The Lemon Index

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Ford Explorer vs Subaru Outback: which has fewer problems?

Ford ExplorerSubaru Outback

Photos: Vauxford (Wikimedia Commons)

Winner

Ford Explorer

About 14% fewer owner complaints per car sold than the Subaru Outback, and fewer in 13 of 24 model years both were sold.

Head to head

Lemon Index
100 = average, lower is better
178
207
Years with fewer complaints
2000–2024
13 of 24
11 of 24
Recalls
2000–2024
256
176
MPG
latest year
20–24
23–28
Crash test
best, latest year
★★★★★
★★★★★
Best year to buy

Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the government within 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average, lower is better. Green check = the better of the two on that line.

Year by year

Shorter bar = fewer complaints per car sold. Tap a year for its full report.

Every Ford Explorer year · Every Subaru Outback year · How the index works