Last updated: 2026-03-04
Hyundai Santa-FE vs Subaru Outback: Reliability Compared
Hyundai Santa-FE
Subaru Outback
Choosing between the Hyundai Santa-FE and the Subaru Outback? 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 Outback currently leads with an average score of 71/100 compared to 69/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.
How Do the Hyundai Santa-FE and Subaru Outback Generations Compare?
Verdict
The Subaru Outback is more reliable than the Hyundai Santa-FE, scoring 71/100 vs 69/100.
The Hyundai Santa-Fe demonstrates superior reliability with an average score of 79/100, compared to the Subaru Outback's 74/100. Although the Santa-Fe has a higher number of recalls (60 vs. 22), it boasts a significantly lower owner complaint rate of 8 per 10,000 sold, compared to the Outback's 26.1. Additionally, the Santa-Fe has a lower estimated annual repair cost at $515, versus the Outback's $607. These factors, particularly the complaint rate and repair costs, make the Hyundai Santa-Fe a more reliable choice in the midsize SUV segment.
Key Differences
- 1Hyundai Santa-FE costs $92 less per year to repair
- 2Subaru Outback has 38 fewer total recalls
- 3Hyundai Santa-FE has 18.1 fewer complaints per 10k sold
Category Scoreboard
Hyundai Santa-FE vs Subaru Outback: Which Is More Reliable?
| Metric | Hyundai Santa-FE | Subaru Outback |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability Score | 69/100 | 71/100 |
| Years Tracked | 9 | 9 |
| Total Recalls | 60 | 22 |
| Complaints per 10k Sold | 8 | 26.1 |
| Annual Repair Cost | $515/yr | $607/yr |
| Repair Frequency | 0.2/yr | 0.4/yr |
| Major Repair Risk | 10% | 12% |
| Year Wins | 2 (1 tied) | 5 (1 tied) |
What Are the Common Problems With the Hyundai Santa-FE and Subaru Outback?
The Subaru Outback exhibits a significant number of complaints related to visibility/wiper issues, with 1,142 instances and one crash-linked, as well as electrical system problems, which are linked to eight crashes. In contrast, the Hyundai Santa Fe shows a higher proportion of engine-related complaints at 321, though none are crash-linked, and a notable number of power train issues, with 269 complaints and nine linked to crashes. While both models have concerns with their electrical systems, the Outback has a higher number of crash-linked complaints in this category. Additionally, the Santa Fe's service brakes category is concerning with 11 crash-linked complaints, suggesting a potential safety issue not as prevalent in the Outback's profile.
| Component | Hyundai Santa-FE | Subaru Outback |
|---|---|---|
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 0.1Very Low | 8.3Above Avg |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 0.9Very Low | 7.2Above Avg |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 1.1Low | 3.4Average |
| POWER TRAIN | 1.3Low | 0.7Very Low |
| ENGINE | 1.5Low | 0.4Very Low |
| STEERING | 0.2Very Low | 0.7Very Low |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 0.5Very Low | 0.3Very Low |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 0.3Very Low | 0.4Very Low |
| VISIBILITY | —None | 0.7Very Low |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 0.3Very Low | 0.3Very Low |
| AIR BAGS | 0.1Very Low | 0.5Very Low |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 0.1Very Low | 0.2Very Low |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| STRUCTURE | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| SEAT BELTS | —None | —None |
| TIRES | —None | —None |
| 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.
Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Hyundai Santa-FE or Subaru Outback?
How Does Hyundai Santa-FE vs Subaru Outback Reliability Compare by Year?
| Year | Hyundai Santa-FE | Subaru Outback | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 75/1006R / 109C | 82/1000R / 43C | Subaru Outback |
| 2024 | 73/1009R / 109C | 82/1000R / 69C | Subaru Outback |
| 2023 | 70/1004R / 244C | 77/1002R / 83C | Subaru Outback |
| 2022 | 66/10014R / 223C | 67/1004R / 435C | Subaru Outback |
| 2021 | 69/10010R / 165C | 69/1004R / 283C | Tie |
| 2020 | 70/1002R / 165C | 60/1006R / 884C | Hyundai Santa-FE |
| 2019 | 69/1003R / 201C | 63/1003R / 1017C | Hyundai Santa-FE |
| 2018 | 63/1007R / 489C | 64/1003R / 779C | Subaru Outback |
| 2026(predicted) | 73/100(predicted) | 80/100(predicted) | Subaru Outback |
Best years to cross-shop: The 2025 Hyundai Santa-FE scored 75/100 and the 2025 Subaru Outback scored 82/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.
Who Should Buy the Hyundai Santa-FE vs the Subaru Outback?
Hyundai Santa-FE vs Subaru Outback: Common Questions
- Is the Hyundai Santa-FE more reliable than the Subaru Outback?
- Based on our data, the Subaru Outback is more reliable with an average score of 71/100 compared to 69/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
- Which has more recalls, the Hyundai Santa-FE or the Subaru Outback?
- The Hyundai Santa-FE has more recalls (60) compared to the Subaru Outback (22). 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 Hyundai Santa-FE or the Subaru Outback?
- Adjusted for sales volume, the Hyundai Santa-FE has a lower complaint rate at 8 per 10,000 sold versus 26.1 for the Subaru Outback. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
- Which is cheaper to maintain, the Hyundai Santa-FE or the Subaru Outback?
- Based on independent repair cost estimates, the Hyundai Santa-FE is cheaper to maintain at $515/year versus $607/year for the Subaru Outback.
Related Reliability Comparisons
More Hyundai Santa-FE comparisons
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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