Replacement of front or rear suspension strut assemblies to restore ride quality, braking distance, and tire contact.
Reviewed by SubaruReview Editorial Team · Last reviewed 2026-05-15 · Editorial standards
How this repair stacks up against the other common Subaru suspension jobs — useful when you're sequencing what to fix first.
| Repair | Cost range | Labor | Parts | DIY |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subaru Strut Replacement Cost (this page) | $750–$1,850 | 2.5–4.5 hrs | $400–$1100 | 4/5 |
| Subaru Wheel Bearing Replacement Cost | $350–$650 | 1.5–2.5 hrs | $90–$220 | 3/5 |
| Subaru Front Lower Control Arm Replacement Cost | $450–$1,150 | 1.5–3 hrs | $250–$650 | 3/5 |
| Subaru CV Axle Boot Replacement Cost | $325–$750 | 2–3.5 hrs | $85–$200 | 4/5 |
| Subaru CV Axle Replacement Cost | $250–$600 | 2–4 hrs | $80–$250 | 3/5 |
| Subaru 4-Wheel Alignment Cost | $100–$200 | 1–1 hrs | $0–$0 | No |
This repair is part of our Subaru repair-cost database and complements the reliability & common problems hub. Cross-check the underlying failure before you book the job.
Subaru struts typically leak hydraulic fluid or lose internal gas pressure between 80k-120k miles due to seal degradation. Heavy-duty use on unpaved roads (common for Outback/Forester) accelerates wear on the internal valving. neighborhoods.
Blown struts cause 'cupping' wear on tires, which will require replacing expensive tires prematurely. It also increases emergency braking distances by up to 10 feet.
Expect $750–$1,850 at most US shops, parts plus labor.
2.5–4.5 labor hours typically.
Yes — DIY difficulty 4/5.
Blown struts cause 'cupping' wear on tires, which will require replacing expensive tires prematurely. It also increases emergency braking distances by up to 10 feet.
Cost, labor-hour, and parts-price ranges on this page are aggregated national-average estimates. Individual figures are not tied to a single primary source and should be treated as directional — request a written quote from a Subaru dealer or an independent Subaru specialist before booking work. See our editorial standards for how we build these ranges.
No primary source is currently cited for the specific figures on this page. Treat quantitative details as directional pending verification — see our Corrections Policy to help us update it.
Independent Subaru specialists usually come in $300–$1,000 below dealer pricing on the $750–$1,850 range shown above, without giving up OEM parts. See real quote breakdowns in the Subaru repair-costs hub.
The most common trigger is AC Compressor Failure, documented with symptoms, root cause, and a permanent-fix path. Fixing the underlying failure first is what stops you from paying for this job twice.
Bundling suspension work at one visit almost always beats paying labor twice. Owners on this platform also price out Subaru Wheel Bearing Replacement Cost and Subaru Front Lower Control Arm Replacement Cost at the same appointment.
Yes — we rate it 4/5. Follow the job-steps checklist above and the money-saving tips, and cross-check the reliability hub for related failures worth inspecting while you're in there.
Dig into the Problems Database to plan your next maintenance sprint, or browse every model hub for buyer's guides, generation breakdowns, and known-issue lists.