There isn't just one path to a great engine. Subaru is popular for standard all-wheel drive in its most popular models, as well as for fantastic cost of ownership. The Subaru my family owned (turbo 4 boxer) had a few engine issues, including a broken piston fairly early in life. Delivery to anywhere in the UK. The Subaru brand is well-known for producing reliable and safe vehicles.According to Subaru, it’s been named Kelley Blue Book’s Most Trusted Brand for five years running, number one in owner satisfaction for two years in a row by ACSI (American Customer Satisfaction Index), and Lowest Ownership Cost – Popular Brand award winner by IntelliChoice. The Subaru Impreza is a quick, reliable vehicle available in several styles. According to the most recent reports from ReliabilityIndex (2018), the average cost of repairs across all Subaru models is £562.37. 4. I owned a 2013 Forester for 5 years with zero problems. An Honest Assessment of…, Subaru Lease Deals: What are my options when leasing…. It also spends less time off the road, with an average of 3.45 hours. This site aggregates a Reliability Rating based on the frequency of repair issues, the average cost of repairs, and the severity of the issues repaired. The early symptoms that occur are an external oil leak, external coolant leak at the left head gasket, and potential coolant leaks at the right side of the head gasket, though this is less common. OSV Limited is an Appointed Representative of. The ownership costs for a Subaru include the $617 average annual repair cost. Most people would assume that the Outback will also prove far more reliable than the Cherokee (a Jeep with Fiat roots), and buy the Subaru for this reason. Will the 2014s age better? In conclusion, Subaru isn’t the most reliable brand on the market, however, some of their models are better than others (e.g. In this article, we look at how reliable Subaru is, and how this compares to its rivals. But they are improving, having risen through the ranks since their drop in popularity and dependability in 2016. Subaru has earned legions of loyal fans by selling safe and rugged (mostly) four-wheel-drive vehicles in the United States. It’s always good to hear from people who have been driving the vehicles we are writing about. While the Outback may be more expensive than another Subaru model of the same year, it’s crucial to compare what’s under the hood before deciding. However, a car without these records may put you at a greater risk for that blown gasket. There really isn't a most reliable year though. Perhaps, but it's too soon to say. Comfort, great visibility, great acceleration, great storage space. As long as you avoid some common bad habits that are true for any vehicle and use your vehicle with care, a used Subaru can last much longer than you might expect.Apply For Financing Online Today, Sign Up For Exclusive Deals, News, Sales & More. Most Subarus you see on the road today have an EJ, and in 2011, Subaru introduced a completely redesigned engine, the F series. The MX-5 Miata topped the list of most reliable cars, showing the value of Mazda’s roadster. The Subaru Outback has been on the Subaru roster for over 25 years. Help is just a phone call away. Fill out your information below to request a consultation. Subaru engines through at least the 2008 model year have head gaskets prone to failure. Welcome to OSV Ltd – car finance made simple. This is more common with older Foresters, but they have a lot of small interior parts that are prone to breaking. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. While this may seem to be a counterpoint against the long-standing reputation of Subaru reliability, the lower reliability score from Consumer Reports for 2019 is due to the introduction of new and redesigned vehicle models. Even if you have never looked at a Subaru yourself, you probably would have heard of the Forester. A new car buyer will generally get to enjoy the manufacturer’s warranty coverage and the peace of mind of owning a hot-off-the-assembly-line vehicle. Subaru is affected differently to brands such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz, who have a much larger range of models. Subarus are reliable cars, versatile and offer a wide range of customization with new purchases. This website stores cookies on your computer. Great am a new comer to subarus have been driving toyotas all along am greafiful for the information. 130+ car reviews to help you choose your next car. But, many of their rivals are some of the most dependable brands on the market today. According to Repair Pal, the Subaru Crosstrek has a reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5, which ranks it 1st out of 26 for compact SUVs. One of the best benefits of the Subaru Impreza is variety. OSV Ltd a Registered Company in England and Wales No: 04533176 and whose registered office is D1 Yeoman Gate, Yeoman Way, Worthing, West Sussex BN133QZ. The Subaru Impreza seems to have not impressed Which? I also am uninterested in another 2.5 NA powered Subaru vehicle. For some, reliability means consistent performance for a long time with minimal need for repairs. Couldn’t be bettered. For the most reliable engine in Subaru, the 2.5L SOHC engine after 2001 will be your best choice. I am on my third Subaru the first a 2011 diesel Forester 76000 miles one problem driver side sun-visor broke.Second car 2015 diesel Forester 46000 mile ,the exhaust manifold pipe cracked which the dealer replaced straight away, this was a problem which was found to occurred to this particular model with tune vibration cracking the manifold This was fixed by a bracket