Last updated: 2026-07-26

73
GoodReliability score: 73 out of 100, rated Good
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Subaru Reliability Ratings — Every Model Ranked

Subaru offers generally reliable vehicles, though reliability varies across models and years. Most Subaru models fall within the "Good" range, making them a reasonable choice for buyers who prioritize dependability.

8 models tracked9 years of data121 total recalls8674 owner complaints$492–$682/yr repair costs

Subaru Best Year Score Comparison

Each bar shows the best single model year score for that Subaru model. Longer bars indicate higher peak reliability.

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Subaru Model Rankings

Scores below are averaged across all tracked model years. The “Best Year” column shows which year scored highest.

#VehicleBest YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaints / 10kMaint. RatingEst. Repair Cost
1Subaru Legacy202475/100Good1921.24$563/yr
2Subaru WRX202675/100Good87.93.5$682/yr
3Subaru Forester202574/100Good1317.73.5$632/yr
4Subaru Impreza202674/100Good1813.53.5$653/yr
5Subaru Crosstrek202673/100Good1996.34.5$492/yr
6Subaru Outback202672/100Good2227.63.5$607/yr
7Subaru Solterra202571/100Good648.53.5
8Subaru Ascent202669/100Good1633.13

Subaru Models

Subaru Legacy

Subaru Legacy

7th gen (2020–present)

75
GoodReliability score: 75 out of 100, rated Good

The Subaru Legacy, covering model years 2018 to 2025, holds an average reliability score of 75 out of 100, reflecting a generally good performance with some variability. Common issues reported include windshield cracking and electrical system malfunctions, particularly affecting infotainment and safety systems, with repair costs averaging $563 annually, slightly above the midsize cars' average.

8 years trackedBest: 2024 (81/100)Worst: 2020 (67/100)
Subaru WRX

Subaru WRX

5th gen (2022–2023)

75
GoodReliability score: 75 out of 100, rated Good

The Subaru WRX, covering model years 2018 to 2026, holds an average reliability score of 75/100, classified as "Good" according to Auto Reliability Index standards. Common issues reported by owners include electrical system failures, particularly battery drainage, and engine problems such as rod bearing failures and RTV sealant blockages, with repair costs averaging $682 annually, which is higher than the compact car average.

9 years trackedBest: 2026 (81/100)Worst: 2018 (71/100)
Subaru Forester

Subaru Forester

6th gen (2025–present)

74
GoodReliability score: 74 out of 100, rated Good

The Subaru Forester, spanning model years 2018 to 2026, holds an average reliability score of 75/100, categorizing it as "Good" based on Auto Reliability Index standards. Common issues include windshield fragility and electrical system concerns, with repair costs estimated at $632 annually, higher than the compact SUV average.

9 years trackedBest: 2025 (79/100)Worst: 2019 (63/100)
Subaru Impreza

Subaru Impreza

6th gen (2024–2023)

74
GoodReliability score: 74 out of 100, rated Good

The Subaru Impreza, with an average reliability score of 74/100, demonstrates a generally good reliability record across recent model years, with improvements noted in the 2025 and 2026 models. Common issues reported by owners include windshield cracking and exterior lighting problems, particularly in earlier models like 2018 and 2019, while recent models show fewer complaints and no recalls.

9 years trackedBest: 2026 (81/100)Worst: 2019 (66/100)
Subaru Crosstrek

Subaru Crosstrek

3rd gen (2024–2023)

73
GoodReliability score: 73 out of 100, rated Good

The Subaru Crosstrek, spanning model years 2018 to 2026, holds a Good reliability rating with an average score of 65/100 and an estimated annual repair cost of $492, below the compact SUV average. Data highlights recurring issues with windshield integrity and electrical systems, particularly in the 2018 and 2019 models, while later models, especially from 2023 onward, show improved complaint rates and fewer recalls.

9 years trackedBest: 2026 (94/100)Worst: 2019 (56/100)
Subaru Outback

Subaru Outback

7th gen (2026–2023)

72
GoodReliability score: 72 out of 100, rated Good

Subaru Outback models from 2018 to 2026 show a mixed reliability performance, with scores ranging from 54 to 74 out of 100. Common issues across these years include windshield cracking and electrical system malfunctions, particularly affecting infotainment and battery reliability.

9 years trackedBest: 2026 (82/100)Worst: 2020 (60/100)
Subaru Solterra
71
GoodReliability score: 71 out of 100, rated Good

The Subaru Solterra, evaluated from 2023 to 2025, holds an average reliability score of 71/100, indicating a good reliability reputation. Common issues reported by owners include electrical system malfunctions across the years, with notable problems in the 2023 model related to unintended acceleration and regenerative braking concerns.

3 years trackedBest: 2025 (74/100)Worst: 2023 (65/100)
Subaru Ascent

Subaru Ascent

1st gen (2019–2023), facelifted 2023

69
GoodReliability score: 69 out of 100, rated Good

The Subaru Ascent, covering model years 2019 to 2026, holds an average reliability score of 69 out of 100, indicating a generally good performance with some variations over time. Data shows that early models faced issues primarily with the electrical system and power train, while later years saw improvements, particularly from 2024 onward, with reduced complaints and no recalls.

7 years trackedBest: 2026 (76/100)Worst: 2019 (55/100)

Common Subaru Problems

Top complaint categories across all Subaru models, based on owner-reported issues to NHTSA.

VISIBILITY/WIPER2483 complaints (36%)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1549 complaints (23%)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER1049 complaints (15%)
POWER TRAIN285 complaints (4%)
ENGINE258 complaints (4%)
STEERING210 complaints (3%)
AIR BAGS207 complaints (3%)
VISIBILITY204 complaints (3%)

Subaru by Category

Sedans

See all Sedans

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Subaru cars reliable?
Subaru vehicles have an average reliability score of 73/100 ("Good") across 8 models and 9 years in our database. Subaru offers generally reliable vehicles, though reliability varies across models and years.
What is the most reliable Subaru?
Based on our data, the highest-scoring Subaru model-year is the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek at 94/100. Scores can change as new recalls and complaints are filed. See our full Subaru reliability rankings for the latest data.
How much does it cost to maintain a Subaru?
Annual repair costs for Subaru models range from $492 to $682 based on independent reliability data. Costs vary significantly by model and year.
Which Subaru models should I avoid?
Based on our data, these Subaru models are statistical outliers within their model lines: 2019 Legacy (69/100), 2020 Legacy (67/100), 2019 Impreza (66/100), 2023 Solterra (65/100), 2019 Outback (63/100). These have higher recall counts or complaint volumes relative to their siblings.

Compare Subaru vs Other Makes

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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