Last updated: 2026-03-04
Most Reliable Subaru Models — Ranked in 2026
We ranked every Subaru model and year in our database by reliability score. The average Subaru scores 72/100 across all models and years. The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek is the most reliable Subaru with a score of 83/100.
Subaru Reliability Rankings
| # | Vehicle | Best Year | Score | Rating | Recalls | Complaints / 10k | Maint. Rating | Est. Repair Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2025 Subaru Crosstrek | 2025 | 83/100 | Excellent | 0 | 19.8 | 4.5 | $492/yr |
| 2 | 2025 Subaru Outback | 2025 | 82/100 | Excellent | 0 | 2.7 | 3.5 | $607/yr |
| 3 | 2024 Subaru Outback | 2024 | 82/100 | Excellent | 0 | 4.1 | 3.5 | $607/yr |
| 4 | 2023 Subaru Crosstrek | 2023 | 81/100 | Excellent | 0 | 22.0 | 4.5 | $492/yr |
| 5 | 2023 Subaru Forester | 2023 | 79/100 | Good | 1 | 4.0 | 3.5 | $632/yr |
| 6 | 2025 Subaru Forester | 2025 | 79/100 | Good | 2 | 2.7 | 3.5 | $632/yr |
| 7 | 2024 Subaru Forester | 2024 | 78/100 | Good | 2 | 1.5 | 3.5 | $632/yr |
| 8 | 2022 Subaru Crosstrek | 2022 | 78/100 | Good | 1 | 29.4 | 4.5 | $492/yr |
| 9 | 2022 Subaru Forester | 2022 | 77/100 | Good | 1 | 7.5 | 3.5 | $632/yr |
| 10 | 2023 Subaru Outback | 2023 | 77/100 | Good | 2 | 5.1 | 3.5 | $607/yr |
| 11 | 2025 Subaru Impreza | 2025 | 77/100 | Good | 0 | 0.7 | 3.5 | $653/yr |
| 12 | 2021 Subaru Forester | 2021 | 76/100 | Good | 0 | 12.7 | 3.5 | $632/yr |
| 13 | 2022 Subaru Impreza | 2022 | 76/100 | Good | 1 | 3.6 | 3.5 | $653/yr |
| 14 | 2020 Subaru Impreza | 2020 | 74/100 | Good | 1 | 19.0 | 3.5 | $653/yr |
| 15 | 2024 Subaru Impreza | 2024 | 74/100 | Good | 2 | 7.3 | 3.5 | $653/yr |
| 16 | 2023 Subaru Impreza | 2023 | 74/100 | Good | 2 | 1.2 | 3.5 | $653/yr |
| 17 | 2020 Subaru Crosstrek | 2020 | 72/100 | Good | 1 | 76.3 | 4.5 | $492/yr |
| 18 | 2020 Subaru Forester | 2020 | 71/100 | Good | 0 | 33.0 | 3.5 | $632/yr |
| 19 | 2021 Subaru Impreza | 2021 | 71/100 | Good | 2 | 4.0 | 3.5 | $653/yr |
| 20 | 2024 Subaru Crosstrek | 2024 | 69/100 | Good | 2 | 83.9 | 4.5 | $492/yr |
| 21 | 2021 Subaru Outback | 2021 | 69/100 | Good | 4 | 18.3 | 3.5 | $607/yr |
| 22 | 2018 Subaru Impreza | 2018 | 69/100 | Good | 5 | 19.4 | 3.5 | $653/yr |
| 23 | 2021 Subaru Crosstrek | 2021 | 67/100 | Good | 2 | 93.0 | 4.5 | $492/yr |
| 24 | 2022 Subaru Outback | 2022 | 67/100 | Good | 4 | 29.5 | 3.5 | $607/yr |
| 25 | 2018 Subaru Forester | 2018 | 66/100 | Good | 3 | 27.7 | 3.5 | $632/yr |
| 26 | 2019 Subaru Impreza | 2019 | 66/100 | Good | 5 | 27.9 | 3.5 | $653/yr |
| 27 | 2018 Subaru Outback | 2018 | 64/100 | Good | 3 | 43.6 | 3.5 | $607/yr |
| 28 | 2019 Subaru Outback | 2019 | 63/100 | Good | 3 | 56.1 | 3.5 | $607/yr |
| 29 | 2019 Subaru Forester | 2019 | 63/100 | Good | 3 | 45.8 | 3.5 | $632/yr |
| 30 | 2020 Subaru Outback | 2020 | 60/100 | Good | 6 | 57.7 | 3.5 | $607/yr |
| 31 | 2018 Subaru Crosstrek | 2018 | 60/100 | Good | 5 | 197.1 | 4.5 | $492/yr |
| 32 | 2019 Subaru Crosstrek | 2019 | 56/100 | Mixed | 8 | 330.3 | 4.5 | $492/yr |
Model Summaries
Subaru Crosstrek
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. The Crosstrek is well-suited for those prioritizing lower repair costs, though potential buyers should be aware of specific model year issues, such as visibility and infotainment system concerns.
Average score: 71/100. Best year: 2025 (83/100). 9 years tracked.
Subaru Forester
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. Despite these issues, the Forester maintains a consistent 5-star NHTSA safety rating, making it a consideration for those prioritizing safety features, though prospective buyers should be aware of potential maintenance costs and recurring visibility problems.
Average score: 74/100. Best year: 2023 (79/100). 9 years tracked.
Subaru Impreza
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. Repair costs for the Impreza are estimated at $653 annually, which is higher than the compact car average, indicating potential considerations for maintenance expenses.
Average score: 73/100. Best year: 2025 (77/100). 9 years tracked.
Subaru Outback
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. Despite these concerns, complaint rates have significantly decreased in recent years, with the 2026 model having no reported complaints, indicating potential improvements in reliability.
Average score: 71/100. Best year: 2025 (82/100). 9 years tracked.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the most reliable Subaru?
- Based on our data, the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek is the most reliable Subaru with a score of 83/100 ("Excellent"). It has 0 recalls and 25 owner complaints.
- Are Subaru vehicles reliable?
- Subaru vehicles have an average reliability score of 72/100 across all models and years in our database. Individual models vary, so checking the specific model year you're considering is important.
- Which Subaru models should I avoid?
- Based on our data, these Subaru model-years are statistical outliers within their lines: 2019 Impreza (66/100), 2019 Outback (63/100), 2019 Forester (63/100), 2020 Outback (60/100), 2019 Crosstrek (56/100). These have higher recall counts and complaint volumes relative to their siblings.
- How do Subaru repair costs compare?
- Repair costs vary by model. Check the detailed rankings table above for estimated annual repair costs for each Subaru model year.
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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