Last updated: 2026-10-10
Ford Bronco Sport vs Subaru Outback: Reliability Compared
Ford Bronco Sport
Subaru Outback
Shoppers weighing the Subaru Outback against the Ford Bronco-Sport get a clear answer: the Outback is more reliable. Far fewer federal recalls decide it. Its main flaws are cracked windshields and dead batteries, while the Bronco-Sport has stalling and brake complaints.
How Do the Ford Bronco Sport and Subaru Outback Generations Compare?
Verdict
The Subaru Outback is more reliable than the Ford Bronco Sport, scoring 72/100 vs 67/100.
A clear edge goes to the Outback, and the recall load is the deciding reason. Federal recall records show far fewer recalls for it than for the Bronco-Sport, even though it has been sold for more model years. Some Bronco-Sport owners are also waiting on recall repairs with no parts available. The Outback draws more complaints per vehicle sold, mostly about cracked windshields and dead batteries. The Bronco-Sport's reports lean toward stalling, brake failures and fuel smells.
Key Differences
- 1Subaru Outback has 35 fewer total recalls
- 2Ford Bronco Sport has 8.8 fewer complaints per 10k sold
- 3Subaru Outback scores 5 points higher in reliability
Category Scoreboard
Ford Bronco Sport vs Subaru Outback: Which Is More Reliable?
| Metric | Ford Bronco Sport | Subaru Outback |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability Score | 67/100 | 72/100 |
| Years Tracked | 6 | 9 |
| Total Recalls | 57 | 22 |
| Complaints per 10k Sold | 17.3 | 26.1 |
| Year Wins | 0 | 6 |
What Are the Common Problems With the Ford Bronco Sport and Subaru Outback?
Windshields that crack with no impact and batteries that die again and again lead the Outback's complaints, with some dealers tracing the drain to the data communications module. Steering wander at highway speed is the other notable pattern. Bronco-Sport owners report stalling, harsh low-gear shifts, gasoline fumes in the cabin and brakes that fail to stop or lock up in turns. Service brakes are the clearest gap: seven crash-linked complaints for the Bronco-Sport, and no brake area among the Outback's main problems. Steering has crash-linked reports among the Outback's main problems only. Both models have fire reports.
| Component | Ford Bronco Sport | Subaru Outback |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 3.6Average | 7.2Above Avg |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 0.1Very Low | 8.3Above Avg |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 0.8Very Low | 3.9Average |
| POWER TRAIN | 3.3Average | 0.6Very Low |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 2.1Low | 0.2Very Low |
| VISIBILITY | 0.3Very Low | 1.5Low |
| FUEL SYSTEM | 1.7Low | —None |
| ENGINE | 1.3Low | 0.2Very Low |
| STEERING | 0.2Very Low | 0.6Very Low |
| AIR BAGS | 0.2Very Low | 0.5Very Low |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 0.3Very Low | 0.2Very Low |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 0.1Very Low | 0.4Very Low |
| STRUCTURE | —None | 0.4Very Low |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 0.3Very Low | —None |
| SUSPENSION | 0.3Very Low | —None |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | —None | 0.2Very Low |
| TIRES | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| SEAT BELTS | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | —None | —None |
| LANE DEPARTURE | —None | —None |
| LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES | —None | —None |
Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.
How Does Ford Bronco Sport vs Subaru Outback Reliability Compare by Year?
| Year | Ford Bronco Sport | Subaru Outback | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 77/1002R / 0C | 82/1000R / 0C | Subaru Outback |
| 2025 | 73/1006R / 14C | 82/1000R / 43C | Subaru Outback |
| 2024 | 72/1007R / 66C | 82/1000R / 69C | Subaru Outback |
| 2023 | 67/10013R / 114C | 77/1002R / 83C | Subaru Outback |
| 2022 | 59/10014R / 303C | 67/1004R / 435C | Subaru Outback |
| 2021 | 54/10015R / 622C | 69/1004R / 283C | Subaru Outback |
Best years to cross-shop: The 2024 Ford Bronco Sport scored 72/100 and the 2024 Subaru Outback scored 82/100 — the strongest shared model years that have been on the road for at least two years, where available.
Who Should Buy the Ford Bronco Sport vs the Subaru Outback?
Ford Bronco Sport vs Subaru Outback: Common Questions
- Is the Subaru Outback more reliable than the Ford Bronco-Sport?
- Yes, the Outback has a clear edge. Each stands as good, but the Outback has far fewer recalls and no service brake problem area. Its main weaknesses are windshield cracks and battery drain. The Bronco-Sport has crash-linked brake complaints and reports of stalling.
- Which has more recalls, the Outback or the Bronco-Sport?
- The Bronco-Sport has more. Federal recall records list 57 recalls across its six model years, against 22 across nine model years for the Outback. Some Bronco-Sport owners say they are still waiting on recall repairs because dealers have no parts.
- Which has more owner complaints?
- The Outback draws more complaints per vehicle sold, at 26.1 per 10,000 against 17.3 for the Bronco-Sport. Many Outback reports are about windshields cracking and batteries dying. Recalls and crash-linked brake reports still leave the Outback ahead.
- What goes wrong most often on the Subaru Outback?
- Windshields are the top issue. Owners report cracks that start with no impact, spread fast and sometimes return after replacement. Dead batteries come next, often after the car sits a day or two. Steering wander at highway speed is reported less often.
- Are Bronco-Sport brakes a concern?
- Yes, they deserve a check. Service brakes have seven crash-linked complaints, including cars that failed to stop under hard braking and brakes that locked in a turn. Many owners report grinding or a rear brake moan that returns after new pads and resurfaced rotors.
Related Reliability Comparisons
More Ford Bronco Sport comparisons
Decided between Ford Bronco Sport and Subaru Outback? Run a VIN check before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
How we score the Ford Bronco Sport and Subaru Outback
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.
See incorrect data? Report an issue