2023 Subaru Outback Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2023 Subaru Outback has a complaint index of 25, ranking 16th worst out of 21 model years, and carries a "Good" verdict relative to other Outback years. It has 89 complaints, 2 recalls, and no do-not-drive recalls.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 25/100
- #16 of 21 Outback years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 89
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 8
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 3
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 25
- 22 city / 29 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 3 / 0
Top 2023 Subaru Outback problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA 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%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners describe unintended acceleration events while parking or at low speed, sometimes resulting in collisions with parked vehicles or trees.
- Some drivers report the brake pedal going to the floor with no resistance or antilock feel, leading to loss of stopping power at speed.
- Electrical system complaints include Starlink connectivity features (emergency alerts, roadside assistance, remote services) failing to work from the time of purchase.
- One owner reported adaptive headlights projecting moving shadow patterns onto the road that resemble animals, calling it a safety distraction with no fix offered.
- A transmission-related complaint described sudden loss of power and inability to accelerate above a low speed while descending a steep incline.
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?
- Compared to other Outback model years, 2023 rates "Good" with a complaint index of 25 and ranks 16th worst out of 21 years tracked, meaning most other years have more reported problems.
- What recalls does the 2023 Subaru Outback have?
- NHTSA lists 2 recalls: one for an inhibitor switch that can fail due to water intrusion from an insufficient weld, and one for driveshaft center support bolts that may loosen and disconnect the front driveshaft. Neither is a do-not-drive recall.
- What is the top problem area for the 2023 Outback?
- Electrical System complaints lead with 23 complaints, 26% of the total, including one fire, followed closely by Collision Avoidance & Cameras with 22 complaints.
- Does the 2023 Outback have unintended acceleration complaints?
- Yes, several sample complaints describe unintended acceleration events, including crashes into parked cars and objects, categorized under Collision Avoidance & Cameras, Transmission & Powertrain, and Engine.