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Subarus are known for their all-wheel-drive systems and strong safety features, but not every model year is created equal. We’ve sifted through a lot of data to help you figure out the best and worst years for each Subaru model.
We’ve used data from several sources to make sure our advice is on point.
This includes recall reports from the National Highway Trafic Safety Administration (NHTSA), consumer complaints also sent to the NHTSA, and reliability ratings from J.D. Power.
Read more about our data sources below the articles.
5 Best & Worst Subaru Ascent Years (Stats & Examples)
10 Best & Worst Subaru WRX Years (Stats & Examples)
8 Best & Worst Subaru BRZ Years (Stats & Examples)
11 Best & Worst Subaru Impreza Years (Stats & Examples)
10 Best & Worst Subaru Legacy Years (Stats & Examples)
7 Best & Worst Subaru Crosstrek Years (Stats & Examples)
6 Best & Worst Subaru Forester Years (Stats & Examples)
12 Best & Worst Subaru Outback Years (Stats & Examples)
We also checked out what experts are saying on auto review and rating sites like Edmunds and went through posts on specialist forums. All these sources help us give you a rounded view of what you can expect.
Recalls are a good way to measure a car’s reliability. If a specific year has multiple recalls, you might want to avoid it. Consumer complaints are another way to gauge how a car’s doing. If people are repeatedly reporting the same problem, it’s something to keep in mind. J.D. Power ratings focus on all aspekts, from engine performance to the comfort of the interior, which can give you an overall picture of what to expect from a specific model year.
Reviews from auto experts like those at Edmunds can offer additional insights, often providing the details that might not be covered by other sources. They review the car’s handling, features, and other aspects that everyday drivers care about.
Now, it’s worth noting that a car can have issues one year and be fine the next. Why? Because car companies learn from their mistakes. They gather feedback from customers and make necessary adjustments. So, for example, if a particular Subaru model faced transmission issues in a given year, the company likely addressed that in the next year’s model or in the subsequent generation of the car. This is common in the auto industry; models are continually being updated and improved.
So what’s the bottom line? Our guide is designed to steer you toward a Subaru that won’t let you down. Whether you’re eyeing an Outback, a Forester, or any other Subaru model, you’ll know which years are likely to be more reliable and which ones you might want to pass on. Our aim is to help you make a more informed decision, so you can enjoy your Subaru for years to come without any nasty surprises.