Subaru and Mazda earn loyal followings, yet owner complaints show some model years that came with large repair bills. Engines, transmissions, oil consumption and even air bags appear in the record. Here are eleven models where the average fix, as reported by owners, reached into the thousands.
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1. Subaru BRZ: A Valve Spring Failure
The 2013 Subaru BRZ’s engine failure from broken valve springs costs about $7,000 to fix, at an average of 68,000 miles, according to CarComplaints BRZ reports. That is the largest repair figure in this group.
Anyone considering a used first-generation BRZ should ask whether the valve springs were ever replaced and have a mechanic review the engine. Service records for the car matter more than usual on a sports coupe that may have been driven hard.
2. Subaru Tribeca: Shaking at Speed
The 2009 Subaru Tribeca’s shaking while driving averages $6,200 to fix at 93,000 miles, according to its CarComplaints Tribeca page. The reported problem sits among the costlier entries for the crossover.
A shake or vibration on a test drive is a reason to walk away or to negotiate with a documented diagnosis in hand. Asking the seller about past repairs for the issue is a reasonable first step. Written diagnostics from an independent shop add useful leverage.
3. Subaru Outback: Most-Complained Subaru
The Outback carries 1,586 CarComplaints entries, the most of any Subaru, including 2014 oil consumption averaging $6,000 at 34,000 miles, per the Outback complaint listings. The oil figure arrives at a very low average mileage.
Because the oil trouble shows up early, owners of 2014 models should track oil level between changes. A buyer can ask for records showing how often the engine was topped up or repaired. Skipped oil checks can compound the problem.
4. Mazda CX-7: Engine Failure at 107,000
On the 2008 Mazda CX-7, engine failure averages $5,000 at 107,000 miles per CarComplaints CX-7 data, which lists 165 complaints for the model. The number of complaints is modest next to larger nameplates.
A repair of that size can exceed the value of an older crossover, so a compression check and thorough inspection make sense before buying. Maintenance receipts help show whether the engine was cared for, and gaps in them deserve questions.
5. Subaru Legacy: Two Costly Problems
The 2009 Subaru Legacy’s engine failure averages $5,000 at 71,000 miles, and 2013 excessive oil consumption averages $3,200 at 61,000 miles, according to the Legacy complaint page. CarComplaints lists 365 complaints for the model.
Two different engine-related repairs across two model years make service history essential. Prospective buyers should look for evidence of oil consumption testing or engine work before committing. A used-car inspection focused on the engine bay is money well spent.
6. Mazda RX-8: Oil Use at Low Mileage
On the 2007 Mazda RX-8, excessive oil consumption averages $3,700 at just 23,000 miles, across 30 complaints on file with CarComplaints RX-8 listings. The complaint count is small, but the mileage is strikingly low.
Low mileage at the time of repair suggests the issue can appear early, so the coupe warrants a careful inspection. Checking the oil level during a test drive and reviewing records is wise. Any smoke or oily residue is worth raising with the seller.
7. Mazda MPV: Misfire and Transmission
The 2003 Mazda MPV’s misfire averages $3,000 to fix at 90,000 miles, and a 2002 transmission failure averages $2,000 at 79,000 miles, as CarComplaints MPV reports show. The site lists 69 complaints for the minivan.
Both problems involve major drivetrain components. Buyers of an older MPV should ask for any evidence of misfire repairs and pay attention to how the transmission shifts under load. A seller who cannot explain gaps in the maintenance file should prompt caution.
8. Mazda 626: A Classic Sedan’s Weak Spot
The 1997 Mazda 626’s transmission failure averages $3,500 at 83,000 miles, among 70 complaints on file, per the CarComplaints 626 page. That is a heavy bill for a vehicle of its age.
A car this old likely has had its transmission serviced, replaced or neglected, so records are valuable. A test drive should include cold and warm shifts to reveal slipping or delay. Fluid condition is another quick indicator a mechanic can read.
9. Subaru WRX: Clutch Wear Early On
Clutch failure is the WRX’s worst problem: the 2017 model’s premature clutch failure averages $2,200 at 23,000 miles, according to CarComplaints WRX data. The cost is lower than most entries here, but it arrives extremely early.
The reported mileage is low enough that driving habits and prior use could play a part. Anyone buying a used WRX should ask about clutch replacements and feel for slipping or a grabby pedal. Checking maintenance history for earlier clutch work is also sensible.
10. Subaru Impreza: Unintended Acceleration
2012 Subaru Impreza sudden-unintended-acceleration complaints average about $4,000 to fix at roughly 40,000 miles, according to the CarComplaints Impreza page. The behavior is a safety concern as well as a cost.
Buyers should check recall status by VIN at NHTSA and ask what was done about any acceleration complaint. A test drive with attention to throttle response is a sensible precaution. Any hesitation or surging should be raised with a dealer before purchase.
11. Mazda Protege: Air Bags Deploying Alone
The 1995 Mazda Protege’s air bags deploying on their own with no accident cost an average $4,100 at 120,000 miles, among 71 complaints on file with CarComplaints Protege listings. The problem is unusual and costly.
On a car this old, confirming that the air bag system is intact and free of warning lights is basic due diligence. A recall check by VIN at NHTSA is worth doing as well. Any evidence of previous air bag repair should be documented by the seller.
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