How Long Do Subarus Last?
On average, Subarus last about 200,000 miles, or 13 years—and the compact Forester SUV might just be the most reliable Subaru out there.
Written by Melanie Krieps Mergen
Edited by Pat Roache
Table of Contents
- Are Subarus reliable?
- How many miles can a Subaru last?
- The most reliable Subaru models
- The least reliable Subaru models
- How to make your Subaru last longer
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Subaru has long been associated with practical, affordable all-wheel-drive vehicles. In general, you can expect a Subaru to last at least 200,000 miles and 13 years.
- Subarus tend to have higher than average reliability ratings.
- With the right care and maintenance, it’s possible a Subaru could last 200,000 to 300,000 miles, or 12 to 13 years.
- How long a Subaru lasts will also depend on its model, model year, and the conditions it’s been exposed to.
- Subarus tend to have higher than average reliability ratings.
- With the right care and maintenance, it’s possible a Subaru could last 200,000 to 300,000 miles, or 12 to 13 years.
- How long a Subaru lasts will also depend on its model, model year, and the conditions it’s been exposed to.
Are Subarus reliable?
Subarus generally rank slightly above the rest of the pack for reliability.
Subaru ranked poorly on the annual J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study five years in a row. But a 2021 study from Consumer Reports placed the brand in the top 25% of the most reliable car brands.
In addition, RepairPal gave Subaru the following ratings in 2022:
- 14th out of 32 for all car brands
- A Reliability Rating score of 3.5/5.0
Another plus: Subarus are also well-known for theirhigh resale value. If you ever get tired of it or want something new, you can rest assured that you’ll get some bang for your buck.
How many miles can a Subaru last?
Subaru drivers generally report that their cars last about 200,000 miles before major repairs are needed—but don’t look at that as a hard limit. How long your Subaru lasts will vary depending on the following:
- The conditions you drive in
- How well you keep up with routine maintenance
- Your specific model
With proper maintenance and ideal conditions, they can last up to 300,000 miles or more.
How many years can a Subaru last?
The average lifespan of a Subaru is 13 years based on 15,000 miles driven per year.
Key statistics: Torque News reports that nearly 96% of Subaru sedans are still on the road after 12 years. That puts them slightly above the average vehicle lifespan of about 11 years for all models.
The bottom line: With proper care, your Subaru can last a very long time. Make sure to check your owner’s manual and follow the manufacturer’s suggested maintenance schedule for ideal performance.
The most reliable Subaru models
A car’s reliability is generally measured based on:
- Its rate of recalls
- Occurrence of mechanical issues
- Maintenance costs
Based on those metrics, we’re using
J.D. Power’s
Quality & Reliability ratings and Edmunds.com’s
True Cost to Own® estimates to evaluate each Subaru’s overall reliability and cost of ownership.Forester
2023 starting price: $26,395
True cost to own (5 years): $33,632
J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: 83/100
Continuously voted one of the most reliable compact SUVs available, Over 97% of
Subaru Forester
models sold in the last ten years are still on the road. The Forester is continuously voted one of the most reliable compact SUVs available.The Forester also receives the following recognitions:
- The NHTSA awarded the vehicle an impressive 5-star safety rating.
- Parents Magazine voted it one of the best family cars of 2021.
- Kelley Blue Book has awared the 5-Year Cost to Own title to the Forester several times.
- J.D. Power has voted the Forester #1 in Brand Loyalty in the automotive industry for the last three years.
Legacy
2023 starting price: $24,395
True cost to own (5 years): $32,752
J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: 76/100
- It is reliable and fuel-efficient.
- It offers a roomy interior and agile handling.
- The Legacy comes with loads of standard safety features.
- It received the highest possible rating for front crash prevention from the IIHS and was a 2021 Top Safety Pick.
Crosstrek
2023 starting price: $23,645
True cost to own (5 years): $33,299
J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: 82/100
In 2021, Consumer Reports said, “We expect the
Subaru Crosstrek
will be much more reliable than the average new car.” The 2021 Crosstrek also received the IIHS Top Safety Pick and the IIHS Superior Front Crash Prevention awards. With a car-like appearance and the abilities of a truck, it is a one-of-a-kind vehicle that ranks in the top third of its class. In addition, the Subaru Crosstrek consistently places among the safest compact SUVs.
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Car loan for Subaru 2023
The least reliable Subaru models
Despite Subaru’s overall excellent reputation as a brand, some models just aren’t worth it.
WRX
2023 starting price: $30,605
True cost to own (5 years): $41,894
J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: n/a
Though many people enjoy its sporty style and spacious interior, the
Subaru WRX
is sorely lacking when it comes to reliability:- The WRX only received a 2.0/5.0 rating in long-term reliability from U.S. News.
- Many owners report maintenance issues once the warranty expires.
- The WRX is more likely than other models in its class to need serious repairs.
Ascent
2023 starting price: $33,895
True cost to own (5 years): n/a
J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: 82/100
The
Subaru Ascent
consistently ranks near the bottom compared to other mid-sized SUVs. In 2020, it received a reliability score of just 60 out of 100 from Consumer Reports, with reported “trouble spots” including: - The transmission
- Power equipment
- Brakes, and
- In-car electronics.
That being said, the Ascent ranks high for safety—perhaps one of its only redeeming features.
Do your research: Not all Subarus are created equal. If you’re in the market for a new car, check out reliable sources like J.D. Power and Edmunds before you shop, so you can make an educated decision.
How to make your Subaru last longer
The best thing you can do to extend the life of your vehicle is to invest in routine maintenance.
According to Subaru, some of the best ways to ensure the long life of your vehicle include:
Check your model’s owner’s manual for its specific maintenance requirements.
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What is high mileage for a Subaru?
150,000 miles is considered high mileage for a Subaru. That means you may begin to see some serious issues at this point. With proper maintenance, however, your vehicle should last at least 200,000 miles and as long as 300,000 miles.
Are Subarus expensive to maintain?
With an estimated yearly repair cost of $617, Subarus are slightly less expensive to maintain than other brands. In fact, Kelley Blue Book named Subaru the lowest 5-year cost to own a vehicle for 2020.
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