Do subarus have high maintenance costs?
In most cases, Subarus do not have unusually high maintenance costs; upkeep is generally in line with other mainstream brands.
However, costs can vary by model and year, with all-wheel-drive components, turbocharged engines, and older models potentially driving up expenses. This article examines what drives Subaru maintenance costs, what to expect across different models, and how to budget for ownership.
What drives Subaru maintenance costs
Key factors shaping ownership costs include the standard all-wheel drive, powertrain options, and age-related wear. AWD improves traction but brings components that might require more attention, especially tires and alignment. Turbocharged engines and CVTs add complexity and repair costs, while older 2.5-liter engines carry a history of head gasket and oil-consumption concerns that can lead to expensive fixes if neglected.
Routine maintenance and typical annual costs
Here is a practical breakdown of the main maintenance costs Subaru owners typically encounter each year.
- Routine maintenance and oil changes: expect about 5,000–7,500 miles between changes for many Subarus, with typical oil change costs ranging from roughly $60–$120 depending on synthetic vs. conventional oil and local labor rates.
- Tires and wheels: AWD requires properly matched tires; a full set of tires often costs roughly $500–$1,000, plus occasional wheel alignments.
- Brakes: brake-pad replacement usually runs about $150–$300 per axle, with rotors as needed adding to the bill.
- Fluids and inspections: coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid changes (where applicable) can add up to $100–$250 per service, depending on model and intervals.
- Major service items and parts: spark plugs, belts/drive components, and other scheduled items may cost $200–$500 at typical intervals; CVTs and turbo components can raise costs in some models.
Overall, routine upkeep tends to be affordable and on par with peers. Major repairs are less common but can be costly, especially for older non-turbo 2.5L engines or turbocharged models.
Model-specific considerations
Subaru's lineup includes economical crossovers and sportier models. Each has its own maintenance profile influenced by engine choice, drivetrain, and size.
All-wheel drive and tires
Because AWD is standard on many Subarus, tire costs, wheel alignment, and drivetrain service can form a larger portion of ownership costs than in two-wheel-drive rivals. Regular tire rotations and maintaining even tread is especially important for performance and safety.
- All-wheel-drive systems require properly matched tires and regular tire rotations; a set of four tires can cost roughly $500–$1,000, depending on size and brand.
- Wheel alignment and occasional drivetrain fluid checks add to annual maintenance.
In practice, AWD adds cost primarily through tires and alignment rather than frequent major repairs.
Engines and transmissions
Subaru uses a mix of naturally aspirated and turbocharged engines, plus CVTs in many models. Non-turbo 2.5L engines have historically required more attention to head-gasket issues in older units; modern engines have improved reliability. Turbocharged engines and CVTs tend to incur higher maintenance and potential repair costs due to higher-stress components and service requirements.
- CVT maintenance or replacement can be costly if problems arise; it's not unusual for CVT-related repairs to run into several thousand dollars.
- Turbocharged engines introduce additional parts (turbo, intercooler, wastegate) and higher fuel and oil-change costs; expected maintenance is higher than non-turbo variants.
- Regular spark plug replacement intervals and compatible fuel systems are important for longevity.
Model choice strongly influences expected maintenance bills, particularly when comparing economical crossovers to performance-oriented variants.
Model lineup notes
Subaru's most common models—Impreza, Legacy, Outback, Forester, Crosstrek—share many components but have different maintenance profiles based on size, weight, and powertrain. Performance-focused WRX and STI demand more frequent service and premium parts.
- WRX/STI models with turbocharged engines generally require more frequent maintenance and can have higher parts costs than standard models.
- Crossovers like Crosstrek and Forester are often cited as economical to maintain within their class, though tire costs remain a consideration due to AWD.
- Outback and Legacy combine mid-size practicality with shared engines, offering similar routine maintenance costs to other non-luxury brands.
Overall, your model choice matters; family-friendly models tend to keep maintenance closer to industry norms, while performance variants push costs higher.
Bottom line for buyers
When shopping for a Subaru, prioritize maintenance history and scheduled service as part of the total cost of ownership. A pre-purchase inspection with a trusted mechanic is advisable, especially for used units with unknown service records. Budget for routine maintenance, tires, brakes, and potential larger repairs, and factor in AWD-related costs when comparing models.
- Check for a complete service history: oil changes, transmission/CVT service, coolant flushes, timing belt/chain replacements if applicable, and brake service.
- Inspect tires and alignment; verify that tires have been replaced recently and tread is even across all wheels.
- Have a mechanic verify the condition of the CVT (if applicable) and look for oil leaks or oil consumption symptoms.
With thoughtful budgeting and preventive maintenance, Subarus remain reliable and affordable to maintain compared with many peers in the non-luxury segment.
Summary
Subarus are generally not expensive to maintain relative to other mainstream brands. Routine upkeep—oil changes, brakes, tires, and fluids—falls in a similar range to rivals, while model choices that include turbocharged engines or early AWD systems can raise costs. The best approach for prospective buyers or current owners is to track service history, address potential issues early, and budget for periodic major repairs, particularly for older 2.5L engines and turbo variants. A well-documented maintenance regimen typically translates into reliable ownership and reasonable ownership costs over time.
