Last updated: 2026-10-10
Nissan vs Subaru: Reliability Compared
Nissan
12 models tracked
Subaru
8 models tracked
Nissan has a slight reliability edge over Subaru, with fewer complaints per car sold and lower repair costs. Both brands rate good and both are improving, so the specific model matters more than the badge. Subaru's biggest problem area is visibility and wipers, while Nissan's is the electrical system.
Is Nissan More Reliable Than Subaru?
| Metric | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 77/100 | 73/100 |
| Models Tracked | 12 | 8 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 14 | 15 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 531 | 1084 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $523/yr | $605/yr |
Nissan vs Subaru: The Verdict
Slight edge to Nissan. Owners file fewer complaints per 1,000 cars sold (1 against 2.3), and independent repair-cost data puts upkeep at $523 a year against $605. Nissan also spreads its problems across more systems, while a third of Subaru complaints fall under visibility and wipers. Complaints that mention fires run higher for Subaru, and Nissan's crash and injury filings are higher in raw count.
Recall impact is even, even though Nissan has more recall records (172 against 121). Sedans are even between the two. Nissan is stronger among SUVs. Both brands are on an improving trend, so neither is a risky pick on brand alone.
Where Nissan and Subaru Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 67/100Good | 62/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 76/100Good | 73/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 85/100Excellent | 84/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 82/100Excellent | 79/100Good |
Dig into the components and complaint severity stands out — Nissan outscores by 5 points there, which carries significant weight in the final number.
Nissan vs Subaru: Strengths and Weaknesses
Nissan
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (77/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($523/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 12 of 12 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 41 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 Nissan and Subaru Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Nissan
Subaru
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Nissan or Subaru?
Based on independent repair cost data, Nissan is cheaper to maintain at an average of $523/year compared to $605/year for Subaru. The difference is relatively small, so maintenance costs shouldn't be a major deciding factor between these makes.
Nissan Repair Cost Range
$456 – $748/yr
Average: $523/yr
Subaru Repair Cost Range
$492 – $682/yr
Average: $605/yr
Nissan vs Subaru Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Nissan | Subaru | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedans(5 vs 3 models) | 75/100 | 74/100 | Nissan |
| SUVs(6 vs 5 models) | 77/100 | 72/100 | Nissan |
Nissan wins 2 out of 2 shared categories.
Common Problems: Nissan vs Subaru
| Component | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 23%1,283 | 23%1,805 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 2%124 | 33%2,612 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 17%929 | 16%1,248 |
| POWER TRAIN | 11%609 | 5%405 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 11%590 | 2%132 |
| ENGINE | 8%436 | 3%272 |
| VISIBILITY | 0%7 | 6%461 |
| STEERING | 5%272 | 2%191 |
| AIR BAGS | 4%205 | 3%223 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 6%342 | 1%67 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Nissan vs Subaru Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Nissan
331
Crash reports
41
Fire reports
268
Injury reports
Subaru
289
Crash reports
74
Fire reports
154
Injury reports
Every Nissan and Subaru Model Ranked
Nissan Models
Subaru Models
Nissan vs Subaru Reliability Trend by Year
Nissan'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 | Nissan | Subaru | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 83/100(9) | 82/100(6) | Nissan |
| 2025 | 80/100(11) | 79/100(8) | Nissan |
| 2024 | 79/100(9) | 77/100(8) | Nissan |
| 2023 | 77/100(9) | 75/100(8) | Nissan |
| 2022 | 77/100(8) | 74/100(7) | Nissan |
| 2021 | 77/100(10) | 72/100(6) | Nissan |
| 2020 | 73/100(11) | 68/100(7) | Nissan |
| 2019 | 73/100(10) | 63/100(7) | Nissan |
| 2018 | 73/100(11) | 67/100(6) | Nissan |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Nissan vs Subaru: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Nissan and Subaru. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
Who Should Buy Nissan vs Subaru?
If you want the lowest upkeep, lean Nissan. The Frontier is the pick for a truck. For an SUV, the Ariya is the strongest in the lineup, but choose the 2024, because the 2023 draws reports of sudden loss of drive power. Be careful with the Leaf. Battery trouble defines it, repairs run about $748 a year, and the 2021 is the year to favor over the 2019 and 2020.
Lean Subaru if you want a sedan or SUV from a lineup where every model rates good and the spread in repair cost is narrow. The Legacy is the top-ranked Subaru, and the 2024 is the safer year. Skip the 2019 and 2020 Legacy, where windshields crack with no impact and touchscreens act up. On the Ascent, choose the 2024 and avoid the 2019. Check for a draining battery and a CVT that shudders or slips.
The Bottom Line: Nissan or Subaru?
Buy Nissan if cost and fewer complaints matter most. Buy Subaru if a specific model fits your needs, and pick the year carefully. The strongest model across both lineups is the Nissan Ariya, and the 2024 is the better used buy. Nissan costs about $82 less a year to maintain, which adds up to roughly $410 over five years. That is a modest gap, so inspect any car before you pay.
Nissan vs Subaru: Common Questions
Is Nissan more reliable than Subaru?
Which brand has more recalls, Nissan or Subaru?
Which is cheaper to repair, Nissan or Subaru?
What are the most common Subaru problems?
What is the biggest problem with used Nissans?
Comparing Nissan 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 Nissan comparisons
How we score Nissan 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.