The Most And Least Reliable Subaru Models,Years - The Ones You Should Avoid

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Here are the Subaru models and years with the least and the most reliability issues. Check out the complete list and the one Subaru model and year you should avoid.

What are the most common problems with Subaru vehicles? Here is a list of the most and least reliable Subaru models and model years. Check out the information here. This report is from exclusive data provided by EpicVIN, which supplied the information.

Are Subaru vehicles reliable? Most Subaru models are reliable, but there are a few models and years customers should be aware of when buying a used Subaru all-wheel-drive vehicle. Here are the most common issues with Subaru, which models and years to avoid, and which models and years are the best.

Notably, the Subaru brand is sixth on EpicVIN's list of the most reliable cars. The most common issue with Subaru vehicles is transmission issues, specifically from the 2019-2020 Ascent 3-Row SUV. Other common Subaru issues are overheating, stalling, and engine speed regulation. Click on the red links for more details on the specific issues.

The top Subaru problems:

Used car shoppers should avoid the 2013 Outback

The least reliable Subaru model is the 2013 Outback. The 2013 Subaru Outback history report reveals there were 12 safety recalls indicated by the NHTSA. The 2013 Outback would be a model and year used car shoppers should avoid.

Common 2013 Subaru Outback problems include oil leaks, faulty airbags, and transmission issues. It's important to note the problems with the 2013 Subaru Outback usually take place at relatively low mileage.

Torque News has documented Subaru's oil consumption problem in specific engines. One of the vehicles affected most is the 2013 Outback (2.5-liter engine).

The 2012 Subaru Impreza compact car and 2021 Subaru Ascent 3-Row family SUV rank 2nd and 3rd in the least reliable Subaru vehicles, according to EpicVin.

Consumer Reports identified which automakers, engines, and model years owners report adding at least a quart of oil between oil changes. Subaru's 2.0-liter engine in the 2012-2013 Impreza is also on the list.

We have documented the 2019-2022 Subaru Ascent transmission problems. Torque News reported that in 2020, the Ascent 3-RowSUV made the Consumer Reports 10 Least Reliable Cars list (by subscription) and lost their recommendation due to reliability issues. The most recent Consumer Reports review now says the 2022 Ascent 3-Row SUV is at the bottom of the least reliable new cars list at number ten.

But, it's important to note that the 2023 Subaru Ascent is now on Consumer Reports' recommend models list and is among the most improved new models in reliability. Read the report here.

What is Subaru's most reliable model? EpicVin says it’s the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek. The 2020 Subaru Crosstrek history report reveals no safety recalls are indicated. Some Subaru Crosstrek problems include weak windshield (cracking) and transmission issues. However, it is far from typical.

The 2020 Subaru Forester and 2021 Subaru Crosstrek are ranked 2nd and 3rd in most reliable Subaru vehicles. All Subaru models can be found on Cars EpicVIN, with vehicle history reports available.

You Might Also Like: CR’s Most Reliable 5-Year-Old SUVs - The 2018 Subaru Outback Now Ranks Above 2 Top Toyota Models

Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report, where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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Photo credit: Subaru USA

Submitted by hw (not verified) on February 9, 2023 - 9:48AM

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Few more common problems:

Rear wheel bearings failures
AC "O" rings where lines connect to compressor fail and need replacing