Last updated: 2026-10-10
Ram vs Subaru: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Ram
3 models tracked
Subaru
8 models tracked
Subaru beats Ram on reliability by a clear margin. Repair costs and recalls favor Subaru, while Ram draws fewer and less serious complaints. Both brands rate good and both are improving, so the choice comes down to cheaper upkeep versus a calmer complaint record.
Is Ram More Reliable Than Subaru?
| Metric | Ram | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 65/100 | 73/100 |
| Models Tracked | 3 | 8 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 54 | 15 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 1448 | 1084 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $691/yr | $605/yr |
Ram vs Subaru: The Verdict
A clear edge goes to Subaru. It costs less to keep running, at $605 a year against $691 for Ram, and it carries fewer recalls, 121 against 161. Ram wins on complaint severity, with 1.1 complaints per 1,000 sold against 2.3 for Subaru, plus fewer crash and fire reports.
Problems spread across systems about evenly for both brands. Subaru owners mostly report visibility and wiper trouble, including windshields that crack with no impact. Ram owners mostly report electrical faults, then steering. Federal records and owner filings show both brands trending better.
Where Ram and Subaru Differ Most
| 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 | 73/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 63/100Good | 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 21 points higher. That single component does the most to separate these two makes.
Ram vs Subaru: Strengths and Weaknesses
Ram
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (65/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 36 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
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Ram or Subaru?
Based on independent repair cost data, Subaru is cheaper to maintain at an average of $605/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: $605/yr
Common Problems: Ram vs Subaru
| Component | Ram | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 24%912 | 23%1,805 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 2%76 | 33%2,612 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 9%330 | 16%1,248 |
| POWER TRAIN | 14%530 | 5%405 |
| STEERING | 15%559 | 2%191 |
| ENGINE | 11%407 | 3%272 |
| VISIBILITY | — | 6%461 |
| AIR BAGS | 4%132 | 3%223 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 6%213 | 2%132 |
| STRUCTURE | 4%134 | 2%124 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Ram vs Subaru Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Ram
170
Crash reports
36
Fire reports
127
Injury reports
Subaru
289
Crash reports
74
Fire reports
154
Injury reports
Every Ram and Subaru Model Ranked
Subaru Models
Ram vs Subaru Reliability Trend by Year
Ram's reliability is improving — recent model years average 69/100, 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 | Ram | Subaru | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 70/100(2) | 82/100(6) | Subaru |
| 2025 | 68/100(2) | 79/100(8) | Subaru |
| 2024 | 70/100(2) | 77/100(8) | Subaru |
| 2023 | 68/100(2) | 75/100(8) | Subaru |
| 2022 | 63/100(2) | 74/100(7) | Subaru |
| 2021 | 61/100(2) | 72/100(6) | Subaru |
| 2020 | 64/100(2) | 68/100(7) | Subaru |
| 2019 | 58/100(2) | 63/100(7) | Subaru |
| 2018 | 66/100(2) | 67/100(6) | Subaru |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Who Should Buy Ram vs Subaru?
If you want low upkeep in a sedan or SUV, lean Subaru. The Legacy, WRX and Forester lead the lineup. Skip the 2019 and 2020 Legacy, where cracked windshields and phantom touchscreen inputs pile up. Skip the 2019 Ascent too, and check any Ascent for a battery that drains while parked or a CVT that shudders or loses drive on the highway.
If you need a truck or a van, Ram is the only choice here, and it is the safer bet if you fear severe complaints. The 1500 costs less to repair than the typical full-size truck. Avoid the 2019 and test the touchscreen and steering before you buy. The Promaster suits work use, but check how the transmission shifts and look for leaks near the windshield cowl. The 2018 is the Promaster year to favor. The 2019 and 2021 draw the most complaints.
The Bottom Line: Ram or Subaru?
Choose Subaru if you want the cheaper, better-rated brand overall. The Legacy is the strongest model across both lineups. Subaru's yearly repair cost is $86 lower, which adds up to about $430 over five years. Choose Ram only when you need a pickup or cargo van, and then favor the 1500 over the Promaster.
Ram vs Subaru: Common Questions
Is Ram more reliable than Subaru?
Which brand has more recalls, Ram or Subaru?
Which is cheaper to repair, Ram or Subaru?
What goes wrong most often on a used Subaru?
What goes wrong most often on a used Ram?
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 score Ram 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.