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Subaru Outback vs. Volkswagen Golf Reliability by Model Generation

Results are for year ending June 30, 2018. Only successfully completed repairs are currently included in the analysis. Routine maintenance, most wear items, recalls, and problems fixed with just a reflash or warning light reset are not included.
Year and Model % of Average Repair Frequency  
2018 Subaru Outback Reliability by Generation2018 Subaru Outback
5.4285714285714% Best 47% Worst
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2015 - 2017 Subaru Outback Reliability by Generation2015 - 2017 Subaru Outback
21.428571428571% Best 75% Worst
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2015 - 2017 Volkswagen Golf / GTI Reliability by Generation2015 - 2017 Volkswagen Golf / GTI
48.285714285714% Best 122% Worst
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2013 - 2014 Subaru Outback Reliability by Generation2013 - 2014 Subaru Outback
29.428571428571% Best 89% Worst
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2010 - 2014 Volkswagen Jetta / Golf / GTI Reliability by Generation2010 - 2014 Volkswagen Jetta / Golf / GTI
46% Best 118% Worst
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2010 - 2012 Subaru Outback Reliability by Generation2010 - 2012 Subaru Outback
40.285714285714% Best 108% Worst
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2007 - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta / Golf / GTI Reliability by Generation2007 - 2009 Volkswagen Jetta / Golf / GTI
60.857142857143% Best 144% Worst
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2005 - 2009 Subaru Outback Reliability by Generation2005 - 2009 Subaru Outback
62% Best 146% Worst
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2000 - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta / Golf / GTI Reliability by Generation2000 - 2006 Volkswagen Jetta / Golf / GTI
46% Best 118% Worst
See problems for this generation
2000 - 2004 Subaru Outback Reliability by Generation2000 - 2004 Subaru Outback
55.714285714286% Best 135% Worst
See problems for this generation

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TrueDelta Reviews the Reliability And Durability of the Subaru Outback

Subaru Outback Reliability And Durability: Neutral
YearComment
2015 Most people would assume that the Outback will also prove far more reliable than the Cherokee (a Jeep with Fiat roots), and buy the Subaru for this reason. But they're about even in our reliability stats so far--both are good but not great--and some owners of 2011-2013 Subarus with this four-cylinder engine have been reporting excessive oil consumption. Odds based on the past history of Subarus and Jeeps still favor the Outback, but I'll withhold judgment for at least another year or two. full 2015 Subaru Outback review
 

What Our Members Are Saying about the Reliability And Durability of the Subaru Outback

Subaru Outback Reliability And Durability: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2012 4dr Wagon 256-horsepower 3.6L H6
5-speed shiftable automatic AWD
I have nearly 30,000 miles and other than oil changes and other Subaru recommended service zero issues. I am just not noticing that my brakes aren't as strong as they once were, will probably have the pads replaced next service interval. full 2012 Subaru Outback review
2011 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4
6-speed shiftable CVT AWD
So far everything is great and it goes like crazy in the snow. full 2011 Subaru Outback review
2011 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4
6-speed shiftable CVT AWD
Reputation and family and friends experience tell me I will have this vehicle for a long time. full 2011 Subaru Outback review
2011 4dr Wagon 256-horsepower 3.6L H6
5-speed shiftable automatic AWD
Most owners rave about its Duability and Reliability and a big percentage of the autos are on the road after 10 years full 2011 Subaru Outback review
2011 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4
6-speed shiftable CVT AWD
I just took my 2011 Outback 2.5 Limited in for its timing belt. I have 105,230 miles on the car and bought it new. It is hard to think this car was anything but a great purchase decision. $30 in repairs (gas cap, wasn't stranded) was all I've spent. I had a 2009 Jetta TDI before despite the mileage of the TDI, the Outback is much cheaper to drive. I have purchase a new battery, changed the differential fluid for the 3rd time and use Mobil 1 syth+filter every 7500 mi. Changed the spark plugs at 60k. Don't. Waste of time. They looked brand new. Will do again every 100k. Air filters every 20-30k. Headlights are a pain to change (Youtube). Mine lasted 60k. Guessing the shop will tell me when I need brakes. I think it will be a while still. full 2011 Subaru Outback review
2010 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4
6-speed shiftable CVT AWD
Proven reliability. full 2010 Subaru Outback review
2010 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4
6-speed shiftable CVT AWD
My wife and four kids drive Subarus. All are expected to be driven well over 100,000 miles. None have disappointed us. The AWD system is bulletproof. Standard maintenance procedures will assure long life. full 2010 Subaru Outback review
2010 4dr Wagon 256-horsepower 3.6L H6
5-speed shiftable automatic AWD
Too early to tell. full 2010 Subaru Outback review
2010 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4
6-speed shiftable CVT AWD
Everything about this car seems to be about for and function. Based on reports and friends own experiences I have been told to expect excellent reliability and durability. Most importantly are the number of satisfied owners I have questioned at random. full 2010 Subaru Outback review
2010 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4
6-speed shiftable CVT AWD
I purchase a 1-2 year old used vehicle which I then drive for 10 years at a time. I chose the Subaru due to it's longevity and reliability and it's not been disappointing so far. I'm hoping to get 200k+ miles out of this vehicle and from rea full 2010 Subaru Outback review
Subaru Outback Reliability And Durability: Cons
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2010 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4
6-speed shiftable CVT AWD
No repairs needed except for headlamp bulbs and my brakes are still almost new after 78,000 miles. full 2010 Subaru Outback review
2007 4dr Wagon 175-horsepower 2.5L H4
4-speed shiftable automatic AWD
I do have some reliability concerns, as this engine is notorious for head gasket problems. I noticed that my coolant tank was empty a couple weeks ago. I'm going to track it closely now, but I will be very disappointed if I have to do major work on this engine (head gaskets). full 2007 Subaru Outback review
2005 4dr Wagon 168-horsepower 2.5L H4
5-speed manual AWD
Anecdotal reports of engine head gasket problems made me wary. full 2005 Subaru Outback review
 

