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Subaru offers three extended warranty plans: Powertrain, Classic, and Gold Plus. Each provides up to 10 years or 100,000 miles of coverage against mechanical breakdowns.
Crash Course:
- The average total cost for a Subaru extended warranty is $2,600.
- Drivers can choose from two deductibles, $0 or $100.
- You can cancel your Subaru extended warranty for a prorated refund.
- Subaru drivers can also choose from a range of third-party providers to find a wider selection of coverage options and benefits.
After the factory warranty on your Subaru expires, an extended vehicle service contract can alleviate financial stress by helping to pay for potentially expensive repairs. The manufacturer-backed Subaru extended warranty falls under the brand’s Added Security® program, which offers coverage for up to 10 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Third-party extended warranty plans can offer longer coverage and more flexibility. We’ve reviewed the best extended car warranty companies and will compare Subaru’s coverage to that of leading third-party providers. To find the best deal, click above to get free, no-obligation quotes and start comparing your options.
Subaru Added Security
Subaru Added Security lets drivers extend their factory warranty by purchasing an extended service agreement (ESA). Let’s take a high-level look at Subaru’s Added Security offerings.
- Coverage terms: Subaru extended vehicle service contracts last for up to 10 years/100,000 miles
- Eligibility: Subaru Added Security is only available for vehicles still covered by the 3-year/36,000-mile new vehicle warranty
- Covered repairs: Only certified Subaru technicians will work on your Subaru
- Transferability: If you sell your Subaru before your warranty has expired, the coverage can transfer to a private party within 30 days of purchase
Subaru Extended Warranty Coverage
Subaru offers customers three coverage levels, with term lengths lasting from eight years or 120,000 miles to 10 years or 100,000 miles. In each case, coverage is only available for purchase if your vehicle is still under the original manufacturer’s warranty. Keep in mind that powertrain-only coverage is not available in all areas.
| Plan | Term Length |
|---|---|
| Powertrain | 8 years/120,000 miles or 10 years/100,000 miles |
| Classic | 8 years/120,000 miles or 10 years/100,000 miles |
| Gold Plus | 8 years/120,000 miles or 10 years/100,000 miles |
Subaru Extended Warranty Plans
Subaru Added Security’s three coverage levels are Powertrain, Classic, and Gold Plus. The table below highlights the most important details you need to know before purchasing a Subaru extended warranty.
| Gold Plus | Classic | Powertrain | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase Eligibility | Before 3 years/ 36,000 miles | Before 3 years/ 36,000 miles | Before 3 years/ 36,000 miles |
| Coverage | Covers any mechanical breakdown except for a list of exclusions | Covers the engine, transmission, drivetrain, air conditioning, steering, electrical system, and brakes | Covers the engine, transmission, transaxle, and differential components |
| Deductible | $0 or $100 | $0 or $100 | $0 or $100 |
| Perks | Reimbursement for rental cars, towing coverage, roadside assistance, and trip interruption allowance. | Reimbursement for rental cars and towing coverage. | N/A |
Subaru requires drivers to take their vehicles to dealerships for repairs, which limits where you can go for coverage. You also must purchase a Subaru extended warranty before your factory warranty expires, meaning you only have three years or 36,000 miles from your new car purchase date to decide if additional coverage is needed.
Since Subaru extended warranties begin on the vehicle’s in-service date, a plan lasting five years or 60,000 miles would add two years or 24,000 miles of coverage to the basic factory warranty.
Subaru Extended Powertrain Warranty
Subaru’s extended powertrain warranty is available at select dealerships. Depending on where you live, powertrain coverage may not be available for your vehicle. Similar to factory powertrain coverage, this Subaru extended service contract is limited in which vehicle parts are included. An extended powertrain warranty will cover repairs on your engine, transmission, and drivetrain, which are all essential to your vehicle’s driveability.
