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 Heather Bernhard
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
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.
If you can say anything at all about the brand, it’s that they’re reliable—and their owners love them.
In the J.D. Power 2021 U.S. Automotive Brand Loyalty Study, Subaru ranked among the highest-ranked mass-market brands and highest overall in the automotive industry, with a score of 61.8%.
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Are Subarus reliable?
Short answer: It depends on who you ask.
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 (2022 ratings), ranks Subaru 14th out of 32 for all car brands with a Reliability Rating score of 3.5 out of 5.0.
In general, Subarus rank slightly above the rest of the pack for reliability.
Pro Tip To avoid overpaying for a new car, shop prices online first. Upfront pricing before you walk into a dealership eliminates the need to haggle and takes a lot of stress out of the car buying experience.
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. 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/year). In fact, Torque News reports that nearly 96% of Subaru sedans are still on the road after 12 years. That puts them slightly above the rest of the pack, with an average vehicle lifespan of about 11 years across the board.
Key Takeaway 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.
MORE:
The most reliable Subaru models
Subarus are slightly above average in terms of reliability, lasting an impressive 200,000 miles. But out of their notable lineup, which vehicles are the most dependable?
A car’s reliability depends on:
- Its rate of recalls
- Mechanical issues
- And 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
2021 starting price: $25,195
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 Foresters sold in the last ten years are still on the road. The
NHTSA
awarded the vehicle an impressive 5-star safety rating, and Parents Magazine voted it one of the best family cars of 2021. In addition, the Forester
won the Kelley Blue Book 5-Year Cost to Own title several times and has been voted #1 in Brand Loyalty in the automotive industry by J.D. Power for the last three years. Legacy
2021 starting price: $23,240
True cost to own (5 years): $32,752
J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: 76/100
According to U.S. News, with a roomy interior and agile handling, the
Subaru Legacy
is one of the best values in its class. It is reliable and fuel-efficient, if not the most exciting ride. In addition, the sedan has loads of safety features—it received the highest possible rating for front crash prevention from the IIHS and was a 2021 Top Safety Pick.Crosstrek
2021 starting price: $22,445
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.” 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, with a range of safety features, it consistently places among the safest compact SUVs—the 2021 Crosstrek received the IIHS Top Safety Pick and the IIHS Superior Front Crash Prevention awards. The least reliable Subaru models
Despite Subaru’s overall excellent reputation as a brand, some models just aren’t worth it. The WRX and Ascent are two worth mentioning.
WRX
2021 starting price: $27,495
True cost to own (5 years): $41,894
J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: n/a
Though many people enjoy the
WRX’s
sporty style and spacious interior, it’s not the best choice in Subarus. For a brand so synonymous with reliability, the WRX is sorely lacking in this department. It only received a two out of five rating in long-term reliability from U.S. News, and many owners report maintenance issues once the warranty expires. In addition, the WRX is more likely than other models in its class to need serious repairs.
Ascent
2021 starting price: $32,295
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 model does rank high for safety, which may be one of its only redeeming features. Key Takeaway 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. This is Car Ownership 101.
- Oil changes
- Tire pressure checks
- Brake fluid checks
- Belt replacement
- Air filter replacement
For the specific maintenance requirements for your model, check the owner's manual.
How to find affordable Subaru insurance
If you’re like most Subaru owners, you love your car. The right auto insurance can help you protect it and keep it on the road as long as possible.
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What is high mileage for a Subaru?
150,000 miles is considered high mileage for a Subaru. That means that at that point, you may begin to see some serious issues. With proper maintenance, however, your vehicle should last until at least 200,000 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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