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Subaru's maintenance costs are higher.
Where do Subaru's maintenance costs rank with those of other car brands? Subaru ranks in the bottom half among 29 car brands and worst among 15 mainstream brands. Check out this report's updated Consumer Reports (by subscription) data.
In this report, I'll compare Subaru's maintenance costs over 1-5 years and 6-10 years with those of other car brands. I'll also show where Subaru's total ten-year costs rank among mainstream brands, according to updated data from Consumer Reports (CR).
The new CR report says Subaru ranks the worst of all mainstream car brands. Subaru's maintenance costs are the highest, and luxury car brands are notorious for high maintenance.
Below, I show the cumulative costs for years one through five, years six through 10, and total costs for ten years. Subaru is ranked 20th in this report by its full 10-year costs compared with 29 mainstream and luxury car brands. Keep reading, and I'll explain why Subaru's costs to maintain its vehicles are higher and what Consumer Reports doesn't tell you.
How does CR calculate the automaker's maintenance costs?
CR says, "To better understand how costs increase over time and differ by brand, we asked members in our 2023 Annual Auto Surveys to tell us how much they paid out of pocket for their total maintenance (oil changes, tired, etc.) and repairs during the previous 12 months."
"We found that there are significant differences in costs as cars age, underscoring how maintenance and repair expenses rise over time."
What Are Subaru's Maintenance Costs?
- Subaru's maintenance costs over 1-5 years is $1,700
- Subaru's maintenance costs over 6-10 years is $5,500
- Subaru's total 10-year maintenance cost is $7,200
Subaru's maintenance costs are ranked highest among mainstream (non-luxury) car brands. Here are the mainstream car brands with their 1-5, 6-10, and 10-year maintenance costs.
- Toyota $1,125, $3,775, $4,900
- Ford $1,100, $4,300, $5,400
- Chevrolet $1,200, $4,350, $5,550
- Hyundai $1,140, $4,500, $5,640
- Nissan $1,300, $4,400, $5,700
- Mazda $1,400, $4,400, $5,800
- Honda $1,435, $4,400, $5,835
- Kia $1,450, $4,400, $5,850
- Dodge $1,200, $5,200, $6,400
- Jeep $1,100, $5,300, $6,400
- Chrysler $1,600, $4,900, $6,500
- Volkswagen $1,095, $5,435, $6,530
- Ram $1,470, $5,200, $6,670
- GMC $1,400, $5,800, $7,200
- Subaru $1,700, $5,500, $7,200
Where does Subaru rank compared with luxury car brands?
Subaru maintenance is high compared with mainstream brands but nowhere near as high as the luxury brand's ten-year costs. BMW ($9,500), Audi ($9,890), Mercedes-Benz ($10,525), Porsche ($10,090), and Land Rover ($19,250) were the luxury car brands with the highest maintenance costs.
Consumer Reports says, "At the opposite end of the rankings, several German automakers are clustered as the most expensive brands, namely Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche."
There are several important maintenance pointers Subaru customers should know about.
Why are Subaru maintenance costs higher than those of other mainstream brands?
From what I've found, Subaru's regular maintenance is more expensive than that of the top car brands, and some are not easy to do yourself and should be performed by a trained service tech.
Subaru Maintenance Is Unusual
Subaru's maintenance is unique due to its distinct powertrain design. All vehicles, except the BRZ sports coupe, come standard with all-wheel drive. Additionally, Subaru is the only automaker that exclusively uses a horizontally opposed Boxer engine in all its vehicles, setting it apart from other car brands.
The advantages.
The Boxer engine, which sits lower in the engine compartment, offers significant advantages. It provides the vehicle with a lower center of gravity, enhancing driving dynamics in its higher-riding Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, and Ascent SUVs. The Boxer engine also improves driver visibility as the hood sits lower, giving you a better view of the road.
Because the Boxer engine sits low in the chassis, Subaru designed the engine to slide under the driver in the event of a head-on collision. Read my report here about Ashley's incredible survival story.
The disadvantages.
Some Subaru maintenance needs to be performed more often. Because of Subaru's unusual powertrain, owners can expect to perform differential fluid changes more often than they would with a conventional vehicle.
Subaru recommends changing the spark plugs every 60,000 miles, an adventure I've found the average owner should avoid performing themselves. The engine mounts are disconnected and lifted slightly to allow the Subaru technician access to the plugs, which are snugly situated against the sides of the engine bay.
Subaru CVT Fluid Change
Another exceptional service is the continuously variable transmission (CVT) fluid change. The vehicle must be running while on the lift to change the fluid. You'll also need OEM Subaru CVT fluid when you do this service.
Subaru's regular maintenance services are more expensive because they are more comprehensive and involve Subaru's unique drivetrain. However, if they are performed as recommended, your vehicle's life will be prolonged.
Take advantage of discounts and special pricing.
Subaru service departments often run specials in the spring and fall, offering up to 25% off all regular maintenance, including discounts on all parts and labor. By keeping an eye out for discount coupons, usually emailed to owners, you can save close to $400 on the 60,000-mile service, making maintenance more affordable.
While Subaru maintenance is more expensive, the advantages of driving a Subaru vehicle are significant. Taking advantage of the seasonal discounts offered will significantly reduce the service cost. If you plan ahead and don't wait until your car is overdue for service, you'll be money ahead.
I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news and providing expert analysis on Subaru, which you'll find here, ensuring that you, as a reader, are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.
Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Subaru
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