Complaints Over Time
All Subaru Models
| Model | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| OUTBACK | 24,050 | 172 |
| FORESTER | 16,768 | 104 |
| LEGACY | 8,200 | 164 |
| IMPREZA | 6,762 | 129 |
| CROSSTREK | 2,838 | 20 |
| ASCENT | 2,420 | 17 |
| WRX | 2,398 | 102 |
| SVX | 746 | 0 |
| XV CROSSTREK | 708 | 3 |
| B9 TRIBECA | 428 | 7 |
| BAJA | 290 | 36 |
| BRZ | 254 | 6 |
| LOYALE | 214 | 0 |
| GL | 198 | 0 |
| SOLTERRA | 190 | 8 |
| SUBARU | 132 | 0 |
| JUSTY | 112 | 0 |
| IMPREZA STI | 106 | 0 |
| TRIBECA | 102 | 60 |
| WRX STI | 54 | 14 |
| OUTBACK SPORT | 36 | 0 |
| DL | 34 | 0 |
| XV CROSSTREK HYBRID | 32 | 0 |
| WAGON | 20 | 0 |
| IMPREZA WRX | 18 | 0 |
| XT | 18 | 0 |
| XT6 | 10 | 0 |
| ESTEEM | 8 | 0 |
| 22 | 2 | 0 |
| BRAT | 2 | 0 |
| DL1600 | 2 | 0 |
| SUBARU TRUCK | 2 | 0 |
| CROSSTREK HYBRID | 0 | 4 |
Subaru Models to Avoid
The Outback and Forester lead in complaint volume with 24,050 and 16,768 complaints respectively, followed by the Legacy with 8,200 complaints. However, these figures must be considered within context: both the Outback and Forester are among Subaru's top-selling models, meaning higher sales volumes naturally correlate with more complaints. The Impreza (6,762 complaints) and Crosstrek (2,838 complaints) round out the top five. The most frequently reported issues across these models involve electrical systems, visibility and wiper function, powertrain reliability, and airbag systems. Rather than indicating inferior quality, the higher complaint counts often reflect that more vehicles of these models exist on the road, making them popular targets for owners seeking the Subaru ownership experience.
Most Reliable Subaru Models
Among Subaru's 33 models, those with lower complaint volumes include niche and lower-production vehicles that serve specific market segments. Models beyond the top five in complaint volume benefit from both their specialized positioning and smaller owner bases. While data for individual lower-volume models isn't detailed here, the trend shows that Subaru's less-mainstream offerings typically experience fewer reported issues, suggesting the brand maintains quality control across its entire lineup. For buyers seeking a Subaru with historically lighter complaint patterns, exploring the full model range and cross-referencing ownership forums can reveal reliable choices that align with specific needs, whether prioritizing economy, performance, or specialized functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Subaru's safety reputation align with its complaint numbers?
Subaru ranks highly for safety engineering and has received accolades from organizations like the NHTSA and IIHS. The 70 reported deaths across 67,154 complaints translates to a very low fatality rate per complaint, and the 846 recalls represent proactive management of potential issues. This demonstrates Subaru's commitment to addressing problems systematically rather than ignoring them.
Are Outback and Forester reliability problems overblown?
The high complaint numbers for Outback and Forester primarily reflect their status as best-selling Subaru models. When you account for the sheer number of these vehicles on the road, the complaint rate per vehicle is actually reasonable. Electrical and visibility issues are common across the industry, and many can be addressed through recalls or routine maintenance.
What should I know about electrical system issues in Subarus?
Electrical system problems (8,546 complaints) rank as the top issue category across Subaru models. These range from minor issues like malfunctioning switches to more significant electrical faults. Many are covered under warranty or addressed through recalls. If considering a used Subaru, having a pre-purchase inspection that specifically checks electrical systems is recommended.
Is standard AWD worth the complexity?
Subaru's standard AWD is a core differentiator and major selling point. While this technology adds some complexity compared to front-wheel drive vehicles, it also delivers superior handling, traction, and resale value. Most owners feel the benefits justify any additional maintenance costs, and Subaru's extensive network of experienced technicians makes servicing straightforward.