Is the Dodge Journey more reliable than the Subaru Solterra?

Based on our data, the Dodge Journey is more reliable with an average score of 74/100 compared to 71/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.

Which has more recalls, the Dodge Journey or the Subaru Solterra?

The Dodge Journey has more recalls (8) compared to the Subaru Solterra (6). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.

Which has fewer owner complaints, the Dodge Journey or the Subaru Solterra?

Adjusted for sales volume, the Dodge Journey has a lower complaint rate at 18 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 48.5 for the Subaru Solterra. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Is the Dodge Journey or Subaru Solterra safer?

Based on NHTSA crash test ratings, the Subaru Solterra has a higher overall safety rating of 5/5 stars compared to 4/5 for the Dodge Journey. Check sub-ratings (frontal, side, rollover) above for a more detailed safety comparison.

Last updated: 2026-07-26

Dodge Journey vs Subaru Solterra: Reliability Compared

More Reliable

Dodge Journey

Good

Subaru Solterra

Good

Choosing between the Dodge Journey and the Subaru Solterra? 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 midsize suvs.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Dodge Journey currently leads with an average score of 74/100 compared to 71/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Dodge Journey and Subaru Solterra Generations Compare?

As of 2026, the Subaru Solterra lacks a detailed generation history, indicating it is still relatively new on the market. This suggests potential first-year issues, a common occurrence with new platforms as manufacturers work out early production kinks. In contrast, the Dodge Journey has a well-documented history with its first and only generation running from 2009 to 2020. The Journey received a significant facelift in 2011, which helped improve its features and reliability. Being a mature platform, the Journey had time to refine and address any early issues, making it a potentially more reliable choice for buyers seeking a proven track record.

Dodge Journey vs Subaru Solterra: Which Is More Reliable?

Dodge Journey vs Subaru Solterra at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	Dodge Journey	Subaru Solterra
Reliability Score	74/100	71/100
Years Tracked	3	3
Total Recalls	8	6
Complaints per 10k Sold	18	48.5
Safety RatingNHTSA overall	2020 NHTSA	2025 NHTSA
Frontal
Side
Rollover

What Are the Common Problems With the Dodge Journey and Subaru Solterra?

The Subaru Solterra exhibits a relatively low number of total complaints, with the most significant issues linked to the electrical system, including two crash-linked incidents. In contrast, the Dodge Journey has a substantially higher complaint volume, with notable concerns in the electrical system, power train, and air bags, the latter contributing to seven crash-linked reports. While both vehicles have electrical system complaints, the Journey's issues are more extensive and diverse, affecting safety-critical components like air bags and exterior lighting. The disparity in complaint profiles suggests that the Journey faces broader reliability challenges, particularly in safety-related areas.

Dodge Journey vs Subaru Solterra common problem areas comparison
Component	Dodge Journey	Subaru Solterra
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	4.6Average	11.3Above Avg
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	2.9Low	3.4Average
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	—None	4.5Average
SERVICE BRAKES	0.9Very Low	3.4Average
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	0.5Very Low	3.4Average
STRUCTURE	0.1Very Low	2.3Low
LANE DEPARTURE	—None	2.3Low
SUSPENSION	—None	2.3Low
BACK OVER PREVENTION	1.2Low	—None
POWER TRAIN	1.2Low	—None
EXTERIOR LIGHTING	1.1Low	—None
ENGINE	0.8Very Low	—None
AIR BAGS	0.8Very Low	—None
STEERING	0.8Very Low	—None
SEAT BELTS	0.2Very Low	—None
SEATS	0.1Very Low	—None
TIRES	0.1Very Low	—None

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Dodge Journey or Subaru Solterra?

The Dodge Journey comes with an annual repair cost of $562, translating to $2,810 over five years. With a repair frequency of 0.3 visits per year and a 12% risk of major repairs, it presents predictable expenses but a notable chance of costly issues. The Subaru Solterra lacks specific data for direct comparison, but electric vehicles generally have lower maintenance needs due to fewer moving parts. This could mean less frequent repairs and lower major repair risks. For cost-conscious buyers, the Solterra might offer better value if typical EV trends hold true, potentially providing savings on unexpected repair costs compared to the Journey.

Who Should Buy the Dodge Journey vs the Subaru Solterra?

If you prioritize reliability and low owner complaints, the Dodge Journey may be a better fit for you. With a reliability score of 78/100 and only 16.8 complaints per 10,000 sold, it offers a more dependable experience. The Journey has eight recalls, slightly more than the Solterra, but its estimated annual repair cost is $562, and it has a manageable repair frequency of 0.3 times per year. This makes it a solid choice for those looking to minimize unexpected expenses and keep their vehicle running smoothly. On the other hand, if you're drawn to innovative features and can manage some potential maintenance concerns, consider the Subaru Solterra. With a reliability score of 71/100 and more owner complaints, it may require more attention. However, if you're excited about new technology and willing to navigate occasional issues with the electrical system and safety features, the Solterra could align with your interests. Choose this option if you're ready to embrace cutting-edge design and performance.

Dodge Journey vs Subaru Solterra: Common Questions

Is the Dodge Journey more reliable than the Subaru Solterra?: Based on our data, the Dodge Journey is more reliable with an average score of 74/100 compared to 71/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Dodge Journey or the Subaru Solterra?: The Dodge Journey has more recalls (8) compared to the Subaru Solterra (6). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
Which has fewer owner complaints, the Dodge Journey or the Subaru Solterra?: Adjusted for sales volume, the Dodge Journey has a lower complaint rate at 18 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 48.5 for the Subaru Solterra. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Is the Dodge Journey or Subaru Solterra safer?: Based on NHTSA crash test ratings, the Subaru Solterra has a higher overall safety rating of 5/5 stars compared to 4/5 for the Dodge Journey. Check sub-ratings (frontal, side, rollover) above for a more detailed safety comparison.

More Dodge Journey comparisons

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More Subaru Solterra comparisons

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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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