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Subaru: reliability & common problems

#8 of 24
Longevity rank#1 Tesla holds up to ~176k
~123k
Trouble-free mileageacross all body styles
115
Subarus inspectedreal pre-purchase inspections
61/100
Average conditionall cars we check: 60/100



Based on 115 used Subarus we inspected, they are in about average shape — average condition 61/100 vs 60 for all cars we check. Every number on this page comes from real pre-purchase inspections — cars people were about to buy and paid an independent inspector to go through point by point, engine to underbody, paint depth to error codes. Not owner surveys, not warranty statistics, not forum lore: what we actually found.

What we found

Most common faults

Oil leaks · Engine
64%
Cracked or torn suspension bushings · Suspension
36%
Low coolant / cooling system issues · Engine
26%
Tires condition & wear · Brakes and tires
24%
Active error codes · Electronic equipment
22%

Share of inspected Subarus where each item was flagged.

How they score

Excellent 21% Good 31% Mediocre 33% Poor 15%
Hidden history

What the seller might not mention — how often we find it on Subarus.

69%had a repainted or replaced panelall cars: 76%
4%showed structural repairall cars: 4%
28%had fault codes recently clearedall cars: 23%

Compare with another brand:

Cross-shopping? Subaru vs Toyota · Subaru vs Honda · Subaru vs Ford

How long does a Subaru last?

Across every Subaru body style we've inspected — sedans, SUVs and anything else pooled together — the average one's condition dips below decent (a 55/100 score) around ~123k miles. It ranks Subaru #8 of 24 brands we have enough data to rate; the longest-lasting, Tesla, holds up to ~176k. Shopping a Subaru near that mileage? Expect more wear ahead — see which makes give the best odds at your budget.



Good cars by mileage
0 25 50 75 100 20–40k mi: 92% in good shape (13 cars) 40–60k mi: 60% in good shape (15 cars) 60–80k mi: 80% in good shape (15 cars) 80–100k mi: 69% in good shape (16 cars) 100–120k mi: 46% in good shape (13 cars) 120–140k mi: 18% in good shape (17 cars) 140–160k mi: 8% in good shape (13 cars) 160–180k mi: 17% in good shape (6 cars) 40k 80k 120k 160k 200k mileage when we inspected it
Good cars by age
0 25 50 75 100 2 years old: 100% in good shape (6 cars) 3 years old: 90% in good shape (10 cars) 5 years old: 100% in good shape (6 cars) 6 years old: 78% in good shape (9 cars) 7 years old: 33% in good shape (9 cars) 8 years old: 53% in good shape (17 cars) 9 years old: 56% in good shape (9 cars) 10 years old: 40% in good shape (10 cars) 12 years old: 43% in good shape (7 cars) 13 years old: 14% in good shape (7 cars) 2y 4y 6y 8y 10y 12y 14y 16y vehicle age when we inspected it

Share of Subarus in good shape (scoring 60+/100) by mileage and by age when we inspected them (each dot ≥5 cars; rolled-back odometers excluded from the mileage curve). The dashed grey curve is all cars we check.



Subaru models we've inspected
Outback 39 cars · 62% good Forester 38 cars · 42% good

Recently inspected:

2019 Subaru WRX · 70k mi — flagged: engine control module, abnormal noise, fan bearing. Inspected Jun 30.
2020 Subaru Crosstrek · 104k mi — flagged: low coolant / cooling system issues, oil leaks, oil sludge. Inspected Jun 25.
The bottom line

Subaru holds its condition longer than most, dipping only after about 123,000 miles, yet engines are the weak link with oil leaks on 64 percent of cars plus frequent cooling issues and cracked suspension bushings. Focus first on spotting those leaks, checking coolant levels, and inspecting bushings, then pull codes because cleared ones appear more often here. A solid engine and suspension can make a higher-mileage Subaru worth considering, but widespread leaks or error codes are your cue to negotiate aggressively or walk.

FAQ
?
Is Subaru reliable?
52% of the 115 Subarus we inspected scored 60/100 or higher, averaging 61/100 — they are in about average shape.
?
What are the most common problems with a used Subaru?
Across the Subarus we inspected, the items we flag most often are oil leaks (64%), cracked or torn suspension bushings (36%), low coolant / cooling system issues (26%).
Thinking of buying a Subaru? Get the exact car inspected before you pay.
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Based on 115 inspections · updated Jul 12, 2026