2023 Subaru Outback recalls and problems

The 2023 Subaru Outback has 2 recalls and 89 owner complaints on file with NHTSA; the most reported problem area is forward collision avoidance.

How the 2023 compares

Lowest

Fewest complaintsMost complaints

Lowest complaint count among 27 Outback model years — 25th most.

2recalls

89complaints

8crashes

1fires

3injuries

9,000median miles

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not verified and not adjusted for sales. Ranking compares this model's own years only.

Does your car have an open recall?
Recalls apply to specific vehicles. Only a VIN lookup on NHTSA's official site shows whether yours is affected and still unrepaired.

Check your VIN →

2 recalls

Power Train

Nov 9, 2023 · NHTSA campaign 23V755000 · 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.

Remedy & notes

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.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Power Train

Sep 21, 2023 · NHTSA campaign 23V647000 · 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.

Remedy & notes

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.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Recall text as published by NHTSA and the manufacturer.

What owners complain about

Forward Collision Avoidance22

Unknown or other15

Latches/locks/linkages3

Vehicle Speed Control3

Air Bags2

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA; one complaint can name several areas. Not verified by NHTSA.

Complaints by year filed

2023 vs. other Subaru Outback years

Owner complaints by model year; the darker bar is the 2023. Click a bar to switch year.

Questions

Does the 2023 Subaru Outback have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns covering the 2023 Subaru Outback, the latest from Nov 9, 2023 (power train). A recall applies to specific vehicles: enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours is affected and still open.

What are the most common problems with the 2023 Subaru Outback?

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA most often mention forward collision avoidance (22), visibility (19), electrical system (17). Complaints are consumer reports and are not verified by NHTSA.