Verdict
2023 Subaru Outback: Complaints, Recalls & Known Issues
What the public record actually says about the 2023 Subaru Outback — every figure below is a NHTSA or EPA number, not an opinion.
The read
More reported complaints than most SUV.
Owners filed 85 NHTSA complaints — more complaints than 72% of 2023 SUVs. Electrical System leads the reports (19%). 2 safety recall campaigns on record — check the VIN and remedy terms with a dealer.
Based on NHTSA complaint volume against 2023 SUVs, not adjusted for how many were sold. It describes the model year, not the individual car you are looking at.
Complaints filed
85
Reports to NHTSA, 2023
Safety recalls
2
NHTSA campaigns on record
NHTSA crash test
Overall NCAP rating
Combined MPG
25
EPA estimate
Complaint volume vs. segment peers
More complaints than 72% of 2023 SUVs
The bar is this car's percentile among 2023 SUVs by complaint volume — a full bar means the fewest complaints in its class. Not adjusted for sales.
Known issues
Electrical System issues lead owner complaints (19% of 85 reports), followed by visibility/wiper (18%).
+ 8 more component categories with fewer reports.
Share of all 85 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11574953, ODI 11749144, ODI 11702638, ODI 11695441, ODI 11675441.
Recalls(2)
Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.
Power TrainSep 2023 · 23V755000Details +Close −
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.
Power Train · 23V647000Details +Close −
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.
A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.
Investigations
0 NHTSA investigations on record
No investigations are on record as of Jul 2026. An empty record is not a clean bill of health.
Crash-test ratings
2023 Subaru Outback SW AWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
Fuel economy by trim
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outback AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S8) | 26 | 32 | 28 |
| Outback AWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S8) | 22 | 29 | 25 |
| Outback Wilderness AWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S8) | 21 | 26 | 23 |
EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.
Before you buy
Useful next checks
Federal records tell you about patterns. These checks can tell you more about the specific car in front of you.
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Compare model years
"Fewest reports" and "most complained" describe raw NHTSA complaint totals, not vehicle reliability. The last few model years are left unlabelled because they have had less road time.
2023 Subaru Outback: frequently asked
What does the complaint record show for the 2023 Subaru Outback?
Owners filed 85 NHTSA complaints about the 2023 Subaru Outback — more complaints than 72% of comparable 2023 SUVs, so it sits toward the weaker end of its class. That's a signal, not a guarantee about any single car.
What are the most common problems on the 2023 Subaru Outback?
The most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (19% of complaints) and visibility/wiper (18%).
How many recalls does the 2023 Subaru Outback have?
2 recalls have been issued that affect the 2023 Subaru Outback, covering components such as power train. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.
What gas mileage does the 2023 Subaru Outback get?
The EPA rates the 2023 Subaru Outback between 23 and 28 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.