Last updated: 2026-05-15
Dodge Hornet vs Subaru Forester: Reliability Compared
Dodge Hornet
Subaru Forester
Choosing between the Dodge Hornet and the Subaru Forester? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two compact suvs.
Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Subaru Forester currently leads with an average score of 74/100 compared to 59/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.
Verdict
The Subaru Forester is more reliable than the Dodge Hornet, scoring 74/100 vs 59/100.
Key Differences
- 1Subaru Forester scores 15 points higher in reliability
- 2Subaru Forester has 13.0 fewer complaints per 10k sold
Category Scoreboard
Dodge Hornet vs Subaru Forester: Which Is More Reliable?
| Metric | Dodge Hornet | Subaru Forester |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability Score | 59/100 | 74/100 |
| Years Tracked | 3 | 9 |
| Total Recalls | 13 | 13 |
| Complaints per 10k Sold | 21.7 | 8.7 |
| Year Wins | 0 | 3 |
What Are the Common Problems With the Dodge Hornet and Subaru Forester?
| Component | Dodge Hornet | Subaru Forester |
|---|---|---|
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | —None | 3.1Average |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | —None | 1.2Low |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | —None | 1.2Low |
| AIR BAGS | —None | 0.5Very Low |
| ENGINE | —None | 0.4Very Low |
| POWER TRAIN | —None | 0.4Very Low |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | —None | 0.2Very Low |
| STEERING | —None | 0.2Very Low |
| VISIBILITY | —None | 0.2Very Low |
| SERVICE BRAKES | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | —None | —None |
| STRUCTURE | —None | —None |
| SUSPENSION | —None | —None |
| LANE DEPARTURE | —None | —None |
Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.
How Does Dodge Hornet vs Subaru Forester Reliability Compare by Year?
| Year | Dodge Hornet | Subaru Forester | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 64/1002R / 1C | 79/1002R / 48C | Subaru Forester |
| 2024 | 54/1007R / 60C | 78/1002R / 26C | Subaru Forester |
| 2023 | 59/1004R / 25C | 79/1001R / 61C | Subaru Forester |
Best years to cross-shop: The 2025 Dodge Hornet scored 64/100 and the 2025 Subaru Forester scored 79/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.
Dodge Hornet vs Subaru Forester: Common Questions
- Is the Dodge Hornet more reliable than the Subaru Forester?
- Based on our data, the Subaru Forester is more reliable with an average score of 74/100 compared to 59/100. That's a significant difference worth considering.
- Which has more recalls, the Dodge Hornet or the Subaru Forester?
- Both have 13 recalls across their tracked years. Review individual year pages for details on what each recall covers.
- Which has fewer owner complaints, the Dodge Hornet or the Subaru Forester?
- Adjusted for sales volume, the Subaru Forester has a lower complaint rate at 8.7 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 21.7 for the Dodge Hornet. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Related Reliability Comparisons
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Decided between Dodge Hornet and Subaru Forester? Run a VIN check 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.
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