Subaru Subaru years to avoid
Across 1977–2003, no single Subaru year stands out as one to avoid by our thresholds. The 2002 drew the most complaints; 1985 the fewest.
66
Total complaints
10
Recall campaigns
1977–2003
Years covered
0
Years to avoid
Complaints by model year
Every Subaru year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 2 | 0 | |
| 2002 | 7 | 0 | |
| 2001 | 3 | 0 | |
| 1999 | 3 | 0 | |
| 1998 | 2 | 0 | |
| 1997 | 4 | 0 | |
| 1996 | 6 | 0 | |
| 1995 | 7 | 0 | |
| 1993 | 3 | 0 | |
| 1992 | 6 | 0 | |
| 1991 | 1 | 0 | |
| 1990 | 3 | 0 | |
| 1989 | 1 | 0 | |
| 1988 | 7 | 0 | |
| 1987 | 4 | 0 | |
| 1986 | 3 | 0 | |
| 1985 | 0 | 0 | |
| 1984 | 0 | 1 | |
| 1983 | 1 | 1 | |
| 1982 | 3 | 3 | |
| 1981 | 0 | 4 | |
| 1980 | 0 | 4 | |
| 1979 | 0 | 1 | |
| 1978 | 0 | 2 | |
| 1977 | 0 | 2 |
Common questions
What is the best year for the Subaru Subaru?
By complaint volume, 1985 has the cleanest NHTSA record among Subaru years with enough data to compare.
How many recalls does the Subaru Subaru have?
Across all model years, the Subaru has 10 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 66 consumer complaints on file.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.