Subaru has a reputation for producing reliable and comfortable SUVs. It is not the most popular brand on the market, but it has a loyal following and many fans. However, these are some of the most complained about Subaru SUVs in recent years. It should be easy enough to skip the years mentioned below for a more reliable sport utility vehicle from the brand.
The 2015 Outback is Subaru’s most complained about SUV
Car Complaints has a long list of vehicles with complaints, and the 2015 Subaru Outback landed at the top of the pile. It has accumulated 715 complaints from drivers, many of which are related to electrical problems and problems with the windows or windshield. It’s not unusual for an SUV to have problems, but Subaru tends to have fewer problems than some of its competitors.
Many drivers complain that the battery died prematurely or would not hold a charge properly in the 2015 Outback. Some report that it has happened more than once and needs to be replaced much sooner than expected. While a $200 battery isn’t the worst problem, it shouldn’t happen too often. This can make the Outback undriveable as the engine will not turn over.
Complaints against the windshield come from drivers who report that it cracks easily. There is a windshield recall that breaks easily, but some drivers have to pay up to $500 when it happens more than once. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has five recalls open for this version, including the transmission oil leak that caused a fire.
The most complained about Subaru SUVs include the 2014 Forester
Drivers of the 2014 Forester have reported many engine problems and oil problems. High oil consumption is the number one complaint from drivers as some were burning a quart of oil every 1,000 miles. Subaru says this is within standard guidelines, but some are filled with oil sometimes as many as four times between 5,000-mile oil changes. Drivers report that the engine has died while driving, some have experienced a sudden surge in power, and the check engine light has been known to illuminate.
Beyond that, there appears to be a problem with the suspension in the 2014 Subaru Forester SUV. Broken coil springs, shuddering at highway speeds, and other suspension issues are common. Replacing the springs and struts can cost around $1,000, but it can help with the rough ride.
Transmission problems seem to be common, with jerks and just a bad ride in general reported by the man. Some even said that the Subaru SUV would move while parked. Overall, the 2014 Forester is one of the most complained about Subaru SUVs of modern times.
Skip Ascent 2019 if you need a reliable option
Although the 2019 Subaru Ascent is only a few years old, it has accumulated more than 500 complaints in these few years. Electrical issues seem to plague the 2019 Ascension, with most issues falling into this category. Owners report that there is a light sensor in the charging area that doesn’t always turn off, draining the battery. That means the Ascent left some drivers stranded. The battery seemed to cause other issues such as the 2019 Ascent not starting or drivers having trouble with the doors unlocking.
There are already eight NHTSA recalls for the 2019 Subaru Ascent, which could fix some of the issues. One related to incorrect hydraulic fluid pressure measurement, another related to the fuel pump, and the most recent recall related to a melting ground terminal that could cause a fire.
These are the most complained about Subaru SUVs of the last decade, which is still a good sign for the brand. Reliability is more important than ever to buyers, so it’s always better to have a large selection of reliable new and used vehicles. Skip those years of the Outback, Forester, and Ascent, and you should be sailing smoothly.
