Subaru Recalls, How Low Can They Go?

Is Subaru's quality improving or declining? 

Readers often ask me if the Subaru Crosstrek subcompact SUV, Outback midsize SUV, Forester compact SUV, Ascent 3-Row SUV, and other new models are reliable. One indicator is how many recalls auto manufacturers have for their new cars.

If you look at Subaru's total number of recalls of its models, it gives us a good idea of whether Subaru's quality control is improving or declining. In this report, I'll examine which Subaru models have the best and worst recall ratings. 

A report from iSeeCars says, "How do Subaru and its models rank for recall issues? We analyzed over 4 million National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) records to calculate a Recall Rating for each model."

In a recent report, I wrote that Subaru needed help with quality issues as the Japanese automaker had numerous recalls of many of its cars. In an interview with then-CEO Tomomi Nakamura, he revealed what the automaker was doing to fix past and present problems and improve future quality in the new Forester, Crosstrek, Outback, Ascent, and other models. 

Nakamura told Automotive News in 2020 (by subscription), "We are making good progress in quality reform. This involves two key approaches. One is to ensure we have the right quality for vehicles currently in development. The other is to react and develop solutions to defects in vehicles already in the market." 

This commitment to quality reform is a significant step in Subaru's journey to improve their vehicles, but is it working?

Looking back to 2023. 

Jeff Williams, chairman of the Subaru National Retailer Advisory Board and vice president of Williams AutoWorld in Lansing, Michigan, which includes Williams Subaru, shared a positive update.

He stated that dealers celebrated improved quality, with 2023 marking "the lowest number of recalls we've ever had as a brand."

I covered all Subaru recalls, and there were many recalls in 2023. However, compared with other automakers, Subaru, with ten recalls in 2023, still had fewer recalls and fewer than most manufacturers. Read my report here for more information.

How is Subaru doing in 2024?

Information from iSeeCars on Subaru's recalls reveals a significant decrease. Subaru's recalls have dropped from ten recalls in 2023 to just three in 2024, a reassuring trend for Subaru owners and potential buyers. 

The latest Subaru recalls include:

• January 8, 2024: Component - exterior lighting: turn signal; Models affected: BRZ
• January 8, 2024: Component - power train: automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch; Models affected: Forester, Legacy, Outback, XV Crosstrek
• January 8, 2024: Component - power train: driveline: driveshaft; Models affected: Forester, Impreza, WRX, XV Crosstrek

Subaru's recalls have dropped significantly, revealing the quality of its models has improved. Which Subaru models have the most recalls, and which have the least? 

iSeeCars has recall information from the NHTSA on nine Subaru models listed below. Here are the rankings from best to worst.

Which Subaru model has the best recall rating?

• Subaru BRZ - 8.9
• Subaru Solterra - 8.9
• Subaru Crosstrek - 8.7
• Subaru Forester - 8.6
• Subaru WRX - 8.5
• Subaru Impreza - 8.5
• Subaru Impreza (wagon) - 8.5
• Subaru Outback - 8.4
• Subaru Legacy - 8.3
• Subaru Ascent - 8.2

As you can see, all Subaru models have a good recall rating. However, this rating covers the last four model years. 

Subaru's model rating improves for 2024 models. 

• 2024 Subaru BRZ: 9.1 # Recall Campaigns: 0
• 2024 Subaru Solterra: 9.1 # Recall Campaigns: 0
• 2024 Subaru Forester: 8.9 # Recall Campaigns: 2
• 2024 Subaru WRX: 9.1 # Recall Campaigns: 0
• 2024 Subaru Impreza: 8.9 # Recall Campaigns: 2
• 2024 Subaru Outback: 9.1 # Recall Campaigns: 0
• 2024 Subaru Legacy: 9.1 # Recall Campaigns: 0
• 2024 Subaru Ascent: 9.1 # Recall Campaigns: 0

How reliable are Subaru vehicles?

Reliability is another area closely related to the recalls. 

According to a new report from Consumer Reports (by subscription), the Subaru brand of vehicles ranks in the top ten most reliable automakers. This new ranking, the first-ever brand ranking for used cars, is a significant milestone in the automotive industry. You can read more about the best and worst for all car brands in my report here. 

I've listed Consumer Reports 2024 Subaru models ranked from best to worst and their reliability score from 0 to 100. 

• 2024 Subaru Crosstrek (99) 
• 2024-2025 Subaru Forester (82)
• 2024 Subaru WRX (78)
• 2024 Subaru BRZ (76)
• 2024 Subaru Impreza (69)
• 2024 Subaru Outback (50)
• 2024 Subaru Ascent (49)
• 2023 Subaru Solterra (47)
• 2024 Subaru Legacy (47)

Overall, Subaru vehicles have fewer recalls in 2024 and less than many automakers over the past four years. Subaru Corporation has made a concerted effort to improve the quality of its vehicles, and it is paying dividends.

Even though the recalls are covered under the new car warranty, fewer recalls mean less hassle for customers taking their vehicle in and spending time waiting for the work to be done. 

Recall ratings are crucial as they indicate the frequency and severity of potential issues in a particular model, helping you make an informed decision when buying a Subaru.

Customers looking to make Subaru recall checks by VIN can use the Subaru VIN check tool here to see all recalls on a specific model. Consumers can also visit the NHTSA.gov site for the latest Subaru open recall information.

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Writer since 2012. I’ve invested over 13 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with every major car brand. I am an experienced Rocky Mountain Automotive Press member. You'll find my expert Subaru analysis here. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Competition Subaru