Subarus are upper mid-level vehicles that have slightly above-average ownership costs, with the Japanese brand’s annual repair cost hovering around $617.

After the high wears off from buying your new (or new-ish) Subaru, do know that the sticker price you paid at the dealer won’t be the last time you fork over some cash in the interests of your car. Staying on top of a Subaru’s maintenance schedule is vital to keep it running smoothly. Also, remember that some models will cost more than others to maintain yearly.

To keep you in the know with your new (or new-to-you) car, the car insurance comparison shopping and broker app

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How much maintenance does my Subaru need?

Subarus are a popular mid-tier vehicle brand with average reliability, so be prepared for your Subaru to have slightly more maintenance needs than the average vehicle on the road.

Subarus visit the repair shop just a hair above the average rate—0.3 times per year for unplanned maintenance. Just 13% of those visits are considered severe—which is also just slightly above the average for most cars on the road.

MORE:

Basic car maintenance schedule

How much does maintenance for a Subaru cost?

On average, a Subaru costs about $617 each year for standard maintenance.

Of course, maintenance costs will vary between cars, and depending on what model you drive. We’ve put together the average costs for some of the most popular Subarus on the road.

Budget: Crosstrek

Reliability: 4.5/5 (above average)

Annual maintenance cost: $497

Repair frequency: 0.1 times per year

Mid-range: Legacy

Reliability: 4/5 (average)

Annual maintenance cost: $515

Repair frequency: 0.3 times per year

Splurge: WRX

Reliability: 3.5/5 (average)

Annual maintenance cost: $684

Repair frequency: ~30,000 miles

Why you should maintain your Subaru

There are many reasons to maintain your Subaru (it is an investment, after all)—here are the most compelling reasons to do so:

Keeps it performing at a high level

Keeps you safe while driving

Maintains your Subaru’s value

Saves you money by pre-empting any costly issues that may crop up in the future

If you don’t keep your Subaru on a regular maintenance schedule, you risk running into problems down the road.

How often does a Subaru need maintenance?

Mileage	Service	Average cost
Every 7,500 miles	Minor maintenance service: engine oil and oil filter replacement, tire rotation, multi-point inspection,	$138 to $153
Every 15,000 miles	Standard maintenance service: replace engine filter and cabin air filter, oil change, tire rotation, visual check of brakes, hoses, and belts ; potential brake pad replacement	$165 to $200
Every 22,500 miles	safety inspection, tire rotation, oil change	$138 to $153
Every 33,000 miles	replace transmission fluid, brake fluid, engine coolant, replace spark plugs, air filter and fuel filter, comprehensive inspection, service any recalls	$399 to $496
Every 42,000 miles	oil change, tire rotation, safety check	$120 to $132
Every 60,000 miles	replace automatic transmission fluid, fluid differential, and engine coolant, potentially replace timing belt and/or valve adjustment, potential spark plug replacement; potential drive belt, brake pad replacements	$624 to $780

Oil changes

When: Usually needed every 5,000 to 7,500 miles

Cost: $75 to $150

Why: Vital to remove excess dirt from engine and engine walls and to ensure proper vehicle function

DIY?: Yes—if you have the right tools and the knowledge

Tire replacement

When: NHTSA suggests replacing tires be every six years, no matter how many miles driven

Cost: $100 to $500 ($775 to $1,450 with installation)

Why: Worn tires handle poorly and can be dangerous in wet weather

DIY?: No—it’s best to let a professional handle the tire replacement so they can ensure your new tires are balanced for even wear and a smooth ride

Engine replacement

When: If your engine block is cracked or damaged in an accident, or it simply has run its course

Cost: $5,00 to $10,000

Why: A functioning engine is essential and can ensure your has a long lifespan

DIY?: No—avoid trying this yourself and take the car to a certified mechanic

Windshield replacement

When: If your windshield has a crack that goes halfway into the windshield, or extends to the windshield’s outer edge

Cost: $425

Why: Driving with a severely cracked windshield can hamper your vision and make driving dangerous

DIY?: No—installing a new windshield yourself is not advised

Paint

When: If the car has visible peeling or the color is fading

Cost: $500 to $5,000

Why: Paint helps maintain a car’s structural integrity, prevents corrosion, and boosts resale value

DIY?: Maybe—but the tools you need for a professional-looking paint job will cost more than getting the paint job done by a professional

MORE:

How to know if a mechanic is taking too long with car repairs

Finding cheap car insurance

Keeping your Subaru in great shape means more than just taking it in for scheduled repairs! Having good car insurance will keep your car protected in even the most unexpected circumstances.

If you are looking to save some cash on car insurance, look no further than

Jerry

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