Last updated: 2026-07-26
Most Reliable Subaru Models — Ranked in 2026
We ranked every Subaru model and year in our database by reliability score. The average Subaru scores 73/100 across all models and years. The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek is the most reliable Subaru with a score of 94/100.
Subaru Reliability Rankings
| # | Vehicle | Best Year | Score | Rating | Recalls | Complaints / 10k | Maint. Rating | Est. Repair Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2026 Subaru Crosstrek | 2026 | 94/100 | Excellent | 0 | — | 4.5 | $492/yr |
| 2 | 2025 Subaru Crosstrek | 2025 | 83/100 | Excellent | 0 | 19.8 | 4.5 | $492/yr |
| 3 | 2024 Subaru Outback | 2024 | 82/100 | Excellent | 0 | 4.1 | 3.5 | $607/yr |
| 4 | 2026 Subaru Outback | 2026 | 82/100 | Excellent | 0 | — | 3.5 | $607/yr |
| 5 | 2025 Subaru Outback | 2025 | 82/100 | Excellent | 0 | 2.7 | 3.5 | $607/yr |
| 6 | 2026 Subaru Impreza | 2026 | 81/100 | Excellent | 0 | 0.0 | 3.5 | $653/yr |
| 7 | 2024 Subaru Legacy | 2024 | 81/100 | Excellent | 0 | 8.2 | 4 | $563/yr |
| 8 | 2026 Subaru WRX | 2026 | 81/100 | Excellent | 0 | 0.0 | 3.5 | $682/yr |
| 9 | 2023 Subaru Crosstrek | 2023 | 81/100 | Excellent | 0 | 22.0 | 4.5 | $492/yr |
| 10 | 2025 Subaru Legacy | 2025 | 80/100 | Excellent | 0 | 2.7 | 4 | $563/yr |
| 11 | 2023 Subaru Forester | 2023 | 79/100 | Good | 1 | 4.0 | 3.5 | $632/yr |
| 12 | 2025 Subaru Forester | 2025 | 79/100 | Good | 2 | 2.7 | 3.5 | $632/yr |
| 13 | 2022 Subaru Crosstrek | 2022 | 78/100 | Good | 1 | 29.4 | 4.5 | $492/yr |
| 14 | 2024 Subaru WRX | 2024 | 78/100 | Good | 0 | 7.0 | 3.5 | $682/yr |
| 15 | 2024 Subaru Forester | 2024 | 78/100 | Good | 2 | 1.5 | 3.5 | $632/yr |
| 16 | 2022 Subaru Legacy | 2022 | 77/100 | Good | 2 | 14.2 | 4 | $563/yr |
| 17 | 2025 Subaru WRX | 2025 | 77/100 | Good | 0 | 0.9 | 3.5 | $682/yr |
| 18 | 2026 Subaru Forester | 2026 | 77/100 | Good | 1 | — | 3.5 | $632/yr |
| 19 | 2023 Subaru Outback | 2023 | 77/100 | Good | 2 | 5.1 | 3.5 | $607/yr |
| 20 | 2025 Subaru Impreza | 2025 | 77/100 | Good | 0 | 0.7 | 3.5 | $653/yr |
| 21 | 2023 Subaru Legacy | 2023 | 77/100 | Good | 2 | 3.9 | 4 | $563/yr |
| 22 | 2022 Subaru Forester | 2022 | 77/100 | Good | 1 | 7.5 | 3.5 | $632/yr |
| 23 | 2022 Subaru Impreza | 2022 | 76/100 | Good | 1 | 3.6 | 3.5 | $653/yr |
| 24 | 2021 Subaru Forester | 2021 | 76/100 | Good | 0 | 12.7 | 3.5 | $632/yr |
| 25 | 2024 Subaru Ascent | 2024 | 76/100 | Good | 0 | — | 3 | |
| 26 | 2025 Subaru Ascent | 2025 | 76/100 | Good | 0 | — | 3 | |
| 27 | 2026 Subaru Ascent | 2026 | 76/100 | Good | 0 | — | 3 | |
| 28 | 2020 Subaru WRX | 2020 | 75/100 | Good | 1 | 8.0 | 3.5 | $682/yr |
| 29 | 2021 Subaru Legacy | 2021 | 75/100 | Good | 3 | 13.6 | 4 | $563/yr |
| 30 | 2023 Subaru WRX | 2023 | 75/100 | Good | 1 | 2.4 | 3.5 | $682/yr |
| 31 | 2021 Subaru WRX | 2021 | 75/100 | Good | 1 | 4.4 | 3.5 | $682/yr |
| 32 | 2020 Subaru Impreza | 2020 | 74/100 | Good | 1 | 19.0 | 3.5 | $653/yr |
| 33 | 2023 Subaru Impreza | 2023 | 74/100 | Good | 2 | 1.2 | 3.5 | $653/yr |
| 34 | 2024 Subaru Impreza | 2024 | 74/100 | Good | 2 | 7.3 | 3.5 | $653/yr |
| 35 | 2025 Subaru Solterra | 2025 | 74/100 | Good | 2 | — | 3.5 | |
| 36 | 2024 Subaru Solterra | 2024 | 74/100 | Good | 2 | — | 3.5 | |
| 37 | 2022 Subaru WRX | 2022 | 73/100 | Good | 1 | 12.3 | 3.5 | $682/yr |
| 38 | 2019 Subaru WRX | 2019 | 72/100 | Good | 2 | 12.4 | 3.5 | $682/yr |
| 39 | 2020 Subaru Crosstrek | 2020 | 72/100 | Good | 1 | 76.3 | 4.5 | $492/yr |
| 40 | 2021 Subaru Impreza | 2021 | 71/100 | Good | 2 | 4.0 | 3.5 | $653/yr |
| 41 | 2020 Subaru Forester | 2020 | 71/100 | Good | 0 | 33.0 | 3.5 | $632/yr |
| 42 | 2018 Subaru WRX | 2018 | 71/100 | Good | 2 | 13.9 | 3.5 | $682/yr |
| 43 | 2023 Subaru Ascent | 2023 | 71/100 | Good | 3 | 6.5 | 3 | |
