How Reliable are Subaru vehicles?

Subaru vehicles are one of the most popular car manufacturers today, offering a full model line-up ranging from sports cars that can zip through traffic to SUVs that can traverse tough terrain. The model variety, the vehicle versatility, and the safety ratings all combine to make Subaru a good choice for most any person or family looking for a new vehicle.

What does reliability mean for you?

But just because a vehicle might seem like the right fit for you doesn't make it a good buy. This is especially true when the projected reliability is much lower than other vehicle manufacturers. Reliability is open to interpretation by all buyers. For some, reliability might mean that the car doesn't require any repairs besides regular maintenance (oil changes, brake jobs, new tires, etc.). For others, reliability means that the car makes it from point A to point B without leaving you stranded on the side of the road with the hood propped open. For most, an unreliable car is one that experiences several unplanned breakdowns that lands it in the shop and leaves you without transportation.

How to evaluate the reliability of a vehicle?

One measurement of reliability is Consumer Reports, a magazine that tests not only vehicles but all sorts of technology and household items to determine the best value for your money and the reliability of different brands. For 2020, Consumer Reports ranked Subaru has the seventh most reliable car brand with an average predicted reliability score of 68 (out of 100). For this ranking, Subaru reliability was determined by auto questionnaires sent to Consumer Reports members. 420,000 vehicles, with model years between 2000 and 2020, were evaluated for serious (due to cost, failure, safety, or downtime) problems in 17 areas, including but not limited to engine, transmission, drive system, fuel system, steering, and electrical system.

Judging Subaru on the reliability scale

If you have ever looked at buying a used Subaru, you know that they hold their value extremely well. Used Subarus that are several years old and have tens of thousands of miles on them are not significantly cheaper than new models, factoring in depreciation, etc. One of the main reasons that Subarus hold their value so well is their reliability. They are known for being tough vehicles that take a licking and keep on ticking. It isn't uncommon to see Subarus that are 10 or 15 years old driving down the road because they are still working as well as the first day they were made.

Issues that Subaru manufacturers overcame in the past decade

While not an issue with today's new models or vehicles built in the past decade, there was some concern during Subaru's third-generation line-up (ending in 2009) about the vehicles blowing head gaskets after the warranty period ended. This was a costly and time-consuming repair that marred Subaru's reliability reputation for a while. However, this problem was remedied and today's Subarus enjoy a top reliability ranking among other well-known vehicle manufacturers such as Toyota, Lexus, and Honda.

If you are in the market for a new or used Subaru, have no fear. Subaru reliability has remained steady for the past decade and remains in the top 25% of all vehicle manufacturers. All vehicles will need maintenance and repairs at some point, but with Subaru, these occurrences are few and far between.