to kill the vibration That was the only problem with the Forester. This is especially true if they have to be ordered from abroad. But, how reliable are Subaru? Since its original launch in 1990, the Legacy has improved across the board with every new model year. To find out more about the cookies we use, see our Privacy Policy. However, “reliability” may mean different things to different people. When most people go shopping for vehicles, reliability is one of their top concerns. The list was started in 1994 for Model Year 1995, and has been drawn every year since then, published at the end of the preceding year. report discovered the Forester was spending off the road was no more than 24-hours. But they're about even in our reliability stats so far--both are good but not great--and some owners of 2011-2013 Subarus with this four-cylinder engine have been reporting excessive oil consumption. full 2014 Subaru Forester review For example, if the Outback and Legacy experience a drop in dependability ratings, then this will affect the whole Subaru line-up and their standing in the reliability tables. Mon-Fri 8am to 5:30pm | Sat 9am to 5:00pm, That said, Subaru aren’t the most unreliable brand out there by any means, and they are still producing good cars that many drivers have no issues with at all (see the Subaru Forester, which has a slightly better than average rating on the RelabilityIndex, and is popular with those who reviewed for, How reliable is Subaru? In many Subaru cars they can be found in naturally aspirated options. If the thought of “you get what you pay for” is giving you pause on a preowned vehicle purchase, keep in mind that Subaru has a reputation as one of the most reliable makes you can buy. however the table now includes more car manufacturers, and the individual cars produced are scoring much better. When it comes to their rivals, they can’t compete. Luckily for the owners who had these issues, the turnaround on repairs was incredibly quick, with cars off the road for no more than 12-hours. By entering your email address you agree for OSV to store and process your data and send you weekly / monthly newsletters. Anyone who needs a reliable and spacious sedan will likely find the Legacy to be a great value. Now the socially progressive brand is dealing with severe engine … See why Crosstrek is the brand’s most-reliable model. These are opposite Subaru engines EJ20 and EJ25. Different companies have different approaches to evoking emotion and performance from their heavily engineered powerplants. Ready to learn more? Wards 10 "Best" Engines is an annual list of the ten "best" automobile engines available in the U.S. market, that are selected by Ward's AutoWorld magazine. Repair Pal can be a great resource if you’re looking for more detailed information about the long-term cost of ownership of a vehicle. The Forester is also off the road for quite some time, with an average time of 4.47 hours. We use UK-based data as we are a UK company providing information for our UK customers. The current engine dates to 2011, and the earliest examples have begun to suffer from valve cover gasket leaks (much less expensive to fix than head gaskets). The wide-body coupe model from the early 2000s offers up to 165 horsepower along with the reliability that comes with the Subaru brand. 10 most reliable car brands ... Subaru . There are also wagon models with additional storage space, a perfect fit for families. Rachel has been writing for as long as she can remember. Unfortunately, Subaru’s quality has declined in the past few years for several reasons, one being a well-known head gasket issue that lead to engine problems for many Subaru models produced between 2003 and 2009. I love my 2005 Legacy GT(turbo) wagon and it has been trouble free. I feel like 2017 and 2019 are the most reliable of the 2015-2019 generation. First, you may not know that your brand-new vehicle contains a defect that will appear months or even years later, leading to frustration and potentially costly repairs. For others, reliability means ease of ownership, low yearly maintenance costs, and acceptable resale value. The most reliable engine is made by Honda, it was call B16A or B18A back in 1994 to 1999 and it was equipped in Integra. She loves the written word and likes nothing more than to research something until she knows all she can about it. Also consider that the Sequoia earned Consumer Reports ‘ highest reliability rating every single year since 2012. The 2015 model in particular actually won the Canadian Car of the Year award for outstanding quality, but any model year after 2005 is ideal for a preowned car purchase. According to Which? Many people shopping for vehicles prefer new vehicles as a kneejerk reaction; “new” often correlates with “high value,” but it may be a better investment to choose a used Subaru from a previous model year with low mileage. A used Subaru with detailed maintenance records will be a good indication that the car has been properly taken care of and a head gasket concern won’t arise. the Forester). The reliability index is roughly the same as the Forester at 112, but the repair costs are much less at £762.79 on average. The Outback is generally more expensive than other wagon-style vehicles from Subaru, but it offers tremendous versatility. Types of Subaru Engines. This includes content such as our special offers, latest video reviews and articles. Learn how your comment data is processed. Request a call back and one of our specialists will find you the perfect Subaru to suit your lifestyle and budget. And, keep in mind that most defects appear soon after launch. Due to the low number that are on the UK roads, when it comes to reliability the publication was only able to look at the brand as a whole. And, just like there are reliable BMWs, there are some reliable WRX models.. 