Where does Subaru rank with top car brands in reliability? Consumer Reports (by subscription) says Subaru’s 10-year average reliability score is 58 points. Therefore, Subaru is neither the least reliable car brand nor the most reliable car manufacturer.
Are the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek, Outback, Forester, Ascent and other models expensive to maintain? It’s common sense that maintenance costs will increase as a vehicle ages. According to a new Consumer Reports study (by subscription), Subaru ranks 18th out of 28 car brands in ten-year maintenance and repair costs.
So how is Subaru reliability?
Considering the automaker’s maintenance costs and reliability, Consumer Reports gives Subaru an overall score of 58 points. This places Subaru in the top third of the pack at number nine, below eight of the most reliable brands but above fourteen of the least reliable brands.
Lexus scores first with a score of 84. Toyota scores second best for low maintenance costs and good reliability, with a 10-year reliability score of 82. Mazda scores 71, Acura 69, Honda 65, Lincoln 64, Mercedes-Benz 59. , and Mini 59 points.
Below Subaru (58) are BMW 55, Audi 55, Nissan 53, Buick 49, Cadillac 49, Kia 48, Tesla 46, Hyundai 45, Volvo 44, Ram 39, Ford 37, Chevrolet 37, GMC 31, Jeep 27 and Chrysler. 19.
Subaru scores lower than the major automakers because Subaru’s repair and maintenance costs are relatively high. A Consumer Reports survey reveals that the cost to service and repair a 1- to 5-year Subaru is $1,030. Subaru 6-10 year cost is $3,290. And the total cost of ten years of Subaru repair and maintenance is $4,320.
Toyota ranks lowest with a 1-5 year cost of ownership of $685, a 6-10 year cost of ownership of $2,290 and a ten year total cost of ownership of $2,975. Mazda is the next lowest with a 1-5 year cost of ownership is $910, a 6-10 year cost of ownership is $2,500 and a ten year total cost of ownership is $3,410. Honda is third best with a 1-5 year cost of ownership of $975, a 6-10 year cost of ownership of $2,580 and a ten year total cost of ownership of $3,555.
Subaru’s ten-year cost of ownership is lower than ten other car brands; Dodge ($4,340), Infiniti ($4,510), Ram ($4,510), Acura ($4,525), Mini ($4,880), Volvo ($5,040), Audi ($5,895), BMW ($5,910), Mercedes- Benz ($6,955) and Porsche ($8,740).
What are Subaru maintenance services? Unfortunately, regular Subaru maintenance is more expensive than major car brands, hurting its overall score.
Subaru maintenance is unusual.
Subaru has a different powertrain design. All vehicles except the BRZ sports coupe come standard with four-wheel drive. And their engines are horizontally opposed in terms of their cylinders. Subaru calls it a “Boxer engine”.
Because of its unusual powertrain, Subaru owners can expect to perform differential fluid changes more frequently than with a conventional vehicle. Changing the spark plugs is something Subaru recommends every 60,000 miles, which is an adventure. The engine mounts are disconnected and the engine is raised to allow the Subaru technician access to the plugs, which are snug against the sides of the engine bay.
Another outstanding service is the continuously variable transmission (CVT) fluid change. The vehicle must be running while on the lift to change the fluid as the OEM Subaru CVT fluid is added.
The main 30,000 mile service for your Subaru can range from $300 to $400. The elements carried out with this first significant service are:
Spark plug change
Transmission fluid
Service of differential fluids
Brake fluid service
The cost of a 60,000 mile Subaru service can start at $600. Recommended services at this mileage include:
Replace the engine oil, filter and drain plug washer
Replace transmission fluid with Subaru High Performance
Rotate tires, inspect tread wear, and check and adjust tire pressure as needed
Maintain the battery, clean the terminals, install anti-corrosion tablets and check the condition of the battery
Lubricate all door latches and hinges, trunk and hood if necessary
Replace the front and rear differential fluid
Replace engine coolant and test protection levels, if applicable
Adjust the emergency brake to factory specifications as needed
Replace the air filter element
Replace the brake fluid
Replace the spark plugs
Subaru Timing Belt Service.
Subaru recommends taking your vehicle in for a timing belt service every 105,000 miles. Timing belt replacement will cost between $500 and $700 and will vary by model.
Major Subaru services are more expensive because they are more comprehensive and involve Subaru’s unique transmission. However, if all are done according to the recommendations, the life of the vehicle will be improved.
Consumer Reports gives Subaru a lower overall score due to higher maintenance and repair costs. See the report below for more details.
Maybe you like it too: The Subaru Ascent Family Hauler is now among the 25 cars predicted to have the most recalls
Denis Flierl has spent more than 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with all major automotive brands. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out the Subaru Report, where it covers all models from the Japanese automaker. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitterand Instagram.
Subaru Report- We’ve got you covered! Come back tomorrow for unique and informative SUBARU news, reviews and previews you can trust.
Leave your comments below, share the article with friends and tweet it to your followers!
Photo credit: Main image Subaru Competition