Subaru Classic Extended Warranty
The Subaru Classic plan covers an additional 1,000 parts compared to Subaru’s extended powertrain warranty. This plan also covers “cause and effect” repairs, which are not included in every extended warranty on the market. Subaru’s “cause and effect” coverage means that if the initial reason for your car’s breakdown was due to a failing part not normally under warranty, you are still eligible for coverage. This clause applies specifically if a non-covered part fails and damages a covered component. Also included in the Classic plan are onboard computers, brakes, suspension, air conditioning, and the electrical, cooling, fuel, and steering systems.
Modern vehicles have a lot of high-tech systems that drivers rely on for safety and navigation. Subaru includes these critical systems with the Classic plan. Parts covered include the DriverFocus™ distraction mitigation system, blind spot detection, reverse automatic braking, EyeSight® driver assist technology, rear cross-traffic alert, and STARLINK® multimedia, safety, and security systems.
Subaru Gold Plus Warranty
The Gold Plus plan provides bumper-to-bumper protection and is Subaru’s most extensive extended warranty. This plan is similar to the company’s new vehicle limited warranty but excludes more parts, including maintenance items and body parts. Subaru’s Gold Plus extended warranty covers almost all of your car’s components, including the parts protected by the Powertrain and Classic plans.
What Is Not Covered by a Subaru Extended Warranty?
While Subaru Added Security covers some items many other warranties exclude, it’s good to be aware of the limitations. Here are a few example exclusions:
- Cosmetic damage
- Maintenance items
- Accidents and damage from environmental events
- Damage from lack of maintenance or misuse
- Most wear-and-tear items
Subaru Roadside Assistance and Benefits
Each Subaru extended warranty plan comes with different perks. For the most part, the manufacturer’s extra benefits are the same as you’d find with other car warranties. Below is a list of each Subaru extended service agreement benefit that the automaker includes in any plan you buy.
- Roadside assistance: Includes lockouts, fuel delivery, and flat tire services
- Towing reimbursement: Up to $100 per occurrence
- Rental car reimbursement: Up to $40 per day for a maximum of 5 days
If you select Subaru’s Gold Plus plan, you’ll enjoy benefits beyond those listed above. This includes a trip interruption benefit of up to $500 for meals and lodging if you experience a vehicle breakdown more than 50 miles from home. Additionally, the Gold Plus plan offers more roadside assistance services than the Classic plan. With Gold Plus, you’ll get help with jump-starts and travel navigation in addition to the services listed above.
Subaru Vehicle Protection Plans
If you’re looking for vehicle protection for items normally excluded under extended warranties, Subaru offers a range of protection plans that cover dent and ding repairs, scheduled maintenance costs, and wear and tear components. Below are more details about Subaru’s additional warranty coverage options.
Subaru Maintenance Plans
Subaru drivers can pre-pay for routine maintenance, such as oil changes and tire rotations. A pre-paid maintenance plan offers coverage for up to 3 years/45,000 miles. This plan allows drivers to avoid inflation by paying for regular maintenance now instead of later. Subarus purchased new or on lease are eligible for this plan.
Subaru Wear and Tear Warranty
Most automakers do not offer extended warranty coverage for wear and tear components. However, Subaru owners can purchase this additional coverage to cover the following parts:
- Brake pads
- Shoe linings
- Clutch linings
- Wiper blades
Subaru Extended Warranty Cost
The cost of a Subaru extended warranty ranges from $1,500 to $3,000, depending on your vehicle. Drivers pay an average total cost of $2,601, or $636 per year of coverage. Drivers can choose from two deductible options, $0 and $100.
