Last updated: 2026-08-24
Ford Explorer vs Subaru Ascent: Reliability Compared
Ford Explorer
Subaru Ascent
Choosing between the Ford Explorer and the Subaru Ascent? 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 Subaru Ascent currently leads with an average score of 69/100 compared to 67/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.
Verdict
The Subaru Ascent is more reliable than the Ford Explorer, scoring 69/100 vs 67/100.
Key Differences
- 1Subaru Ascent has 101 fewer total recalls
- 2Ford Explorer has 2.4 fewer complaints per 10k sold
- 3Subaru Ascent scores 2 points higher in reliability
Category Scoreboard
Ford Explorer vs Subaru Ascent: Which Is More Reliable?
| Metric | Ford Explorer | Subaru Ascent |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability Score | 67/100 | 69/100 |
| Years Tracked | 9 | 7 |
| Total Recalls | 117 | 16 |
| Complaints per 10k Sold | 6.8 | 9.2 |
| Safety RatingNHTSA overall | 2026 NHTSA | 2026 NHTSA |
| Frontal | ||
| Side | ||
| Rollover | ||
| Year Wins | 1 (1 tied) | 5 (1 tied) |
What Are the Common Problems With the Ford Explorer and Subaru Ascent?
| Component | Ford Explorer | Subaru Ascent |
|---|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | 1.6Low | —None |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 1.1Low | —None |
| STRUCTURE | 1Very Low | —None |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 0.7Very Low | —None |
| ENGINE | 0.4Very Low | —None |
| STEERING | 0.2Very Low | —None |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 0.2Very Low | —None |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | 0.2Very Low | —None |
| SUSPENSION | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| SEATS | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| AIR BAGS | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | —None | —None |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | —None | —None |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | —None | —None |
| FUEL SYSTEM | —None | —None |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | —None | —None |
Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.
How Does Ford Explorer vs Subaru Ascent Reliability Compare by Year?
| Year | Ford Explorer | Subaru Ascent | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 70/1004R / 0C | 76/1000R / 1C | Subaru Ascent |
| 2025 | 72/10014R / 65C | 76/1000R / 8C | Subaru Ascent |
| 2024 | 73/1006R / 14C | 76/1000R / 43C | Subaru Ascent |
| 2023 | 71/10012R / 84C | 71/1003R / 36C | Tie |
| 2022 | 65/10021R / 208C | 70/1001R / 50C | Subaru Ascent |
| 2020 | 54/10029R / 1066C | 58/1004R / 310C | Subaru Ascent |
| 2019 | 69/1004R / 252C | 55/1008R / 431C | Ford Explorer |
Best years to cross-shop: The 2024 Ford Explorer scored 73/100 and the 2026 Subaru Ascent scored 76/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.
Ford Explorer vs Subaru Ascent: Common Questions
- Is the Ford Explorer more reliable than the Subaru Ascent?
- Based on our data, the Subaru Ascent is more reliable with an average score of 69/100 compared to 67/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
- Which has more recalls, the Ford Explorer or the Subaru Ascent?
- The Ford Explorer has more recalls (117) compared to the Subaru Ascent (16). 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 Ford Explorer or the Subaru Ascent?
- Adjusted for sales volume, the Ford Explorer has a lower complaint rate at 6.8 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 9.2 for the Subaru Ascent. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
- Is the Ford Explorer or Subaru Ascent safer?
- Both the Ford Explorer and Subaru Ascent received the same NHTSA overall safety rating of 5/5 stars. Check the frontal, side, and rollover sub-ratings above for a more detailed comparison.
Related Reliability Comparisons
More Ford Explorer comparisons
Decided between Ford Explorer and Subaru Ascent? Run a VIN check before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
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 via vehicles.dev. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
See incorrect data? Report an issue