Subaru vehicles are known for reliability, safety, and long-term ownership. Many drivers keep their Subaru well beyond the factory warranty period, which makes understanding your coverage (and what happens when it expires) extremely important.

This guide explains how Subaru warranty coverage works, what repairs typically cost after expiration, and how extended protection plans help control long-term ownership costs.

Subaru’s vehicle lineup includes models such as the Subaru Impreza, Subaru Legacy, Subaru Outback, Subaru Forester, Subaru Crosstrek, and the high-performance Subaru WRX and WRX STI. One of Subaru’s key strengths is its commitment to all-wheel drive technology, which comes standard on most of its models. This AWD capability provides enhanced traction and stability, making Subaru vehicles well-suited to a variety of driving conditions, including snow, rain, and rough terrain. Click here to view more information on Subaru trim levels.

Subaru Warranty Coverage Explained

Subaru warranty coverage can play a major role in long-term ownership costs, especially as vehicles age and factory protection reaches its limits. This page breaks down Subaru factory warranty terms, common post warranty repair risks, typical repair cost ranges, and how QualityGuard+Plus vehicle protection options can help manage unexpected repair expenses.

• What Is the Subaru Factory Warranty?
• What Happens When Subaru Warranty Coverage Expires?
• Subaru Repair Costs After Warranty (Common Examples)
• Subaru Added Security (Manufacturer Extended Warranty) Basics
• Subaru Warranty vs Extended Protection Plans (Comparison Table)
• Model Specific Subaru Warranty Notes (Outback, Forester, Crosstrek)
• Subaru Ownership Timeline (40k, 60k, 100k Miles)
• Protection Options Available Through QualityGuard+Plus
• Frequently Asked Questions About Subaru Warranty
• Get Protection for Your Subaru

What Is the Subaru Factory Warranty?

Every new Subaru comes with limited factory warranty coverage that protects against defects in materials or workmanship. Factory warranty coverage is time and mileage based, so it ends when you hit the time limit or the mileage limit (whichever happens first).

Standard Subaru factory warranty coverage includes:
Basic Limited Warranty (Bumper to Bumper)
3 years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first)
Covers most vehicle components including electrical systems, interior electronics, and a wide range of mechanical parts.

Powertrain Warranty
5 years or 60,000 miles
Covers major drivetrain components including the engine, transmission, and Subaru’s AWD system.

Rust Perforation Coverage
5 years, unlimited miles
Protects against corrosion that creates body panel perforation.

Wear Item Limited Warranty
3 years or 36,000 miles
Covers select wear items such as brake pads and wiper blades (subject to manufacturer terms).

Seat Belt Limited Warranty
Lifetime coverage
Provides lifetime limited warranty protection for seat belts.

Roadside Assistance
3 years or 36,000 miles
Includes towing, jump starts, and emergency assistance.

Once these coverage periods expire, repair costs become the owner’s responsibility.

What Happens When Subaru Warranty Coverage Expires?

Many Subaru owners keep their vehicles well beyond 60,000 miles. After factory coverage ends, drivers become responsible for repair costs, including expensive component failures.

Common out of pocket repairs after warranty expiration may include:

• CVT transmission repairs or replacement
• Engine oil consumption issues
• Wheel bearing failures
• Suspension component wear
• Electronic sensor failures
• Infotainment system repairs
• Air conditioning system failure

Modern vehicles contain advanced technology and complex mechanical systems, which means even moderate repairs can be expensive.

Subaru Repair Costs After Warranty (Common Examples)

Repair pricing varies by model, driving conditions, and service location, but common out of warranty repair costs may include:

• CVT transmission replacement: $4,000 to $8,000
• Engine repair or replacement: $3,500 to $7,500
• Head gasket repair: $1,500 to $3,000
• Electronic module replacement: $800 to $2,500
• Air conditioning system repair: $900 to $2,000

Unexpected repair costs are one of the primary reasons many Subaru owners explore extended protection options after factory warranty coverage ends.

Subaru Added Security (Manufacturer Extended Warranty) Basics

Subaru offers manufacturer backed extended coverage called Subaru Added Security. These plans extend certain protections beyond factory warranty limits and are typically available while the vehicle is still within original warranty eligibility.

Manufacturer extended warranties often:

• must be purchased within specific time or mileage limits
• may offer limited coverage term options
• can vary by dealership pricing
• may not be available after factory warranty expires

Because of these limitations, some owners explore vehicle service contracts that provide additional flexibility depending on eligibility.

Subaru Warranty vs Extended Protection Plans (Comparison Table)

The right option depends on how long you plan to keep your Subaru, your annual mileage, and how comfortable you are paying for unexpected repairs out of pocket. This table provides a simple comparison between factory warranty coverage, manufacturer extended warranty options, and vehicle service contract style protection.

Feature	Subaru Factory Warranty	Subaru Added Security (Manufacturer Extended)	QualityGuard+Plus Vehicle Service Contract Options
When it applies	New vehicle coverage for set time and mileage	Typically purchased during factory eligibility window	Often considered after factory warranty (eligibility required)
Term limits	3 years or 36,000 miles basic, 5 years or 60,000 miles powertrain	Varies by plan and dealer offering	Multiple coverage levels and terms (varies by plan and eligibility)
Repair cost protection	Covers qualifying repairs during warranty period	Covers qualifying repairs during contract period	Helps protect essential vehicle systems beyond factory warranty (plan terms apply)
Roadside benefits	Roadside assistance during coverage period	Varies by plan	Plans may include 24/7 roadside assistance and towing
Rental and trip interruption	Varies by program and situation	Varies by plan	Many plans include car rental and trip interruption reimbursement
Where repairs can be done	Typically at authorized repair facilities	Typically at participating facilities	Nationwide repair facility network

Model Specific Subaru Warranty Notes (Outback, Forester, Crosstrek)

Subaru factory warranty terms are generally consistent across models, but ownership patterns and repair risk can vary by vehicle type and usage.

