Are subarus costly to maintain?
Overall, Subarus are not inherently more expensive to maintain than many mainstream brands; routine maintenance costs are generally affordable. However, certain model years and engine options can lead to higher repair bills if known issues are neglected.
Subaru ownership is shaped by a standard all-wheel-drive system, boxer engines, and a focus on practical utility. Maintenance costs vary widely by model, year, and how well the vehicle has been cared for. Below is a practical look at what drives costs, common trouble spots, and how to budget for upkeep.
What drives maintenance costs
Understanding cost factors helps explain why some Subarus cost more to maintain than others. The following list highlights the main cost drivers for Subaru ownership.
- Engine type and generation: Older 2.5-liter engines (the EJ25 family) have a higher risk of head-gasket failures, which can be expensive to repair.
- Turbocharged and performance variants: WRX and STI models incur higher maintenance and repair costs due to turbo components, cooling needs, and greater wear on brakes and tires.
- Drivetrain and AWD components: The all-wheel-drive system adds complexity, increasing potential costs for CV joints, wheel bearings, and related parts, especially in harsh climates.
- Tires and brakes: AWD Subarus often require careful tire selection and rotation; brake components can wear faster on models that see heavy use or towing.
- Maintenance schedule and oil type: Using synthetic oil and following model-specific service intervals can affect annual costs, but helps prevent expensive failures over time.
In summary, routine maintenance tends to be in the same ballpark as other mainstream brands, while certain older engines and turbocharged variants can raise repair bills if problems are not addressed promptly.
Common model-year pain points
Specific model years and engine options carry widely discussed maintenance considerations. The most notable patterns include older EJ25 engines with gasket issues, oil consumption on some newer FB-series engines, and turbocharged variants. This section explains what owners typically encounter and how to plan for it.
- Older EJ25 2.5L engines: a higher incidence of head-gasket failures that can be costly to fix.
- Oil consumption concerns: certain FB-series engines have been reported to burn oil more than average, leading to more frequent top-offs and potential inspections.
- Turbo models (WRX/STI): increased maintenance costs due to turbo hardware, cooling requirements, and potentially higher wear on drivetrain components.
- Improvements over time: Subaru refined gasket designs and engine internals in later generations, generally reducing some earlier reliability concerns.
Being aware of these patterns helps owners budget for maintenance and prioritize timely repairs, which can prevent more expensive damage later.
What to expect by model family
Maintenance costs can vary by model family. Here’s a snapshot of typical considerations for common Subaru lines.
Outback, Forester, and Legacy
These mainstream models share many components and offer practical utility. Routine maintenance is standard, with AWD contributing to tire and brake wear. Some older 2.5L engines carried head-gasket risk, so history and mileage matter when budgeting for repairs.
Impreza and Crosstrek
Compact models with efficient engines; Crosstrek’s trims include turbo options that can raise maintenance costs. Overall, these lineups tend to have predictable upkeep, though turbo variants may require closer monitoring of oil and cooling systems.
Putting it in perspective: ownership costs
Compared with many non-luxury brands, Subarus offer competitive maintenance costs, especially given standard AWD on many trims. Insurance, financing, and depreciation also shape total ownership costs. The best way to keep maintenance affordable is to follow the owner’s manual, perform timely oil changes, replace worn tires and brakes when needed, and work with technicians who are experienced with Subarus rather than relying on generalists for every repair.
Conclusion
Subarus can be economical to maintain when cared for with regular service and prompt attention to early signs of trouble. The main caveat is that some older engines carry a higher risk of costly repairs, and turbocharged variants naturally run up maintenance bills more quickly. Checking the vehicle’s maintenance history, understanding the engine type, and budgeting for periodic AWD-related wear are key to predictable ownership costs.
Summary
Subarus generally offer maintenance costs comparable to other mainstream brands, with routine care staying affordable and predictable. However, older EJ25 engines and turbocharged models can incur higher repair bills. A proactive maintenance approach, model-year awareness, and using experienced Subaru technicians help keep ownership affordable over the long term.
