2023 Subaru Legacy Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Best The 2023 Subaru Legacy has a complaint index of 0, the lowest among 21 model years, earning a Best verdict. NHTSA lists 10 complaints, 2 recalls, and no fires, injuries, or deaths for this year.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 0/100
- #21 of 21 Legacy years
- Verdict
- Best
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 10
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 2
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Airbags
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 28
- 25 city / 33 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2023 Subaru Legacy problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Other3 (30%)
- Airbags2 (20%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras2 (20%)
- Visibility & Wipers2 (20%)
- Electrical System1 (10%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Forward collision avoidance system activates falsely with an 'Obstacle Detected' warning even when nothing is in front of the vehicle.
- Driver and side airbags reportedly failed to deploy during a broadside collision.
- Windshields have cracked near the driver-side wiper and expanded upward without an apparent impact.
- Center console display and infotainment screen have failed to start on cold mornings, disabling climate control and rear camera.
- Instrument panel and infotainment displays have gone completely blank at startup, hiding speed, RPM, and backup camera.
2023 Subaru Legacy recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 23V755000Nov 9, 2023Transmission & Powertrain95,830 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission:park/neutral start interlock switch
Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2021 Crosstrek, 2022 Forester, 2021-2023 Legacy, and Outback vehicles. An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail.
Risk: An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WRQ-23.
- NHTSA 23V647000Sep 21, 2023Transmission & Powertrain4,311 vehicles
Power train:driveline:driveshaft
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Outback, Legacy, Ascent, and Impreza vehicles. The center support bolts for the driveshaft may loosen, resulting in the disconnection of the front end of the driveshaft.
Risk: Separation of the front end of the driveshaft increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will clean the bolt mounting surfaces of the center support brace and install new bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 20, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRN-23.
2023 Subaru Legacy fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 25 MPG
- Highway
- 33 MPG
- Combined
- 28 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,325
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2023 compared with other Legacy years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2023 Subaru Legacy reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2023 Legacy ranks best among 21 model years with a complaint index of 0 and only 10 complaints logged.
- What problems does the 2023 Subaru Legacy have?
- Owners most often reported issues with airbags, collision avoidance/camera systems, and visibility/wipers, each accounting for 20% of complaints, plus one electrical system complaint.
- Does the 2023 Subaru Legacy have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists two recalls: one for an inhibitor switch that can let water in due to an insufficient weld, and one for driveshaft center support bolts that may loosen.
- How does the 2023 Legacy compare to other Legacy years?
- It ranks 21st out of 21 years for complaint index (meaning fewest complaints per its position), earning a Best verdict, compared to years like 2015 and 2010 which rank Avoid with complaint indexes of 100 and 95.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2023 Subaru Legacy?
- EPA rates it at 28 mpg combined (25 city/33 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,325.