Last updated: 2026-03-04

Ford Explorer vs Subaru Outback: Reliability Compared

Ford Explorer reliability comparison

Ford Explorer

66
GoodReliability score: 66 out of 100, rated Good
VS
More ReliableSubaru Outback reliability comparison

Subaru Outback

71
GoodReliability score: 71 out of 100, rated Good

Choosing between the Ford Explorer 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 66/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Ford Explorer and Subaru Outback Generations Compare?

As of now, the Ford Explorer is in its sixth generation, which began in 2020. This generation is still relatively new, suggesting potential for first-year issues typical of fresh platforms, though it has had a few years for refinement. The Subaru Outback is currently in its sixth generation, introduced in 2020 and refreshed in 2023. With its facelift, this generation has had time to address initial teething problems, offering more reliability. Buyers evaluating reliability might find the Outback's more mature platform appealing, as it is further along in its generation cycle compared to the Explorer.

Verdict

The Subaru Outback is more reliable than the Ford Explorer, scoring 71/100 vs 66/100.

The Subaru Outback demonstrates a stronger reliability profile with an average score of 74/100 compared to the Ford Explorer's 68/100. Although the Outback has a higher complaint rate of 26.1 per 10,000 sold versus the Explorer's 6.8, it benefits from significantly fewer recalls, with only 22 compared to the Explorer's 117 over nine years. The Outback also offers lower estimated annual repair costs at $607, making it a more cost-effective choice for maintenance. While both vehicles face issues with their power trains and electrical systems, the Explorer's broader range of common problems may impact long-term reliability.

Key Differences

  1. 1Subaru Outback costs $125 less per year to repair
  2. 2Subaru Outback has 95 fewer total recalls
  3. 3Ford Explorer has 19.3 fewer complaints per 10k sold

Category Scoreboard

2Ford Explorer
—
4Subaru Outback
Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint RateAnnual Repair CostRepair FrequencyMajor Repair Risk

Ford Explorer vs Subaru Outback: Which Is More Reliable?

Ford Explorer vs Subaru Outback at-a-glance reliability comparison
MetricFord ExplorerSubaru Outback
Reliability Score66/10071/100
Years Tracked99
Total Recalls11722
Complaints per 10k Sold6.826.1
Annual Repair Cost$732/yr$607/yr
Repair Frequency0.2/yr0.4/yr
Major Repair Risk14%12%
Year Wins1 (1 tied)6 (1 tied)

What Are the Common Problems With the Ford Explorer and Subaru Outback?

The Ford Explorer and Subaru Outback exhibit distinct problem profiles based on aggregated complaint data. The Ford Explorer's most significant issues are with the power train, which has 618 total complaints and 12 linked to crashes, suggesting a critical area of concern. In contrast, the Subaru Outback predominantly faces problems with visibility/wiper systems, totaling 1,142 complaints, albeit with minimal crash linkage. Notably, the Subaru Outback also has a higher number of electrical system complaints at 984, compared to the Ford Explorer's 261, indicating a potential area of relative vulnerability in electronic components.

Ford Explorer vs Subaru Outback common problem areas comparison
ComponentFord ExplorerSubaru Outback
VISIBILITY/WIPER—None8.3Above Avg
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM0.7Very Low7.2Above Avg
UNKNOWN OR OTHER1.1Low3.4Average
POWER TRAIN1.6Low0.7Very Low
STRUCTURE1Very Low0.1Very Low
STEERING0.2Very Low0.7Very Low
ENGINE0.4Very Low0.4Very Low
VISIBILITY—None0.7Very Low
AIR BAGS0.1Very Low0.5Very Low
SERVICE BRAKES0.2Very Low0.3Very Low
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL—None0.4Very Low
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE—None0.3Very Low
BACK OVER PREVENTION0.2Very Low—None
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM—None0.2Very Low
SUSPENSION0.1Very Low—None
SEATS0.1Very Low—None
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING0.1Very Low—None
EXTERIOR LIGHTING—None0.1Very Low
FUEL SYSTEM—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: Ford Explorer or Subaru Outback?

The Ford Explorer has an annual repair cost of $732, which is $125 more per year than the Subaru Outback's $607. Over a 5-year period, this difference amounts to $625. Despite the higher cost, the Explorer's repair frequency is lower at 0.2 visits per year compared to the Outback's 0.4 visits. However, the Explorer carries a higher risk of major repairs at 14% versus the Outback's 12%. For cost-conscious buyers, the Subaru Outback offers better value with lower annual repair costs and slightly reduced risk of major repairs, despite a higher frequency of visits. This makes it a more economical choice for those prioritizing long-term savings and reliability.

How Does Ford Explorer vs Subaru Outback Reliability Compare by Year?

Ford Explorer vs Subaru Outback year-by-year reliability scores
YearFord ExplorerSubaru OutbackEdge
202572/10014R / 65C82/1000R / 43CSubaru Outback
202473/1006R / 14C82/1000R / 69CSubaru Outback
202371/10012R / 84C77/1002R / 83CSubaru Outback
202265/10021R / 208C67/1004R / 435CSubaru Outback
202162/10022R / 354C69/1004R / 283CSubaru Outback
202054/10029R / 1066C60/1006R / 884CSubaru Outback
201969/1004R / 252C63/1003R / 1017CFord Explorer
201864/1005R / 651C64/1003R / 779CTie
2026(predicted)72/100(predicted)80/100(predicted)Subaru Outback

Best years to cross-shop: The 2024 Ford Explorer scored 73/100 and the 2025 Subaru Outback scored 82/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Ford Explorer vs the Subaru Outback?

If you prioritize long-term reliability and lower recall frequency, the Subaru Outback might be the better choice for you. With a reliability score of 74/100 and only 22 total recalls, it offers a more stable ownership experience. Additionally, the estimated annual repair cost is lower at $607, and it has a slightly reduced major repair risk of 12%. Although it has more owner complaints per 10,000 sold at 26.1, the Outback's known issues are generally less critical, focusing on visibility and minor electrical concerns. On the other hand, if you value lower owner complaints and less frequent repairs, consider the Ford Explorer. Its owner complaints rate is lower at 6.8 per 10,000 sold, and it has a reduced repair frequency of 0.2 times per year. Despite a higher major repair risk of 14% and more recalls, the Explorer can be appealing if you are willing to manage its power train and structural issues for a more complaint-free experience.

Ford Explorer vs Subaru Outback: Common Questions

Is the Ford Explorer 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 66/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Ford Explorer or the Subaru Outback?
The Ford Explorer has more recalls (117) 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 Ford Explorer or the Subaru Outback?
Adjusted for sales volume, the Ford Explorer has a lower complaint rate at 6.8 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 Ford Explorer or the Subaru Outback?
Based on independent repair cost estimates, the Subaru Outback is cheaper to maintain at $607/year versus $732/year for the Ford Explorer.

Related Reliability 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

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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