Last updated: 2026-05-15
Subaru vs Volkswagen: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Subaru
6 models tracked
Volkswagen
7 models tracked
Comparing Subaru and Volkswagen 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 65/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Subaru More Reliable Than Volkswagen?
| Metric | Subaru | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 72/100 | 65/100 |
| Models Tracked | 6 | 7 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 16 | 42 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 1362 | 796 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $613/yr | $645/yr |
Subaru vs Volkswagen: The Verdict
The numbers favor Subaru here, but Volkswagen isn't far behind. We scored 13 models between the two makes: Subaru at 72/100 and Volkswagen at 65/100, based on recalls, complaint severity, repair costs, and issue diversity.
On the cost front, Subaru is cheaper to maintain at $613/year versus $645/year. For buyers watching long-term costs, Subaru's lower maintenance bill is a real differentiator.
Where Subaru and Volkswagen Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Subaru | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 62/100Good | 62/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 72/100Good | 60/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 83/100Excellent | 71/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 78/100Good | 80/100Excellent |
Subaru's advantage in repair costs (+12 points) is the main driver of the overall score difference between these makes.
Subaru vs Volkswagen: Strengths and Weaknesses
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
Volkswagen
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (65/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($645/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 5 of 7 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 29 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
How Reliable Are Subaru and Volkswagen Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Subaru
Volkswagen
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Subaru or Volkswagen?
Based on independent repair cost data, Subaru is cheaper to maintain at an average of $613/year compared to $645/year for Volkswagen. 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
Volkswagen Repair Cost Range
$609 – $730/yr
Average: $645/yr
Subaru vs Volkswagen Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Subaru | Volkswagen | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(4 vs 4 models) | 71/100 | 59/100 | Subaru |
| Sedans(2 vs 2 models) | 74/100 | 74/100 | Tie |
Subaru wins 1 out of 2 shared categories.
Common Problems: Subaru vs Volkswagen
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Subaru | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 22%1,442 | 29%1,367 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 36%2,344 | 0%16 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 15%968 | 12%549 |
| POWER TRAIN | 4%276 | 12%542 |
| ENGINE | 4%247 | 11%512 |
| AIR BAGS | 3%198 | 9%423 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 2%100 | 9%444 |
| STEERING | 3%203 | 4%187 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 1%85 | 4%178 |
| VISIBILITY | 3%185 | 0%2 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Subaru vs Volkswagen Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, Subaru owners reported 250 crash-related, 60 fire-related, and 131 injury-related complaints to NHTSA. Volkswagen owners reported 169 crash-related, 29 fire-related, and 157 injury-related complaints. Volkswagen 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
250
Crash reports
60
Fire reports
131
Injury reports
Volkswagen
169
Crash reports
29
Fire reports
157
Injury reports
Every Subaru and Volkswagen Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Subaru Models
Volkswagen Models
Subaru vs Volkswagen 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 78/100, up from earlier years. Volkswagen's reliability is improving — recent model years average 69/100.
Interestingly, both Subaru and Volkswagen show improving reliability trends recently.
| Model Year | Subaru | Volkswagen | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 79/100(6) | 71/100(6) | Subaru |
| 2024 | 76/100(6) | 67/100(6) | Subaru |
| 2023 | 76/100(6) | 67/100(6) | Subaru |
| 2022 | 74/100(6) | 59/100(6) | Subaru |
| 2021 | 72/100(5) | 61/100(5) | Subaru |
| 2020 | 68/100(6) | 69/100(4) | Volkswagen |
| 2019 | 63/100(6) | 62/100(5) | Subaru |
| 2018 | 66/100(5) | 64/100(5) | Subaru |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
Subaru vs Volkswagen: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Subaru and Volkswagen. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
The Bottom Line: Subaru or Volkswagen?
Subaru has the edge, but don't let a modest score gap override other factors like price, features, and dealer experience.
If you want the single most reliable option: the Volkswagen Jetta leads both lineups with a score of 76/100.
Budget-conscious buyers should note that Subaru costs less to maintain — $613/year vs $645/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 Volkswagen: Common Questions
Is Subaru more reliable than Volkswagen?
Which is cheaper to maintain, Subaru or Volkswagen?
Which make has more recalls, Subaru or Volkswagen?
What are the most reliable models from Subaru and Volkswagen?
What are the least reliable models from Subaru and Volkswagen?
What are the most common problems with Subaru and Volkswagen vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, Subaru or Volkswagen?
How many Subaru and Volkswagen models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Subaru or Volkswagen?
Are Subaru and Volkswagen getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Subaru or Volkswagen?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Subaru or Volkswagen?
Comparing Subaru vs Volkswagen? 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.