Subarus are great cars known for their reliability, resale value, and low cost of ownership.
They are constantly rated with excellent reviews from authoritative sources like JD Power, Consumer Reports, and Kelley Blue Book.
But just how long do Subarus last?
A properly maintained Subaru will last around 200,000 miles before major repairs are needed. So, based on an average annual mileage of 15,000 miles, they should last around 13 years.
Keep reading to find out how reliable Subarus are, how they stack up against Honda and Toyota, and what the most and least reliable models are.
How Many Miles Does A Subaru Last?
According to Subaru owners, a properly maintained Subarus last around 200,000 miles,
Some Subarus can even last up to 300,000 miles in ideal conditions like mild weather and smooth terrain.
It’s vital to follow the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions to make a Subaru last as long as possible.
How Many Years Do Subarus Last?
Based on an average annual mileage of 15,000 miles, Subarus last a little more than 13 years on average.
In fact, according to Torque News, 96% of Subaru sedans are still on the road after 12 years of ownership.
That said, how long a Subaru lasts depends on how well it is cared for, how carefully it is driven, and what type of weather conditions it is driven in.
Are Subarus Reliable?
Subarus are generally rated above average for reliability.
Repair Pal rates Subaru a 3.5 out of 5 for reliability.
They are ranked 14th out of 32 car brands.
Consumer Reports ranks Subaru 7th out of 30 car brands for the most reliable vehicle brand.
U.S. News and World Reports gave the 2021 Subaru Forester an 81/100 for reliability and ranked it 4th out of 15 compact SUVs across all brands for dependability.
Do Subarus Break Down A Lot?
Subarus break down slightly less than other car manufacturers.
According to Repair Pal, Subarus must visit repair shops for unexpected expenses .3 times a year compared to the average rate for all brands of .4 times.
Some common Subaru issues are malfunctioning front O2 sensors and failed catalytic converters.
Luckily, both problems occur after 100,000 miles, so if you drive an average of 15,000 miles a year, Subarus should have 6-7 worry-free years before repairs are needed.
How Do Subarus Last As Long As Toyotas?
Subaru and Toyota are both reliable car brands that are known to last a long time.
The reliability ratings between the two are very similar.
When properly maintained, Subarus and Toyotas can easily last 200,000 miles or more.
That said, Toyota usually scores higher for reliability when compared to Subaru.
RepairPal rates the Subaru a 3.5 out of 5 and the Toyota a 4 out of 5 for reliability.
Toyota is also ranked higher across all brands, coming in 8th place versus Subaru’s 14th place.
Toyota’s higher reliability ratings suggest that Toyota’s last longer than Subarus.
Do Subarus Last As Long As Hondas?
Subaru and Honda both have a good reputation for reliability, but Hondas last a little longer than Subarus.
According to Repair Pal, Subaru holds an overall rating of 3.5 out of 5 for reliability and ranks 14 out of 32 for dependability across all brands.
Honda, on the other hand, is rated a 4 out of 5 for reliability and is ranked #1 out of 32 across all car brands for being reliable.
Overall, Hondas are generally more reliable than Subaru, so they are likely to last longer.
You might also like: How Long Do Hondas Last? (Explained)
What Are The Most Reliable Subaru Models?
According to Consumer Reports, the most reliable Subaru models are the 2021 Forester and Legacy and the 2017 Crosstrek.
JD Power rates the 2021 Subaru Legacy a 76/100 for reliability.
The same source ranks it in the top ten for consumer-rated sedans across all models.
The 2021 Subaru Forester comes in at 83/100 for reliability on JD Power.
According to the site’s consumer reviews, it is ranked in the top ten top-rated SUVs across all brands.
For used models, the most reliable option is the 2017 Subaru Crosstrek, which received a 4 out of 5 for reliability on Consumer Reports.
What Are The least Reliable Subaru Models?
The least reliable Subaru models are the 2021 WRX, 2019 Ascent, and 2013 Impreza.
