If you’re interested in finding out more about whether Subaru is a reliable brand, we’re here to help you with our comprehensive guide from our specialists at John Kennedy Subaru in Plymouth, Pennsylvania. There’s a wealth of information available online, but we decided to do the work for you and asked our vehicle experts to provide their insight on Subaru cars’ reliability. We’ll explain why Subaru cars run strong for many years so you can make an informed decision.
Understanding Car Reliability
You rely on your car to take you to work, get the kids to school, make routine grocery store trips, take weekend getaways, and so much more. When you turn the engine on, it needs to start. But there’s more to reliability than simply starting an engine.
Experts determine reliability by how well a car performs without needing frequent repairs. We measure this reliability using time and mileage as benchmarks. The industry also uses safety and reliability testing done by impartial organizations such as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Other factors that affect a car’s reliability include its build quality, component durability, and the manufacturer’s commitment to quality. The manufacturer determines the quality of the engineering and parts used.
As you shop, you should look for brands that have earned high praise in the industry and with their customers. You can find this information from companies such as J.D. Power and Consumer Reports. If you’re considering a 2025 vehicle, reliability ratings may not be available yet. In this case, you should look at the model’s history for previous years. While this won’t guarantee a 2025 model will perform up to prior years’ standards, it’s a good indicator.
Evaluating Subaru’s Reliability
Subaru has a long history of good reliability ratings and a dedicated customer base, unlike many other brands. However, this reputation doesn’t preclude Subaru from having problems with its vehicles. According to RepairPal.com, the Subaru brand has an overall 3.5 out of five reliability rating, ranking it 14th out of 32 car brands. Average annual repairs cost Subaru owners $617, compared to $652 across all brands.
Delving deeper, we know that Subaru owners need unscheduled repairs 0.3 times per year compared to the 0.4 times per year average for all brands.
Analyzing Specific Subaru Models
The website Carcomplaints.com has data available on every Subaru model so that we can compare Subaru reliability ratings. The Subaru Forester and Outback have the most customer complaints. As these are two of the most popular Subaru vehicles, more complaints can be expected as Subaru has sold more of these vehicles than other models. The most important factor is to understand what the complaint is about.
Let’s take a look at the Subaru Forester and the complaints that were registered for this model. Carcomplaints.com reports that the Forester has 1,054 complaints, most of which occurred in 2014 and 2015. From 2021-2024, the Forester only had nine complaints, most of which were minor electrical problems and window issues.
The Subaru Outback has the most complaints — 1,561. Like the Forester, most of these complaints happened from 2014 to 2019. Since then, there have been only 13 complaints for the 2023 and 2024 model years, and they’re mainly related to windows and electrical problems.
Subaru’s popular Ascent SUV has had its share of complaints. In its first year, 2019, it had 68 complaints on wide-ranging issues. The most frequent complaint was that Ascent’s open tailgate drained the battery. Since 2021, the Ascent has had only nine complaints.
Another long-running model, the Subaru Impreza, has had only had 330 complaints since 1993. The 2012 and 2018 models have the most complaints in recent years. However, since 2020, the Impreza has only had four complaints.
The Subaru Crosstrek was first built in 2016 and experienced some growing pains. From 2016 to 2019, the Crosstrek had 122 complaints on various systems. Since then, only 20 complaints have emerged, signaling a shift in quality.
Subaru’s sporty WRX model had 41 complaints in 2015, its first year, and 24 the following year. However, from 2017 to 2025, the WRX has only 29 complaints.
Overview of Subaru’s Reliability
Subaru vehicles have excellent reliability ratings and consistently cost less to own than competing brands. No manufacturer can guarantee a vehicle won’t have issues. What they can do is stand behind their cars with warranty protection and a commitment to delivering the highest quality service after the sale.
The Subaru warranty plan includes a three-year/36,000-mile limited warranty that covers defects in materials or craftsmanship on all parts bumper to bumper. You also get a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty that protects you against failure of the engine, transmission, and other powertrain systems.
Every new Subaru has a rust perforation warranty that protects you for five years with unlimited miles. If you purchase a hybrid vehicle, you receive added protection of eight years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Of course, Subaru knows that problems can occur. That’s why they provide 24-7 roadside assistance on all new vehicle purchases. This protection runs alongside the limited warranty so you can be sure you’ll have help available if needed.
FAQ About Subaru’s Reliability
If you want to know more about Subaru cars’ reliability, check out the questions below.
Why Are Subarus Known for Their Reliability?
Subaru’s commitment to robust engineering, quality workmanship, and the use of durable materials make its vehicles some of the most reliable on the market.
Which Are the Most Reliable Subaru Models?
Despite the complaints mentioned, the Forester, Outback, and Crosstrek remain the most reliable Subaru cars offered based on their overall performance.
How Does Subaru Compare to Other Brands in Terms of Reliability?
Subaru continues to focus on quality builds, safety, and durability, resulting in consistently high rankings from outside sources such as J.D. Power, Consumer Reports, and Kelley Blue Book. Subaru ranks highest in the SUV and crossover segments thanks to its dedication to improving safety and technology.
You Can Rely on Us at John Kennedy Subaru
When you purchase a Subaru, you aren’t just buying a vehicle. You’re investing in a car backed by a company that cares about delivering a quality product you can trust.
At John Kennedy Subaru Plymouth, Pennsylvania, we know how important reliability is to our customers. When you purchase a new Subaru from us, you can count on our assistance with routine maintenance and warranty support if needed. If you have questions regarding a particular model, please contact us. Our friendly and professional staff will be happy to help you.
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