VehicleVerdict

2023 Subaru Solterra problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 80 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.6 times the median Solterra year — the 2023 model ranks #1 of 4 Solterra years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across driver assistance (16), electrical system (13), and other (12), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

80

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

12

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2023 compare to other Solterra years?

Solterra NHTSA complaints by model year, 2023 highlighted80 complaints2023: 80 complaints2024: 25 complaints2025: 5 complaints2026: 10 complaints
Solterra NHTSA complaints by model year, 2023 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Solterra years to avoid →

What are the most common 2023 Subaru Solterra problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Driver Assistance1620%
Electrical System1316%
Other1215%
Visibility & Wipers68%
Speed Control68%
Body & Structure68%
Transmission68%
Brakes56%
Fuel System34%
Engine34%
Suspension23%
Steering11%
Lighting11%

Does the 2023 Subaru Solterra have recalls?

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

25V744000Driver AssistanceOctober 30, 2025 · 1,024,407 units

Defect

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may cause the rearview camera to freeze or display a blank screen when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence

A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the parking assist software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB13 and 25LB06. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE25.

25V577000Visibility & WipersSeptember 4, 2025 · 94,320 units

Defect

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2025 bZ4X, Lexus RZ, and Subaru Solterra vehicles. During certain HVAC system faults, such as electrical compressor failure, the defroster and defogger system may become inoperative.

Consequence

An inoperative defroster and defogger system can decrease the driver's visibility under certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the HVAC control ECU software, free of charge. Dealers will also inspect the electrical compressor, and replace it, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 17, 2025. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB07 and 25TA07. Lexus' numbers for this recall are 25LB04 and 25LA04. Subaru's number for this recall is WRD-25.

23V064000Tires & WheelsFebruary 9, 2023 · 1,182 units

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Solterra vehicles. Improperly tightened hub bolts may loosen and cause the wheels to detach from the vehicle.

Consequence

Wheel detachment while driving can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the repair has been completed. Dealers will inspect and tighten the hub bolts, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to mailed March 1, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-23.

22V444000Tires & WheelsJune 23, 2022 · 661 units

Defect

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Subaru Solterra and Toyota BZ4X vehicles. The hub bolts on the wheels may loosen, causing a wheel to detach from the vehicle after low-mileage use.

Consequence

A wheel detaching from a moving vehicle can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they are repaired. Dealers will replace the hub bolts and wheels, free of charge. Letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed June 27, 2022. A second letter will be sent once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“minor accident in July 2024. it took more that 6 months to get sensor parts. still to this day Subaru cannot reactivate the parking assist braking function after working with the body shop and the locat dealer. they have give up. Subaru knows there is a problem with the software. it’s basically a…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · October 1, 2025 · crash

“Subaru Solterra - Sudden unexpected acceleration with no ability to brake or steer. Message appeared "System Malfunction" Crashed into woods; small trees slowed and stopped car; airbags did not deploy. no injuries but great risk if car had headed to nearby highway instead of trees. car now at…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 1, 2023 · crash

“problem with milage range and charging rate . The vehicle will not charge above 24Kw--no fast charing possible "the vehicle has been found to be operating as designed and no repairs are being recommended" Leased vehicle in October 2023”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · January 9, 2023

“During any precipitation, primarily rain, the adaptive cruise control fails to sense vehicles in front of it. This became alarming as the vehicle began to speed up and get alarmingly close to the other vehicle, causing driver to slam brakes. When looking at the cruise control display, the vehicle…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · October 1, 2024

“9/29/2023, driving through 4-5 inch of flood water on the road at around 10 miles per hour, the undercover piece under front engenie area fall fall and both front mud guard liners ripped off and broken. Brand new vehcile only been dirving for 1 month with only 775 miles. Went to Subaru dealership,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · September 29, 2023

2023 Subaru Solterra — common questions

Is the 2023 Subaru Solterra reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 80 complaints put the 2023 model at #1 of 4 Solterra years. It is one of the Solterra years to avoid.

What are the most common 2023 Solterra problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are driver assistance (16 complaints), electrical system (13 complaints), other (12 complaints).

Does the 2023 Subaru Solterra have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2023 Subaru Solterra. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Subaru Solterra years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Solterra years to avoid are 2023. The cleanest record among Solterra years belongs to 2025.

How safe is the 2023 Subaru Solterra?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2023 Subaru Solterra 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.