Subaru's lineup has 610 recorded NHTSA recalls across 21 models (1981–2026) and averages 4.2/5 for reliability on ForCar. Check any Subaru's open recalls, owner complaints, MPG and NHTSA safety below — or decode its VIN for the exact build. Free, by model and year.
Each model's ForCar Reliability Score is built from NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency (25%) and complaint severity (35%) — not user reviews. Brand score = average of rated models.
Subaru — VIN decoder & full model lineup
Subaru has a long and storied history rooted in Japanese engineering, particularly known for its symmetrical all-wheel-drive systems that provide exceptional handling and safety. These vehicles consistently appeal to outdoor enthusiasts, families prioritizing reliability, and drivers who value confident performance in all weather conditions. At ForCar.org, you can decode any Subaru VIN to uncover complete vehicle specifications, identify past recall history, and access a wealth of detailed information about your specific Subaru model.
Decode a Subaru VIN
Enter any 17-character Subaru VIN for its exact year, trim, engine and assembly plant — then its open recalls, safety ratings and original window sticker.
All Subaru models 21
Every Subaru model we track, grouped by body type. Click any model for its VIN decoder, recalls, MPG, safety and ForCar Reliability Score — broken down by year.
Subaru SUVs & crossovers 7
Subaru Cars & sedans 3
Subaru More models 11
Subaru recalls
Across the Subaru lineup, ForCar tracks 610 recorded NHTSA recalls — each tied to a specific model and year. There's no single "Subaru recall" number; open a model for its exact campaigns, affected parts and the free dealer fix.
| Subaru model | Recalls | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|
| Subaru Legacy | 219 | 4.0 /5 |
| Subaru Outback | 152 | 4.5 /5 |
| Subaru Impreza | 56 | 4.5 /5 |
| Subaru Baja | 41 | 3.5 /5 |
| Subaru GL | 19 | 3.5 /5 |
| Subaru DL | 19 | 3.5 /5 |
| Subaru Ascent | 17 | 4.5 /5 |
| Subaru XT | 15 | 4.0 /5 |
| Subaru Crosstrek | 14 | 4.5 /5 |
| Subaru Forester | 10 | 4.5 /5 |
Most-recalled system across Subaru: Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module. Source: NHTSA recall campaigns — open any model for full details by year.
Is Subaru reliable?
Across rated models, Subaru averages a 4.2/5 ForCar Reliability Score, with 17 models rated 4★ or higher. Each model is scored from NHTSA crash-test safety, recall frequency and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury — not user reviews.
Subaru competes in mainstream passenger and SUV segments with above-average pricing offset by standard all-wheel drive on every model except the BRZ. The brand's US sales concentrate in northern states with snow exposure (Colorado, Vermont, New Hampshire) where AWD provides differentiated value. Subaru is the only mainstream brand whose entire lineup is rated IIHS Top Safety Pick or higher.
Subaru models by owner-complaint volume (NHTSA):
| Subaru model | Owner complaints | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|
| Subaru Outback | 8,479 | 4.5 /5 |
| Subaru Legacy | 3,338 | 4.0 /5 |
| Subaru Forester | 1,816 | 4.5 /5 |
| Subaru Ascent | 993 | 4.5 /5 |
| Subaru Crosstrek | 634 | 4.5 /5 |
| Subaru SVX | 305 | 4.5 /5 |
| Subaru XV CrossTrek | 299 | 4.0 /5 |
| Subaru Impreza | 178 | 4.5 /5 |
| Subaru Baja | 118 | 3.5 /5 |
| Subaru BRZ | 98 | 5.0 /5 |
Higher complaint counts often track higher sales volume, not necessarily worse reliability — open a model for its complaints by year and best/worst-year analysis.
