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Subaru Ranks Highest in Consumer Reports’ Latest Auto Reliability Study

Subaru Tops 2024 Auto Reliability Rankings | MotorVero

Subaru Claims Top Spot in Consumer Reports' 2024 Auto Reliability Survey

Subaru reliability

In a surprising industry shift, Subaru has dethroned long-time leaders Lexus and Toyota to become the most reliable automotive brand according to Consumer Reports' comprehensive annual study.

Understanding the Consumer Reports Reliability Study

Consumer Reports, the nonprofit consumer advocacy organization known for its rigorous product testing, has released its 2024 Annual Auto Reliability Survey results. This year's findings are particularly noteworthy as they mark a significant change in the automotive reliability landscape.

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The survey incorporates data from over 300,000 vehicles owned by Consumer Reports members, covering model years from 2000 through 2025. Researchers evaluate 20 potential trouble areas across each vehicle, weighting problems by severity to calculate each brand's reliability score.

How Reliability Scores Are Calculated

Consumer Reports' methodology is among the most comprehensive in the industry:

  • Survey Scope: Covers 20 potential problem areas from minor interior issues to major powertrain failures
  • Severity Weighting: Problems are weighted based on their impact on vehicle operation and repair costs
  • Data Collection: Combines member surveys with road test data and safety information
  • Model Coverage: Includes vehicles from model year 2000 through 2025 (with projections for newest models)

2024 Reliability Rankings: The Complete Breakdown

The 2024 results reveal significant movement in brand reliability rankings, with Subaru's ascent being the most dramatic development. Here's the complete ranking of brands that had sufficient data for evaluation:

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Rank Brand Reliability Score Notable Change
1 Subaru 68 ↑ 5 positions from 2023
2 Lexus 65 ↓ 1 position
3 Toyota 62 ↓ 1 position
4 Honda 59 ↑ 2 positions
5 Acura 55 ↑ 3 positions
6 Mazda 55 ↓ 1 position
7 Audi 54 ↑ 4 positions
8 BMW 53 ↑ 5 positions
9 Kia 51 ↓ 3 positions
10 Hyundai 50 ↓ 3 positions

Why Subaru Topped the Rankings

Consumer Reports car rankings

Subaru's rise to the top is particularly interesting given that it doesn't share the same reputation for bulletproof reliability as traditional leaders Lexus and Toyota. Several factors contributed to this year's results:

  • Consistent Performance: Most Subaru models scored above average in reliability
  • Model Refresh Timing: Many Subaru vehicles are in stable production cycles with proven components
  • Simplified Tech: Subaru has been conservative with new technology adoption compared to some competitors
  • Owner Satisfaction: High marks for maintenance costs and dealer service experience

The only exception was Subaru's Solterra electric vehicle, which scored below average - suggesting the brand's strength lies primarily in its conventional powertrains.

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Reliability by Vehicle Type and Powertrain

Consumer Reports' data reveals significant variations in reliability across different vehicle categories and propulsion systems:

Vehicle Type Reliability Averages

  • Cars (sedans, hatchbacks, wagons): 60/100
  • Minivans: 57/100
  • SUVs: 49/100
  • Pickup Trucks: 36/100

Powertrain Reliability Insights

The survey provides fascinating insights into how different propulsion technologies compare in real-world reliability:

Powertrain Type Reliability Compared to ICE Key Findings
Internal Combustion (ICE) Baseline Remains the most reliable option overall
Regular Hybrids Nearly equal Remarkable given added complexity
Electric Vehicles (EVs) 42% more problems Improving rapidly from 79% in 2023
Plug-in Hybrids (PHEVs) 70% more problems Improved from 146% in 2023

While traditional internal combustion engines still lead in reliability, the gap is closing rapidly for alternative powertrains. Electric vehicles showed the most dramatic improvement year-over-year, with problem rates dropping from 79% higher than ICE vehicles in 2023 to just 42% higher in 2024.

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Key Trends and Industry Implications

The 2024 reliability survey reveals several important trends that could shape consumer decisions and manufacturer priorities:

Asian Brands Maintain Dominance

Asian automakers continue to lead reliability rankings, occupying 7 of the top 10 positions. However, European brands are making gains, with Audi and BMW both climbing significantly in this year's rankings.

EV Reliability Improvements

The rapid improvement in EV reliability scores suggests manufacturers are addressing early teething problems with electric powertrains. This trend could accelerate as automakers gain more experience with EV production and design.

The Complexity-Reliability Tradeoff

Vehicles with simpler systems (like traditional cars without complex infotainment or advanced driver aids) tend to score higher. This helps explain why some luxury brands struggle to match the reliability of more mainstream manufacturers.

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What This Means for Car Buyers

For consumers shopping for a new or used vehicle, the survey provides several important takeaways:

  • Traditional sedans remain the most reliable body style
  • Hybrids offer excellent reliability with fuel economy benefits
  • EVs are improving but still carry higher risk of problems
  • New model years often have more issues than established designs

The Consumer Reports Auto Reliability Survey provides invaluable insights for car shoppers, combining real-world ownership experiences with rigorous testing. While Subaru's rise to the top marks a significant shift in the industry, the broader trends toward improving EV reliability and continued Asian brand dominance remain key stories for 2024.

Note: Rankings are based on Consumer Reports' 2024 Auto Reliability Survey of member experiences with over 300,000 vehicles. Individual experiences may vary.

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Last Updated On May, 19-2025

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