2004-2007 Subaru WRX Reliability ratings and repair costs were compiled in February 2019. The data were collated to produce a list of the most – and the least – reliable 0-3-year-old cars from a range of 32 brands and 169 models. Take time to compare Subaru models to find the best fit for you, and then take some time to research past year models to determine which used Subaru could provide the most long-term value. If you’re looking for something that will handle your daily commute with minimal fuss year after year, Subaru is known for making some of the most reliable midsize sedans, such as the Impreza and the Legacy. However, there are some distinct disadvantages to buying brand new. Subaru Outback models from the 2000s offer spacious interiors, solid off-road performance, and high marks across the board when it comes to overall performance and value. Subaru manufactures a wide range of vehicles that each have unique advantages. There are so many moving parts and they can affect the overall reliability of your vehicle. If you enjoy sportier vehicles and want an affordable used car that can compete with newer makes and models on the road, WRX models from the 2000s are relatively inexpensive and reliable compact cars. What is the Green Cross Code and why is it important? Thank you for your feedback. Consumer Reports ranked Subaru #1 in overall performance and value, Subaru’s quality has declined in the past few years. The WRX contains a 2.5 liter Flat 4 Boxer engine, boasting a tremendous 300 horsepower. This brings the repair prices up which, in turn, brings the reliability down. Reliability and repair costs are directly related to the cost to own a Subaru. The second group that has experienced Subaru head gasket problems is the Subaru 2.2-liter and 2.5-liter engines that are in the specific Foresters, Imprezas, Outbacks, and Legacies. We offer a stress free consultative solution for both business and personal car finance in the UK. Love how they’re so friendly and always wanting to help me with my payments ! This was originally posted November 6, 2018 and was updated February 12, 2020. Despite, or perhaps because of its performance-symbol status, the Subaru WRX hasn’t always proven to be the most reliable car.Or even the most reliable Subaru, for that matter.Then again, even well-regarded icons like the Nissan Skyline GT-R have their good and bad years. The first Subaru Engine used in the US is the E series. Get reliability information for the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek from Consumer Reports, which combines extensive survey data and expert technical knowledge. The luxurious comfort and ride of my current Legacy 3.0 auto is far superior than Mercs and Jaguars costing four times as much. Related Reading: What Do You Need To Consider Before Buying A Used Car? If you want reliability and affordability from your next automobile purchase, then Subaru is one automaker you should not ignore. After taking some time to research your options and the known issues for recent model years of Subaru vehicles, you can probably choose one or two models that interest you. Least reliable, I'd say 02-03.5 simply because of their standard gear sets. Many cars today have a great deal of new and complex technology. My own experience is that they are good but not great. The 2014 redesign offered even more improvements, including the turbocharged XT model, navigational system, automatic emergency braking and improved safety features. An unbiased look at the American classic, Is Mercedes-Benz reliable? Subaru manufactures a wide range of vehicles that each have unique advantages. Petrol consumption is higher than rivals, of course. However, things have started to look up for them since then. For Subaru this has definitely been the case. What Do You Need To Consider Before Buying A Used Car? It appears that the engine accounts for most of the problems that are experienced by owners of the Legacy, with 23.53% of issues being related to the engine. Bought a 2018 XT Forester and I love it. To answer the question of how well their 2019 cars were built, vehicle owners reported on everything from infotainment systems to engine performance to brake systems and more. It’s simply because they are less common. The manufacturer has managed to improve the vehicles that they have available by focusing on improving existing technologies. However, you shouldn’t approach this question in terms of trying to find the “best Subaru,” but rather which Subaru model is the best fit for you. Consumer report has rated them a lot higher for 2020 than your little company. Subaru recognized the HG problem in the 2.5 L SOC engines and in April 2002 implemented a “Service Campaign” to “fix” the problem, which Subaru claims only occurred in 1999 to 2002 model years. And here is that list. The manufacturer is still at 18th position on the reliability tables (for both ReliabilityIndex and Which?) In 2019, Consumer Reports ranked Subaru #1 in overall performance and value. 