What is Subarus biggest problem?
Subaru's biggest problem today is reliability concerns tied to aging engine designs and higher ownership costs, amplified by recalls and safety-perception challenges.
In more detail, the brand has faced persistent mechanical issues with older 2.5-liter engines (notably head-gasket failures) and oil consumption in certain generations, along with CVT transmission reliability questions. These technical challenges sit alongside the need to navigate recalls and the broader pressure of a competitive crossover market and a shifting emphasis toward electrification.
Root causes of the problem
Several overlapping issues have shaped Subaru's reliability record in recent years. Here are the most persistent problem areas:
- Head gasket failures in older 2.5-liter engines (notably generations used in models like the Legacy, Outback, and Forester from the late 1990s to mid-2000s).
- Oil consumption and related wear in certain engine families (notably some FA/FB engines produced in the 2012–2016 window).
- CVT transmissions and related repair costs, which can be higher than typical automatic transmissions and affect long-term ownership costs.
- Recalls and safety-related fixes (including Takata airbag campaigns) that influence reliability perception and total cost of ownership.
- Market competition and the need to accelerate electrification, which adds urgency to delivering durable powertrains across a wider SUV lineup.
These issues collectively influence ownership costs and consumer confidence, even as Subaru continues to push new technology and safety features.
Subaru's responses and strategies
To address reliability and market challenges, Subaru has pursued a mix of engineering upgrades, safety enhancements, and strategic moves. Here are notable steps the company has taken:
- Engine and cooling improvements in newer generations to reduce oil consumption and gasket risk, along with revised head gasket designs in late-model 2.5L engines.
- Expanded use of the EyeSight driver-assistance suite and other safety technologies to bolster brand value beyond traditional all-wheel-drive appeal.
- Improvements to the transmission lineup, including refinements to the CVT to improve durability and smoothness, along with ongoing warranty support for known issues.
- Electrification efforts, including the Subaru Solterra (developed with Toyota) and a broader joint plan with Toyota to accelerate BEVs and plug-in hybrids.
- Active recall management and quality-control measures aimed at reducing recall impact and maintaining customer trust.
Subaru’s path forward hinges on delivering durable, low-maintenance performance across its core models while expanding a credible, competitive electrified lineup and maintaining its safety-focused brand identity.
What to watch going forward
Observers say the most important signals will be how newer engines perform at high mileage, how CVT reliability evolves over time, and how the Solterra and future BEVs perform in real-world conditions—areas where Subaru has historically excelled and will be measured against competitors like Toyota and Honda.
Summary
Subaru’s biggest problem has been a combination of reliability challenges tied to legacy engine designs, occasional oil consumption, and CVT issues, all set against pressure from a crowded market for crossovers and the imperative to electrify. The company’s success in the coming decade will depend on delivering durable, low-maintenance performance across its lineup while advancing a credible electrified portfolio and preserving its safety-centric identity.
