Last updated: 2026-10-10
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 |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 0.7Very Low | 2.7Low |
| POWER TRAIN | 1.6Low | 1.5Low |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 1.1Low | 1Very Low |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | —None | 1.4Low |
| STRUCTURE | 1.1Low | 0.2Very Low |
| ENGINE | 0.4Very Low | 0.3Very Low |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 0.2Very Low | 0.5Very Low |
| VISIBILITY | —None | 0.5Very Low |
| AIR BAGS | 0.1Very Low | 0.2Very Low |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | 0.2Very Low | —None |
| STEERING | 0.2Very Low | —None |
| SUSPENSION | 0.1Very Low | 0.1Very Low |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| SEATS | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | —None | —None |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | —None | —None |
| SEAT BELTS | —None | —None |
| LANE DEPARTURE | —None | —None |
| TIRES | —None | —None |
| WHEELS | —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 2024 Subaru Ascent scored 76/100 — the strongest shared model years that have been on the road for at least two years, where available.
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
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Decided between Ford Explorer and Subaru Ascent? Run a VIN check before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
How we score the Ford Explorer and Subaru Ascent
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.
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