2003/2004 it was a hit or miss, except turbo engines no head gasket issues. So what has happened that may have made Subaru less dependable than they were a at the height of their popularity in the early 2010s. 1996-2002 its more prevalent. Models from before the 2009 model year are very similar to the wagon-style Outback, while 2009 and newer models are larger SUVs. I have owned four Subarus in a row since 1992 – and all have performed wonderfully, with laughably low servicing costs and zero big part failures. The Subaru Outback has been one of the most popular wagon-style vehicles in the United States for many years. The 2019 model has a larger interior, but in reviews the cost far outweighed any benefits offered by the vehicle. The average time that the Which? Subaru’s long reputation as an incredibly reliable brand and perceived as one of the best automobile manufactures gives it high marks. Subaru Cost of Ownership. However, they are also tremendously valuable as preowned purchases. However, this is completely overshadowed by their extortionate average repair costs at £955.08. Sedan models are spacious without sacrificing the renowned maneuverability of these light and quick cars. Breakdown rates are higher than usual, with 7% of owners finding it necessary to call a recovery service. If you’re planning to buy a used Subaru, and limit your search to models from more recent years, typically from 2013 and newer, there’s minimal need for reliability unease. I have had my car since January 2017 and I love my car. Breakeryard say these are some common problems with the Legacy: The Legacy is a rather expensive vehicle to repair, with average costs coming in at around £851.42, though this also goes with just 3.39 hours off the road when are taken to the garage. The Subaru Legacy does slightly better when it comes to dependability. All WRX models feature Subaru’s ubiquitous Boxer engine and symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive system making the WRX a winner on the rally track circuit and in the hearts of Subaru enthusiasts. Thanks a bunch! Subaru owners tend to want the cars because of their drivetrain engine, their off-road capabilities or the fact that they are affordable in the sports car market. Your email address will not be published. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. *, You may use these HTML tags and attributes:
. If you need a sturdy family vehicle that can handle soccer practice drop-offs as well as long hauls to summer campgrounds, the Subaru Forester and Subaru Outback are great options. Thank you for your comment. This is particularly common with the Legacy. © Copyright 2020 Red Mountain Funding | All Rights Reserved |. With the almost traditional shape of an estate, the vehicle has high ground clearance and is, like all other Subarus, four-wheel drive. This is a common reason for declining dependability in a number of makes and models since the early 2000s. 2005-present Subaru’s are devoid of head gasket issues and quite reliable. This compact SUV comes in about average for reliability, scoring a reliability index of 111. You may be wondering, “Should I buy a Subaru Legacy or Impreza,” as these models are some of the most popular Subarus and offer well-rounded ranges of features. The WRX is a fan favorite in the rally car and dirt racing circuits, and is treasured by Subaru enthusiasts. This means that if one or two models drop in reliability then it can bring the whole brand down. Subarus used to be known for their rugged durability. This ensures a combination of great value and savings compared to more expensive models in recent years. In this engine, the failure allows external coolant leakage, which can also result in over heating and engine failure. Here’s what the owners of cars between six and 15 years of age have told us The axle and suspension appears to be the main problem, accounting for 38.46% of all problems, followed by the engine. Used vehicles typically have been through one or more extensive inspection processes. If you want a reliable Subaru, many models from the past several years have achieved high rankings from some of the most respected automobile reviewing agencies in the world. An impartial look at the…, How Reliable are DS Cars? Subaru has experienced a lot of ups and downs over the last few years, and in 2016 the drop in their reliability was enough that they dropped to 18th out of 36 in the dependability scale as awarded by ReliabilityIndex. The axle and suspension come in a close second. However, if you look at the date of this report it was written in 2019 with 2019 information. If you’re looking for something that will handle your daily commute with minimal fuss year after year, Subaru is known for making some of the most reliable midsize sedans, such as the Impreza and the Legacy. There are a few possible reasons that this might be the case. Consider your options carefully whenever you plan to purchase a vehicle, and refer to the following list to learn more about your possible options from Subaru. 2006, like said above, started the 2.5L, better suspension parts (removed in 2007) and has the best brakes (shared with 2007) of the WRX line next to the STi. Perhaps not surprisingly, it’s the Japanese, with the top spot taken by Honda.Only one in every 344 Honda owners have had engine trouble, with second-placed rival Toyota notching up just 1 in 171.. It’s not all doom and gloom for the European marques, though, with Mercedes-Benz taking third, followed closely by Volvo. There have been problems with the Legacy and the Outback, which include noises, leaks and problems with in-car electronics. By ticking yes you are agreeing to receive e-mail marketing from OSV Ltd. Subaru is the car division of Subaru Corporation (formerly Fuji Heavy Industries), a Japanese transportation conglomerate. One of the core reasons that Subaru reliability has dropped is due to the problems that the Outback and Legacy have had with in-car technology. Just too slow for me, especially in a Legacy or