2023 Subaru Outback
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 89
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Forward collision avoidance
Campaigns on file for 2023
None on file
40% of complaints
Complaints per year
2023: 89 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1995 | 2 |
| 1996 | 46 |
| 1997 | 79 |
| 1998 | 127 |
| 1999 | 111 |
| 2000 | 207 |
| 2001 | 171 |
| 2002 | 143 |
| 2003 | 93 |
| 2004 | 90 |
| 2005 | 273 |
| 2006 | 277 |
| 2007 | 130 |
| 2008 | 226 |
| 2009 | 106 |
| 2010 | 360 |
| 2011 | 652 |
| 2012 | 295 |
| 2013 | 297 |
| 2014 | 208 |
| 2015 | 509 |
| 2016 | 642 |
| 2017 | 921 |
| 2018 | 816 |
| 2019 | 1,035 |
| 2020 | 903 |
| 2021 | 299 |
| 2022 | 465 |
| 2023 | 89 |
| 2024 | 105 |
| 2025 | 82 |
| 2026 | 21 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Forward collision avoidance
40% · 36 reportsMost commonly citing automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control.
Show complaint excerpts
As I was pulling in to park my vehicle, the car accelerated and after running over three small trees, finally stopped. Both my feet were on the brakes; I could not stop the car. Luckily, no one was hurt.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-03-30
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-03
Electrical system
20% · 18 reportsMost commonly citing control module.
Show complaint excerpts
My son was traveling at an appropriate highway speed when the truck in front of him stopped suddenly. He braked immediately and was able to slow down significantly, but not enough to avoid colliding with the back of the truck in front of him.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-03-01
Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system
Visibility/wiper
18% · 16 reportsService brakes
8% · 7 reportsShow complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2023 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while parked with the brake pedal depressed when the vehicle suddenly lunged forward and jumped the curb onto the sidewalk.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-02-23
Driving at speeds around 40 and when braking to turn, the brakes jerk and feel like they are not engaging properly.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-20
Exterior lighting
7% · 6 reportsSafety timeline
2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2023-11-20Power train23V647000 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.
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.
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2024-01-08Power train23V755000 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.
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.
Buy-smart checklist
2023 Subaru Outback — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Forward collision avoidance: 36 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 18 reports on file for this year.
- Visibility/wiper: 16 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 23V647000 · Power train
- Recall 23V755000 · Power train
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2023 Subaru Outback reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2023 Subaru Outback is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2023 Subaru Outback?
- The most-reported component is forward collision avoidance, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2023 Subaru Outback have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.