How long do Subaru struts last?

Most Subaru struts last roughly 50,000 to 100,000 miles; many drivers notice wear around 60,000–80,000 miles, but the exact lifespan varies by model and usage.

Lifespan expectations across Subaru models

Across Subaru's lineup, strut durability is broadly similar, but all-wheel-drive systems, ride height, and typical use can influence wear patterns. In normal highway driving on well-maintained roads, many struts reach the point where they feel noticeably worn around the 70,000–90,000 mile mark. In harsher conditions—excellent potholes, salted winter roads, or frequent off-road use—usable life can drop toward 40,000–60,000 miles. Replacement of struts is commonly done in pairs or on an axle to maintain balanced handling.

What factors affect strut life?

Driving conditions and load

Frequent impacts from potholes, speed bumps, or rough road surfaces, combined with heavy payloads or towing, place extra stress on the dampers and springs, often shortening their life compared with light, highway-only use.

Maintenance and alignment

Regular inspections, proper wheel alignment, and timely replacement of worn mounts or bushings help extend strut life. Misalignment or degraded mounts can increase stress on the shocks and shorten their usable life.

Quality of parts and installation

OEM or reputable aftermarket struts installed correctly tend to last longer than low-cost, ill-fitting parts. Substandard components or improper installation can lead to leaks, noises, and premature failure.

Signs your Subaru struts may be worn

Look for telltale indicators that the shocks or struts are reaching the end of their useful life. The following signs are among the most common warnings.

• Excessive bouncing or floating after bumps


• Hydraulic fluid leaks around the strut body


• Nose-diving during braking or squatting under acceleration


• Poor steering response, increased body roll, or instability in corners


• Uneven tire wear or cupping on the tread


• Unusual noises such as clunks, squeaks, or creaks when driving over rough surfaces

If you notice multiple signs, have a qualified technician inspect the suspension. Worn struts can affect ride quality, tire wear, and overall safety.

Replacement considerations

When struts reach the end of their life, plan replacements with these considerations in mind:

• Replace struts in pairs on the same axle to maintain even damping and handling


• Choose full strut assemblies (recommended) or separate components; OEM vs quality aftermarket options (e.g., KYB, Bilstein, Monroe) vary in cost and performance


• Inspect related components (strut mounts, upper bearings, springs) and replace as needed to avoid premature wear on new units


• Include alignment check and, if needed, wheel alignment or corner weighting after installation to ensure proper setup

Proper installation and a follow-up alignment help maximize the life of the new struts and preserve vehicle handling.

Summary

In summary, Subaru struts typically last between about 50,000 and 100,000 miles, with wear often becoming noticeable around 60,000–80,000 miles depending on road conditions and maintenance. Regular inspections, mindful driving, and timely replacement in pairs on an axle are key to preserving ride quality and safety. If you observe signs of wear, plan a suspension service and consider replacing related components to ensure balanced performance.

When to replace struts on a Subaru?

Signs indicating that it's time to replace your struts may include uneven tire wear, a bumpy ride, or difficulty steering. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's crucial to have your struts inspected by a skilled mechanic.

How much to replace struts on a Subaru?

The cost to replace Subaru struts can range from $800 to over $3,000, depending on the vehicle, the type of parts used (aftermarket vs. genuine), and whether both front and rear struts are replaced. A typical independent shop with aftermarket parts might charge between $800 and $1,000 for a full set of rear struts including labor, while a dealership using genuine parts can cost significantly more, with some estimates exceeding $3,000 for a full job. 
Cost breakdown and factors

• Parts: The cost of the struts themselves varies. 
  • Aftermarket: Can be around $300 for a set of shocks and springs. 
  • Genuine Subaru: A single front strut can have an MSRP of $170-$180, but this does not include installation or other fees. 
• Labor: Labor costs depend on the complexity of the job and the shop's hourly rate. 
  • An independent shop might charge around $500 for labor to replace both rear struts. 
  • Dealerships typically have higher labor rates and may charge more for the same work. 
• Vehicle Model and Year: Older or specific models may have different part costs and labor times. For example, a 2017 Forester front strut replacement could cost between $2,474 and $3,471 at a shop or dealership, while a 1999 Forester rear replacement might be estimated between $2,058 and $2,944. 
• Full vs. Partial Replacement: Replacing all four struts will cost more than replacing just the front or rear set. 

How to get an accurate quote

• Contact a local independent mechanic and a Subaru dealership for quotes specific to your vehicle's year, make, and model.
• Ask for a detailed breakdown of costs for parts and labor.
• Inquire about the brands of parts they use to understand the difference between aftermarket and genuine parts.

Can struts last 200,000 miles?

It is highly unlikely for original struts to last 200,000 miles; they typically need replacement between 50,000 and 100,000 miles. While it's possible for some struts to last longer depending on driving conditions, it's more common for them to wear out well before 200,000 miles. Signs of worn struts include excessive bouncing, poor handling, and a bumpy ride. 
Factors affecting strut life

• Driving conditions: Driving on rough roads, frequent potholes, and speed bumps will cause struts to wear out much faster than driving on smooth highways. 
• Driving style: Aggressive driving habits, such as high speeds, quick turns, and harsh braking, also shorten the lifespan of struts. 
• Vehicle age: Even without high mileage, time can cause components to degrade, making a 10-year-old vehicle a candidate for inspection even with lower mileage. 

Signs of worn-out struts

• Bouncing: The vehicle continues to bounce after hitting a bump instead of settling down after one bounce. 
• Poor handling: The car sways, leans, or dives during turns and lane changes. 
• Instability: There is a noticeable instability during braking. 
• Uneven tire wear: Worn struts can cause uneven wear on your tires. 
• Leaking fluid: Visible fluid leaks around the strut assembly are a clear indicator of a problem. 

What to do if you suspect worn struts

• Have a qualified technician inspect your suspension, especially if you notice any of the signs mentioned above. 
• It is often recommended to replace struts in pairs (both on the same axle) to ensure balanced performance. 
• If your vehicle has high mileage and the struts have never been replaced, it is wise to have them inspected and potentially replaced, even if you haven't noticed any obvious symptoms. 

What are the signs of a bad strut?

Symptoms of a bad strut include a bouncy or uncontrolled ride, excessive vehicle body roll or sway when cornering, and the vehicle nose-diving during braking. Other signs are visible fluid leaks from the strut, unusual noises like clunking or grinding, and uneven tire wear (cupping or scalloping).
 
Ride quality 

• Excessive bouncing: The vehicle continues to bounce up and down more than once after hitting a bump. 
• Body roll: The car leans or sways excessively when making turns. 
• Nose-diving: The front end dips down significantly during hard braking. 
• Rear squat: The back end of the vehicle squats or dips down when you accelerate. 

Handling and performance

• Poor handling: The vehicle feels unstable or wobbly, especially at higher speeds. 
• Longer stopping distance: It takes longer for your car to come to a complete stop. 
• Vibrating steering wheel: A slight vibration may be normal, but a noticeable shake when driving on bumpy roads can indicate bad struts. 

Visual and auditory signs 

• Fluid leaks: Look for oil or fluid leaking from the strut's exterior, which can cause dirt and debris to accumulate around it. 
• Unusual noises: Listen for sounds like clunking, knocking, grinding, or creaking, especially when going over bumps or turning. 
• Uneven tire wear: Check your tires for signs of "cupping" or "scalloping," which can be caused by the tire bouncing on the road. 
• Visible damage: Inspect for any visible dents or damage to the strut itself.