2023 Subaru Outback recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2023 Subaru Outback and 89 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are forward collision avoidance (22), electrical system (17), visibility/wiper (16). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 23–28 mpg combined, depending on engine.
The 2023 ranks #2 of 13 Outback model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (504). It has 2 recalls vs. an average of 5.6 per model year.
Recalls 2
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2023 Subaru Outback. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Power train · automatic transmission · park/neutral start interlock switch
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
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.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
While driving on the highway I had my cruise control on with my driving assist turned on. My car tried to veer to the left, hard, almost into the guardrail. It had happened before but not as severe as this time. Going highway speed, I was lucky enough no one was next to me. Someone could have got seriously injured!
Driving at speeds around 40 and when braking to turn, the brakes jerk and feel like they are not engaging properly. It has happened to a different driver, twice both times on a 90 degree day, a few minutes after the vehicle had been started and the air conditioner was running on high. After this happened we Googled the issue to see what the problem could be. The Google search s…
Phantom Braking of Pre-Collision Braking 2023 Subaru Outback Turbo Wednesday, July 29, 2026. 9:30 am, sunny day Driving south on local city street. Brakes slammed on, car stopped, flashing yellow lights on left Combination Meter stating that Pre-Collision Braking was activated. There was no vehicle/obstacle/animal in the road. No parked cars, no cars backing out of a drivewa…
Safety ratings
2023 Subaru Outback SW AWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2023 Subaru Outback.
Outback AWD
Auto (AV-S8) · 4 cyl · 2.5 L
Regular
Outback AWD
Auto (AV-S8) · 4 cyl · 2.4 L · Turbo
Regular
Outback Wilderness AWD
Auto (AV-S8) · 4 cyl · 2.4 L · Turbo
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2023 Subaru Outback have?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2023 Subaru Outback, most recently for power train · automatic transmission · park/neutral start interlock switch (11/09/2023). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Subaru Outback?
Based on 89 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are forward collision avoidance (22), electrical system (17), visibility/wiper (16).
Is the 2023 Subaru Outback safe?
The 2023 Subaru Outback earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2023 a good year for the Subaru Outback?
The 2023 ranks #2 of 13 Outback model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (504). It has 2 recalls vs. an average of 5.6 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2023 Subaru Outback get?
EPA ratings for the 2023 Subaru Outback range from 23 to 28 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2023 Subaru Outback in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: OUTBACK, Outback.