Subaru Extended Warranty Price
The table below highlights the prices quoted to Subaru’s customers for the automaker’s Classic and Gold Plus plans:
| Subaru Extended Warranty Length | Classic ($100 Deductible) | Gold Plus ($100 Deductible) | Gold Plus ($0 Deductible) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 years/45,000 miles | N/A | $1,790 | $2,150 |
| 4 years/60,000 miles | $980 | $1,080 | $1,320 |
| 5 years/60,000 miles | $1,010 | $1,260 | $1,460 |
| 5 years/100,000 miles | $1,560 | $2,040 | $2,425 |
| 6 years/60,000 miles | $1,050 | $1,500 | $1,710 |
| 6 years/80,000 miles | $1,260 | $1,770 | $2,140 |
| 7 years/70,000 miles | $1,280 | $1,790 | $2,150 |
| 7 years/100,000 miles | $1,970 | $2,420 | $2,670 |
| 8 years/120,000 miles | $2,373 | $2,980 | $3,240 |
| 10 years/100,000 miles | $2,186 | $2,690 | $2,870 |
Dealerships set their own prices, so it’s a good idea to shop around because you may find different prices from dealers in your area. Due to this, we recommend you contact a local dealership for a free quote. That way, you can know exactly how much a Subaru extended warranty would cost for your vehicle.
The figures above give you a good idea of how much you will pay for a Subaru extended warranty. Your specific price for coverage depends on your chosen plan, the coverage length, and the deductible. Generally, bumper-to-bumper coverage is more expensive than base-level powertrain coverage. If you want extensive coverage at the lowest price, we recommend choosing a higher deductible plan. For example, if you choose a $100 deductible, the total cost of your plan will be cheaper, but you will have to pay more out-of-pocket when your vehicle needs repairs.
Is a Subaru Extended Warranty Worth It?
In some situations, an extended auto warranty is a smart decision. But you may not need extended warranty coverage if you have a sizable savings account and are ready to cover a $500 or $1,000 repair bill. For drivers who cannot afford to pay out-of-pocket for repair costs, a vehicle service contract can offer peace of mind and help with budgeting. An extended warranty helps you pay for repair expenses over time, as most providers offer monthly payment plans.
If you plan to sell or trade your vehicle before the new vehicle warranty expires, you probably don’t need the extra coverage. However, extended warranties are transferable and may increase the resale value of your car when selling to a private party.
Is Your Subaru Already Covered?
Before buying a Subaru extended warranty, you should consider what factory warranty coverage your vehicle currently has. Your Subaru may have current coverage under one of the company’s new vehicle warranties or a certified pre-owned warranty.
All new Subaru vehicles have several factory warranties. Below is a list of each factory warranty and the covered components:
- New Vehicle Limited Warranty: Covers most components for 3 years/36,000 miles
- Powertrain: Covers the engine, transmission, transaxle, and transfer case for 5 years/60,000 miles
- Hybrid: Similar to a powertrain warranty, this plan covers the transmission as well as the battery for 8 years/100,000 miles on a hybrid car
- Wear and tear: Covers parts such as brake pads and rotors for 3 years/36,000 miles
- Seatbelt restraint system: Lifetime coverage for seatbelt restraints and retractors
- Rust perforation: Covers the cost of repair or replacement for damage caused by rust to the body of your Subaru for 5 years/unlimited miles
Subaru Certified Pre-Owned Warranty
Certified pre-owned (CPO) Subarus receive powertrain warranty coverage for seven years or 100,000 miles. CPO vehicles are also covered by the remainder of the original bumper-to-bumper warranty if applicable. Drivers can purchase a Classic or Gold Plus Subaru extended warranty plan to go along with the CPO powertrain coverage.
Subaru Warranty Check
The easiest way to check if any existing warranty coverage still covers your Subaru is to call a local dealership and give the representative your vehicle identification number (VIN). The dealership can tell you what, if any, remaining coverage you have.
Is Subaru Reliable?
Once you determine if you have existing Subaru factory coverage, the next step in deciding if a Subaru extended warranty is worth it is to assess your vehicle’s reliability.
Subaru vehicles are decently reliable, earning a 3.5 out of 5.0-star reliability rating from RepairPal, which is a trusted repair estimate site. RepairPal ranks Subaru 14th out of 32 car brands for its reliability.
