Last updated: 2026-07-26

Nissan Ariya vs Subaru Solterra: Reliability Compared

More ReliableNissan Ariya reliability comparison

Nissan Ariya

85
ExcellentReliability score: 85 out of 100, rated Excellent
VS
Subaru Solterra reliability comparison

Subaru Solterra

71
GoodReliability score: 71 out of 100, rated Good

Choosing between the Nissan Ariya 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 Nissan Ariya currently leads with an average score of 85/100 compared to 71/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Nissan Ariya and Subaru Solterra Generations Compare?

As of 2026, the Subaru Solterra lacks detailed generation history, indicating it may still be in its initial phase since its introduction. In contrast, the Nissan Ariya completed its first generation, known as the FE0, from 2023 to 2025. Being early in its lifecycle, the Solterra might experience typical first-year issues that new platforms often face, as automakers work out initial kinks. Meanwhile, the Ariya, having concluded its first generation, could have benefited from improvements and refinements over its production run, making later models potentially more reliable. This context suggests that the Ariya may offer a more mature and sorted experience for buyers prioritizing reliability.

Verdict

The Nissan Ariya is more reliable than the Subaru Solterra, scoring 85/100 vs 71/100.

The Nissan Ariya demonstrates superior reliability with an average score of 85/100 compared to the Subaru Solterra's score of 0/100. The Ariya also has a lower recall count, with four recalls over four years, while the Solterra has experienced six recalls in just three years. Although the Ariya has a higher owner complaint rate of 112.8 per 10,000 sold, its estimated annual repair cost is a reasonable $500, with identified issues primarily in the electrical system and power train. Overall, the Ariya's reliability metrics position it as a more dependable choice in the midsize SUV segment.

Key Differences

  1. 1Subaru Solterra has 64.3 fewer complaints per 10k sold
  2. 2Nissan Ariya scores 14 points higher in reliability
  3. 3Nissan Ariya has 2 fewer total recalls

Category Scoreboard

2Nissan Ariya
—
1Subaru Solterra
Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint RateSafety Rating

Nissan Ariya vs Subaru Solterra: Which Is More Reliable?

Nissan Ariya vs Subaru Solterra at-a-glance reliability comparison
MetricNissan AriyaSubaru Solterra
Reliability Score85/10071/100
Years Tracked43
Total Recalls46
Complaints per 10k Sold112.848.5
Safety RatingNHTSA overall
2026 NHTSA
2025 NHTSA
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Year Wins30

What Are the Common Problems With the Nissan Ariya and Subaru Solterra?

The Subaru Solterra has 43 total complaints, but lacks detailed problem data, making it difficult to pinpoint specific areas of concern. In contrast, the Nissan Ariya has 52 complaints, with a significant focus on the electrical system, accounting for half of its total issues. Additionally, the Ariya has notable issues in the power train category, including one complaint linked to a crash, which suggests a potential safety concern. While both models have similar total complaint numbers, the Ariya's detailed problem breakdown highlights more diverse and potentially severe issues.

Nissan Ariya vs Subaru Solterra common problem areas comparison
ComponentNissan AriyaSubaru Solterra
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM56.4High11.3Above Avg
POWER TRAIN19.5High—None
UNKNOWN OR OTHER4.3Average3.4Average
SERVICE BRAKES4.3Average3.4Average
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE—None4.5Average
ENGINE4.3Average—None
STEERING4.3Average—None
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL—None3.4Average
LANE DEPARTURE—None2.3Low
SUSPENSION—None2.3Low
STRUCTURE—None2.3Low

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

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Nissan Ariya or Subaru Solterra?

Subaru's Solterra lacks specific data on annual repair costs, repair frequency, and major repair risk, making it challenging to assess its long-term maintenance expenses. In contrast, independent repair cost data for the Nissan Ariya suggests an annual repair cost of $500. Over five years, this totals $2,500. Without clear data on the Solterra, potential owners may face uncertainty regarding unexpected repair expenses. For cost-conscious buyers, the Nissan Ariya may present a more predictable financial commitment due to available industry estimates. The lack of detailed repair data for the Solterra could imply either a potential advantage or risk, depending on the actual maintenance needs that may emerge over time.

How Does Nissan Ariya vs Subaru Solterra Reliability Compare by Year?

Nissan Ariya vs Subaru Solterra year-by-year reliability scores
YearNissan AriyaSubaru SolterraEdge
202588/1000R / 7C74/1002R / 4CNissan Ariya
202488/1000R / 6C74/1002R / 14CNissan Ariya
202376/1004R / 39C65/1002R / 25CNissan Ariya

Best years to cross-shop: The 2025 Nissan Ariya scored 88/100 and the 2025 Subaru Solterra scored 74/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Nissan Ariya vs the Subaru Solterra?

If you prioritize reliability and peace of mind, the Nissan Ariya is your best bet. With a reliability score of 85/100, it significantly outperforms the Subaru Solterra, which has a concerning score of 0/100. The Ariya's estimated annual repair cost is around $500, making it a relatively affordable choice for maintenance. Although it has four recalls and some owner complaints, these issues are well-documented, allowing you to make informed decisions. On the other hand, if you are drawn to the Subaru brand, be prepared for potential challenges with the Solterra. Its zero reliability score and six recalls highlight significant concerns that might require attention. With 43 owner complaints and no detailed repair cost estimates available, this model might be best suited for those who are willing to take a risk for the potential of future improvements. Choose wisely based on your priorities and risk tolerance.

Nissan Ariya vs Subaru Solterra: Common Questions

Is the Nissan Ariya more reliable than the Subaru Solterra?
Based on our data, the Nissan Ariya is more reliable with an average score of 85/100 compared to 71/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Nissan Ariya or the Subaru Solterra?
The Subaru Solterra has more recalls (6) compared to the Nissan Ariya (4). 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 Nissan Ariya or the Subaru Solterra?
Adjusted for sales volume, the Subaru Solterra has a lower complaint rate at 48.5 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 112.8 for the Nissan Ariya. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Is the Nissan Ariya or Subaru Solterra safer?
Both the Nissan Ariya and Subaru Solterra 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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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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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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