Subaru Outback warranty considerations
Many Outback owners drive high annual mileage for commuting and travel. Planning for post warranty repair costs is important once you approach 60,000 miles.

Subaru Forester warranty considerations
Forester owners often keep the vehicle for long term reliability and practicality. Extended protection can be relevant for owners planning to keep the vehicle past factory coverage.

Subaru Crosstrek warranty considerations
Crosstrek models are commonly owned for long periods and used in mixed driving conditions. Coverage planning can help manage unexpected repair expenses after factory warranty expiration.

Subaru Ownership Timeline (40k, 60k, 100k Miles)

A simple way to think about Subaru warranty coverage is to break it into mileage milestones.

At around 40,000 miles
Many vehicles are approaching the end of the basic limited warranty (depending on how quickly mileage accumulates). This is a common point where owners begin comparing extended coverage options.

At around 60,000 miles
This is a major milestone because Subaru powertrain warranty coverage typically ends here. Owners often start evaluating protection options that can help with larger repair costs.

At around 100,000 miles
Repair cost exposure increases as components wear and the vehicle ages. If you plan to keep your Subaru long term, protection planning can help manage unexpected expenses (eligibility and plan options vary).

Protection Options Available Through QualityGuard+Plus

QualityGuard+Plus offers multiple protection options for qualifying vehicles. Availability depends on vehicle age, mileage, and plan qualifications.

QualityGuard+Plus Vehicle Service Contract
This plan is designed to help protect essential vehicle systems beyond factory warranty. Plans are available for many vehicles up to 10 years old with less than 100,000 miles on the odometer, with multiple coverage levels and flexible terms.

Benefits may include:

• nationwide repair facility network
• 24/7 roadside assistance and towing
• car rental and trip interruption reimbursement
• optional consumer payment plan with flexible terms and no credit check required

QualityGuard+Plus High-Mileage Plan
This option is intended for vehicles that exceed standard plan qualifications due to age or mileage. Multiple coverage levels are available and term options depending on eligibility.

Benefits may include:

• nationwide repair facility network
• towing and roadside assistance
• rental and trip interruption benefits
• additional benefits such as lost key and lock out benefits

QualityGuard+Plus Certified Pre-Owned Limited Warranty Upgrade (CPO Wrap)
This option is an upgrade for eligible certified pre owned vehicles. CPO Wraps are available up to 90 days after purchase of a certified pre owned vehicle and include expanded protection for many vehicle systems.

QualityGuard+Plus Prepaid Maintenance
Prepaid maintenance plans are designed to help cover scheduled maintenance for qualifying vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions About Subaru Warranty

How long does Subaru factory warranty last?
Basic coverage typically lasts 3 years or 36,000 miles. Powertrain coverage typically lasts 5 years or 60,000 miles.

What does the Subaru powertrain warranty cover?
Powertrain coverage generally includes major drivetrain components such as the engine, transmission, and drivetrain systems, subject to manufacturer terms and exclusions.

Can I get protection after my Subaru warranty expires?
Yes. Vehicle service contracts are designed to provide protection after factory warranty coverage ends, depending on eligibility.

How much does a Subaru extended warranty cost?
Pricing varies based on the vehicle, coverage level, term length, and eligibility. A common approach is to compare expected repair risk against monthly or term pricing options.

Is Subaru Added Security worth it?
It depends on your ownership plans and when you are purchasing coverage. Some owners prefer manufacturer options during the factory eligibility window, while others evaluate service contract style options later (eligibility varies).

Does Subaru warranty transfer to a new owner?
Factory warranty may transfer within original coverage limits. Extended protection transfer terms vary by plan and agreement.

What is the most expensive Subaru repair?
Transmission and engine repairs are typically among the most expensive and can reach several thousand dollars.

What voids a Subaru warranty?
Warranty coverage can be affected by issues such as improper maintenance, misuse, or unauthorized modifications. Always review manufacturer warranty terms for specifics.

Can I cancel an extended warranty or protection plan?
Cancellation terms depend on the warranty or contract. Review your agreement for eligibility, refund rules, and timelines.

Get Protection for Your Subaru

If your Subaru is approaching warranty expiration (or already outside factory coverage), QualityGuard+Plus vehicle protection options may help manage repair costs and provide continued mechanical protection, depending on plan eligibility.

Plan availability and pricing depend on your vehicle’s make, model, year, and mileage.

Select a plan or use the form below to check eligibility and learn more about available protection options.

To Purchase A QGP Contract

Call your local Dealer for information on all of our Plans.

If your Vehicle is Model Year 2017 or newer, has less than 100,000 miles and you are interested in Purchasing a Service Contract, please call 1-844-344-5353 or fill out the form below.

QualityGuard+Plus Specialists are Available:
Mon-Fri 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM CST
Saturday 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM CST

QualityGuard+Plus Plan eligibility and cost depends on your vehicle’s make, model, mileage, and year.

Use this form to schedule a time to talk with our well-informed professionals and learn about your vehicle’s Service Contract options.

Simply fill out the form below, click Submit and a member of our sales team will soon be in touch.