The table below shows RepairPal’s reliability ratings and average yearly repair costs of the most popular Subaru models:
| RepairPal Reliability Rating | Average Annual Repair Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Subaru Legacy | 4.0 out of 5.0 stars | $563 |
| Subaru Outback | 3.5 out of 5.0 stars | $607 |
| Subaru Impreza | 3.5 out of 5.0 stars | $653 |
Subaru owners have a slightly higher chance of encountering severe repairs than the market average. According to RepairPal data, 13% of all Subaru vehicle repairs are considered severe, meaning the repair bill was more than three times the average annual repair cost. Industry-wide, vehicles have severe repairs 12% of the time.
Subaru Maintenance Cost
Given Subaru’s average reliability rating, it’s a good idea to compare the total cost of an extended car warranty with anticipated repair costs. Subarus need regular maintenance in addition to repairs as the vehicle ages.
Subaru drivers pay, on average, $617 per year for maintenance and repairs. That is just under the industry average of $652. The table below shows price ranges for the most common Subaru vehicle repairs:
| Common Subaru Repair | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Head Gasket Replacement | $927–$2,803 |
| Clutch Replacement | $676–$2,281 |
| AC Compressor Replacement | $803–$1,282 |
| Heater Core Replacement | $595–$851 |
| Timing Belt Replacement | $238–$729 |
| Oil Pump Replacement | $439–$749 |
| Power Steering Pump Replacement | $537–$629 |
| Alternator Replacement | $432–$598 |
| Starter Replacement | $340–$573 |
| Water Pump Replacement | $367–$530 |
| Door Window Motor Replacement | $324–$379 |
Subaru Extended Warranty Review
Subaru extended warranties are reasonably priced and provide excellent coverage. Due to the brand’s generally lower-than-average maintenance and repair costs, the company can offer relatively inexpensive extended warranty plans.
Subaru has some of the shortest factory warranty periods in the industry. Due to this, the automaker offers drivers more flexible extended warranty coverage lengths with the longest lasting 10 years.
The Gold Plus plan trip interruption reimbursement distinguishes Subaru’s extended warranty coverage from its competitors. If you break down within 50 miles of your home, the company will reimburse you for food and lodging expenses up to $500. Those limits are more generous than most extended warranty plans, which only provide coverage if you break down within 100 miles of your home.
In addition to Subaru’s generous coverage length and outstanding trip interruption reimbursement, the Classic and Gold Plus plans also cover “cause and effect” repairs. This type of coverage is not common in the industry. The Subaru extended warranty can cover gradual reductions in operating performance, while other coverage plans may require a part to fail before paying for repairs.
Aftermarket Subaru Warranty
Subarus are built for exploration, and many drivers push them to their limits. A Subaru extended warranty may be worthwhile if you want to get the most out of your vehicle and save on out-of-pocket repair costs. However, an extended warranty plan from the manufacturer is just one option available.
Subaru’s extended warranty can only last up to 100,000 or 120,000 miles, depending on the plan. In many cases, a third-party provider can give you an extended warranty for cars over 100,000 miles – and a well-maintained Outback can undoubtedly make it that far. Along with longer-term lengths, third-party providers allow you to purchase coverage for older vehicles long after the factory warranty expires.
Third-party vehicle service contracts usually come standard with roadside assistance and other perks only included in Subaru’s Gold Plus plan.
In addition, an independent provider’s extended Subaru warranty will give you flexibility if your car breaks down. Warranty companies allow you to go to any licensed repair facility for covered repair work, which gives you more options than Subaru dealerships alone.