The 2019 Subaru Ascent only scores a 1 out of 5 for reliability, according to Consumer Reports. There are six active recalls on this model, according to KBB.
The 2013 Subaru Impreza also scores a 1 out of 5 for reliability on Consumer Reports, citing major and minor engine issues as common problems with the vehicle.
The least reliable new model Subaru is the 2021 WRX, which only scores a 2 out of 5 for reliability and has an overall score of 58 on Consumer Reports.
What Is Considered High Mileage For A Subaru?
High mileage for a Subaru is around 150,000 miles.
Some Subarus can even last 300,000 miles or longer, according to a Subaru owners forum.
However, it’s more common that Subarus last around 200,000 miles, according to AutoList.
The key to discerning whether to purchase a high-mileage Subaru is in the maintenance record, according to a Subaru forum.
Maintenance records should reflect that services and repairs were performed on the vehicle per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Do Subarus Really Last Forever?
While Subarus may not last forever, it can last 13 years or more with responsible ownership.
Some Subaru owners have been able to keep their cars on the road for up to 18 years.
The key to making a Subaru last is taking care of it.
Drive carefully and get repairs as soon as they are needed to extend the life of your vehicle.
Do Subarus Hold Their Value?
Subarus hold its value exceptionally well compared to other brands and consistently sell for the highest resale value and boast the lowest amount of depreciation.
According to CarEdge, Subarus hold the #1 spot for their value at 3, 5, and 7-year marks.
Subaru’s best year for resale value is 2019, which holds 79.51% of its original value and has 83.33% of its life remaining, according to CarEdge.
Are Subarus Expensive To Maintain?
Subarus are slightly less expensive to maintain when compared to vehicles from all other brands.
RepairPal estimates the yearly repair cost of Subarus to be around $617 versus a price of $652 annually for all other brands.
KBB names Subaru as the lowest 5-year Cost to own out of all brands for 2020.
How Long Do Subaru Tires Last?
According to Subaru, OEM tires should last at least two years before needing to be replaced.
Of course, many factors such as terrain, climate, and driving habits can all shorten the life of Subaru tires.
That said, tires should be replaced any time tread markers indicate that new tires are needed.
Take care to perform visual checks and change tires any time the tread depth is 2/32 or higher.
The best way to make Subaru tires last longer is to perform tire pressure checks every 10,000 miles or six months, whichever comes first.
You might also like: OEM Tires (Everything You Need To Know)
How Long Do Subaru Batteries Last?
Subaru batteries should last around 3 to 5 years on average.
According to Subaru owners, some batteries can even last up to 10 years in ideal circumstances.
Completing frequent visual checks for corrosion or lost connections on battery terminals is a great way to make Subarus last as long as possible.
How Long Do Subaru Engines Last?
Subaru engines can last 200,000 miles and up with proper and timely maintenance. This equates to 13 years or more when driven an average of 15,000 miles per year.
One forum stated that Subaru engines could last forever with a responsible owner, given that issues with the transmission and drive belts can arise.
This may be an exaggeration, but that said, you can still get many years out of a Subaru engine before significant repairs are necessary.
How To Make A Subaru Last Longer
Routine maintenance is the lifeblood of Subarus and is the best way to get them to last longer.
According to Subaru, here are some of the most critical maintenance habits to make the cars last longer:
- Tire pressure checks
- Oil changes
- Belt replacement
- Air filter replacement
- Brake fluid changes
To find out the maintenance recommendations for your Subaru checks your owner’s manual.
Final Thoughts – Subaru Lifespan
Subarus consistently last 200,000+ miles or 13+ years with routine maintenance and care and ideal conditions.
The brand is praised for its high reliability, long lifespan, and low cost of ownership. They are also famous for how well they hold their value, ranking #1 of all vehicles for value.
Overall, making a Subaru last comes down to performing vital maintenance and taking care of your vehicle.
Article Sources:
- https://repairpal.com/reliability/subaru
- subaru.com/service-parts-accessories