Last updated: 2026-05-15
Subaru vs Volvo: Reliability Compared
Subaru
6 models tracked
Volvo
5 models tracked
Comparing Subaru and Volvo 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 69/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Subaru More Reliable Than Volvo?
| Metric | Subaru | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 72/100 | 69/100 |
| Models Tracked | 6 | 5 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 16 | 27 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 1362 | 135 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $613/yr | $831/yr |
Subaru vs Volvo: The Verdict
Subaru holds a modest reliability advantage over Volvo — enough to notice, not enough to be the only factor. The overall picture: Subaru scores 72/100 across 6 models, while Volvo comes in at 69/100 across 5 models — all data-driven, no bias.
On the cost front, Subaru is cheaper to maintain at $613/year versus $831/year. Over 5 years, that's roughly $1090 in savings. The repair cost gap might seem small year-to-year, but over a typical 5-year ownership period it compounds into meaningful savings for Subaru owners.
Where Subaru and Volvo Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Subaru | Volvo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 62/100Good | 66/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 72/100Good | 66/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 83/100Excellent | 72/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 78/100Good | 80/100Excellent |
Dig into the components and recall impact stands out — Subaru outscores by 11 points there, which carries significant weight in the final number.
Subaru vs Volvo: 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
Volvo
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (69/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- 4 of 5 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- High maintenance costs ($831/year avg)
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
How Reliable Are Subaru and Volvo Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Subaru
Volvo
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Subaru or Volvo?
Based on independent repair cost data, Subaru is cheaper to maintain at an average of $613/year compared to $831/year for Volvo. That's a difference of $218/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Subaru Repair Cost Range
$492 – $682/yr
Average: $613/yr
Volvo Repair Cost Range
$746 – $976/yr
Average: $831/yr
Subaru vs Volvo Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Subaru | Volvo | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(4 vs 3 models) | 71/100 | 68/100 | Subaru |
| Sedans(2 vs 2 models) | 74/100 | 70/100 | Subaru |
Subaru wins 2 out of 2 shared categories.
Common Problems: Subaru vs Volvo
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Subaru | Volvo |
|---|---|---|
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 36%2,344 | 4%21 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 22%1,442 | 35%180 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 15%968 | 13%70 |
| POWER TRAIN | 4%276 | 5%26 |
| ENGINE | 4%247 | 2%13 |
| STEERING | 3%203 | 5%28 |
| AIR BAGS | 3%198 | 1%4 |
| VISIBILITY | 3%185 | — |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 2%100 | 12%62 |
| STRUCTURE | 1%33 | 3%18 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Subaru vs Volvo 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. Volvo owners reported 33 crash-related, 6 fire-related, and 35 injury-related complaints. Volvo 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
Volvo
33
Crash reports
6
Fire reports
35
Injury reports
Every Subaru and Volvo Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Subaru Models
Subaru vs Volvo 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. Volvo's reliability has been stable.
| Model Year | Subaru | Volvo | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 79/100(6) | 74/100(4) | Subaru |
| 2024 | 76/100(6) | 69/100(4) | Subaru |
| 2023 | 76/100(6) | 65/100(5) | Subaru |
| 2022 | 74/100(6) | 70/100(4) | Subaru |
| 2021 | 72/100(5) | 66/100(4) | Subaru |
| 2020 | 68/100(6) | 71/100(5) | Volvo |
| 2019 | 63/100(6) | 69/100(5) | Volvo |
| 2018 | 66/100(5) | 71/100(3) | Volvo |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
The Bottom Line: Subaru or Volvo?
The data favors Subaru, but remember: the best model from the "losing" make often beats the worst model from the "winning" one.
If you want the single most reliable option: the Subaru WRX leads both lineups with a score of 75/100.
Budget-conscious buyers should note that Subaru costs less to maintain — $613/year vs $831/year. Over a typical 5-year ownership period, that adds up to roughly $1090 in savings.
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 Volvo: Common Questions
Is Subaru more reliable than Volvo?
Which is cheaper to maintain, Subaru or Volvo?
Which make has more recalls, Subaru or Volvo?
What are the most reliable models from Subaru and Volvo?
What are the least reliable models from Subaru and Volvo?
What are the most common problems with Subaru and Volvo vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, Subaru or Volvo?
How many Subaru and Volvo models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Subaru or Volvo?
Are Subaru and Volvo getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Subaru or Volvo?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Subaru or Volvo?
Comparing Subaru vs Volvo? 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.