Subaru Reliability - The Most Reliable And Least Reliable Years And Models
Are the Subaru Forester, Outback, and Crosstrek engines reliable? The studies below suggest new 2021 Forester, Outback, and Crosstrek models are reliable. But there are some older Subaru Boxer engines and newer engines that have had reliability problems. But first, we'll look at the new J.D. Power, Consumer Reports, and iSeeCars reports and check recent model reliability scores.
J.D. Power
Subaru scored fair in the 2021 J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study but does improve from last year. Subaru picked up an individual award in the SUV segment; The 2021 Subaru Forester scores one of the top three models in dependability in the competitive compact SUV segment. Read the full report here.
Consumer Reports
Subaru scores number three overall among mainstream and luxury brands in the latest Consumer Reports annual report card ranking thirty-two car brands. Subaru scored ahead of Toyota, Honda, and Lexus.
Each car brand's overall score for individual models is based on four key factors: the road test, reliability, owner satisfaction, and safety. Out of Subaru's lineup, Subaru has five recommended models from CR. The 2021 Subaru Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, Impreza, and Legacy are top picks. Read the full report here.
iSeeCars study
In iSeeCars' recent Best Used Cars for 2021, they say the Subaru Outback is a superior choice because of its safety and reliability, and resale values are the highest compared with most other models.
What Subaru engines are the least reliable?
Subaru Report has documented the EJ25 2.5-liter turbocharged Boxer engine has had reliability problems. Subaru had three lawsuits claiming an engine defect in 2012-2017 WRX and WRX STI models equipped with the EJ25 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Subaru of America settled the lawsuit, and you can read our full report here.
Subaru Corporation has discontinued the EJ25 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, the WRX STI, after the 2022 model year. The next-generation 2023 STI will likely be powered by the reliable 2.4-liter turbocharged engine currently used in the 2022 Ascent, 2022 Outback, 2022 Legacy, and all-new naturally-aspirated 2.4-liter in the 2022 BRZ sports coupe.
Do Subaru engines burn excessive oil?
Consumer Reports identified which automakers, engines, and model years owners report adding at least a quart of oil between oil changes. Subaru's 2.0-liter engine in the 2012-2013 Crosstrek and Impreza, the 2.5-liter engine in the 2013-2014 Forester, and the 3.6-liter engine in the 2010-2012 Outback are on the list.
Cash Cars Buyer suggests a few models experience more breakdowns than the 1999 through 2010 Subaru Forester or the Baja from 2003 through 2005. Gasket problems and engine repairs sometimes happen, including the Outback from 2000 to 2011 and the Legacy between 2000 and 2009.
Consumer Reports says the 2012 Subaru Forester 2.5-liter engine is most at risk for needing an expensive engine rebuild. Check out the full report here.
What Subaru engines are the most reliable?
Aside from a few model years, maintaining a Subaru is relatively inexpensive. The Subaru brand offers value since other brands that tend to reach high miles require more expensive parts and labor. It still comes down to driving habits, routine oil changes, and primary care of the car.
Most Subaru engines can be expected to last through 200,000 miles before needing significant maintenance or repairs. Forbes recently listed the Subaru Forester as one of the ten most likely models to run over 250,000 miles.
Treating your Subaru well means you'll likely see it last beyond the 200,000-mile mark before needing any major repairs. Today's newer models like the 2021 Subaru Forester, Outback, and Crosstrek should last beyond the 250,000-mile mark with good care.
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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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