Consumer Reports Reveals Subaru’s Best And Worst Models For Reliability

Which Subaru models are the best and the worst for reliability? I cover Subaru reliability yearly, and a new study from Consumer Reports (by subscription) reveals the most and least reliable Subaru SUVs, cars, and performance models. There's an interesting trend that shows where the model is made makes a significant difference. 

Here are the results from Consumer Reports from owner surveys. 

Consumer Reports (CR) gathers auto-reliability data through online questionnaires sent to its members. "We ask about any problems members may have had in the previous 12 months with 20 aspects of their vehicles, including the engine, transmission, EV battery, and EV charging, as well as issues with body hardware, and paint and trim." 

CR says, "We predict that (the models below) will give owners fewer problems than their competitors based on data collected on more than 330,000 vehicles as reported by their owners, covering the 2000 through 2023 model years, including some early 2024 models."

Subaru Models that score above-average or well-above-average reliability.

According to the latest CR data, the Subaru BRZ sport coupe, WRX performance sports sedan, Forester compact SUV, and redesigned 2024 Crosstrek subcompact SUV score above-average or well-above-average reliability. 

The Forester, Crossstrek Base and Premium trims, Subaru WRX, and Subaru BRZ are manufactured in Japan. 

Which Subaru is the most reliable?

Customers looking for the most reliable Subaru model should check out the Forester compact SUV. The 2024 Subaru Forester makes CR's top ten list of the most reliable models you can buy today. 

What does Consumer Reports say about the 2024 Subaru Forester?

The Forester is ranked the #1 of 27 Compact SUVs by CR. The Forester's strengths are its fuel economy, roomy interior, excellent outward visibility, and easy-to-use controls.

Consumer Reports 10 Most Reliable Cars - It’s The Subaru Forester Again @DenisFlierl @AllSubaru @torquenewsauto#subaru #forester #subaruforesterhttps://t.co/X57o5JPmiY
— Subaru Report (@SubaruReport) November 29, 2023

Subaru models with average reliability.

The 2024 Subaru Outback, Ascent, Solterra EV, and Legacy are all average in reliability. According to the new Consumer Reports ranking, CR says, "Some members report that the Solterra EV has problems with charging, the Outback and Legacy have in-car electronics issues, and the Ascent SUV has climate system and brake problems."

The Subaru Outback, Ascent, and Legacy are manufactured in the U.S. plant in Lafayette, Indiana. Solterra is manufactured by Toyota. 

How CR scores reliability

CR says they study 20 trouble areas, from nuisances—such as squeaky brakes and broken interior trim—to major bummers, such as potential expensive out-of-warranty engine, transmission, EV battery, and EV charging problems. "We use that information to give reliability ratings for every major mainstream model."

There is good news for performance enthusiasts. 

The Subaru WRX is a newly recommended model with improved reliability. If you want to buy the new 2024 WRX TR, Consumer Reports says, the new WRX is now a recommended model by Consumer Reports. CR says the WRX has improved reliability.

CR says the 2024 WRX gets a 78/100 score for predicted reliability. Compared to similar sports cars, the Toyota GR86 has a 75/100 reliability score, the Mini Cooper 70/100, and the BMW 4 Series has a 63/100 reliability score.   

Where does Subaru rank in reliability with all car brands?

Subaru scores 69 in overall reliability for all its models, which includes luxury brands. Among mainstream brands (non-luxury), Toyota is number one with a score of 76, Honda (70), and Subaru is third overall with a score of 69.

Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you enjoyed this Subaru reliability story. See you tomorrow for my latest Subaru Report.

For additional articles related to new Subaru models, here are a few of my top stories you may enjoy. 

My Must-Read Top Picks

• 6 New Subaru Models Are Coming In 2024
• Consumer Reports Says Avoid The Toyota RAV4, Buy A Subaru Forester Instead
• The More Things Change For Subaru The More They Stay The Same

Watch the Consumer Reports’ 2024 Cars Reliability Results YouTube video 

I am Denis Flierl, a 12-year Torque News senior writer with 20+ years of Subaru and automotive journalism experience. I enjoy bringing you, the Subaru fans and customers, the most up-to-date Subaru news, reviews, and new model information. You'll find the latest Subaru stories on the Subaru page. Follow me on my The Dirty Subaru website, Dirty Subaru blog, SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

I’ve got you covered! - I cover all Subaru all the time - It’s called the “Subaru Report.” Check back daily for my expert Subaru analysis!

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photo credit: main image Subaru World of Newton