My GarageIs Subaru reliable?
Verdict scores Subaru 3.9/5 overall, and the Outback, Forester and WRX carry the lineup's strongest records. Reliability here tracks the specific model, engine and model year far more closely than the badge.
Buyer's Guide · Subaru
Is Subaru Reliable? A Used Buyer's Guide
4 min read
Also worth reading: Best Used Subaru Models, Subaru Outback Buying Guide and Subaru Forester Buying Guide.
Short answer: Subaru's AWD system and boxer engines are unique in the mainstream market. Reliability is generally good — but two specific issues (head gasket failure on older 2.5L NA engines and oil consumption on 2011–2014 FB25 engines) define the buying conversation.
Quick Verdict
- Overall reliability
- 3.9/5 · Good
- Most reliable models
- Outback (2015–2019, 5th gen 3.6R), Forester (2019+, 5th gen), WRX (2015+, VA chassis)
- Research carefully
- Forester / Outback / Legacy (2011–2014, FB25), Legacy / Outback / Forester (pre-2010, EJ25 SOHC), STI (any year, EJ257)
- Ownership cost
- 3.8/5 · Good
- Maintenance difficulty
- 3.7/5 · Good
- Parts availability
- 4.3/5 · Very good
Bottom line: Subaru's AWD system and boxer engines are unique in the mainstream market.
Overall Verdict
★★★★★3.9/5
The 3.6L H6 and post-2015 FA/FB engines are largely dependable. The FB25 (2011–2014) and the older EJ25 head gasket issue are the two things every Subaru buyer needs to understand before shopping.
Maintenance
★★★★★3.7/5
Parts availability
★★★★★4.3/5
Ownership cost
★★★★★3.8/5
Subaru ownership rewards a buyer who understands the platform. Verify head gasket history on EJ25 engines, verify oil consumption behavior on FB25 engines, and enjoy the AWD everywhere else.
Read the full used Subaru Outback buyer's guide before shopping for the wagon-crossover.
Compact SUV shoppers can start with the used Subaru Forester buying guide.
For a smaller AWD option, see the Subaru Crosstrek buying guide.
Top Picks
Best Used Subaru Models
Generations that have earned a strong long-term reputation.
Outback (2015–2019, 5th gen 3.6R)
H6 is the one to buy
Pros
- • 3.6L H6 avoids the FB25 oil consumption story
- • AWD
- • Comfortable, practical
Watch for
- • CVT fluid service every 60k on turbo/CVT models
Forester (2019+, 5th gen)
Sensible AWD crossover
Pros
- • FB25D revised — much improved
- • Excellent visibility
- • Great AWD
Watch for
- • Base trim is spartan
- • CVT service intervals matter
WRX (2015+, VA chassis)
AWD enthusiast staple
Pros
- • FA20DIT is much improved over EJ255
- • Excellent chassis
Watch for
- • Check for modifications
- • Ringland failure on abused examples
BRZ (2013+, both generations)
Pure driver's coupe
Pros
- • Toyota/Subaru shared engine
- • Simple, RWD
- • Cheap to own
Watch for
- • Modest power stock
- • Aftermarket has flushed out issues
Crosstrek (2018+)
Compact AWD everyday
Pros
- • Updated FB20
- • Standard AWD
- • Reasonable fuel economy
Watch for
- • Slow, but honest about it
Ascent (2019+)
3-row Subaru done right
Pros
- • Turbocharged FA24
- • Family-friendly
Watch for
- • Newer platform — long-term data still developing
Side by side
Used Subaru models compared
| Model | Reliability | Maintenance | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outback | 4.0/5 · Very good | 3.9/5 · Good | The 2015–2019 3.6R Outback is the safest used pick — naturally aspirated H6, no FB25 oil-consumptio… |
| Forester | 4.0/5 · Very good | 3.9/5 · Good | The 2019+ Forester is the safest used pick — updated FB25D engine, refined chassis, class-leading v… |
| Crosstrek | 4.1/5 · Very good | 4.1/5 · Very good | The 2018+ Crosstrek is the sweet spot — refined chassis, updated engine, mature CVT. Real-world fue… |
Do your homework
Models to Research Carefully
Not deal-breakers — but they reward a careful buyer.
Forester / Outback / Legacy (2011–2014, FB25)
Documented oil consumption from worn piston rings led to a class-action settlement. Some received short-block replacements. Verify oil consumption history and settlement participation.
