VehicleVerdict

2023 Subaru Outback problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 2023 Subaru Outback is among the quieter years of the Outback on NHTSA's books: 119 complaints (54% below the model's median year), 2 recalls, and no open investigations.

Driver Assistance leads the complaint categories with 34 reports (29% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

119

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

16

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

5

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2023 compare to other Outback years?

Outback NHTSA complaints by model year, 2023 highlighted1,282 complaints1995: 3 complaints1996: 57 complaints1997: 94 complaints1998: 165 complaints1999: 150 complaints2000: 247 complaints2001: 207 complaints2002: 172 complaints2003: 116 complaints2004: 108 complaints2005: 354 complaints2006: 404 complaints2007: 182 complaints2008: 281 complaints2009: 142 complaints2010: 466 complaints2011: 855 complaints2012: 367 complaints2013: 406 complaints2014: 275 complaints2015: 640 complaints2016: 769 complaints2017: 1,102 complaints2018: 986 complaints2019: 1,282 complaints2020: 1,126 complaints2021: 405 complaints2022: 543 complaints2023: 119 complaints2024: 130 complaints2025: 104 complaints2026: 11 complaints
Outback NHTSA complaints by model year, 2023 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Outback years to avoid →

What are the most common 2023 Subaru Outback problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Driver Assistance3429%
Visibility & Wipers1916%
Electrical System1714%
Other1613%
Lighting65%
Brakes65%
Transmission43%
Speed Control33%
Latches & Locks33%
Body & Structure22%
Steering22%
Airbags22%
Fuel System22%
Engine11%
Tires & Wheels11%
Seats11%

Does the 2023 Subaru Outback have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V755000TransmissionNovember 9, 2023 · 95,830 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

23V647000TransmissionSeptember 21, 2023 · 4,311 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“The vehicle has received all scheduled and regular maintenance. I was driving right around the speed limit of 50 mph. Traffic was stopped ahead, and I had plenty of time and space to stop. I pressed the brake pedal, but continued to coast. I pressed it harder, all the way to the floor for at least…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · November 16, 2024 · crash

“I have had several times where tiny road pebbles have kicked up hitting the windshield and have caused cracks. There is now also a crack forming where there has not been any impact. I have never had a windshield that has been as fragile as this one. It seems to be a manufacturing issue with the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · July 22, 2024

“My son was traveling at an appropriate highway speed when the truck in front of him stopped suddenly. He braked immediately and was able to slow down significantly, but not enough to avoid colliding with the back of the truck in front of him. He was going approximately 20 mph, still braking, when…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 24, 2024 · crash · fire

“WHILE DRIVING ON A STATE HIGHWAY I HIT A DEER AND MY FRONT END WAS PUSHED IN TO WHERE I COULD NOT OPEN THE DOORS AND THE AIRBAGS WERE DEPLOYED. I PAID EXTRA WHEN I PURCHASED THE CAR FOR SUBARU STARLINK EMERGENCY SERVICES. THEY HAD GUARENTEED THAT IN ANY ACCIDENT ANYWHERE IF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · November 14, 2023 · crash

“Issue with low beams. I live in a rural area with limited street lighting. Low beam Visibility approx.15 ft. or less. Once or if I would observe an object or person on the roadway my stopping distance would be limited. A hooded shadow from the lighting limits the visibility. E mailed Subaru who…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · December 31, 2022

2023 Subaru Outback — common questions

Is the 2023 Subaru Outback reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 119 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Outback year, with 2 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2023 Outback problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are driver assistance (34 complaints), visibility & wipers (19 complaints), electrical system (17 complaints).

Does the 2023 Subaru Outback have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2023 Subaru Outback. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Subaru Outback years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Outback years to avoid are 2019, 2020, 2017, 2018, 2011, 2016, 2015, 2022, 2010, 2013, 2021, 2006, 2005, 2003, 2004. The cleanest record among Outback years belongs to 1995.

How safe is the 2023 Subaru Outback?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2023 Subaru Outback earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.