| 44 | 2022 Subaru Ascent | 2022 | 70/100 | Good | 1 | 8.1 | 3 | |
| 45 | 2018 Subaru Legacy | 2018 | 70/100 | Good | 3 | 28.9 | 4 | $563/yr |
| 46 | 2018 Subaru Impreza | 2018 | 69/100 | Good | 5 | 19.4 | 3.5 | $653/yr |
| 47 | 2019 Subaru Legacy | 2019 | 69/100 | Good | 3 | 35.1 | 4 | $563/yr |
| 48 | 2024 Subaru Crosstrek | 2024 | 69/100 | Good | 2 | 83.9 | 4.5 | $492/yr |
| 49 | 2021 Subaru Outback | 2021 | 69/100 | Good | 4 | 18.3 | 3.5 | $607/yr |
| 50 | 2021 Subaru Crosstrek | 2021 | 67/100 | Good | 2 | 93.0 | 4.5 | $492/yr |
| 51 | 2022 Subaru Outback | 2022 | 67/100 | Good | 4 | 29.5 | 3.5 | $607/yr |
| 52 | 2020 Subaru Legacy | 2020 | 67/100 | Good | 6 | 44.4 | 4 | $563/yr |
| 53 | 2019 Subaru Impreza | 2019 | 66/100 | Good | 5 | 27.9 | 3.5 | $653/yr |
| 54 | 2018 Subaru Forester | 2018 | 66/100 | Good | 3 | 27.7 | 3.5 | $632/yr |
| 55 | 2023 Subaru Solterra | 2023 | 65/100 | Good | 2 | 28.2 | 3.5 | |
| 56 | 2018 Subaru Outback | 2018 | 64/100 | Good | 3 | 43.6 | 3.5 | $607/yr |
| 57 | 2019 Subaru Outback | 2019 | 63/100 | Good | 3 | 56.1 | 3.5 | $607/yr |
| 58 | 2019 Subaru Forester | 2019 | 63/100 | Good | 3 | 45.8 | 3.5 | $632/yr |
| 59 | 2020 Subaru Outback | 2020 | 60/100 | Good | 6 | 57.7 | 3.5 | $607/yr |
| 60 | 2018 Subaru Crosstrek | 2018 | 60/100 | Good | 5 | 197.1 | 4.5 | $492/yr |
| 61 | 2020 Subaru Ascent | 2020 | 58/100 | Mixed | 4 | 45.4 | 3 | |
| 62 | 2019 Subaru Crosstrek | 2019 | 56/100 | Mixed | 8 | 330.3 | 4.5 | $492/yr |
| 63 | 2019 Subaru Ascent | 2019 | 55/100 | Mixed | 8 | 53.4 | 3 |
Model Summaries
Subaru Ascent
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. The Ascent is best suited for those prioritizing safety, as it consistently receives a 5-star NHTSA safety rating, though owners should be aware of potential visibility and service brake concerns in certain years.
Average score: 69/100. Best year: 2024 (76/100). 7 years tracked.
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: 73/100. Best year: 2026 (94/100). 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: 74/100. Best year: 2026 (81/100). 9 years tracked.
Subaru Legacy
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. While the 2024 model year shows improvement with an 81/100 score and no recalls, potential buyers should consider these factors when evaluating the Legacy's reliability.
Average score: 75/100. Best year: 2024 (81/100). 8 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: 72/100. Best year: 2024 (82/100). 9 years tracked.
Subaru Solterra
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. Repair costs are rated at 3.5/5, suggesting moderate expenses, and the vehicle consistently receives a 5/5 NHTSA safety rating, highlighting its safety performance.
Average score: 71/100. Best year: 2025 (74/100). 3 years tracked.
Subaru WRX
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. Notably, the 2026 model year shows improved reliability with a score of 81/100 and no reported complaints, indicating potential enhancements in recent production.
Average score: 75/100. Best year: 2026 (81/100). 9 years tracked.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the most reliable Subaru?
- Based on our data, the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek is the most reliable Subaru with a score of 94/100 ("Excellent"). It has 0 recalls and 1 owner complaints.
- Are Subaru vehicles reliable?
- Subaru vehicles have an average reliability score of 73/100 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 Legacy (69/100), 2020 Legacy (67/100), 2019 Impreza (66/100), 2023 Solterra (65/100), 2019 Outback (63/100), 2019 Forester (63/100), 2020 Outback (60/100), 2019 Crosstrek (56/100), 2019 Ascent (55/100). 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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