Last updated: 2026-10-10
Subaru vs Toyota: Reliability Compared
Subaru
8 models tracked
Toyota
19 models tracked
Toyota edges out Subaru on used-car reliability, though both rate good. Lower repair costs and fewer complaints per car sold decide it. Subaru does better on recall impact, and both brands are improving. Here is what the gap means when you shop.
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
A slight edge goes to Toyota, not a runaway win. Both brands rate good, and both are trending up. Toyota pulls ahead on complaint severity, repair costs, and how widely its problems spread across systems. Repair costs run about $482 a year for Toyota against $605 for Subaru.
Subaru's trouble is concentrated. Visibility and wiper complaints make up a third of its filings, and electrical problems add nearly another quarter. Toyota's complaints are spread out, with the power train the largest group. Subaru does win on recall impact, so recall history does not favor Toyota.
Where Subaru and Toyota Differ Most
| 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
- 74 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
| Component | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 23%1,805 | 12%1,271 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 33%2,612 | 1%98 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 16%1,248 | 13%1,350 |
| POWER TRAIN | 5%405 | 19%1,909 |
| ENGINE | 3%272 | 9%963 |
| AIR BAGS | 3%223 | 9%911 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 2%132 | 8%780 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 0%39 | 8%796 |
| STEERING | 2%191 | 5%532 |
| VISIBILITY | 6%461 | 0%15 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Subaru vs Toyota Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Subaru
289
Crash reports
74
Fire reports
154
Injury reports
Toyota
699
Crash reports
93
Fire reports
633
Injury reports
Every Subaru and Toyota Model Ranked
Subaru Models
Toyota Models
Subaru vs Toyota Reliability Trend by Year
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 |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
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:
Who Should Buy Subaru vs Toyota?
If you want the lowest running costs and the widest choice, lean Toyota. The Corolla, Corolla Cross, 4Runner, and Venza all rate excellent. The Crown also rates excellent, and the 2024 is the year to favor because it has had time to build a record. If you want a Tacoma, pick the 2021 and skip 2018 and 2019. Test the automatic transmission for shuddering, and check for brake fluid leaking into the cab.
Lean Subaru if you prefer its sedan and SUV lineup and can live with a few known quirks. The Legacy rates well among sedans, but skip the 2019 and 2020 model years. Look for cracked windshields and touchscreens that bubble or register phantom touches. On the Ascent, avoid 2019 and favor 2024. Check that the battery holds a charge when parked, and make sure the CVT does not shudder, slip, or lose drive on the highway.
The Bottom Line: Subaru or Toyota?
Choose Toyota if cost and a broad lineup matter most. Choose Subaru if a Legacy or Ascent in a good model year suits you. The strongest single model across both lineups is the Toyota Crown, but its record only covers 2023 to 2026, so favor the 2024. Over five years, Toyota's lower repair costs add up to about $615 in savings.
Subaru vs Toyota: Common Questions
Is Subaru more reliable than Toyota?
Which brand has more recalls, Subaru or Toyota?
Which is cheaper to repair, Subaru or Toyota?
What problems do Subaru owners report most?
Which Toyota model years should I avoid?
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 score Subaru and Toyota 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.