Last updated: 2026-07-26
Subaru vs Toyota: Reliability Compared
Subaru
8 models tracked
Toyota
19 models tracked
Comparing Subaru and Toyota on reliability? This page compares their scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs across every model we track.
Toyota currently leads with an average score of 76/100 compared to 73/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Subaru More Reliable Than Toyota?
| Metric | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 73/100 | 76/100 |
| Models Tracked | 8 | 19 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 15 | 25 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 1084 | 616 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $605/yr | $482/yr |
Subaru vs Toyota: The Verdict
Toyota edges out Subaru on reliability, though both makes have solid options. Across 8 Subaru and 19 Toyota models, Toyota averages 76/100 to 73/100 — a 3-point gap built from NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and independent repair cost data.
On the cost front, Toyota is cheaper to maintain at $482/year versus $605/year. Over 5 years, that's roughly $615 in savings. That maintenance gap adds up — budget-conscious buyers should factor in that Toyota advantage.
Where Subaru and Toyota Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 62/100Good | 67/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 73/100Good | 77/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 84/100Excellent | 80/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 79/100Good | 82/100Excellent |
The biggest gap is in complaint severity, where Toyota scores 5 points higher. That single component does the most to separate these two makes.
Subaru vs Toyota: 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
- 65 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
Toyota
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (76/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Very affordable maintenance ($482/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 19 of 19 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 93 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
How Reliable Are Subaru and Toyota Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Subaru
Toyota
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Subaru or Toyota?
Based on independent repair cost data, Toyota is cheaper to maintain at an average of $482/year compared to $605/year for Subaru. That's a difference of $123/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Subaru Repair Cost Range
$492 – $682/yr
Average: $605/yr
Toyota Repair Cost Range
$362 – $642/yr
Average: $482/yr
Subaru vs Toyota Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Subaru | Toyota | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(5 vs 9 models) | 72/100 | 77/100 | Toyota |
| Sedans(3 vs 6 models) | 74/100 | 78/100 | Toyota |
Toyota wins 2 out of 2 shared categories.
Common Problems: Subaru vs Toyota
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 23%1,549 | 13%1,271 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 36%2,483 | 1%88 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 15%1,049 | 14%1,400 |
| POWER TRAIN | 4%285 | 19%1,909 |
| ENGINE | 4%258 | 10%984 |
| AIR BAGS | 3%207 | 9%914 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 2%107 | 8%803 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 1%51 | 8%765 |
| STEERING | 3%210 | 6%565 |
| VISIBILITY | 3%204 | 0%15 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Subaru vs Toyota Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, Subaru owners reported 266 crash-related, 65 fire-related, and 133 injury-related complaints to NHTSA. Toyota owners reported 694 crash-related, 93 fire-related, and 627 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.
Subaru
266
Crash reports
65
Fire reports
133
Injury reports
Toyota
694
Crash reports
93
Fire reports
627
Injury reports
Every Subaru and Toyota Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Subaru Models
Toyota Models
Subaru vs Toyota Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
Subaru's reliability is improving — recent model years average 81/100, up from earlier years. Toyota's reliability is improving — recent model years average 82/100.
Both makes are trending improving in recent model years — neither is pulling away.
| Model Year | Subaru | Toyota | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 82/100(6) | 86/100(13) | Toyota |
| 2025 | 79/100(8) | 78/100(15) | Subaru |
| 2024 | 77/100(8) | 75/100(16) | Subaru |
| 2023 | 75/100(8) | 75/100(15) | Tie |
| 2022 | 74/100(7) | 76/100(16) | Toyota |
| 2021 | 72/100(6) | 76/100(14) | Toyota |
| 2020 | 68/100(7) | 73/100(13) | Toyota |
| 2019 | 63/100(7) | 70/100(12) | Toyota |
| 2018 | 67/100(6) | 71/100(12) | Toyota |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
Subaru vs Toyota: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Subaru and Toyota. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
The Bottom Line: Subaru or Toyota?
Toyota comes out ahead on the numbers, though both makes can serve you well if you pick the right model.
If you want the single most reliable option: the Toyota Crown leads both lineups with a score of 85/100.
Budget-conscious buyers should note that Toyota costs less to maintain — $482/year vs $605/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.
Subaru vs Toyota: Common Questions
Is Subaru more reliable than Toyota?
Which is cheaper to maintain, Subaru or Toyota?
Which make has more recalls, Subaru or Toyota?
What are the most reliable models from Subaru and Toyota?
What are the least reliable models from Subaru and Toyota?
What are the most common problems with Subaru and Toyota vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, Subaru or Toyota?
How many Subaru and Toyota models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Subaru or Toyota?
Are Subaru and Toyota getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Subaru or Toyota?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Subaru or Toyota?
Comparing Subaru vs Toyota? 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.