Subaru Warranty Options

New Subaru vehicles come with a 3-year/36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty that covers manufacturing defects. There’s also a powertrain warranty for 5 years/60,000 miles. However, the average American drives over 13,000 miles per year, so it’s likely your factory warranty will run out due to mileage, not time. Subaru owners looking for protection after their original warranty expires can opt for third-party coverage from Endurance Warranty.

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  Drivers who choose an Endurance plan can customize anything from an essential powertrain plan that safeguards your engine, transmission, and drive axles, to an exclusionary program that’s most similar to the manufacturer’s warranty that accompanies a new car. Every Endurance contract includes 24/7 roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and trip interruption protection. This coverage also enables owners to use any licensed repair facility, including a Subaru dealership, for covered repairs.

  Compare Subaru warranty options:

  • Subaru Extended Warranty: Protecting Your Subaru and Wallet

Subaru Reliability

Subaru’s reliability record has improved significantly in recent years. According to Consumer Reports, Subaru was named both the Best Overall Automotive Brand and Most Reliable Brand for 2024 and 2025. However, J.D. Power’s Vehicle Dependability Studies show that while Subaru performs well in quality ratings, the broader industry has faced reliability challenges with modern vehicle technology.

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  Subaru’s reliability improvements stem from addressing historical issues like the infamous head gasket problems that affected older 2.5L naturally aspirated boxer engines from 1996-2004. Modern Subarus (including 2024-2025 models) use improved multi-layer steel gaskets that have largely eliminated this defect.

  The brand’s signature boxer engine design and all-wheel-drive system contribute to its reputation for durability in challenging conditions. Subaru models like the Outback, Forester, and Crosstrek consistently receive high marks for their ability to handle rough terrain and inclement weather.

  However, some concerns remain with continuously variable transmissions (CVT) used in many Subaru models. While offering improved fuel efficiency, CVTs can experience issues like shuddering and premature wear, though these problems are less systemic than the historical head gasket issues.

  Break down Subaru’s reliability record:

  • Are Subarus Expensive to Maintain?

Subaru Maintenance Costs

Subarus have an average yearly maintenance expense of $617, which is slightly below the industry average of $652 but higher than other Japanese brands like Toyota ($441), Honda ($428), and Nissan ($500). This premium is largely due to the complexity of Subaru’s all-wheel-drive system and boxer engine design.*

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  Subaru’s higher maintenance costs stem from several factors. The all-wheel-drive system requires all four tires to be replaced simultaneously when they wear out, and the boxer engine design makes some service tasks (like spark plug replacement) more labor-intensive due to engine layout.

  Model-specific maintenance costs vary significantly. The Subaru Trax has yearly upkeep expenses of around $488, while the Outback costs about $636 annually. More complex vehicles like the Ascent SUV come with increased ownership costs, typically around $679 per year.

  Routine maintenance intervals occur at 15,000, 30,000, 60,000, and 90,000 miles, with typical service costs ranging from $150-$350 depending on the service and local labor rates. Services include oil changes (~$88-$135), tire rotations, and filter replacements.*

  Understand Subaru ownership costs:

  • Are Subaru Vehicles Expensive to Maintain?
  • AWD vs 4WD: Understanding the Differences

Common Repairs for Subaru Vehicles

While modern Subarus have addressed many historical reliability issues, owners should still be aware of common problem areas. The all-wheel-drive system and boxer engine design can lead to unique repair scenarios that may be more expensive than comparable repairs on other vehicles.

• Read more about common Subaru repairs

  Common Subaru repairs include wheel bearing replacements ($350-$500), catalytic converter issues ($1,200-$1,800), and transmission problems ($3,000-$8,000). The boxer engine’s horizontal layout can make some repairs more labor-intensive, increasing costs.

  Historical head gasket issues primarily affected older models (1996-2004) with 2.5L engines. Modern Subarus use improved gasket materials that have largely eliminated this problem. However, owners of older models should be aware of potential coolant and oil leakage issues.

  CVT transmission concerns persist in some models, with symptoms including hesitation, shuddering, and slipping during acceleration. While not as widespread as historical issues, these problems can be expensive to repair and may require transmission replacement.

  Find out what repairs Subarus often need:

  • What Does a Blown Head Gasket Mean?
  • What Are Continuously Variable Transmissions?
  • 5 Tips to Choose the Right Tires for Your Vehicle

Subaru Buyer’s Guides

Ready to buy a Subaru? Come back later for buyer’s guides that will help you make an informed decision about your next ride. You’ll uncover vital model-specific information and insights that every prospective Subaru owner should know.

This vehicle guide was generated using AI technology. While we aim for accuracy, we cannot guarantee that all information is complete or error-free, and Endurance is not liable for any inaccuracies.

*Repair prices are estimates from RepairPal and may vary by model, year, location, and repair shop. Always confirm current costs with your service provider or dealership.