Got your eyes on a Subaru Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, or Impreza, but worried that Subaru repair costs might be too high? While Subarus offer exceptional AWD performance and safety ratings, many buyers wonder how their long-term maintenance costs compare to traditional competitors like Honda and Toyota.
Are Subarus Expensive to Maintain and Repair?
Subaru repair costs fall directly in the middle of the automotive spectrum. While they are slightly more expensive to maintain than domestic brands or basic compacts, they remain significantly cheaper to repair than European luxury vehicles like BMW or Audi.
According to industry repair data, average annual maintenance and repair costs for Subaru models sit around $617 per year, placing them as average to slightly above average for Japanese automakers.
Why Some Subaru Repairs Cost More
Several engineering and market factors contribute to higher repair bills for Subaru owners:
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Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD): All-Wheel Drive comes standard on almost every Subaru. If one tire suffers unrepairable damage, all four tires often need replacement simultaneously to prevent damaging the AWD center differential.
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Boxer Engine Design: Subaru utilizes a horizontally opposed “Boxer” engine. While this lowers the vehicle’s center of gravity for improved handling, access to components like spark plugs, head gaskets, and valve covers is tighter, resulting in higher labor costs.
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Specialized Mechanics: Because Boxer engines and AWD setups are unique, finding qualified independent mechanics outside major cities can be difficult, forcing owners to rely on higher dealership labor rates.
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Common Issue Trends: Earlier and higher-mileage Subaru models frequently experience head gasket failure, CVT transmission glitches, and oil consumption issues—all of which require substantial out-of-pocket repairs.
Subaru vs. Competitor Maintenance Costs
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Toyota: ~$441 / year
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Honda: ~$425 / year
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Subaru: ~$617 / year
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BMW: ~$968 / year
While Subaru owners pay slightly more per year than Toyota or Honda drivers, most owners consider the trade-off worthwhile for superior all-weather traction and high safety scores.
Protecting Yourself from Unplanned Subaru Repair Bills
Mechanical breakdowns tend to occur right after factory warranties expire. Out-of-warranty repairs on major Subaru components—like a CVT transmission replacement ($4,000+) or head gasket job ($1,800+)—can quickly strain your budget.
A vehicle service contract (extended car warranty) from autopom! covers these unexpected mechanical failures, allowing you to enjoy your Subaru without worrying about costly repair bills.
Bottom Line?
When problems arise, depending on your location and the options available to you, Subarus may be costly to repair. Consider buying a vehicle protection plan to enjoy peace of mind and the car you want without worrying about extra expenses.
Subaru vehicles are safe and reliable, with a focus on “confidence in motion.” Though repairs and maintenance may be pricier, the brand’s reputation for quality remains strong.
Get a vehicle protection plan from autopom! and enjoy the benefits of owning a Subaru without the stress of repair expenses. After all, that is what makes a Subaru a Subaru, right?