Legacy / Outback / Forester (pre-2010, EJ25 SOHC)
External head gasket leaks on the naturally aspirated 2.5L are essentially a maintenance item at 120–150k. Not a reason to avoid — but budget for the repair.
STI (any year, EJ257)
Ringland failure on tuned or abused STIs is a known catastrophic risk. A stock, well-maintained STI is fine; a modified example needs an engine-out inspection.
Engines
Best Subaru Engines
Powertrains that have earned a bulletproof reputation.
★★★★★
EZ36 (3.6L H6)
Typical lifespan: 300k+ miles
Outback, Legacy, Tribeca. The naturally aspirated H6 avoids essentially every Subaru-specific engine issue.
★★★★★
FA20DIT (2.0L turbo, WRX 2015+)
Typical lifespan: 200k+ miles
Direct injection turbo. Much improved over EJ255 in stock form.
★★★★★
FA24 (2.4L turbo, Ascent/Outback XT/WRX 2022+)
Typical lifespan: 200k+ miles
Modern turbo Subaru engine — still gathering long-term data but early signs are good.
Do your homework
Engines to Research Carefully
Not deal-breakers — but they reward a careful buyer.
FB25 (2011–2014)
Piston ring oil consumption. Class-action settlement applied. Verify history.
EJ25 SOHC (pre-2010 NA)
External head gasket leaks are near-universal at high mileage. Serviceable but budget accordingly.
EJ255 (2004–2014 WRX)
Ringland failure on tuned examples. Stock cars are generally fine.
Inspection checklist
Common Problems
Bring this list to your pre-purchase inspection.
- ✓Head gasket leaks on EJ25 SOHC
- ✓Oil consumption on 2011–2014 FB25
- ✓CVT longevity on turbo models without fluid service
- ✓Wheel bearings on higher-mileage AWD examples
- ✓Rear wheel bearings and control arm bushings
- ✓Battery drain from infotainment on some 2015+ models
Ownership
Maintenance Costs
Subaru parts are moderately priced and independent specialists (especially in the Northeast and West Coast) know the boxer engines well. AWD service intervals are honest but non-negotiable — mismatched tire sizes destroy the differential.
The CVT deserves fluid service every 60k on turbo models. The 5-speed and 6-speed manuals are largely trouble-free.
The Verdict
Should You Buy a Used Subaru?
A used Subaru is an excellent all-weather choice — if you understand the engine history. The important buying factors are:
- • Engine — H6 avoids the biggest known issues
- • Head gasket history on older EJ25
- • Oil consumption history on 2011–2014 FB25
- • CVT fluid service on turbo models
- • Tire matching on AWD (all four within 2/32")
People Also Ask
Which Subaru is most reliable?
The Outback, Forester and WRX have the strongest long-term records in the Subaru lineup. Pair the right model with the right model year and you avoid most of the brand's known trouble spots.
Should I buy a used Subaru?
Yes, with the usual condition: buy the right model and year rather than the brand — start with the Outback, Forester and WRX. Records and an independent pre-purchase inspection decide the outcome more than anything on the window sticker.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Subarus reliable?
Verdict scores Subaru 3.9/5 overall. Reliability tracks the individual model, engine and model year much more closely than the badge does, and the sections below name which is which.
Are Subarus expensive to maintain?
Maintenance rates 3.7/5 across the Subaru lineup, with parts widely available. Costs separate by model and engine rather than by badge.
Which Subaru models last the longest?
The Outback, Forester, WRX have the strongest long-term track records in the Subaru lineup.
Should I buy a used Subaru?
Yes — provided you shop by model and year rather than by badge. Start with the recommended models above, insist on service records, and have an independent shop inspect the specific car.
What are the most common Subaru problems?
The issues that come up most often on used Subarus are: Head gasket leaks on EJ25 SOHC; Oil consumption on 2011–2014 FB25; CVT longevity on turbo models without fluid service; Wheel bearings on higher-mileage AWD examples; Rear wheel bearings and control arm bushings.
Which Subaru engine is the most reliable?
EZ36 (3.6L H6) — Outback, Legacy, Tribeca. The naturally aspirated H6 avoids essentially every Subaru-specific engine issue.
Are there any Subaru models to avoid?
None are outright avoids, but Forester / Outback / Legacy (2011–2014, FB25), Legacy / Outback / Forester (pre-2010, EJ25 SOHC), STI (any year, EJ257) deserve a more careful pre-purchase inspection.
How long do Subaru vehicles typically last?
A well-maintained Subaru from the recommended years should comfortably clear 200,000 miles, and the strongest powertrains in the lineup regularly see 300,000+.
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