Subaru Reliability & Common ProblemsRecalls, complaints & model-by-model NHTSA data
Is Subaru reliable? We aggregated 11,568 NHTSA owner complaints and 130 recall campaigns across 7 models so you can compare models, spot problem years, and know what to check before buying used.
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Brand stats show fleet-wide patterns. A VIN check shows the accident history, odometer records, and open recalls of the one you're actually looking at.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, Subaru has 11,568 owner complaints and 130 safety recalls across the 7 models tracked on VinSpectorAI. The most commonly reported issue area is Oil Consumption (older engines).
- Brand
- Subaru
- Reliability tier
- Excellent
- Safety score (0–100)
- 85
- Total NHTSA complaints (tracked models)
- 11,568
- Total safety recalls (tracked models)
- 130
- Models analyzed
- 7
- Top reported issues
- Oil Consumption (older engines), Head Gasket (EJ series), CVT
Live NHTSA data
Subaru: which years to avoid and which to buy
Aggregated from official NHTSA owner complaints and recall campaigns across all tracked Subaru models (2015–2026).
These model years had the most NHTSA complaints across all Subaru models.
Fewest recorded complaints — generally the safest years to buy used.
Complaint trend (2015–2026)
Top complaint components
Analysis
Subaru reliability analysis
AI AnalysisSubaru's complaint data is heavily concentrated in visibility/wiper and electrical faults, with the Outback and Forester accounting for the majority of issues. Recalls are numerous but spread across models, and the brand shows a high volume of crash-related complaints relative to total complaints. Recent model years (2024-2026) have very few complaints, suggesting improvement.
When considering a used Subaru, prioritize inspecting the wiper system and electrical components, especially on 2019 models. Check for open recalls on any model, particularly the Outback and Forester, and verify that all recall repairs have been completed.
Top reported issues
Based on 11,568 NHTSA complaints collected 2015–2026. Source: nhtsa.gov.
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Look up any Subaru, year by year
Pick a model, then a year — you'll get that exact year's complaints, recalls, and most-reported problems.
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Before you buy a used Subaru, run the VIN
The data above shows brand-wide patterns. Enter a VIN to check the exact accident history, odometer records, open recalls, and title status of the specific Subaru you’re considering.
Subaru reliability — frequently asked questions
Is Subaru a reliable car brand?
Subaru has a Excellent reliability rating based on NHTSA data, with approximately 1,800 owner complaints and 29 recalls. Subaru earns excellent safety ratings with very low crash complaint rates. The brand's main reliability concern is oil consumption in older FB-series engines (2011-2019) and head gasket failures in legacy EJ engines. Modern models are significantly improved.
What are common Subaru problems?
Most reported issues for Subaru: Oil Consumption (older engines), Head Gasket (EJ series), CVT.
Should I buy a used Subaru?
Check oil consumption history on 2011-2018 models. 2020+ Subarus are more reliable. The Outback and Forester are among the safest used SUV choices in their class.