2023 Subaru Outback Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
BestComplaint Index
0/100
#16 most-complained of 16 Outback years
The 2023 Subaru Outback ranks 16th out of 16 model years for reported problems, with a complaint index of 0 and 89 complaints logged, making it the Best-ranked year for this model. It has 2 recalls, both related to Transmission & Powertrain.
- Complaints
- 89
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes / fires
- 8 / 1
- Injuries / deaths
- 3 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 25
- 22 city / 29 hwy
Top 2023 Subaru Outback problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System23 (26%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras22 (25%)
- Visibility & Wipers19 (21%)
- Other16 (18%)
- Brakes7 (8%)
- Structure & Body6 (7%)
- Transmission & Powertrain5 (6%)
- Engine3 (3%)
- Airbags2 (2%)
- Fuel System2 (2%)
What owners report
- Owners report sudden unintended acceleration while parking or at low speed, in some cases crashing into parked vehicles, trees, or a curb.
- Some drivers describe brake pedals that offer no resistance and fail to slow the vehicle even when pressed fully to the floor.
- Starlink connectivity features, including SOS emergency alerts, remote services, and multimedia, were reported inoperable right after purchase.
- Adaptive headlights reportedly project moving rectangular shadows on the road that owners say resemble animals crossing, which Subaru described as normal operation.
- One owner reported the car losing power and slowing to a low top speed while descending a steep incline, requiring a restart to regain power.
2023 Subaru Outback 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 Outback fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 22 MPG
- Highway
- 29 MPG
- Combined
- 25 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,600
- 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 Outback years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2023 Subaru Outback reliable based on NHTSA data?
- Among the 16 Outback model years with data, 2023 ranks 16th for reported problems and carries a complaint index of 0, earning a Best verdict. It logged 89 complaints and 2 recalls.
- What are the most common problems reported for the 2023 Subaru Outback?
- Electrical System issues make up 26% of complaints, followed by Collision Avoidance & Cameras at 25% and Visibility & Wipers at 21%, according to NHTSA data.
- Does the 2023 Subaru Outback have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2023 Outback, both involving the Transmission & Powertrain: an inhibitor switch weld issue and loosening center support bolts for the driveshaft. Neither is a do-not-drive recall.
- How does the 2023 Outback compare to other years like 2019 or 2017?
- The 2019 Outback has the highest complaint index at 100 and an Avoid verdict, while 2017 (87) and 2020 (93) also carry Avoid ratings. The 2023 Outback's complaint index of 0 makes it the best-performing year in the lineup.