Last updated: 2026-10-10
Subaru vs Tesla: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Subaru
8 models tracked
Tesla
5 models tracked
Subaru is clearly more reliable than Tesla, with fewer recalls, fewer crash complaints and lower repair costs. Subaru rates good, Tesla mixed. Both brands are trending better, but Tesla's complaints center on collision avoidance and speed control, while Subaru's are mostly wipers and electrical.
Is Subaru More Reliable Than Tesla?
| Metric | Subaru | Tesla |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 73/100 | 52/100 |
| Models Tracked | 8 | 5 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 15 | 102 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 1084 | 2526 |
Tesla Models
5 models ranked by reliability
Subaru vs Tesla: The Verdict
A large gap in reliability separates these two brands, and it favors Subaru. Federal recall records list 121 recalls for Subaru and 509 for Tesla. Subaru is also stronger on repair costs, on complaint severity, and on how problems spread across systems.
Severity is where the two split most. Owners report 289 complaints involving crashes for Subaru and 1330 for Tesla. Tesla's biggest problem area is forward collision avoidance, followed by vehicle speed control. Subaru's biggest are wipers and visibility, which are annoying but a different class of problem. Both brands are improving, so newer cars from either should do better than older ones.
Where Subaru and Tesla Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Subaru | Tesla |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 62/100Good | 49/100Mixed |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 73/100Good | 40/100Mixed |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 84/100Excellent | 59/100Mixed |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 79/100Good | 74/100Good |
Subaru's advantage in repair costs (+33 points) is the main driver of the overall score difference between these makes.
Subaru vs Tesla: Strengths and Weaknesses
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
Tesla
Strengths
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
Weaknesses
- 5 of 5 models rated Mixed or Poor
- 72 fire-related complaints across lineup
How Reliable Are Subaru and Tesla Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Subaru
Tesla
Subaru vs Tesla Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Subaru | Tesla | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(5 vs 2 models) | 72/100 | 56/100 | Subaru |
| Sedans(3 vs 2 models) | 74/100 | 48/100 | Subaru |
Subaru wins 2 out of 2 shared categories.
Common Problems: Subaru vs Tesla
| Component | Subaru | Tesla |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 23%1,805 | 12%1,331 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 1%67 | 25%2,730 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 33%2,612 | 0%31 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 16%1,248 | 12%1,360 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 2%154 | 14%1,504 |
| STEERING | 2%191 | 12%1,303 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 2%132 | 8%895 |
| SUSPENSION | 0%17 | 6%683 |
| AIR BAGS | 3%223 | 4%416 |
| POWER TRAIN | 5%405 | 2%173 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Subaru vs Tesla Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Subaru
289
Crash reports
74
Fire reports
154
Injury reports
Tesla
1,330
Crash reports
72
Fire reports
885
Injury reports
Every Subaru and Tesla Model Ranked
Subaru Models
Subaru vs Tesla Reliability Trend by Year
Subaru's reliability is improving — recent model years average 81/100, up from earlier years. Tesla's reliability is improving — recent model years average 62/100.
Interestingly, both Subaru and Tesla show improving reliability trends recently.
| Model Year | Subaru | Tesla | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 82/100(6) | 59/100(2) | Subaru |
| 2025 | 79/100(8) | 64/100(5) | Subaru |
| 2024 | 77/100(8) | 56/100(5) | Subaru |
| 2023 | 75/100(8) | 47/100(4) | Subaru |
| 2022 | 74/100(7) | 54/100(4) | Subaru |
| 2021 | 72/100(6) | 43/100(4) | Subaru |
| 2020 | 68/100(7) | 47/100(4) | Subaru |
| 2019 | 63/100(7) | 50/100(3) | Subaru |
| 2018 | 67/100(6) | 48/100(3) | Subaru |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Who Should Buy Subaru vs Tesla?
If you want the lowest risk, shop Subaru. The Legacy is the strongest model in either lineup, and the 2024 is the safer year. Skip the 2019 and 2020, which draw the most trouble, mainly cracking windshields and touchscreens that register phantom touches. If you need a three-row SUV, the Ascent rates good, and the 2024 is the safer pick. Avoid the 2019, and watch for batteries that drain while parked and a CVT that shudders or slips.
Lean toward Tesla only if you want an electric car and accept more risk. Every Tesla model rates mixed, with the Model S the weakest in the ranking. A 2019 Model S is the safer pick. Stay away from the 2021, where owners report phantom braking and sudden acceleration while parking, both with crashes on record. The Cybertruck ranks first among Tesla models, but its record is short. Door latching and loose stainless trim show up in the 2024. The 2025 and 2026 years look quiet only because they are new.
The Bottom Line: Subaru or Tesla?
Unless you specifically need an electric car, Subaru is the safer buy. The Legacy is the strongest single model across both lineups, and a 2024 is the year to target. Independent repair-cost data also favors Subaru, whose models average $605 a year to maintain and repair. If you go Tesla, a 2019 Model S is a safer choice than a 2021, and a Cybertruck deserves extra caution.
Subaru vs Tesla: Common Questions
Is Subaru more reliable than Tesla?
Which has more recalls, Subaru or Tesla?
Which is cheaper to repair, Subaru or Tesla?
What are the most common Tesla problems?
What are the most common Subaru problems?
Comparing Subaru vs Tesla? 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 Subaru and Tesla 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.