Car Record Book

2023 Subaru Outback recalls & problems

The 2023 Subaru Outback has 2 safety recalls and 89 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is forward collision avoidance (36 complaints).

Recalls2safety recalls
Complaints89filed by owners
Crashes · fires8 · 1reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths3 · 0reported in complaints
2023 Subaru Outback in an NHTSA crash test
2023 Subaru Outback in an NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

Power train › Automatic transmission › Park/neutral start interlock switch

NHTSA recall 23V755000 · Nov 9, 2023 · 95,830 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Power train › Driveline › Driveshaft

NHTSA recall 23V647000 · Sep 21, 2023 · 4,311 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2023 Subaru Outback NHTSA side crash test
NHTSA side barrier crash test
2023 Subaru Outback NHTSA side pole crash test
NHTSA side pole crash test

2023 Subaru Outback SW AWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk18.5%

Forward collision warning: Standard & Optional · Lane departure warning: Standard

2023 Subaru Outback Wilderness SW AWD

OverallNot Rated
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
RolloverNot Rated

Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: Standard

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Outback AWD

28mpg combined
City / highway26 / 32 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.5 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (AV-S8) · All-Wheel Drive · about $2,400/year to fuel

Outback AWD

25mpg combined
City / highway22 / 29 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (AV-S8) · All-Wheel Drive · about $2,700/year to fuel

Outback Wilderness AWD

23mpg combined
City / highway21 / 26 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (AV-S8) · All-Wheel Drive · about $2,900/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
Forward collision avoidance
Automatic emergency braking; Adaptive cruise control
36510—
Electrical system
Ignition › Anti-theft › Control module
181102,200 mi
Visibility/wiper
16000—
Unknown or other
15100—
Service brakes
7301—
Exterior lighting
6000—
Power train
5101—
Latches/locks/linkages
Hatchback/liftgate › Lock; Hood › Latch
3002—
Visibility
Windshield
3000—
Vehicle speed control
Accelerator pedal
320012,800 mi
Structure
Body
2000—
Air bags
2000—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.