TrueDelta Reviews the Reliability And Durability of the Subaru Outback

Subaru Outback Reliability And Durability: Neutral
YearComment
2015 Most people would assume that the Outback will also prove far more reliable than the Cherokee (a Jeep with Fiat roots), and buy the Subaru for this reason. But they're about even in our reliability stats so far--both are good but not great--and some owners of 2011-2013 Subarus with this four-cylinder engine have been reporting excessive oil consumption. Odds based on the past history of Subarus and Jeeps still favor the Outback, but I'll withhold judgment for at least another year or two. full 2015 Subaru Outback review
 

What Our Members Are Saying about the Reliability And Durability of the Subaru Outback

Subaru Outback Reliability And Durability: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2012 4dr Wagon 256-horsepower 3.6L H6
5-speed shiftable automatic AWD
I have nearly 30,000 miles and other than oil changes and other Subaru recommended service zero issues. I am just not noticing that my brakes aren't as strong as they once were, will probably have the pads replaced next service interval. full 2012 Subaru Outback review
2011 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4
6-speed shiftable CVT AWD
So far everything is great and it goes like crazy in the snow. full 2011 Subaru Outback review
2011 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4
6-speed shiftable CVT AWD
Reputation and family and friends experience tell me I will have this vehicle for a long time. full 2011 Subaru Outback review
2011 4dr Wagon 256-horsepower 3.6L H6
5-speed shiftable automatic AWD
Most owners rave about its Duability and Reliability and a big percentage of the autos are on the road after 10 years full 2011 Subaru Outback review
2011 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4
6-speed shiftable CVT AWD
I just took my 2011 Outback 2.5 Limited in for its timing belt. I have 105,230 miles on the car and bought it new. It is hard to think this car was anything but a great purchase decision. $30 in repairs (gas cap, wasn't stranded) was all I've spent. I had a 2009 Jetta TDI before despite the mileage of the TDI, the Outback is much cheaper to drive. I have purchase a new battery, changed the differential fluid for the 3rd time and use Mobil 1 syth+filter every 7500 mi. Changed the spark plugs at 60k. Don't. Waste of time. They looked brand new. Will do again every 100k. Air filters every 20-30k. Headlights are a pain to change (Youtube). Mine lasted 60k. Guessing the shop will tell me when I need brakes. I think it will be a while still. full 2011 Subaru Outback review
2010 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4
6-speed shiftable CVT AWD
Proven reliability. full 2010 Subaru Outback review
2010 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4
6-speed shiftable CVT AWD
My wife and four kids drive Subarus. All are expected to be driven well over 100,000 miles. None have disappointed us. The AWD system is bulletproof. Standard maintenance procedures will assure long life. full 2010 Subaru Outback review
2010 4dr Wagon 256-horsepower 3.6L H6
5-speed shiftable automatic AWD
Too early to tell. full 2010 Subaru Outback review
2010 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4
6-speed shiftable CVT AWD
Everything about this car seems to be about for and function. Based on reports and friends own experiences I have been told to expect excellent reliability and durability. Most importantly are the number of satisfied owners I have questioned at random. full 2010 Subaru Outback review
2010 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4
6-speed shiftable CVT AWD
I purchase a 1-2 year old used vehicle which I then drive for 10 years at a time. I chose the Subaru due to it's longevity and reliability and it's not been disappointing so far. I'm hoping to get 200k+ miles out of this vehicle and from rea full 2010 Subaru Outback review
Subaru Outback Reliability And Durability: Cons
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2010 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4
6-speed shiftable CVT AWD
No repairs needed except for headlamp bulbs and my brakes are still almost new after 78,000 miles. full 2010 Subaru Outback review
2007 4dr Wagon 175-horsepower 2.5L H4
4-speed shiftable automatic AWD
I do have some reliability concerns, as this engine is notorious for head gasket problems. I noticed that my coolant tank was empty a couple weeks ago. I'm going to track it closely now, but I will be very disappointed if I have to do major work on this engine (head gaskets). full 2007 Subaru Outback review
2005 4dr Wagon 168-horsepower 2.5L H4
5-speed manual AWD
Anecdotal reports of engine head gasket problems made me wary. full 2005 Subaru Outback review