Subaru Outback 2023 recalls, problems, complaints and safety

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls issued for the Subaru Outback 2023 and 89 complaints filed by owners. It has 83% fewer complaints than the average Subaru Outback from 2016–2025 (524 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 Outback 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

89 complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of this model.

8 with a crash · 1 with a fire · 3 injuries

Most reported problems on the Subaru Outback 2023

• Forward collision avoidance: 22 (25% of complaints)
• Electrical system: 17 (19% of complaints)
• Wipers: 16 (18% of complaints)
• Brakes: 7 (8% of complaints)
• Exterior lighting: 6 (7% 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 Outback 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.
• Test lights, windows, locks, the screen and dashboard warning lights; have trouble codes scanned.
• Test every wiper speed and the washer.
• Get an inspection from an independent mechanic before paying.

Safety rating (NCAP)

Subaru Outback recalls by year

• 2016 : 4 recalls · 642 complaints
• 2017 : 4 recalls · 918 complaints
• 2018 : 3 recalls · 813 complaints
• 2019 : 3 recalls · 1,035 complaints
• 2020 : 6 recalls · 899 complaints
• 2021 : 4 recalls · 296 complaints
• 2022 : 4 recalls · 465 complaints
• 2023 : 2 recalls · 89 complaints
• 2024 : 0 recalls · 2 complaints
• 2025 : 0 recalls · 82 complaints

Frequently asked questions

How many recalls does the Subaru Outback 2023 have?

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls issued for the Subaru Outback 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 Outback 2023?

In complaints filed with NHTSA, the most mentioned component is: forward collision avoidance (22 of 89 complaints). Complaints aren't verified one by one, but they show trends.