Last updated: 2026-05-15
Ram vs Subaru: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Ram
3 models tracked
Subaru
6 models tracked
Comparing Ram 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.
Subaru currently leads with an average score of 72/100 compared to 57/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Ram More Reliable Than Subaru?
| Metric | Ram | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 57/100 | 72/100 |
| Models Tracked | 3 | 6 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 53 | 16 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 1442 | 1362 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $691/yr | $613/yr |
Ram Models
3 models ranked by reliability
Ram vs Subaru: The Verdict
The data is decisive here — Subaru pulls well ahead of Ram on reliability. Across 3 Ram and 6 Subaru models, Subaru averages 72/100 to 57/100 — a 15-point gap built from NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and independent repair cost data.
On the cost front, Subaru is cheaper to maintain at $613/year versus $691/year. That maintenance gap adds up — budget-conscious buyers should factor in that Subaru advantage.
Where Ram and Subaru Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Ram | Subaru |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 67/100Good | 62/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 55/100Mixed | 72/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 61/100Good | 83/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 81/100Excellent | 78/100Good |
The biggest gap is in recall impact, where Subaru scores 22 points higher. That single component does the most to separate these two makes.
Ram vs Subaru: Strengths and Weaknesses
Ram
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (57/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- Reliability trending downward in recent model years
- 37 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 Ram and Subaru Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Ram
Subaru
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Ram or Subaru?
Based on independent repair cost data, Subaru is cheaper to maintain at an average of $613/year compared to $691/year for Ram. 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: $613/yr
Common Problems: Ram vs Subaru
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Ram | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 1%36 | 36%2,344 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 25%912 | 22%1,442 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 11%398 | 15%968 |
| POWER TRAIN | 14%530 | 4%276 |
| STEERING | 15%563 | 3%203 |
| ENGINE | 11%407 | 4%247 |
| AIR BAGS | 4%132 | 3%198 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 6%213 | 2%100 |
| VISIBILITY | — | 3%185 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 3%125 | 1%44 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Ram vs Subaru Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, Ram owners reported 171 crash-related, 37 fire-related, and 125 injury-related complaints to NHTSA. Subaru owners reported 250 crash-related, 60 fire-related, and 131 injury-related complaints. Ram 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.
Ram
171
Crash reports
37
Fire reports
125
Injury reports
Subaru
250
Crash reports
60
Fire reports
131
Injury reports
Every Ram and Subaru Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Ram Models
Ram vs Subaru Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
Ram's reliability is declining in recent model years, which is worth noting if you're shopping for a newer vehicle. Subaru's reliability is improving — recent model years average 78/100.
The trend lines are moving in opposite directions: Subaru is getting more reliable while Ram is sliding. That's worth watching if you're buying a newer model year.
| Model Year | Ram | Subaru | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 45/100(3) | 79/100(6) | Subaru |
| 2024 | 46/100(3) | 76/100(6) | Subaru |
| 2023 | 68/100(2) | 76/100(6) | Subaru |
| 2022 | 63/100(2) | 74/100(6) | Subaru |
| 2021 | 61/100(2) | 72/100(5) | Subaru |
| 2020 | 64/100(2) | 68/100(6) | Subaru |
| 2019 | 58/100(2) | 63/100(6) | Subaru |
| 2018 | 66/100(2) | 66/100(5) | Tie |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
The Bottom Line: Ram or Subaru?
If reliability is a top priority, Subaru deserves serious consideration over its rival.
If you want the single most reliable option: the Subaru WRX leads both lineups with a score of 75/100.
Budget-conscious buyers should note that Subaru costs less to maintain — $613/year vs $691/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.
Ram vs Subaru: Common Questions
Is Ram more reliable than Subaru?
Which is cheaper to maintain, Ram or Subaru?
Which make has more recalls, Ram or Subaru?
What are the most reliable models from Ram and Subaru?
What are the least reliable models from Ram and Subaru?
What are the most common problems with Ram and Subaru vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, Ram or Subaru?
How many Ram and Subaru models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Ram or Subaru?
Are Ram and Subaru getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Ram or Subaru?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Ram or Subaru?
Comparing Ram 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.