OB. The more reliable your vehicle, the lower your out-of-pocket ownership costs will be. There are also sport models available with a variety of options and configurations, so you are sure to find a great Impreza while shopping for preowned vehicles. Here are the top 10 reliable vehicles for 2019. While, on paper,this looks great, and is also really cool when you first get the car, you can run into problems with it further down the line. In the 2018 Reliability survey conducted by Which?, the Subaru Forester ranked rather well, with some owners of the model stating that they’d experienced no problems with their vehicles over the three years they had owned them. The Subaru WRX STI is a prime example of the capabilities of a boxer engine. If one or two of the vehicles in the Mercedes or BMW ranges drop in dependability it won’t have much of an impact on the brand’s reliability as a whole. Its turbocharged four-cylinder delivers a whopping 305 horsepower and can pull off a zero to 60 sprint in 4.7 seconds. Overall, they are an average brand with a model or two that are better than average. An honest assessment, How reliable is Volvo? Buying new is significantly more expensive than buying used. I’m thankful for them never had a problem with them! The Quality Question: Why Has Subaru's Reliability Gone Downhill? Models from the early 2000s should be much cheaper than more recent used models, but they will still offer fantastic value for many years. That might depend on your definition, but the brand has received numerous awards and recognitions over the years for its general reliability, low long-term cost of ownership, and high performance. (2018 figures). Many Outback owners enjoy that the vehicle’s off-road capability and storage space don’t detract from modern comforts and passenger seating space. These include things such as cup holders. The ratings include several falls from grace, including some of America’s favorite automakers. Despite their niche market, Subaru have been a strong presence in customer satisfaction and reliability tables for some time now. We cannot ignore the high repair costs with Subaru, as this is something many consumers will want to take into account. the Forester). A well-maintained Subaru can last well over 300,000 miles, provide a fantastic return on your initial investment, and offer years of reliability. OSV Ltd, Unit D1, Yeoman Gate, Yeoman Way, Worthing, West Sussex, BN13 3QZ 01903 538835, BVRLA Code of Conduct Complaints Policy Initial Disclosure Document Treating Customers Fairly Terms & Conditions, About Us Meet The Team Contact Us Hours Work With Us. So, it really depends what is more important to you, the fact your car is a Subaru, or that it’s ultra reliable. One of the great attributes of the Subaru WRX is that even models from the 1990s – if well kept – offer incredible value. Another reason why they might be considered less dependable here in the UK is because that when they do go wrong, they cost a lot to repair. FA and FB engines are beginning to replace all EJ engines, with only the EJ257 still in the STI as of 2019. That said, we know that Subaru target a niche market. STRUGGLING TO FIND A CAR TO SUIT YOUR LIFESTYLE AND BUDGET? One is the fact that Subaru don’t have that many models on their roster. That’s why they may be considered less dependable, and more expensive to repair, in the UK. And this market will buy a Subaru simply because it’s a Subaru. In the 2018 Which? They’re great !! The “big brother” of the Subaru Outback is the impressive Subaru Forester, a heavy-duty SUV offering more towing power and storage space than the smaller Outback. Subaru first utilized a boxer engine in 1966 in the Subaru 1000. reliability survey, the Outback earned just 3 stars out of 5, marking it as an average car in the rankings. If you have your heart set on an affordable and reliable Subaru that will last for many years to come, Red Mountain Funding can help you secure a loan for the vehicle from any Arizona dealership. Is Subaru more reliable than other manufacturers? There are distinct advantages to buying a brand-new vehicle. I think Subaru builds a great car and very fine and reliable engine. Just needed someone to give me a second chance and you guys were sooooooo helpful. Call us: Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm Call 1-480-497-8488 Se Habla Español. The technology can also prove to be expensive to repair or replace, further bringing the reliability down. Ordinary FB20 and FB25 engines … Very pleased with Red Mountain Funding. If you’re looking for something practical and reliable, a sedan model from the mid- to late-2000s could be ideal. The big 5.7-liter V8 borrowed from the Tundra is also old-school, but makes 381 horsepower and is one of the most reliable engines on the market. The online car– and van-part brokerage Breakeryard say you may encounter the following problems with your Subaru: Low monthly payments. That said, Subaru aren’t the most unreliable brand out there by any means, and they are still producing good cars that many drivers have no issues with at all (see the Subaru Forester, which has a slightly better than average rating on the RelabilityIndex, and is popular with those who reviewed for Which?. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Their cars have remained popular with a core set of buyers, with marketing targeted specifically to their niche in the automotive market. However, factors such as space of the interior and noise in the cabin were reviewed and the vehicle was found lacking. If you’re looking for something sportier, the Impreza Sport could be perfect for you.