Subaru Claims Top Spot in Consumer Reports' 2024 Auto Reliability Survey
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.
--FIRST CAR LIST HERE--
Key Finding: Subaru achieved a reliability score of 68 out of 100, surpassing Lexus (65) and Toyota (62) to claim the top position for the first time in the survey's history.
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:
--TOP ADVERTISEMENT HERE--
| 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
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.
--SECOND CAR LIST HERE--
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.
--FIRST CONTENT ADVERTISEMENT HERE--
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.
--THIRD CAR LIST HERE--
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