Most fuel-efficient Subaru models
The most fuel-efficient Subaru models by EPA combined MPG — hybrids and small engines lead. Open any model for its full city / highway / combined rating by engine and year.
| Model | Best combined MPG | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Subaru Solterra | 120 mpg | Car |
| Subaru Crosstrek | 36 mpg | Car |
| Subaru Forester | 35 mpg | Car |
| Subaru Impreza | 32 mpg | Car |
| Subaru Legacy | 30 mpg | Car |
| Subaru Outback | 29 mpg | Car |
| Subaru BRZ | 28 mpg | Car |
| Subaru GL | 25 mpg | Car |
Best EPA combined rating per model (highest across engines and years). Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov.
Safest Subaru models
Subaru models by NHTSA overall crash-test rating (5★ is best). Open a model for its frontal, side and rollover scores by year.
| Subaru model | NHTSA safety | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|
| Subaru BRZ | ★★★★★ | 5.0 /5 |
| Subaru Outback | ★★★★★ | 4.5 /5 |
| Subaru Crosstrek | ★★★★★ | 4.5 /5 |
| Subaru Forester | ★★★★★ | 4.5 /5 |
| Subaru Impreza | ★★★★★ | 4.5 /5 |
| Subaru WRX | ★★★★★ | 4.5 /5 |
| Subaru Ascent | ★★★★★ | 4.5 /5 |
| Subaru Solterra | ★★★★★ | 4.5 /5 |
Best NHTSA overall 5-Star Safety rating per model (highest tested year). Source: NHTSA NCAP.
Subaru hybrids & electric models
Subaru's electrified lineup — 2 hybrids and 1 electric / plug-in. Click any model for its full powertrain, MPG and range by year.
Subaru hybrids 2
Subaru electric & plug-in 1
Electrified variants from EPA fueleconomy.gov powertrain data. A model may offer gas, hybrid and electric versions across years.
Get a Subaru window sticker by VIN
Recreate any Subaru's original Monroney label — MSRP, factory options, EPA MPG and safety — free from the VIN.
Subaru window stickers →How to read a Subaru VIN
Every Subaru built since 1981 carries a unique 17-character VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). It encodes where and when the vehicle was made, its engine and body — here's what each part means:
| Positions | Section | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| 1–3 | WMI | World Manufacturer Identifier — country and that it's a Subaru |
| 4–8 | VDS | Model, body style, engine and trim |
| 9 | Check digit | Validates the VIN isn't mistyped |
| 10 | Model year | The exact year (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025) |
| 11 | Plant | The factory that assembled it |
| 12–17 | Serial | The unique production sequence number |
Where to find your Subaru VIN: the lower-left corner of the windshield, the driver's door jamb sticker, or your registration and insurance documents. Paste it into the decoder above to read it instantly.
About Subaru
The 1958 Subaru 360, a kei-class minicar, was the first vehicle sold under the Subaru brand. The name Subaru is the Japanese term for the Pleiades star cluster, depicted in the brand logo as six stars representing the six companies merged in 1953. The 1972 Leone introduced the boxer-engine plus all-wheel-drive layout that remains Subaru's signature, and the 1995 Impreza WRX, developed for World Rally Championship homologation, became a global cult car.
| Founded | 1953 |
| Headquarters | Tokyo, Japan |
| Slogan | "Confidence in Motion" |
| Models tracked | 21 (1981–2026) |
Subaru — frequently asked
How do I decode a Subaru VIN for free?
Enter the 17-character VIN in the decoder at the top of this page. You'll get the exact year, trim, engine and plant, then can check that vehicle's recalls, MPG and safety — free, no signup.
How many Subaru models are there?
ForCar tracks 21 Subaru models spanning 1981–2026. See the full list above, ordered by how often each is searched.
Where is Subaru made?
Subaru is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, founded in 1953. Individual models are assembled at plants worldwide — the VIN's 11th character identifies the exact factory.
How do I check Subaru recalls?
Recalls are tracked per model and year. Open any Subaru model above to see its NHTSA recall campaigns, affected parts and the free dealer fix.
Which Subaru is most reliable?
Reliability varies by model and year. Each model page shows its ForCar Reliability Score (from NHTSA safety, recalls and complaint severity) so you can compare directly.
What's the Subaru warranty?
New Subaru vehicles come with a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Subaru dealer.