Is Subaru reliable?
55% of the 136 Subarus we inspected scored 60/100 or higher, averaging 62/100 — they are in about average shape.
#8 of 24
Longevity rank#1 Tesla holds up to ~182k~122k
Trouble-free mileageacross all body styles136
Subarus inspectedreal pre-purchase inspections62/100
Average conditionall cars we check: 61/100Based on 136 used Subarus we inspected, they are in about average shape — average condition 62/100 vs 61 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
35%
Low coolant / cooling system issues · Engine
26%
Tires condition & wear · Brakes and tires
22%
Active error codes · Electronic equipment
18%
Share of inspected Subarus where each item was flagged.
How they score
Excellent 27%
Good 28%
Mediocre 26%
Poor 18%
Hidden history
What the seller might not mention — how often we find it on Subarus.
70%had a repainted or replaced panelall cars: 74%
4%showed structural repairall cars: 4%
34%had fault codes recently clearedall cars: 24%
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 ~122k miles. It ranks Subaru #8 of 24 brands we have enough data to rate; the longest-lasting, Tesla, holds up to ~182k. Shopping a Subaru near that mileage? Expect more wear ahead — see which makes give the best odds at your budget.
Good cars by mileage
Good cars by age
Share of Subarus in good shape (scoring 60+/100) by mileage and by age when we inspected them (each dot ≥5 cars; a band under 20 cars follows the nearby bands, so a run above the all-cars line stays above it, and a band of 20 or more uses the rate we measured; where a band has too few cars, the line follows the trend between the bands on either side; rolled-back odometers excluded from the mileage curve). The dashed grey curve is all cars we check.
Subaru models we've inspected
Outback
41 cars · 61% good
Forester
46 cars · 50% good
Crosstrek
13 cars · profile soon
WRX
11 cars · profile soon
Recently inspected:
2019 Subaru Outback · 109k mi — flagged: fault codes recently cleared, flow distribution, air conditioning control module. Inspected Oct 10.
2017 Subaru Forester · 143k mi — flagged: abnormal noise, oil leaks, oil sludge. Inspected Oct 9.
The bottom line
Oil leaks are the fault that actually defines these cars, with torn suspension bushings next and cooling issues close enough that both the engine and the underside deserve a hard look. Cleared codes run above the wider fleet, so do not trust a dark dash without a scan. Tires are a smaller bargaining chip, and structural repairs are ordinary. Condition usually holds until about 122,000 miles, a stronger longevity standing than most brands in this set. Shop under that mileage, dry underneath, scan clean. If it is leaking oil, low on coolant, and the codes were wiped, walk or make them pay for it.
FAQ
?
?
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 (35%), low coolant / cooling system issues (26%).
Thinking of buying a Subaru? Get the exact car inspected before you pay.
Book an inspection
Based on 136 inspections · updated Oct 22, 2026
