Subaru Legacy 2023 recalls, problems, complaints and safety

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls issued for the Subaru Legacy 2023 and 10 complaints filed by owners. It has 86% fewer complaints than the average Subaru Legacy from 2016–2025 (73 per year).

These are recalls issued for this model and year, not for your specific car. A car may already be repaired or may not be included. Confirm with your VIN on NHTSA.

Recalls issued for the Subaru Legacy 2023

Powertrain and transmission
NHTSA campaign 23V755000 · 2023-11-09

What happens

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.

The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.

NHTSA 23V755000

Powertrain and transmission
NHTSA campaign 23V647000 · 2023-09-21

What happens

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.

The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.

NHTSA 23V647000

Complaints from other owners

10 complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of this model.

2 with a crash

Most reported problems on the Subaru Legacy 2023

• Forward collision avoidance: 2 (20% of complaints)
• Air bags: 2 (20% of complaints)
• Electrical system: 1 (10% of complaints)
• Wipers: 1 (10% of complaints)
• Visibility (glass and mirrors): 1 (10% of complaints)

Complaints are written by owners and NHTSA doesn't verify each one. They're useful to spot trends.

What to check before buying a Subaru Legacy 2023

• Confirm by VIN on NHTSA that the recalls on this list were repaired.
• Ask whether the system braked on its own for no reason ("phantom braking") and whether software updates are pending.
• The air bag light should come on for a second at start-up and go off. Confirm by VIN that air bag recalls were done.
• Test lights, windows, locks, the screen and dashboard warning lights; have trouble codes scanned.
• Get an inspection from an independent mechanic before paying.

Safety rating (NCAP)

Subaru Legacy recalls by year

• 2016 : 3 recalls · 147 complaints
• 2017 : 2 recalls · 119 complaints
• 2018 : 3 recalls · 117 complaints
• 2019 : 3 recalls · 123 complaints
• 2020 : 6 recalls · 121 complaints
• 2021 : 3 recalls · 31 complaints
• 2022 : 2 recalls · 34 complaints
• 2023 : 2 recalls · 10 complaints
• 2024 : 0 recalls · 17 complaints
• 2025 : 0 recalls · 6 complaints

Guides for this check

• What is a car recall and how to get it fixed for free
• Pre-purchase inspection for a used car: what to check
• Questions to ask the seller of a used car

Frequently asked questions

How many recalls does the Subaru Legacy 2023 have?

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls issued for the Subaru Legacy 2023. That doesn't mean every car has them open: confirm with the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The repair is free at the dealer.

What is the most common problem with the Subaru Legacy 2023?

In complaints filed with NHTSA, the most mentioned component is: forward collision avoidance (2 of 10 complaints). Complaints aren't verified one by one, but they show trends.