Subaru Maintenance: Cost, Plans and Service Schedule

Are Subarus expensive to maintain?

All cars cost a fair amount to maintain, so whether a given make is expensive to drive depends on how it compares with other automakers. RepairPal estimates that across all models, the average maintenance and repair cost for Subaru vehicles is $617 per year, slightly lower than the industry average.

That puts Subaru in the middle ground: more affordable to maintain than many luxury brands, but not as inexpensive as some Toyota or Honda models. Costs still vary a lot by model, age, mileage and how you drive.

Subaru vs. competitors

The table below illustrates how Subaru's average annual maintenance costs and reliability ratings compare with those of major industry competitors.

Subaru maintenance and repair costs by model

Some Subaru models cost less to maintain than others, which is one reason broad brand averages only tell part of the story.

Maintenance vs. repairs

The above estimates include both maintenance and repairs, but it helps to separate them because the two costs behave very differently:

• Maintenance refers to any service that’s part of the vehicle’s recommended upkeep schedule. These planned services keep your Subaru running as intended and aren’t performed due to a failure or mechanical fault.
• Repairs, on the other hand, are needed when a component malfunctions or breaks.

Author’s note

In my time as a mechanic, I’ve met a lot of Subaru owners who push their vehicles to the extreme in outdoorsy, adventurous pursuits. However, if you're pushing your Subaru to its limits, it’s important to do more frequent maintenance.

» RELATED: Best states for summer road trips

Subaru maintenance schedule and costs

Subaru publishes a different maintenance schedule for each of its models, so we can’t include every detail here. You can find the recommended schedule for your vehicle by talking to a local dealer or looking in your owner's manual.

If you're looking for digital maintenance schedule information for your Subaru, check your My Subaru account and schedule your next service online with a Subaru dealer. Your local Subaru maintenance center can help you keep track of what should be done when to keep your car operating at its best.

Here are some standard Subaru maintenance intervals to plan for:

• Every 6,000 miles: Oil change, filter change and tire rotation.
• Every 12,000 miles: Cabin air filter replacement and multipoint inspection.
• Every 30,000 miles: Brake fluid replacement plus inspections of drive belts, the engine coolant system and the fuel system.
• Every 60,000 miles: Wheel bearing inspection and spark plug replacement.

Typical maintenance costs for Subarus

These ranges are examples from specific Subaru models, so your actual bill may differ by location, labor rates and parts prices.

Subaru repair costs

Subaru repair bills are generally manageable, but certain components, such as catalytic converters and head gaskets, can lead to high out-of-pocket costs if they fail outside the warranty period.

According to RepairPal, the most common recurring problems reported by Subaru drivers include:

• Catalytic converter malfunction: A failing catalytic converter can cause your vehicle to fail emissions tests. Catalytic converter replacement costs range from $900 to $4,500.
• Blown head gasket: Subaru has received a bad rap in the past for failing head gaskets, but most of the design problems were reportedly fixed in 2014, so older models are usually the most susceptible. Head gasket replacements can range from $3,400 to $5,500.
• Front O2 sensor issue: The front oxygen sensor on some Subaru vehicles can crack, prompting a recall. Luckily, that recall means you can get this issue fixed for free.

Common Subaru problems

Subarus are generally safe and reliable, but some owners encounter frustrating issues. For instance, Judy in Texas reported a recurring structural vulnerability during regular upkeep: “In the past year I have had three different occasions where a wheel stud failed and had to be replaced during basic tire rotation and maintenance. According to my tire store this is a very common complaint about Subarus.”

Similarly, C. in California has had “nothing but problems” with their 2017 Subaru Outback, highlighting that ownership costs can spike unexpectedly: “Also, the amount of maintenance this car requires is absolutely the worst in my experience. There always seems to be a problem that costs tons,” C. told us.

Subaru recalls and safety notices

In early 2025, Subaru recalled 20,000 vehicles for defective wheels stemming from a manufacturing error on the 2025 Subaru Forester. You can enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) directly on Subaru’s site to see if your specific vehicle has any open recalls.

Subaru service vs. independent shops

Subaru service centers employ factory-trained technicians who undergo continuous, Subaru-specific training. Unlike general mechanics at independent shops, these experts are:

• Certified by Subaru to understand the unique engineering of Subaru vehicles, like its Boxer engines and symmetrical all-wheel-drive systems.
• Kept up-to-date with the latest service protocols, diagnostic methods and technical bulletins issued directly from the manufacturer.
• More likely to accurately diagnose issues quickly and correctly the first time, reducing guesswork and avoiding unnecessary repairs.

This specialized expertise results in higher-quality service and long-term peace of mind, though it often comes with a premium price tag compared to independent mechanics. Independent shops can still be a smart choice for routine work if they have good Subaru experience and competitive labor rates.

What to know about Subaru warranties

Subaru’s factory warranty can soften the cost of unexpected repairs, but it doesn’t cover everything forever. At the time of publishing, new Subaru vehicles include three years or 36,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage and five years or 60,000 miles of powertrain coverage. This is about average for the industry but far short of what the best new car warranties offer.

Unlike some competitors, Subaru does not offer free maintenance plans nationwide, and prepaid maintenance availability service plans vary by market. That means some owners may need to compare local dealer plans with third-party maintenance or protection options.

How can an extended warranty help?

Prepaid maintenance plans and extended warranties can offset the prices for maintenance and repairs. Prepaid maintenance plans can offer discounted rates on maintenance services, while extended warranties provide coverage once your vehicle’s factory warranty expires.

Extended warranties are available from both Subaru and third-party warranty companies.

Because repairs tend to be more expensive than maintenance, extended warranties generally have more upside than prepaid maintenance plans and make more sense as you approach the end of factory warranty protection, but there is still some risk involved. The money you spend on your extended warranty could be a waste if your vehicle doesn’t need big enough repairs to outweigh the cost of your warranty.

Subaru offers extended warranties through its Added Security program, but you may find a better fit with another extended warranty provider.

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