Best Extended Warranty for Subaru
Our review team conducted a comprehensive survey of industry-leading third-party extended warranty providers. Compared to the manufacturer-backed extended warranty, we found that Endurance offers the best coverage for Subaru vehicles. The table below shows how Endurance vehicle service contracts compare to Subaru’s factory extended warranties.
| Endurance Extended Warranties | Subaru Extended Warranties | |
|---|---|---|
| Longest Term | 200,000+ miles | 120,000 miles |
| Start Date | Anytime | Before the factory warranty expires |
| Number of Plans | 6 | 3 |
| Deductible | $0, $50, $100, $200 | $0, $100 |
| Approved Repair Facilities | Repair shops certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE®) | Subaru dealerships |
| Added Benefits | 1 year free of Elite Benefits, which includes roadside assistance, total loss protection, collision discount, tire repair/replacement, key fob replacement, and the Endurance mobile app | Roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, courtesy towing, and trip interruption benefits (Gold Plus only) |
Subaru Extended Warranties: Conclusion
A Subaru extended warranty can be a smart choice for many drivers. To ensure you purchase the best extended warranty for your needs, compare prices from multiple sources. You can get free quotes from our top recommended providers by clicking below.
Recommended Providers
Besides Subaru, you can get plans from several reputable extended car warranty companies. Our review team conducted a comprehensive study of the industry-leading third-party warranty providers. Third-party providers like Endurance, CARCHEX, and CarShield compete on price, coverage, and benefits to win customers, often making their extended warranties cheaper.
Endurance: Best Overall
Endurance offers the best overall coverage of all the aftermarket warranty companies our review team researched. We rate Endurance 4.6 out of 5.0 stars for its unique benefits and high quality customer service.
The company is a direct warranty provider, which means it is more accountable to its customers as there’s no middle-man when it comes time to file a claim. Endurance offers interest-free flexible payment options of 12, 18, or 34 months. Customers can choose from 12, 18, or 24-month coverage terms.
CARCHEX: Best for Used Cars
After over 1,400 hours of research, we rated CARCHEX 4.4 out of 5.0 stars and named it Best for Used Cars. This score was based on the company’s high industry standing, coverage, cost, transparency, and customer service. CARCHEX was founded in 1999 and has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
The company offers affordable extended warranty coverage and has six plans ranging from powertrain to bumper-to-bumper coverage, allowing drivers to choose the perfect coverage for their vehicle. All plans come with 24/7 roadside assistance, trip interruption, and rental car coverage.
Extended Subaru Warranty: FAQ
Below are some frequently asked questions about Subaru’s extended warranties:
How much is a Subaru extended warranty?
The cost of a Subaru extended warranty ranges from $1,500 to $3,000, depending on your vehicle. Drivers pay an average total price of $2,601, or $636 per year of coverage. Drivers can choose from two deductible options, $0 and $100.
Does Subaru have a 10-year warranty?
Subaru offers three extended warranties: Powertrain, Classic, and Gold Plus. Each plan provides protection up to 10 years or 100,000 miles.
How long is Subaru’s bumper-to-bumper warranty?
Subaru’s new vehicle limited warranty provides bumper-to-bumper coverage for 3 years or 36,000 miles.
Why is Subaru maintenance so expensive?
Due to the vehicle’s design, minor repairs require mechanics to remove the entire engine, which increases labor costs.
What voids a Subaru extended warranty?
Subaru can deny warranty coverage if you do not follow the manufacturer’s scheduled maintenance or if non-genuine Subaru parts are used for repairs and cause damage to a component protected by the extended warranty.
Our Methodology
Our expert review team takes satisfaction in providing accurate and unbiased information. We identified the following rating categories based on consumer survey data and conducted extensive research to formulate rankings of the best extended auto warranty providers.
- Affordability: A variety of factors influence cost, so it can be difficult to compare quotes between providers. Our team performs ongoing secret shopper analyses for different vehicles, mileages, warranty plans, and locations to give this rating.
- Coverage: Because each consumer has unique needs, it’s essential that a car warranty company offers an array of coverage options. We take into account the number of plans offered by each provider, term limits, exclusions, and additional benefits.
- Industry Standing: Our team considers Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings, availability, and years in business when giving this score.
- Customer Service: Reputable extended car warranty companies operate with a certain degree of care for consumers. We take into account customer reviews, BBB complaints, and the responsiveness of the customer service team.
