA Models
KIA vs Subaru Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
KIA's reliability has been stable across the years we track. Subaru's reliability is improving — recent model years average 78/100.
| Model Year | KIA | Subaru | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 79/100(7) | 79/100(6) | Tie |
| 2024 | 75/100(7) | 76/100(6) | Subaru |
| 2023 | 69/100(8) | 76/100(6) | Subaru |
| 2022 | 70/100(8) | 74/100(6) | Subaru |
| 2021 | 73/100(7) | 72/100(5) | KIA |
| 2020 | 71/100(6) | 68/100(6) | KIA |
| 2019 | 72/100(5) | 63/100(6) | KIA |
| 2018 | 71/100(5) | 66/100(5) | KIA |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
KIA vs Subaru: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between KIA and Subaru. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
The Bottom Line: KIA or Subaru?
With these two makes essentially tied, your decision should come down to the specific model, not the badge on the hood.
If you want the single most reliable option: the KIA Carnival leads both lineups with a score of 83/100.
Budget-conscious buyers should note that KIA costs less to maintain — $492/year vs $613/year.
All scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data combined with independent repair cost databases. Check individual model pages for year-specific reliability data before making a final decision.
KIA vs Subaru: Common Questions
Is KIA more reliable than Subaru?
Which is cheaper to maintain, KIA or Subaru?
Which make has more recalls, KIA or Subaru?
What are the most reliable models from KIA and Subaru?
What are the least reliable models from KIA and Subaru?
What are the most common problems with KIA and Subaru vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, KIA or Subaru?
How many KIA and Subaru models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, KIA or Subaru?
Are KIA and Subaru getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, KIA or Subaru?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, KIA or Subaru?
Comparing KIA vs Subaru? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
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How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.